How Many Hours Before Departure Is Chart Prepared?

The number of hours before departure when the reservation chart is prepared depends on when your train departs. Under the rules set by the Railway Board circular of December 12, 2025, the timing varies by departure window.

The Two-Chart System

Indian Railways prepares two charts for every reserved train:

• First Chart: The main chart that processes the bulk of bookings and cancellations
• Final Chart: Prepared 30 minutes before departure to capture last-minute changes

The first chart timing depends on your train’s scheduled departure time from the originating station.

First Chart Timing by Departure Window

Trains Departing 5:01 AM to 2:00 PM

For trains that depart in the morning or early afternoon, the first chart is prepared the previous night. According to the Railway Board guidelines reported by the Indian Express:

First chart prepared by 8:00 PM the previous night.

This means:

• A train departing at 6:00 AM has its chart prepared by 8:00 PM the night before (approximately 10 hours before)
• A train departing at 1:00 PM has its chart prepared by 8:00 PM the previous night (approximately 17 hours before)
• A train departing at 8:00 AM has its chart prepared by 8:00 PM the previous night (12 hours before)

The rationale is that early morning passengers often travel from remote locations. Preparing the chart the night before gives them certainty about their reservation status before they begin their journey to the station.

Trains Departing 2:01 PM to 11:59 PM

For afternoon, evening, and night trains, the first chart is prepared on a rolling basis:

First chart prepared at least 10 hours before scheduled departure.

Examples:

• A train departing at 4:00 PM: Chart prepared by 6:00 AM
• A train departing at 8:00 PM: Chart prepared by 10:00 AM
• A train departing at 10:00 PM: Chart prepared by 12:00 PM (noon)
• A train departing at 11:00 PM: Chart prepared by 1:00 PM

Trains Departing 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM

Late-night and early-morning trains follow the same rule as afternoon trains:

First chart prepared at least 10 hours before scheduled departure.

Examples:

• A train departing at 1:00 AM: Chart prepared by 3:00 PM the previous day
• A train departing at 3:00 AM: Chart prepared by 5:00 PM the previous day
• A train departing at 5:00 AM: Chart prepared by 7:00 PM the previous day

Note: The 5:00 AM departure is the boundary. Trains departing at 5:01 AM follow the “previous night by 8:00 PM” rule.

Quick Reference Table

Train Departure Time	First Chart Prepared	Example
5:01 AM - 2:00 PM	Previous night by 8:00 PM	9:00 AM train → chart at 8:00 PM previous night
2:01 PM - 11:59 PM	10 hours before departure	6:00 PM train → chart at 8:00 AM
12:00 AM - 5:00 AM	10 hours before departure	2:00 AM train → chart at 4:00 PM previous day

When Is the Final Chart Prepared?

Regardless of the train’s departure time, the final chart is always prepared:

30 minutes before the scheduled departure from the originating station.

• Train at 10:00 AM: Final chart at 9:30 AM
• Train at 6:00 PM: Final chart at 5:30 PM
• Train at 1:00 AM: Final chart at 12:30 AM

After the final chart, no further bookings or changes are accepted. The passenger list is permanently locked.

Why These Timings Were Chosen

The Railway Board revised the chart preparation timing to benefit passengers, particularly those with waitlisted tickets. According to the official statement reported by the Indian Express: “With a view to inform passengers well in time about the reservation status so as to remove the anxiety of passengers coming from the remote locations to get the long-distance trains, it has been decided to prepare the first reservation charts.”

The timeline of changes:

• Before July 2025: Chart prepared 4 hours before departure
• July 2025: Changed to 8 hours before departure (per NDTV report)
• December 2025: Changed to 10 hours before departure (per Railway Board circular)

Each revision gave passengers more time to plan alternative travel if their waitlisted ticket did not confirm.

Does Chart Timing Depend on Train Type?

No. The chart preparation rules apply uniformly to all train categories, including:

• Rajdhani Express
• Shatabdi Express
• Duronto Express
• Vande Bharat Express
• Garib Rath
• Mail/Express trains
• Intercity trains

A Rajdhani Express departing at 8:00 PM follows the same rule as a Mail Express departing at 8:00 PM: chart prepared 10 hours before at 10:00 AM.

Does Chart Timing Depend on My Boarding Station?

No. The chart preparation timing is always calculated from the train’s departure at the originating station, not from your boarding station.

If you board at an intermediate station, the chart timing is the same. The chart prepared at the origin applies to all stations on the route.

What If the Train Is Delayed?

Chart preparation timing is based on the scheduled departure time, not the actual delayed departure. Even if the train is expected to run late, the chart is prepared as per the schedule.

If a train is officially rescheduled by the Railway Division, the chart may be adjusted to the revised schedule. Check NTES or your IRCTC ticket status closer to departure for updates.

For more on why charts may show as “Not Prepared,” see railway chart not prepared yet - here’s why.

When You Should Check Your Status

To stay informed about your ticket:

• 24 hours before departure: Start checking your PNR status
• At first chart time: Check immediately after to see the bulk of upgrades
• Between first and final chart: Check periodically for last-minute changes
• 30 minutes before departure: Check after the final chart is prepared
• After departure: Check to see if berths have been vacated at intermediate stations

For trains with morning departures (5:01 AM to 2:00 PM), the most important check is after 8:00 PM the previous night.

For trains with afternoon and evening departures, the most important check is at the 10-hour mark before departure.

Using the Online Chart Tool

You can check your chart status on the IRCTC website:

1. Go to irctc.co.in
2. Click on “Charts/Vacancy”
3. Enter train number, journey date, and boarding station
4. The system shows the chart status and berth availability

The same feature is available on the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app under the “Chart Vacancy” option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the chart prepared 10 hours before or 4 hours before?

Under the current rules (effective December 2025), the first chart is prepared 10 hours before departure for most trains. The old 4-hour rule was replaced in July 2025.

Why does my PNR still show the old chart time?

Some third-party websites may not have updated their information. Always refer to the official IRCTC website or the most recent Railway Board circular for accurate timing.

Is the chart prepared at the same time every day for my train?

Yes, for a given departure time, the chart is prepared at the same time every day. The rule is time-based, not day-based.

Does chart preparation time change during holidays or festivals?

No. The same timing rules apply regardless of season or festival.

Can I check the chart before the official preparation time?

The chart will not be available before the preparation time. The system shows “Chart Not Prepared” until the process is initiated.

Summary

The first chart is prepared either 10 hours before departure or by 8:00 PM the previous night (whichever is earlier for morning trains). The final chart is always 30 minutes before departure. Check your PNR status at the appropriate time based on your train’s departure window to see your final ticket status.