When traveling by train, you might book a sleeper class ticket and unexpectedly get a confirmed berth in AC3.
While this sounds like a pleasant surprise, you may wonder if you’ll have to pay extra for the upgrade.
This happens due to the Indian Railways’ “Auto Upgradation Scheme.”
This scheme was introduced to ensure that no seat remains vacant, benefiting both the railways and passengers.
How the Scheme Works
Often, upper-class coaches like AC1 and AC2 have vacant seats because of their higher fares.
To reduce this loss, the railways automatically upgrade passengers from lower classes if seats are available in higher classes.
For instance, if four seats are vacant in first AC and two in second AC, passengers from second AC will be moved to first AC, and third AC passengers will be upgraded to second AC.
This makes room for waitlisted passengers in lower classes, ensuring all seats are filled.
Who Gets the Upgrade?
When booking a ticket through IRCTC, you will see an option asking if you are willing to opt for the auto upgrade.
If you select “yes,” you might be upgraded. If you choose “no,” the upgrade won’t apply to you.
However, if no option is selected, the system treats it as a “yes” by default.
Does Your PNR Change?
When your ticket is upgraded, your PNR (Passenger Name Record) remains the same, and you can use it for journey-related information.
However, if you cancel an upgraded ticket, the refund will be processed according to the fare of your original ticket, not the upgraded class.
