New DelhiWhile booking a train ticket, if you see the status of WL i.e. Waiting List, it means that your seat is not confirmed at the moment. But not every WL is the same. There are many types of waiting tickets in Indian Railways (IRCTC), and each has a different confirmation priority. Some WLs are considered almost certain, while others have a very low chance.
The system of waiting tickets in India depends on the coach type (like AC or sleeper) and booking quota (General, Tatkal, Pooled etc.). Overall there are 6 main waiting lists – GNWL, PQWL, RLWL, TQWL, RQWL and SSWL/LDWL. Their confirmation order and probability is decided till the railway chart is prepared, which is usually prepared four hours before the departure of the train.
1. GNWL (General Waiting List)
This is the most common and reliable list, which is available for booking from the main station to the destination station. Its confirmation chance is highest, around 80 to 90 percent.
2. RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List)
This is for those passengers who board from an intermediate or remote station. Its priority comes after GNWL and the chances of confirmation are around 70 to 80 percent.
3. PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List)
This is for passengers traveling between small stations. Its confirmation rate is less than GNWL and RLWL i.e. around 50 to 70 percent.
4. TQWL (Tatkal Quota Waiting List)
If you book Tatkal ticket and get WL then it is called TQWL. Now it is also called CKWL. In this the confirmation chance is very less, around 30 to 50 percent.
5. RQWL (Request Quota Waiting List)
This is the lowest priority list, which especially falls in the request or emergency quota. Its confirmation chance remains only 20 to 40 percent.
6. SSWL and LDWL (Senior Citizen and Ladies Waiting List)
If WL is found in the special quota made for senior citizens and women, then the chances of confirmation are quite high because these quotas are given priority.
Which WL gets confirmed first?
IRCTC’s confirmation order is fixed – GNWL > RLWL > PQWL > TQWL > RQWL. That means, GNWL passengers get seats first. If your WL GNWL is between 1-50, it is almost certain that the ticket will be confirmed.
Tips to increase confirmation chances
- Check PNR Status: Check every update on IRCTC app or website.
- Check Current Availability: Seats may become vacant up to 30 minutes before the train departs.
- Choose an offbeat date: WL gets confirmed sooner on less crowded days.
- Try Premium Tatkal: TQWL confirmation is slightly better in this.
- Check out AI Prediction feature: From 2025, IRCTC is now also showing confirmation percentage on PNR checks.
