What Is the 60-Day Railway Reservation Rule? Explained Simply

If you’ve ever tried booking a train ticket in India, you’ve probably heard about the 60-day railway reservation rule. Yet, many travelers still misunderstand how it works - and that confusion often leads to missed bookings or unnecessary waiting lists.

This article explains the 60-day rule in simple terms, how it applies to train ticket booking, and why getting the calculation right matters.

What Is the 60-Day Railway Reservation Rule?

The 60-day railway reservation rule means that train tickets can be booked up to 60 days before the journey date, excluding the journey date itself.

This rule applies to most trains under the general reservation quota.

In simple words:

• You cannot book tickets earlier than 60 days before travel
• The journey date is not counted in the 60 days
• Booking opens at a fixed time on the booking day

Does the Journey Date Count in the 60 Days?

No. The journey date is not included in the 60-day booking window.

For example:

• If your journey date is 30 March
• Booking starts 60 days before 29 March

This single detail is where most booking mistakes happen.

What Time Does Booking Open Under the 60-Day Rule?

For most trains, booking opens at:

8:00 AM IST on the booking start date

Booking does not open at midnight. Logging in late - even by a few minutes - can mean losing confirmed seats on popular routes.

Why the 60-Day Rule Exists

The railway reservation system uses a fixed advance booking window to:

• Manage seat inventory efficiently
• Ensure fair access to tickets
• Reduce last-minute booking pressure

This rule has remained stable for years, making it reliable - as long as it’s calculated correctly.

Common Misunderstandings About the 60-Day Rule

❌ “It Means Two Calendar Months Before”

Incorrect. The rule is based on days, not months. Month lengths vary, which causes confusion.

❌ “Booking Opens at Midnight”

Booking opens at 8:00 AM IST, not at 12:00 AM.

❌ “The Rule Applies to All Ticket Types”

Tatkal tickets and some special trains follow different booking timelines.

Does the 60-Day Rule Apply to Tatkal Tickets?

No. Tatkal tickets have a separate booking schedule and are not governed by the 60-day advance reservation rule.

The 60-day rule mainly applies to:

• General quota tickets
• Most express and passenger trains

How the 60-Day Rule Affects Your Booking Chances

Understanding this rule helps you:

• Book tickets the moment reservations open
• Avoid unnecessary waiting lists
• Plan travel during peak seasons more effectively

Incorrect calculation often means starting one day late - and that mistake is costly on busy routes.

Why Manual Calculation Often Goes Wrong

Manually counting 60 days sounds simple, but errors happen due to:

• Month changes
• Leap years
• Excluding the journey date incorrectly

These small mistakes add up, especially during festival or holiday bookings.

A Simple Way to Apply the 60-Day Rule Correctly

Instead of counting days manually, using a calculator removes all guesswork.

Summary

• The 60-day railway reservation rule allows booking 60 days before journey date
• The journey date is excluded from calculation
• Booking opens at 8:00 AM IST
• The rule applies to most general quota tickets
• Accurate calculation improves booking success

Understanding and applying the 60-day rule correctly can significantly improve your chances of getting confirmed train tickets.