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When booking a train ticket, if you see a WL (Waiting List) status, it means your seat is currently unconfirmed. However, not every WL is the same. Indian Railways (IRCTC) offers several types of waiting tickets, each with a different confirmation priority. Some WLs are considered almost certain, while others have a very low chance.

The waiting list system in India depends on the coach type (e.g., AC or Sleeper) and the booking quota (General, Tatkal, Pooled, etc.). There are six main waiting lists: GNWL, PQWL, RLWL, TQWL, RQWL, and SSWL/LDWL. Their confirmation order and probability are determined by the railway chart preparation, which is usually four hours before the train's departure.

1. GNWL (General Waiting List)

This is the most common and reliable list available for bookings from the originating station to the destination station. Its confirmation rate is the highest, around 80 to 90 percent.

2. RLWL (Remote Location Waiting List)
This is for passengers boarding from an intermediate or remote station. It comes after GNWL and has a confirmation rate of around 70 to 80 percent.

3. PQWL (Pooled Quota Waiting List)
This is for passengers traveling between smaller stations. Its confirmation rate is lower than GNWL and RLWL, at around 50 to 70 percent.

4. TQWL (Tatkal Quota Waiting List)
If you book a Tatkal ticket and receive a WL, it is called TQWL. Now it is also called CKWL. The confirmation rate for this is very low, around 30 to 50 percent.

5. RQWL (Request Quota Waiting List)
This is the lowest priority list, typically available in request or emergency quotas. Its confirmation chance is only 20 to 40 percent.

6. SSWL and LDWL (Senior Citizen and Ladies Waiting List)
If you receive a WL in the special quota reserved for senior citizens and women, your chances of confirmation are significantly higher because these quotas are given priority.

Which WL is confirmed first?
IRCTC's confirmation order is fixed: GNWL > RLWL > PQWL > TQWL > RQWL. This means that passengers with GNWL get a seat first. If your WL is between GNWL 1-50, your ticket is almost certain to be confirmed.

Tips to Increase Confirmation Chances
Check PNR Status: Check every update on the IRCTC app or website.
Check Current Availability: Seats may become vacant up to 30 minutes before the train departs.
Choose an Offbeat Date: WL confirmation is faster on less crowded days.
Try Premium Tatkal: TQWL confirmation is slightly better here.
Check AI Prediction Feature: Starting in 2025, IRCTC will now also display confirmation percentage on PNR checks.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News 18 hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.