Indian Railways Child Ticket Policy: What Parents Need to Know

If you’re planning a train journey with kids, the child fare rules can feel a bit confusing at first glance. Here’s the thing — Indian Railways has tried to keep the policy simple, but the details matter when you’re booking through IRCTC. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.

Children Under 5 Years

Kids younger than 5 can travel free of cost as long as they don’t occupy their own seat or berth. This is the classic rule most parents already know, and it still stands .

If you want a berth for them — maybe for night travel or long routes — you’ll have to pay the full adult fare, because the system treats a reserved space as a separate ticket requirement.

Children Aged 5 to 12 Years

This age group has a more nuanced rule. You get reduced fare only if the child does not need a seat or berth. IRCTC will show this as the No Seat/No Berth (NOSB) option.
Choose this, and the fare drops.
Ask for a berth or seat, and the fare immediately becomes full adult fare .

It’s a trade-off between comfort and cost. Families doing short trips often skip the berth; for overnight routes, many still prefer to pay full fare to keep the journey comfortable.

Children 12 Years and Above

After 12, they’re treated as adults for all practical purposes. No special concessions apply, and the ticket is charged at the regular rate .

Why These Rules Were Clarified

Railways has been clearing up confusion because many parents assumed that “child fare” automatically means discounted tickets with seats. The reality is simple — discounts apply only when the child does not require a reserved space. This helps Railways manage seat availability better, especially on busy routes, while still giving families a cost-saving option.

Practical Things to Keep in Mind

Enter your child’s correct age while booking on IRCTC; incorrect entries can cause issues during ticket checking.

Carry age proof — Aadhaar, birth certificate, or school ID — especially for kids under 12.

For 5–12 years, pick the NOSB option if you want the concession. If you skip it, IRCTC defaults to adult fare.

During peak travel seasons, berths run out fast, so decide in advance if you want a reserved space for the child.


What This Means for Your Travel

If your child doesn’t need a berth, you can save quite a bit, especially on long-distance routes. But if comfort is the priority, just factor in the adult fare. At least now the rules are transparent, and the booking system reflects them more clearly than before.