The reservation chart is when Indian Railways finalises who gets which berth — the moment RAC and waiting-list tickets are settled. So when is the train chart prepared? Here is the exact timing.

First Chart Preparation Time

The first chart is prepared about 4 hours before the train's scheduled departure from its originating station.

• For trains leaving later in the day, the first chart is ready roughly 4 hours before departure.
• For early-morning trains, the chart is usually prepared the previous night (because 4 hours before a 6 AM departure falls in the early hours).

At this point, your boarding-point departure time doesn't matter — charting is based on the train's origin departure.

Second Chart Preparation

A second chart is prepared later, usually up to about 30 minutes before departure. It releases:

• Berths that were still vacant after the first chart, and
• Seats freed by online cancellations made after the first chart.

This gives a final window for current/last-minute booking and another chance for RAC/WL movement.

What Happens When the Chart Is Prepared

Charting is the big moment for your ticket:

• RAC → CNF: RAC tickets are upgraded to confirmed berths as no-shows and cancellations free up space. See will RAC confirm after chart preparation.
• Waiting list cleared or dropped: Confirmed/RAC WL tickets move up; any still-waitlisted e-ticket is auto-cancelled and refunded.
• Final berth and coach allotted: Your exact coach and berth number are fixed.
• Understand the post-chart codes in PNR status after chart preparation: CNF, RAC, WL.

How to Check Your Status After Charting

Once the chart is out, your PNR shows the final result. Enter your PNR on our PNR status tool to see your confirmed berth, and use the confirm berth tool to lock your exact coach and seat. If it's still RAC, you can still travel — read RAC not getting confirmed: what to do.

Bottom line: the first chart is prepared about 4 hours before the train's origin departure (previous night for early-morning trains), and a second chart comes up to ~30 minutes before — that's when RAC upgrades, waitlists clear, and your final berth is fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the train chart prepared?

The first reservation chart is prepared about 4 hours before the train's scheduled departure from its originating station. For early-morning trains, it's usually prepared the previous night.

How many hours before departure is the chart made?

Around 4 hours before the train leaves its origin station for the first chart. A second chart is prepared later, up to roughly 30 minutes before departure.

Is there a second chart preparation?

Yes. A second chart is prepared up to about 30 minutes before departure, releasing berths that stayed vacant or were freed by online cancellations after the first chart.

What happens to RAC and waiting list at chart preparation?

RAC tickets are upgraded to confirmed as berths free up, waiting-list tickets move up, and any still-waitlisted e-ticket is auto-cancelled and refunded. Your final coach and berth are allotted.

Chart out? [Check your PNR status and final berth](/pnr) on ConfirmYatra.