A railway student concession lets eligible students travel at a reduced fare, and the best known case is 50 percent off the basic fare for general-category students travelling to their home town or on educational tours, in Second Sleeper and Second Sitting classes. Indian Railways grants concessions under the IRCA Coaching Tariff, which lists eight categories of students among many other groups. The discount applies to the basic fare only and is booked with a certificate from your institution.
Key takeaways
- Source of rules: IRCA Coaching Tariff No. 26, Part I (Vol. II), as summarised in Railway Board general rules for concession.
- Student categories: Eight categories of students are covered, besides disability and patient categories.
- Common benefit: 50 percent concession for general-category students going home or on educational tours.
- Exam travel: A concession has also applied for students appearing in some central recruitment main examinations.
- What it applies to: Basic fare only, not surcharges or other charges.
Railway Student Concession: what the rules say
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source of rules | IRCA Coaching Tariff No. 26, Part I (Vol. II), as summarised in Railway Board general rules for concession |
| Student categories | Eight categories of students are covered, besides disability and patient categories |
| Common benefit | 50 percent concession for general-category students going home or on educational tours |
| Exam travel | A concession has also applied for students appearing in some central recruitment main examinations |
| What it applies to | Basic fare only, not surcharges or other charges |
| Classes | Sleeper and Second Sitting; not higher classes |
Railways grant concessions in more than 50 categories overall, ranging from 25 percent to 100 percent. Student rules have changed over time: the concession was introduced in 1956 at 33 percent. Rules and amounts can be updated through circulars, so check the latest Railway Board notice before you travel.
What you need to carry
- A concession certificate signed by the head of your institution, in the format Railways prescribes. Most institutions have it; if yours does not, the reservation counter can tell you the fields.
- Your student ID card.
- A filled reservation form.
- Payment for the concessional fare.
How to book
- Get the certificate from your institution’s office, with the dates and route.
- Go to a reservation counter at a station. In the past, concessional student tickets could not be bought as e-tickets online.
- Mark the concession category on the form and hand over the certificate and ID.
- Check the fare on the ticket against the basic fare discount before you leave the counter.
Tickets booked under concession follow ordinary cancellation rules, but the concession is forfeited on cancellation, and only the fare you paid is refunded as per normal rules.
Things that trip students up
- Break of journey is not allowed on a concession ticket issued for a specific purpose, such as going to an examination centre.
- A concession is not available on every train. Some premium trains are excluded, so confirm the train type.
- Certificates have an issue date and route. Reusing an old one at the counter can get refused.
- If your institution is private, it must still be recognised; recognised institutions can issue the certificate.
Using the concession well on a budget
Student concessions help most on long trips such as the journey home at the end of a term. Plan the dates early so you can get the certificate from your office without a last-minute rush, and ask the office to write the route and the dates exactly as you will travel. If your plans change, you may need a fresh certificate. Compare the concessional fare with other options on the same route, and remember the discount applies only to the basic fare, so the final saving is a bit lower than half the price on the ticket. Keep the certificate with you during travel, as the ticket examiner may ask for it.
Railway Student Concession: plan the rest of the trip
If you are travelling for an entrance test, such as CUET UG, book the concession ticket as soon as your exam city and date are fixed. For long trips on a tight budget, compare the concession fare with unreserved options and plan hostel stays in advance. For students who also need to budget education costs, see the education loan EMI calculator.
Rules, dates and amounts for Railway Student Concession can change, so confirm the latest official notice before you act.
Frequently asked questions
What is the student concession on Indian Railways?
It is a discount on the basic fare for eligible students, with 50 percent commonly cited for general-category students travelling home or on educational tours.
Can I book a student concession ticket online?
Concessional student tickets have been issued at reservation counters, not through the online e-ticket system. Check the current rule before you travel.
Which classes does it cover?
Sleeper and Second Sitting classes.
What document do I need?
A student concession certificate from your institution’s head and your ID card.
Does the concession apply to the whole fare?
No. It applies to the basic fare only.