IRCTC Vikalp Scheme 2025: Your Option for Confirmed Train Tickets Online
Festival times in India mean many travelers moving from one place to another. This causes heavy passenger traffic on trains and often leads to problems with booking tickets, especially getting confirmed ones. To help with this, Indian Railways started the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme. This scheme helps you get confirmed tickets by letting you choose alternate trains during online booking. Here is everything you need to know about the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme 2025.
Overview of IRCTC Vikalp Scheme 2025
Indian Railways started the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme to help passengers get confirmed tickets online even if their first choice train is full. When you book a ticket and it is on the waiting list, this scheme lets you pick alternate trains so you might get confirmed seats in those trains. Earlier known as the Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (ATAS), the Vikalp Scheme improves your chances of travelling with confirmed tickets without delays.
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Main Details of Railway Vikalp Scheme
| Scheme Name | IRCTC Vikalp Scheme 2025 |
| Launched By | Indian Railways |
| Beneficiaries | Train passengers across India |
| Purpose | To give choices for online ticket booking on IRCTC with confirmed ticket options |
| Booking Method | Online |
| Official Website | https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/ |
Why Use the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme?
During festival seasons, many people travel home or to other places. It becomes tough to get confirmed tickets because of high demand. Often, travelers end up with waiting list tickets or must cancel their journey. The IRCTC Vikalp Scheme helps by letting passengers pick other trains along with their waiting ticket. This way, if the original train doesn’t confirm your seat, you can travel on one of your chosen alternate trains without trouble.
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How Does the Vikalp Scheme Improve Your Chances for Confirmed Tickets?
When booking a waiting list ticket online, you’ll be asked to select alternate trains using the Vikalp option. You can choose up to 7 different trains. If your original ticket doesn’t get confirmed, the system will try to give you confirmed tickets on those alternate trains based on availability. This only applies for trains leaving from your boarding station between 30 minutes and 72 hours from your original train’s time. Keep in mind, confirmation depends on seat availability in those trains, but your chance to travel increases.
Main Features of IRCTC Vikalp Scheme 2025
- The scheme applies to all categories and types of trains and passengers, even if booking quotas or concessions are involved.
- You can select up to 7 alternate trains when booking your waiting ticket.
- Choosing more trains improves your chances of getting a confirmed seat in one of them.
- This scheme is only available for online ticket bookings on IRCTC.
- Alternate trains must be scheduled to leave between 30 minutes and 72 hours after the original train departs.
- No extra charges or fare differences apply for using the Vikalp Scheme.
- Passengers in one PNR booking are not moved to the same alternate train to keep things convenient.
Step-by-Step Guide to Book Tickets Using IRCTC Vikalp Scheme 2025
- Go to the official IRCTC website: https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search
- Enter your journey details like source and destination stations and travel date.
- Select your travel class and hit the Search button.
- Log in to your IRCTC account with your username and password.
- Complete the captcha verification and submit.
- You’ll see a list of trains with seat availability. Pick your preferred train.
- Click on ‘Book Now’ and enter passenger details.
- While booking, choose the option to select up to 7 alternate trains under the Vikalp Scheme to increase your chances of confirmed booking.
- Enter your mobile number and complete the captcha again.
- Make payment using your preferred method: credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Once payment is successful, you’ll get your ticket details on your mobile and email.
Common Questions on IRCTC Vikalp Scheme
What is the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme?
It’s an online ticketing option that lets you select multiple trains when booking a waiting list ticket. If your ticket isn’t confirmed in the first train, you might get a confirmed ticket in one of your alternate trains.
How many trains can I pick under the Vikalp Scheme?
You can choose up to 7 trains as alternate options when booking.
This simple scheme helps you travel comfortably during busy times without worrying much about ticket confirmation. Next time you book online, try the IRCTC Vikalp Scheme for a better travel experience.