You tried Tatkal, missed the confirmed window, and now your ticket shows TQWL or CKWL. The hard truth: the Tatkal waiting list has the lowest confirmation chances of any waiting list. Here is why — and what to do instead.

What TQWL / CKWL Means

TQWL (Tatkal Quota Waiting List), also shown as CKWL, is the waiting list for the Tatkal quota. Tatkal opens one day before travel with a small, separate pool of berths. When those fill, further Tatkal bookings go onto this waitlist.

Why Tatkal Waitlist Chances Are the Lowest

Here is the catch that most people miss: TQWL passengers are only allotted berths after all general (GNWL) waitlisted passengers are cleared. So even if lots of cancellations happen, GNWL gets priority, and TQWL moves last. On top of that, Tatkal cancellations get no refund in most cases, so people rarely cancel Tatkal tickets — meaning fewer cancellations flow back into the TQWL pool. Both factors push TQWL to the bottom. Compare it with the other waiting list types.

What the Number Really Tells You

• TQWL 1 to TQWL 5 — some chance on very busy trains, but far from certain.
• TQWL 6+ — low; often stays waitlisted through both charts.

A TQWL e-ticket that is still waitlisted after chart preparation is automatically cancelled and refunded — you cannot board.

What to Do Instead

• Book a normal (non-Tatkal) GNWL ticket in parallel if dates allow — it has much better odds.
• Consider a different train or class where confirmed or RAC is available.
• Keep checking, as a low TQWL can still surprise on high-traffic routes.

Enter your PNR on our PNR status tool for your live TQWL position and a confirmation prediction, and read RAC vs waiting list to weigh your options.

Bottom line: TQWL rarely confirms — treat it as a long shot and keep a backup ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Tatkal waiting list (TQWL) get confirmed?

Rarely. TQWL is cleared only after all general (GNWL) waitlist passengers are allotted berths, and Tatkal tickets are seldom cancelled, so few cancellations flow back. Only a very low TQWL on a busy train has a real chance.

What is the difference between TQWL and GNWL?

GNWL is the general waiting list with the best odds; TQWL is the Tatkal waiting list with the lowest. TQWL is cleared only after GNWL, so the same number confirms far less often on TQWL.

Can I travel on a TQWL ticket that didn't confirm?

No. A TQWL e-ticket still waitlisted after chart preparation is automatically cancelled and refunded, so you cannot board on it.

Will TQWL 1 or TQWL 2 confirm?

Sometimes, on very busy long-distance trains with heavy turnover — but it is never guaranteed, because GNWL is always cleared first. Keep a backup plan even with a low TQWL.

How do I check my Tatkal waitlist chances?

Enter your PNR on our PNR status tool to see your TQWL number and a confirmation prediction for your specific train.

Stuck on a Tatkal waitlist? [Check your PNR status and prediction](/pnr) and plan a backup.