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Indian Railways verifies train tickets using a centralized system called Passenger Name Record (PNR), which is operated by IRCTC. Each booked ticket is given a special 10-digit PNR number that is printed on the left side (top) of the ticket.

In order to check confirmation status:

• Go to sites such as irctc.co.in or indianrail.gov.in → PNR Enquiry.
• Enter the PNR number of 10 digits and post.
• Or download the IRCTC Rail Connect application, SMS PNR 10-digit number to 139, or dial 139.

How Confirmation Happens:

• Confirmed (CNF): Allotted full berth.
• RAC: guaranteed boarding; having a side-lower berth with another RAC passenger (often an upgrade to a full berth).
• Waitlist (WL): It can be transferred only when cancelled by other people.

The majority of movements take place because of cancellations. Last-minute reservation charts are made 4 hours prior to departure (or, in some trains, 100 minutes prior to departure). Upon chart presentation, fully confirmed/RAC passengers have been boarded; untainted waitlisted ones tend to be prohibited.

PNR status should constantly be verified, particularly towards the journey date, so that the most recent information is available.