When is the train chart prepared? The 8-hour rule, explained

The reservation chart is the final list of who sits where on a train. Once it's prepared, your PNR status shows your confirmed coach and berth — or tells you that a waitlisted ticket didn't make it.

The timing

• First chart: about 8 hours before departure. Indian Railways moved this earlier in 2025 so waitlisted passengers know their status sooner. For early-morning trains, the first chart is ready the evening before.
• Final chart: about 30 minutes before departure. It adds berths released by late cancellations.

What changes at chart time

• RAC tickets may be upgraded to a full berth.
• Waitlisted tickets are confirmed, moved to RAC, or remain waitlisted. E-tickets that stay fully waitlisted are cancelled automatically and refunded.
• Coach and berth numbers are fixed on the chart, and sometimes differ from what you saw earlier.

Why it matters for seat swaps

Many families find out they've been split only when the chart is prepared. EzySeat re-checks your booking at chart time, updates your seats automatically, and looks for new matches straight away — so you still have hours to line up a swap before you board.

Add your PNR on EzySeat as soon as you book. If your ticket is RAC or waitlisted, you can still add it: we start matching the moment you get a berth.