Railway Ticket Rule 2025 : Indian Railways has introduced a significant update to the children’s ticketing rules under the Railway Ticket Rule 2025. These changes will directly impact parents and guardians planning to travel with minors. The revised guidelines are aimed at streamlining the ticketing process while ensuring clarity regarding fare structures for children across various age groups.
Whether you’re booking sleeper class or AC tickets, understanding these updated rules is essential to avoid confusion or additional charges at the time of travel.
What Has Changed in the Railway Ticket Rule 2025 for Children?
The 2025 ticket rule revamp introduces age-specific fare structures and redefines when a full ticket is required for a child. Here are the major updates:
- No ticket required for children below 5 years, but no separate berth allotted.
- Children aged 5 to 12 must now have a ticket, with berth allocation as per fare selection.
- Full fare applicable if a separate berth is requested for children aged 5-12.
- Online booking systems will automatically prompt fare and berth selection based on the child’s age.
- Identification or age proof may be required during travel for verification.
- These changes apply to all classes: Sleeper, AC, Chair Car, and more.
Revised Railway Ticket Fare Rules for Children in 2025
Here’s a table summarizing the updated fare and berth allocation policy for children:
| Child’s Age | Ticket Requirement | Berth Allocation | Fare Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 4.99 years | Not Required | No | Free | Can travel with parent without a berth |
| 5 – 11.99 years | Required | Optional | Half / Full* | *Full fare if berth is chosen |
| 12 years & above | Required | Yes | Full | Considered as adult passenger |
| 5 – 11.99 years | Required | No | Half | If no berth is selected |
| 5 – 11.99 years | Required | Yes | Full | If berth is selected |
| Under 5 | Optional Ticket | Optional | Zero / Full* | Only if berth needed, pay full fare |
| 12+ | Required | Yes | Full | No concession even if berth not used |
Why This Rule Matters for Parents
Understanding these rules is crucial to avoid:
- Last-minute fare hikes
- Confusion at the time of boarding
- Issues during ticket checking
- Paying for a full fare unnecessarily
With the revised system, parents now have more control while booking, but must make informed choices based on whether a berth is required for the child.
Booking Options in IRCTC and Ticket Counters
Booking for children has been updated on the IRCTC portal and offline ticket counters to reflect the new rules:
- While booking online, passengers must enter the correct age of children.
- IRCTC will auto-calculate the applicable fare.
- A prompt will ask if you want a separate berth for children aged 5-11.99 years.
- If berth is selected, full fare will apply.
- Without berth, half fare is applied.
Here’s a table to clarify how IRCTC will treat bookings:
| Age Group | Portal Prompt | Berth Option | Fare Applied | Action Required by Parent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <5 yrs | No prompt | Not applicable | Free | No need to select or pay |
| 5–12 yrs | Prompt appears | Yes | Full fare | Choose only if berth is necessary |
| 5–12 yrs | Prompt appears | No | Half fare | Select this if no berth needed |
| >12 yrs | Standard fare | Yes | Full fare | Treat as adult |
How This Affects Concessions and Child Safety
- No special concession beyond this structure will be provided.
- Safety of unaccompanied minors remains a concern; parents should book only if accompanying the child.
- Age proof such as Aadhaar card or school ID must be carried.
- IRCTC has also added pop-up alerts to prevent mistakes while booking child tickets.
Tips for Hassle-Free Ticket Booking for Children
To ensure a smooth travel experience with children, follow these tips:
- Always enter correct age details of your child.
- Avoid selecting a berth if not necessary for children under 12.
- Carry ID proof for your child to avoid any fines or deboarding.
- Use the IRCTC app or website for quick and accurate booking.
- Book early to ensure availability of non-berth options for young children.
Common Mistakes Parents Make While Booking Child Tickets
Avoid these common errors:
- Selecting berth for children under 5 (not needed and costly)
- Entering incorrect age to save money – can lead to fines
- Forgetting child ID proof
- Booking ticket assuming default fare without checking the berth option
Important Takeaways for 2025 Railway Child Ticket Rule
| Key Area | Old Rule | New Rule 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Below 5 Years | No ticket, no berth | No ticket, no berth |
| 5 to 11.99 Years | Ticket optional | Ticket mandatory |
| Berth for 5-11.99 Years | No berth unless full fare | Berth only if full fare paid |
| Above 12 Years | Full fare & berth required | Same (no change) |
| Booking Platform Changes | No prompts for berth/fare | Smart prompts and age-based options |
| Verification | Not strict | Age proof required during travel |
The Railway Ticket Rule 2025 has introduced long-overdue clarity and fairness to children’s travel fares. Parents must now make careful decisions based on the need for a berth, as that directly impacts the fare. By understanding and applying these rules during booking, families can travel smoothly without surprise charges or conflicts with railway staff.