TQWL means Tatkal Quota Waiting List. If your railway ticket shows TQWL 1, TQWL 2, TQWL 10, TQWL 20, TQWL 40 or another TQWL number, it means your booking is currently on the waiting list under the Tatkal quota.
The biggest question for most passengers is:
What are the chances of TQWL confirmation?
A lower TQWL number generally means you are closer to the front of the waiting list, but there is no fixed percentage that can accurately predict confirmation for every TQWL ticket. The actual result depends on the train, route, class, journey date, available accommodation, cancellations and the reservation charting process.
This guide explains TQWL meaning, TQWL confirmation chances, TQWL 1 to 40, whether TQWL moves to RAC, chart preparation, refund rules, cancellation and whether you can travel with a TQWL ticket.
Quick Answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| TQWL full form | Tatkal Quota Waiting List |
| TQWL meaning | Waiting list under the Tatkal quota |
| Can TQWL get confirmed? | Yes, it can, but confirmation is not guaranteed |
| Does TQWL 1 guarantee confirmation? | No |
| Does TQWL always become RAC? | Do not assume the normal GNWL → RAC sequence applies |
| Can I travel with a fully waitlisted e-ticket? | No, if it remains fully waitlisted after chart preparation |
| What happens to a fully waitlisted e-ticket? | Passengers are dropped from the chart and the fare is refunded according to applicable rules |
| Is there a refund on a confirmed Tatkal ticket? | Normally, no refund is granted on cancellation of a confirmed Tatkal ticket |
| How do I know whether TQWL is confirmed? | Check the latest PNR/current reservation status |
Indian Railways identifies TQWL as Tatkal Quota Waiting List in its commercial documentation.
What Does TQWL Mean in Railway?
TQWL stands for Tatkal Quota Waiting List.
When you book a ticket under the Tatkal quota and the available Tatkal accommodation has already been booked, your booking can be placed on the Tatkal waiting list.
For example:
- TQWL 1 → current waiting-list position is 1
- TQWL 2 → current waiting-list position is 2
- TQWL 5 → current waiting-list position is 5
- TQWL 10 → current waiting-list position is 10
- TQWL 20 → current waiting-list position is 20
- TQWL 40 → current waiting-list position is 40
The number represents your position in that waiting-list category. It should not be interpreted as a universal percentage or guarantee of confirmation.
What Are TQWL Confirmation Chances?
TQWL tickets can get confirmed, but there is no universal TQWL confirmation percentage.
A lower waiting-list number means less movement is required to reach confirmation than a higher number.
For example, TQWL 2 is closer to the front of the queue than TQWL 20. However, whether either ticket actually confirms depends on the specific reservation situation.
Indian Railways’ Tatkal material states that vacant Tatkal accommodation can be released to RAC/waitlisted passengers during chart preparation.
Factors that can affect TQWL confirmation
Your final status can depend on:
- Train
- Journey route
- Travel date
- Class
- Tatkal quota availability
- Passenger cancellations
- Accommodation released during chart preparation
- Reservation charting
Therefore, avoid relying on a statement such as:
“TQWL 1 has a 90% confirmation chance.”
There is no single percentage that applies to every train, route and class.
The most reliable indicator is your latest PNR status.
TQWL Confirmation Chances by Waiting-List Number
Many passengers search specifically for TQWL 1, TQWL 2, TQWL 3, TQWL 10, TQWL 20 and TQWL 40 confirmation chances.
Here is the practical way to understand them:
| TQWL Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| TQWL 1 | Very low waiting-list number; relatively little movement is required |
| TQWL 2 | Low waiting-list position |
| TQWL 3 | Low waiting-list position |
| TQWL 4–5 | Still a relatively low position, but outcome depends on movement |
| TQWL 6–10 | More movement is required before confirmation |
| TQWL 11–20 | Higher waiting-list position |
| TQWL 21–40 | Considerably more movement may be required |
| TQWL 40+ | A substantial amount of movement may be required |
This table describes the waiting-list position; it does not assign a probability of confirmation.
TQWL 1 Confirmation Chances
TQWL 1 means your current Tatkal waiting-list position is 1.
It is closer to the front of the TQWL queue than TQWL 10, TQWL 20 or TQWL 40.
However, TQWL 1 is not a confirmed ticket.
The status can change if accommodation becomes available before the relevant charting process. If the ticket eventually becomes CNF, your reservation is confirmed.
If the e-ticket remains fully waitlisted after chart preparation, IRCTC’s rules state that the names of all passengers on that fully waitlisted PNR are dropped from the reservation chart and they are not permitted to board that train using that ticket.
TQWL 2 Confirmation Chances
TQWL 2 means your current waiting-list position is 2.
It is a low waiting-list number, but there is no official rule stating that TQWL 2 has a particular confirmation percentage.
Your result depends on the train, class, route, date and movement in the reservation system.
TQWL 3 Confirmation Chances
TQWL 3 means your current position is 3 on the Tatkal waiting list.
Because the position is relatively low, less movement is required than for a much higher TQWL number.
But TQWL 3 should not be treated as a guaranteed confirmation.
Always check the latest PNR status before making your final travel plan.
TQWL 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 Confirmation Chances
If your ticket shows TQWL 4 to TQWL 10, the same principle applies.
The number tells you your current position, but it does not tell you an exact probability of confirmation.
For example:
- TQWL 4 requires less movement than TQWL 10.
- TQWL 10 requires less movement than TQWL 20.
- TQWL 20 requires less movement than TQWL 40.
But the actual movement depends on the particular train and reservation conditions.
TQWL 10
A TQWL 10 ticket needs more movement than TQWL 1 or TQWL 2.
If your journey is important, monitor the PNR and consider alternative travel arrangements rather than relying on an assumed percentage.
TQWL 11 to TQWL 20 Confirmation Chances
Searches for TQWL 11, TQWL 12, TQWL 13, TQWL 14, TQWL 15, TQWL 16 and TQWL 20 confirmation chances all represent essentially the same user intent:
“How much movement does my ticket need before it can confirm?”
The answer is determined by the actual reservation situation.
For example, TQWL 15 means your current position is 15. It does not mean that the ticket has a fixed 15% or 50% chance of confirmation.
TQWL 20 Confirmation Chances
If your ticket is TQWL 20, twenty positions of movement would generally be needed for your position to reach the front, although the exact status changes depend on how the reservation system processes available accommodation.
A TQWL 20 ticket should therefore be treated as a waitlisted ticket, not as a confirmed reservation.
TQWL 30 and TQWL 40 Confirmation Chances
A higher number means that more movement is required before the ticket can reach confirmation.
For example:
TQWL 30
TQWL 30 means your current waiting-list position is 30.
TQWL 40
TQWL 40 means your current waiting-list position is 40.
Neither number provides enough information to calculate a reliable confirmation percentage by itself.
If the journey is important, check the latest PNR status and consider another train or travel option if available.
Does TQWL Get Confirmed?
Yes, TQWL tickets can get confirmed.
Tatkal waiting-list accommodation can move as availability changes, and Indian Railways’ Tatkal material states that unutilized Tatkal accommodation may be released to RAC/waitlisted passengers at chart preparation.
However:
TQWL ≠ confirmed ticket.
Your ticket is confirmed only when the reservation status actually changes to a confirmed status.
Does TQWL Move to RAC?
This is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of TQWL.
You should not assume that TQWL follows exactly the same progression people commonly describe for GNWL, such as “WL → RAC → CNF.”
TQWL is a separate Tatkal waiting-list category.
Indian Railways documents distinguish TQWL from GNWL, RLWL and PQWL, while the Tatkal scheme states that vacant Tatkal accommodation can be released to RAC/waitlisted passengers during chart preparation.
Therefore, don’t promise a passenger:
“Your TQWL 5 will definitely become RAC 5.”
The actual reservation status should be checked in the PNR.
TQWL vs GNWL vs RLWL vs PQWL
Different waiting-list codes refer to different reservation categories.
| Code | Full Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GNWL | General Waiting List | General waiting-list category |
| RLWL | Remote Location Waiting List | Waiting list associated with a remote-location quota |
| PQWL | Pooled Quota Waiting List | Waiting list associated with a pooled quota |
| TQWL | Tatkal Quota Waiting List | Waiting list associated with Tatkal quota |
Indian Railways’ documentation lists GNWL, PQWL and TQWL as distinct waiting-list categories.
Important
A number cannot be compared directly across categories.
For example:
GNWL 10 and TQWL 10 are not the same thing.
They belong to different quota systems.
TQWL vs GNWL: What Is the Difference?
The main difference is the quota associated with the booking.
GNWL is the General Waiting List.
TQWL is the Tatkal Quota Waiting List.
If you see TQWL on your ticket, it means the booking was made under the Tatkal quota and entered the Tatkal waiting-list category.
Therefore, don’t judge a TQWL ticket solely by comparing its number with a GNWL ticket.
Can I Travel With a TQWL Ticket?
This is extremely important.
If your e-ticket is still fully waitlisted after chart preparation:
You cannot board the train using that fully waitlisted e-ticket.
IRCTC states that when all passengers on an e-ticket remain waitlisted after chart preparation:
- Their names are dropped from the reservation chart.
- They are not allowed to board.
- The ticket is cancelled.
- The refund is arranged electronically according to the applicable rules.
IRCTC further states that a fully waitlisted passenger who travels in the train can be treated as travelling without a ticket under the applicable railway rules.
What if some passengers are confirmed?
This is different.
IRCTC specifically distinguishes between:
- fully confirmed/RAC bookings, and
- bookings where some passengers are confirmed/RAC while others remain waitlisted.
So don’t use the blanket statement:
“All waitlisted passengers are automatically cancelled.”
The exact PNR composition matters.
What Happens to TQWL After Chart Preparation?
Chart preparation is a critical stage for waitlisted passengers.
According to IRCTC:
- Fully confirmed/RAC passengers appear in the chart and can travel.
- Passengers with partly confirmed/partly waitlisted or partly RAC/partly waitlisted status can appear in the chart.
- Passengers whose entire e-ticket remains waitlisted are dropped from the chart and cannot board.
The final status should therefore be checked after the relevant charting process.
TQWL Chart Preparation Time
There is no single clock time that should be presented as the universal charting time for every train.
IRCTC explains that chart preparation time is associated with the train’s originating station or the applicable previous chart-preparation station.
For trains starting up to 12 noon, IRCTC’s e-ticket information says chart preparation is usually done on the previous night.
Because charting arrangements can differ, passengers should check the current PNR rather than relying on a generic “X hours before departure” rule.
TQWL Refund Rules
If your TQWL e-ticket remains fully waitlisted after chart preparation, IRCTC’s current refund rules state that all passengers on that PNR are dropped from the reservation chart and the fare is credited back to the account used for booking after deducting applicable clerkage.
What about a confirmed Tatkal ticket?
IRCTC’s Tatkal FAQ states:
No refund will be granted on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets.
For contingent cancellations and waitlisted Tatkal tickets, charges are deducted according to the applicable Railway rules.
So:
| Ticket status | General rule |
|---|---|
| Fully waitlisted e-ticket after charting | Cancelled/refunded under applicable rules |
| Confirmed Tatkal ticket | No normal cancellation refund |
| Waitlisted Tatkal ticket | Refund/cancellation governed by applicable Railway rules |
| Partially confirmed PNR | Special rules apply |
TQWL Cancellation Rules
If you have a waitlisted Tatkal e-ticket, cancellation and refund depend on the current status and applicable Railway rules.
IRCTC states that e-tickets can be cancelled online until chart preparation.
For confirmed Tatkal tickets, IRCTC’s FAQ states that no refund is granted on cancellation.
For waitlisted Tatkal tickets, applicable waitlist cancellation/refund rules apply.
Don’t rely on old fixed deduction amounts
Railway refund rules can change.
Therefore, avoid publishing a permanent statement such as:
“TQWL cancellation always deducts ₹60.”
Use the current IRCTC refund rules instead.
How to Check TQWL Status
If your ticket is currently TQWL, the most useful thing to monitor is your latest PNR/current status.
Check:
- PNR number
- Booking status
- Current status
- Coach and berth details if confirmed
- Final status after chart preparation
A change such as:
TQWL 10 → TQWL 6 → TQWL 2 → CNF
shows movement toward confirmation.
But a change in the number itself is not a guarantee that the ticket will ultimately confirm.
Example: How TQWL Movement Works
Suppose you booked a Tatkal ticket and initially received:
Booking Status: TQWL 12
Later, your current status becomes:
TQWL 8
Then:
TQWL 4
Then:
CNF
The ticket has moved through the reservation process and eventually received confirmed accommodation.
Now consider another passenger:
TQWL 12 → TQWL 10 → TQWL 8
If the ticket remains fully waitlisted when the relevant chart is prepared, the passenger cannot board using that fully waitlisted e-ticket.
Why Does TQWL Confirmation Depend on the Train?
The same TQWL number can produce different outcomes on different trains.
For example, TQWL 5 does not represent the same demand conditions on every train.
The following can differ:
- Number of Tatkal seats
- Class
- Route
- Travel date
- Demand
- Number of cancellations
- Accommodation released during chart preparation
Therefore, a website should not give the impression that TQWL 5 always has the same confirmation probability.
Does TQWL Depend on the Class?
Yes, the availability situation can differ by class.
Tatkal availability is provided in different eligible classes, and IRCTC’s current Tatkal FAQ lists separate AC and non-AC booking windows.
For example, the availability situation for:
- Sleeper
- 3A
- 2A
- Chair Car
- 3E
may differ for the same train.
This is another reason a generic TQWL percentage is unreliable.
When Does Tatkal Booking Open?
According to IRCTC’s current Tatkal FAQ, Tatkal booking opens one day before the journey date, based on the train’s originating-station departure date.
The opening times are:
| Class | Tatkal booking time |
|---|---|
| AC classes | 10:00 AM |
| Non-AC classes | 11:00 AM |
For example, if a train starts from its originating station on August 2, Tatkal booking opens on August 1 at the applicable time.
Is Aadhaar Authentication Required for Tatkal Booking?
This is an important recent update that older TQWL articles may miss.
IRCTC’s Aadhaar authentication guide states that the Aadhaar-authentication process for Tatkal booking took effect from July 1, 2025.
Because railway rules and booking procedures can change, passengers should check the latest IRCTC instructions before making a Tatkal booking.
Can TQWL Become Confirmed at Chart Preparation?
Yes, available accommodation can be allocated during the charting process.
Indian Railways’ Tatkal scheme states that unutilized Tatkal quota can be released to RAC/waitlisted passengers at chart preparation.
However, this does not mean every TQWL ticket will be confirmed during charting.
The result depends on available accommodation and the reservation system’s processing.
What If My TQWL Is Still Waiting After Chart Preparation?
If all passengers on your e-ticket remain waitlisted after chart preparation, IRCTC says their names are removed from the reservation chart and they are not permitted to board. The ticket is cancelled and the applicable refund is processed electronically.
If your PNR has a combination of confirmed/RAC and waitlisted passengers, different rules can apply.
Can I Use VIKALP With a Waitlisted Ticket
If you opted for the VIKALP scheme, a fully waitlisted passenger may be considered for accommodation on an alternate train subject to the VIKALP rules and availability.
IRCTC states that passengers who remain fully waitlisted after charting and have opted for VIKALP may be considered for an alternate train.
If alternate accommodation is provided, passengers should check their PNR again because the alternate allocation becomes the relevant travel arrangement.
VIKALP does not guarantee alternate accommodation.
TQWL vs RAC vs CNF
These statuses should not be confused.
TQWL
You are on the Tatkal Quota Waiting List.
RAC
RAC means Reservation Against Cancellation.
An RAC passenger can travel under the applicable railway rules.
CNF
CNF means Confirmed.
Your reservation has been confirmed and the relevant coach/berth details will be provided.
TQWL Confirmation: What Should You Actually Do?
If you have a TQWL ticket, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the current PNR status
Don’t rely only on the original booking status.
Step 2: Look at the movement
For example:
TQWL 15 → TQWL 8
means your current position has moved closer to the front.
Step 3: Check again before chart preparation
The final status can change as the reservation process progresses.
Step 4: Check after chart preparation
This is particularly important if your journey is imminent.
Step 5: Keep an alternative if the journey is essential
A high waiting-list position should not be treated as a guaranteed reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions About TQWL
1. What is TQWL full form?
TQWL stands for Tatkal Quota Waiting List.
2. What does TQWL mean in railway?
TQWL means your ticket is on the waiting list under the Tatkal quota.
3. What is TQWL in IRCTC?
TQWL is the waiting-list status associated with a Tatkal booking.
4. Does TQWL get confirmed?
Yes, TQWL tickets can get confirmed, but confirmation is not guaranteed.
5. What are TQWL confirmation chances?
There is no single official percentage for TQWL confirmation. The outcome depends on the train, route, class, date, availability, cancellations and charting.
6. What are TQWL 1 confirmation chances?
TQWL 1 is a low waiting-list position, but it is not a guarantee of confirmation.
7. What are TQWL 2 confirmation chances?
TQWL 2 is a low waiting-list position. Whether it confirms depends on the specific reservation situation.
8. What are TQWL 3 confirmation chances?
TQWL 3 can move toward confirmation if accommodation becomes available, but there is no universal percentage.
9. What are TQWL 10 confirmation chances?
TQWL 10 requires more movement than TQWL 1 or TQWL 2. Check the latest PNR status rather than relying on a fixed percentage.
10. What are TQWL 15 confirmation chances?
TQWL 15 is a higher waiting-list position than TQWL 1 or 2. Confirmation depends on actual movement in the reservation system.
11. What are TQWL 20 confirmation chances?
TQWL 20 requires more movement than a low TQWL number. It should be treated as a waitlisted booking until the status changes.
12. What are TQWL 40 confirmation chances?
TQWL 40 is a relatively high waiting-list position and requires substantial movement before confirmation. There is no reliable universal percentage for it.
13. Can I travel with a TQWL ticket?
If the entire e-ticket remains fully waitlisted after chart preparation, you cannot board the train using that ticket. IRCTC says fully waitlisted passengers are removed from the chart and are not allowed to board.
14. Does TQWL become RAC?
Do not assume that TQWL follows the same progression as the normal general waiting list. TQWL is a separate Tatkal waiting-list category.
15. Does TQWL have better confirmation chances than GNWL?
TQWL and GNWL are different quota categories, so their numbers should not be directly compared.
16. What happens if TQWL is not confirmed?
If all passengers on an e-ticket remain fully waitlisted after chart preparation, the passengers are dropped from the chart and the ticket is cancelled with the applicable refund.
17. Do I get a refund if TQWL is not confirmed?
For a fully waitlisted e-ticket after chart preparation, IRCTC provides for an electronic refund after applicable deductions.
18. Is there a refund on a confirmed Tatkal ticket?
IRCTC states that no refund is granted on cancellation of a confirmed Tatkal ticket, subject to the applicable exceptional railway rules.
19. When does Tatkal booking open?
IRCTC currently states that Tatkal booking opens one day before the journey date from the train’s originating station: 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes.
20. Is Aadhaar authentication required for Tatkal?
IRCTC’s current guide says its Aadhaar authentication process for Tatkal booking took effect from July 1, 2025.
21. What is TQWL 1?
TQWL 1 means your current position on the Tatkal Quota Waiting List is 1.
22. What is TQWL 5?
TQWL 5 means your current Tatkal waiting-list position is 5.
23. What is TQWL 10?
TQWL 10 means your current Tatkal waiting-list position is 10.
24. What is TQWL 20?
TQWL 20 means your current Tatkal waiting-list position is 20.
25. What is TQWL 40?
TQWL 40 means your current Tatkal waiting-list position is 40.
Final Word on TQWL Confirmation Chances
TQWL means Tatkal Quota Waiting List.
A lower TQWL number means your position is closer to the front of the waiting list, but there is no fixed confirmation percentage for TQWL 1, TQWL 2, TQWL 3, TQWL 10, TQWL 20 or TQWL 40.
The final result depends on the actual train, route, class, travel date, Tatkal availability, cancellations and charting.
If your ticket remains fully waitlisted after chart preparation, IRCTC states that the passengers are removed from the reservation chart and cannot board using that e-ticket. The ticket is cancelled and the applicable refund is processed electronically.
For an important journey, the safest approach is to check your latest PNR status and keep an alternative travel option if your ticket is still waitlisted.
