Traveling by train is one of the most comfortable and affordable ways to explore India. However, one of the most common problems passengers face is not getting their preferred seat — especially the lower berth or window seat. Whether it’s an elderly person, a woman, or anyone who enjoys the view outside, everyone loves these seats.
The good news is that there are some simple and smart tricks you can use on the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) website or app to improve your chances of getting your favorite seat. Let’s look at these 4 secret IRCTC tricks that can help you get the seat you really want on your next journey.
1. Use the “Preferred Berth” Option During Booking
When you book a ticket on the IRCTC website or app, there is a small option that most passengers ignore — “Preferred Berth”.
Here’s how you can use it:
- While filling out your travel details, scroll down to the section that says “Preferred Berth”.
- Choose the seat you want — Lower, Middle, Upper, Side Lower, or Side Upper.
- If that berth is available, IRCTC will automatically allot it to you.
Pro Tip: If you’re booking for senior citizens (men above 60 years or women above 58 years), the lower berth is given priority automatically. So, always select the correct age while booking — it increases your chance of getting a comfortable seat.
2. Book Your Ticket Exactly at the Opening Time (Tatkal or General)
Another simple but very effective trick is to book your ticket at the exact opening time of the booking window.
- For AC classes (1A/2A/3A), booking opens at 10 AM.
- For Sleeper class, booking starts at 11 AM.
When you book exactly on time, you get access to maximum seat availability. This increases your chances of selecting your preferred lower or window seat before others.
Pro Tip: Log in to your IRCTC account 10 minutes before booking time. Fill in passenger details in advance using the “Master List” option so you can save time and click “Book Now” as soon as the window opens.
3. Choose the Right Train Coach and Check Seat Map
Not many people know that you can actually check the seat layout of a train coach before booking your ticket.
Here’s what to do:
- After selecting your train, click on the “View Seat Map” option on the IRCTC site or app.
- This will show you which seat numbers are lower, middle, or upper berths and which ones are next to the window.
- You can then choose the coach and seat range (for example, seats 1–30 are usually near the windows in some trains).
Pro Tip: In sleeper coaches, Side Lower Berths are usually next to the window, offering both comfort and a view. So, if you love looking outside, pick Side Lower as your preference.
4. Use the “Book Only if Berth is Available” Option
This is one of the most powerful hidden features of IRCTC that many passengers don’t use.
When you’re booking your ticket and selecting your seat preferences, you’ll find an option that says:
“Book only if confirmed berths are allotted.”
If you check this box, your ticket will be booked only if your chosen seat (like lower berth) is available. If it’s not, the booking will not proceed so you won’t end up with a seat you don’t want.
Pro Tip: This option works best for people who don’t want to take chances or travel without a confirmed seat. It ensures you only get your preferred berth type or nothing at all.
Bonus Tips for Better Seat Chances
Apart from these 4 main tricks, here are some bonus ideas to increase your chances even more:
- Book Early: Try to book tickets as soon as they open — 120 days in advance for most trains.
- Use IRCTC’s Auto-Upgradation Option: If you’re ready to travel in a higher class, select the auto-upgrade feature. Sometimes, passengers get upgraded from Sleeper to 3AC with a confirmed seat.
- Avoid Peak Days: Trains are busiest on Fridays, Sundays, and around festivals. Booking on weekdays often gives better seat availability.
- Check Quotas: Try booking under different quotas like Ladies Quota, Senior Citizen Quota, or Lower Berth Quota if you qualify.
Overview Table: IRCTC Seat Booking Tricks
| Trick | What It Does | How It Helps You |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Berth Option | Lets you choose lower or window seat | Directly increases chances of getting your favorite seat |
| Book at Opening Time | Access to maximum seats | Helps you grab your choice before others |
| Check Seat Map | Shows exact layout of the coach | Helps in selecting seat near window or lower berth |
| Book Only If Berth Available | Ensures confirmed seat of your choice | Prevents unwanted seat allotment |
Conclusion
Getting your favorite lower berth or window seat on an Indian Railways train doesn’t have to be a matter of luck. With these 4 secret IRCTC tricks, you can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.