Understanding IRCTC Auto Upgradation & How YatriRestro Elevates It

Dreaming of a more comfortable train journey without extra cost? Indian Railways has a fantastic, often-overlooked feature called IRCTC auto upgradation that can turn that dream into reality. Imagine booking a Sleeper class ticket and finding yourself in 3AC, or moving from 2AC to the luxurious 1AC!

In this guide by YatriRestro, India’s No.1 food delivery partner in trains, we’ll explain what auto upgradation is, how to upgrade train tickets, pros and cons, and how to make the most of this scheme during your next train ticket booking and show how YatriRestro complements this amazing service.

What Exactly is IRCTC Auto Upgradation?

IRCTC auto upgradation is a complimentary service offered by Indian Railways to optimize seat utilization. If there are vacant seats in a higher class on your train, the system automatically upgrades passengers from lower classes to fill those seats, entirely free of charge. This means your train ticket upgrade could happen without you lifting a finger after booking!

This scheme benefits both passengers and the railways. Passengers enjoy enhanced comfort, while vacant berths are utilized, making space for waitlisted passengers in the lower classes. It's a win-win, ensuring more people get to travel and in better conditions.

How Does Auto Upgradation in IRCTC Work?

The process for auto upgradation in IRCTC is largely automated and happens during the final chart preparation, typically a few hours before the train's departure. Here’s a breakdown:

• Opt-in While Booking: When you're doing your train ticket booking on the IRCTC website or app, look for a checkbox that says "Consider for Auto Upgradation." Make sure to tick this! If you don't select an option, the system usually defaults to "yes," but it’s always best to actively choose it.
• System Selection: The Passenger Reservation System (PRS) randomly selects eligible passengers for IRCTC ticket upgrade online if berths are available in a higher class. This means there's no predicting who gets upgraded, adding an element of pleasant surprise to your trip!
• PNR Remains Same: Your original PNR (Passenger Name Record) remains unchanged. All details and inquiries will still work with your original PNR.

Important Note: The IRCTC auto upgradation is generally for one class higher (e.g., Sleeper to 3AC, 3AC to 2AC). However, there have been rare instances where passengers were upgraded two classes (e.g., 3AC to 1AC), making the journey even more delightful!

Is Auto Upgradation in IRCTC Free? Absolutely!

One of the best aspects of the auto upgradation in IRCTC scheme is that it's completely free! You pay only the fare for your original class of travel. Even if you're upgraded from Sleeper to 3AC and receive bedding, there are no additional charges from the railways for the upgrade itself. This makes your journey not just more comfortable but also more cost-effective.

Step-by-Step: How to Opt for IRCTC Auto Upgradation During Ticket Booking

To enable the possibility of a train ticket upgrade, you must actively choose the option while performing your train ticket booking online. Here's how to upgrade train ticket by opting for auto upgradation on the IRCTC website:

1. Visit the IRCTC Website: Open your web browser and go to the official IRCTC website.
2. Login: Enter your IRCTC login user ID and password.
3. Enter Journey Details: Input your "FROM" and "TO" stations, the desired "Date of Journey," and your preferred "Class of Travel."
4. Search for Trains: Click on the "Search" button to find available trains for your route.
5. Select Your Train: A list of trains will appear. Choose your desired train. You can also click on the "Train Schedule" link for more details.
6. Choose Class and Book: Select the specific class of travel you initially wish to book (e.g., Sleeper, 3AC) and click the "Book Now" button.
7. Enter Passenger Details: A new page will display journey details. Here, enter all passenger information, including name, age, gender, and berth preference.
8. Crucial Step - Tick the Box: Look for the checkbox clearly labelled “Consider for Auto Upgradation”. Make sure to click this box to opt-in for the IRCTC ticket upgrade online service.
9. Continue: After entering details and ticking the box, click the "Continue" button.
10. Review and Pay: Review your passenger and journey details, along with the total ticket fare. Click "Continue" to proceed to the payment gateway.
11. Complete Payment: Select your preferred payment option (Net banking, UPI, credit/debit cards, etc.) and click "Pay and Book" to finalize your train ticket booking.
12. Confirmation: Once payment is successful, you'll receive a confirmation on your registered email and mobile number.

By following these steps, you've successfully opted in for auto upgradation in IRCTC, increasing your chances of a more comfortable journey!

IRCTC Auto Upgradation After Booking - Is It Possible?

Unfortunately, auto upgradation in IRCTC after booking cannot be enabled later if you opted out during booking. The system only considers the upgrade request at the time of ticket reservation.

So, make sure you opt in when booking the ticket.

What Classes Can Be Upgraded?

Upgrades usually happen to the next available higher class. Some common examples:

• Sleeper (SL) → 3AC
• 3AC → 2AC    
• 2AC → 1AC

Sometimes, users have even been upgraded from 3AC to 1AC, though rare.

How to Check Auto Upgradation in IRCTC After Booking?

Once you've opted for auto upgradation in IRCTC after booking, you'll want to know if you've been lucky! You can check PNR status on the IRCTC website, app, or third-party platforms like YatriRestro. If you’ve been upgraded, your PNR status will reflect the new coach and berth number, along with an indication of the upgrade. You might also receive an SMS notification from Indian Railways. This check is crucial before you board your train!

Benefits of IRCTC Auto Upgradation

1. Travel in a higher class without paying extra
2. Better comfort, AC, and privacy
3. Ideal for waitlisted or RAC passengers
4. Seats are allocated fairly and randomly
5. Entire PNR is upgraded together - no one gets left behind

The Minor Disadvantage of Auto Upgradation in IRCTC

While mostly beneficial, there can be a disadvantage of auto upgradation in IRCTC for certain passengers:

1. Berth Preference Issues: If you specifically requested a lower berth due to age, health, or preference, an upgrade might assign you an upper or middle berth in the higher class.
2. Group Separation: For families or groups traveling together, if not enough berths are available in the higher class to accommodate everyone from one PNR, no one from that PNR will be upgraded. If separate PNRs are used, there's a chance of group members being separated by upgrades.
3. AC Preference: Passengers who prefer non-AC travel (e.g., in Sleeper class) might not appreciate being upgraded to an AC coach.
4. PNR stays same, coach changes: Confusion can happen if you don’t check your PNR before boarding.

However, for most travelers, the benefits far outweigh these minor concerns, especially given the cost-free comfort improvement.

Enjoy Your IRCTC Auto Upgradation with Delicious Food from YatriRestro

Whether you get the amazing IRCTC auto upgradation or travel in your original class, your journey can always be made more delicious with YatriRestro! As an official IRCTC partner, we ensure you never have to worry about food quality or step out of the train.

• Imagine this: You've just found out about your train ticket upgrade to 2AC. What better way to celebrate than by ordering a hot, hygienic meal delivered right to your seat?
• Diverse Cuisines: From North Indian thalis to South Indian delicacies, Gujarati meals, Jain food, and even international flavors, we have something for every palate.
• Hygiene Guaranteed: We partner with over 5000+ FSSAI-approved restaurants, hotels, and local outlets, ensuring every meal meets the highest standards of quality and hygiene.
• Convenience at Your Fingertips: Simply visit the YatriRestro website or use our app, enter your PNR, choose your station, and select your meal. It's that easy!
• Dedicated Support: Our 24x7 customer support team is always there to assist with your train food delivery needs.

Don't just travel, feast! Let YatriRestro enhance every mile of your journey.

Beyond Food: YatriRestro's Travel Tools

YatriRestro is more than just food delivery. We also offer essential tools to make your train travel smoother:

• Check PNR Status: Get real-time updates on your booking.
• Informative Blogs: Stay updated on tatkal new rules 2025 or railways fine rules and more to plan your trips effectively.

Pro Tips to Maximize Auto Upgradation

• Book tickets in popular trains with AC seat availability.
• Use small PNRs (1-2 passengers) for better upgrade chances.
• Track PNR status regularly before your journey.
• Use YatriRestro to get hot, hygienic meals delivered directly to your new seat!

Conclusion:

The IRCTC auto upgradation scheme is a fantastic perk that can significantly enhance your train travel experience by offering a free train ticket upgrade. While it's based on availability and a bit of luck, opting in can lead to a pleasant surprise. And no matter your class of travel, YatriRestro is here to ensure your journey is filled with delicious, hygienic food delivered right to your seat, making every trip memorable.

Book your next train ticket, opt for auto-upgradation in IRCTC, and let YatriRestro take care of your culinary journey!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Is auto-upgradation in IRCTC chargeable?

No. It is completely free of cost.

Q. Can I choose my seat in the upgraded class?

No. Seats are randomly assigned during charting.

Q. Can RAC or WL tickets be upgraded?

Yes. Even RAC/WL tickets can be upgraded to confirmed seats in a higher class if availability allows.

Q. Will my PNR or ticket details change?

No. Your PNR remains the same, but your coach and seat number may change.

Q. How to cancel an upgraded ticket?

If you cancel, the cancellation charges apply as per the original class, not the upgraded one.