PNR Status

What is a PNR Number and What Does it Explain?

A PNR number is a 10-digit number which stands for ‘Passenger Name Record’. It is a unique number that is assigned to every booked train ticket on the Indian Railways. This 10-digit number contains passenger records such as the passenger's name, age, sex, and berth preference. It also encapsulates ticket details, including the train number, date of journey, origin/source station, destination station, boarding station, class, berth, quota, as well as fare, transaction type, and payment details. Decoding it may seem a bit complex, but it follows a logical structure that can be easily understood.

Structure of the PNR Number

First Digit: This digit indicates the railway zone where the train starts. The following are the zonal codes:

• 1: SCR (Secunderabad PRS)
• 2, 3: NR, NCR, NWR, NER (New Delhi PRS)
• 4, 5: SR, SWR, SCR (Chennai PRS)
• 6, 7: NFR, ECR, ER, ECoR, SER, SECR (Kolkata PRS)
• 8, 9: CR, WCR, WR (Mumbai PRS)

For example, if the PNR number starts with '1', the ticket is issued from the SCR zone, specifically the Secunderabad PRS. A PNR starting with '2' or '3' indicates it was issued in the NR, NCR, NWR, or NER zones, from the New Delhi PRS. Similarly, digits '4' or '5' suggest a Southern zone, originating from the Chennai PRS. Numbers beginning with '6' or '7' are linked to the Eastern zones, including NFR, ECR, ER, ECoR, SER, or SECR, all managed by the Kolkata PRS. Finally, PNRs starting with '8' or '9' are issued from the CR, WCR, or WR zones, managed by the Mumbai PRS.

Second and Third Digits: These digits are linked to the Passenger Reservation System and indicate the specific center where the ticket was booked.

Last Seven Digits: The meaning of the last 7 digits of your PNR is not specific. These digits do not hold any special information but ensure that each PNR number is unique. They are generated randomly.

The length of the PNR number is 10 digits. The meaning of the first 3 digits is related to the Passenger Reservation System whereas the last 7 digits are randomly generated. This structure helps passengers identify where their ticket was booked and the railway zone where their journey begins. The last seven digits, although random, ensure the uniqueness of each ticket issued.

Types of IRCTC PNR Status

If you are not able to get a confirmed ticket, check seat availability in other trains.

How to Check PNR Status?

Following are the different ways to check the PNR status:

1. Check PNR status on the ixigo website: Go to the trains page on the ixigo website and select 'PNR Status Enquiry'. In the designated field, enter your 10-digit PNR number and click on the 'Search' button. Your IRCTC PNR status will be displayed immediately, and you can check whether your ticket is confirmed (CNF), in the RAC list, or on the waiting list (WL).
2. Check PNR status on the ixigo mobile app: If you are using the ixigo mobile app to perform a PNR check, then just tap on the ‘PNR Status’ icon, enter your 10-digit PNR number and complete your PNR enquiry.
3. Check PNR status using the SMS service: A convenient method for checking the PNR status with the Indian Railways is by using their SMS service. Simply send your PNR number via SMS to 139, and you will receive a prompt response regarding your PNR status.
4. Check through the railway enquiry number (Call 139): You can complete the PNR status check for railway tickets by calling the railway enquiry number, 139. When you call, select the ‘PNR Enquiry’ option on the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to inquire about your railway PNR status.
5. Check the final reservation charts: You can opt to check PNR status 10 digit by referring to the final reservation chart displayed at the railway station. However, for this, you need to wait until a few hours before the train's departure, which may not be practical in some situations.
6. Visit railway enquiry counters at the railway station: You can also check PNR status by visiting the railway station enquiry counters in person.
7. Check PNR status through IRCTC website: Visit the IRCTC website and click on the ‘PNR Status’ tab. Select ‘PNR Enquiry’ and enter your 10-digit PNR. Press the ‘Submit’ button and you’ll get the desired information.

PNR Status Enquiry on the Mobile App

Trusted by millions of Indians, PNR check on the ixigo trains mobile app is easy & real-time.

Use the PNR Status Live Check Mobile feature and get notified as soon as your waitlisted train ticket status gets confirmed. We will provide the current 10 digit PNR status check for railway tickets along with passenger and train details – Your reservation booking status, platform number, coach position, and more.

On ixigo, you can also check PNR status in Hindi (पीएनआर स्टेटस पूछताछ).

The IRCTC train ticket booking system provides CNF (Confirmed) and RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) status when tickets are available, and the bookings made after that are provided waitlisted status. Waitlisted tickets get confirmed in order only if any of the CNF/RAC tickets gets cancelled.

Especially when you have a waitlisted ticket, tracking IRCTC PNR status live becomes necessary. Other travel details, such as coach number, berth number and berth type are provided only if the booked ticket status is Confirmed (CNF). Check the PNR number to get your platform number. Know more in detail about how to check train PNR status online.

Check PNR Status Via SMS

You can send a text to the Indian Railways number ‘139’ for the PNR enquiry. Just type the 10-digit number (without hyphen) and send it to ‘139’. You can also send an SMS to ‘5676747.’ You will get the updated PNR information in your phone inbox. Know more in detail about how to check PNR via SMS.

PNR Confirmation Probability and Prediction

PNR confirmation probability means the chances of getting a train ticket status confirmed if the current status is "Not Available". When all the confirmed and RAC tickets are sold out, the Indian Railway assigns a waitlisted ticket for further bookings made on the respective train and class. The confirmation probability of railway PNR status for these waitlisted tickets depends upon the cancellations of confirmed and RAC tickets only. It also relies on factors like weekends, seasons, festivals, and special events, among other factors. Once your ticket is confirmed, check train running status.

You can use the PNR prediction feature on the ixigo app, and check the chances of your waitlisted tickets getting confirmed. PNR prediction helps you in making a smart travel decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)