Did you know that you can travel in First AC even if you have booked a Third AC ticket? Yes, it’s true — and it’s absolutely legal and official. Indian Railways has a smart facility called the Auto Upgradation Scheme, which allows eligible passengers to enjoy a luxury upgrade without paying extra.
Let’s understand how this hidden gem of a policy works and how you can benefit from it.
🚆 What is the Auto Upgradation Scheme?
The Auto Upgradation Scheme is a special facility provided by Indian Railways, under which a passenger who has booked a lower-class ticket (like 3rd AC) may be automatically upgraded to a higher class (like 2nd AC or 1st AC), without any additional charge.
🎫 How Does It Work?
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When you book a ticket — especially in Third AC — and the train is not full in higher classes, your ticket may be upgraded automatically.
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This usually happens when First AC or Second AC seats are vacant and lower class tickets are overbooked or in RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation).
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The upgrade happens close to the departure time, and you’ll receive an SMS alert or email about your new upgraded seat/coach.
✅ Conditions for Auto Upgradation
| Condition | Status |
|---|---|
| Only for confirmed or RAC tickets | ✅ Yes |
| Waitlisted tickets | ❌ Not eligible |
| You must select "Consider for Auto Upgradation" at the time of booking | ✅ Mandatory |
| No extra charges are applied | ✅ Free upgrade |
🧳 Example Scenario
Suppose you booked a Third AC ticket from Delhi to Mumbai, but your ticket status was RAC. As the departure time approaches, First AC seats remain vacant. In that case, Indian Railways may upgrade your seat to First AC — and you travel in luxury, paying only the Third AC fare.
🔔 Important Notes
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Auto upgradation is not guaranteed; it depends on seat availability.
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Upgrades are fully automated and based on a computerized system.
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The benefit is only available to passengers who opt in for the upgradation at the time of booking (via IRCTC or ticket counters).
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If selected, the system may upgrade you to a maximum of one class higher (e.g., 3AC → 2AC or 2AC → 1AC).
📱 How to Opt for Auto Upgradation on IRCTC
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Visit www.irctc.co.in
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Book your train ticket as usual.
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Before final payment, check the box: “Consider for Auto Upgradation”
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Complete the payment.
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Wait for notification (via SMS or email) before departure.
🛏️ Who Should Use This Feature?
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Budget travelers looking for a free upgrade
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RAC ticket holders hoping to get confirmed seats
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Passengers traveling on less crowded routes or trains
🧠 Pro Tip:
Try this trick on long-distance trains or during non-peak seasons — the chances of getting upgraded are higher when AC seats are vacant!
🚨 Final Words
The Auto Upgradation Scheme by Indian Railways is a smart travel hack that few people know about. With just a single click during booking, you could find yourself enjoying the comfort of First AC without spending extra. Make sure you tick that box the next time you book a train journey — your upgrade might just be waiting for you!
