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IRCTC Update: Want your preferred seat on the train? These secret IRCTC features will come in handy..
Shikha Saxena | June 9, 2026 5:15 PM CST

IRCTC Train Ticket Booking Tips: Every train traveler desires a seat of their choice. Lower berths are particularly important for the elderly and women. Although Indian Railways' seat allotment system is fully automated, IRCTC offers options that can increase the chances of securing a preferred seat. By using the right settings and preferences, passengers can make their journey more comfortable.

Master List Feature
IRCTC allows users to create a "Master List." This feature enables passengers to save their details—such as name, age, and berth preference (e.g., lower or upper)—in advance. If a preference for a lower berth or a specific seat is saved beforehand, the system automatically incorporates this information during ticket booking. To do this, users simply need to navigate to the "My Account" section of their IRCTC account and select the "My Master List" option. Once the passenger's details are saved, the request for a preferred seat is automatically registered during future bookings, thereby increasing the likelihood of getting that seat.

Don't Forget to Select Berth Preference
During train ticket booking, many passengers simply enter their name and age and proceed, overlooking the crucial berth preference option. When entering passenger details, the railway system allows you to choose your preferred seat type—such as lower, upper, middle, or side lower berth. If you specify your preference here, the railway system attempts to allocate that specific seat based on availability. While there is no guarantee, this certainly boosts the chances of securing your preferred seat. This option proves especially useful for long journeys or when traveling with family.

Senior Citizen Quota Offers Additional Benefits
If a ticket is being booked for an elderly passenger, the railway's Senior Citizen or Lower Berth quota can prove to be very helpful. Railways strives to allocate lower berths to senior citizens on a priority basis to ensure a hassle-free journey. When booking tickets, it is essential to select the "Lower Berth/Senior Citizen" option under the quota section instead of the "General" category. This facility is available to passengers who meet the specified age criteria. Selecting the correct quota ensures the system prioritizes lower berth allocation for elderly passengers, thereby increasing the likelihood of a comfortable journey.

Smart options for securing seats together and lower berths
IRCTC offers additional preference options during ticket booking that are often overlooked by travelers. If you want to ensure that at least one person in your group gets a lower berth, you can select the "Book only if at least one lower berth is allotted" option. Similarly, if you are traveling with family or friends and wish for everyone to be seated in the same coach, you can choose the "Book only if berths are allotted in the same coach" option. These features allow you to customize the conditions for ticket confirmation according to your needs, significantly reducing potential issues regarding seat allocation during the journey.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from TV9. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
 


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