Difference Between E-Ticket and I-Ticket

Indian Railways issues both E-tickets and I-tickets. The main difference between these two types of tickets is how they are issued and delivered to the passenger. An E-ticket is a ticket that can be booked online through the IRCTC website or other authorized websites or apps. An I-ticket is a physical ticket booked online through the IRCTC website or other authorized websites or apps.

Read this article to find out more about E-Ticket and I-Ticket and how they are different from each other.

What is E-Ticket?

An E-ticket, also known as an electronic ticket, is a ticket booked and issued electronically through the IRCTC website or other authorised websites or apps. It allows travellers to book and maintain their train schedule online, getting rid of the need for physical tickets. Here are some details about E-tickets −

Booking an E-ticket

E-tickets can be booked on the IRCTC website or through other authorised websites or apps. The passenger must provide journey details such as origin and destination stations, date of travel, and class of travel. The passenger will receive an SMS or email confirmation with a unique 10-digit PNR number after the booking is confirmed.

PNR Number

The PNR number is a one-of-a-kind identification number that is generated when a ticket is booked. It includes details about the passenger, the journey, and the booking status. The passenger can use the PNR number to check the status of the booking, print the ticket, or cancel them.

Ticket Printing

To board the train, the passenger can either show the E-ticket on their mobile phone or take a printout of it. In the case of a printout, the passenger must have a valid identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport, in addition to the printed ticket.

Cancellation and Refund

Online cancellation of e-tickets is possible through the IRCTC website or authorized websites or apps. The refund will be processed according to the Indian Railways' cancellation policy, and the payment will be credited back to the passenger's bank account or wallet.

What is I-Ticket?

An I-ticket, also known as a physical ticket, is a ticket that is booked online through the IRCTC website or other authorised websites or apps and delivered to the passenger's address through courier or speed post. It is a physical ticket that provides details of the journey, the passenger's name, and other relevant details. Here are some details about I-tickets

Booking an I-ticket

I-tickets can be booked online at the IRCTC website or through other authorised websites or apps. The passenger has to provide travel details, passenger information, and the delivery address. The I-ticket is printed on special stationery paper and delivered to the passenger's address through courier or speed post once the booking is confirmed.

Ticket Delivery

The I-ticket is delivered to the passenger's home address through a courier or speed post. Depending on the location, the ticket is normally delivered within 2–3 days. When boarding the train, the passenger must show this I-ticket along with a valid identity proof, such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.

Cancellation and Refund

I-tickets can be cancelled online on the IRCTC website or through authorised websites or apps. The passenger has to submit the original physical ticket to the IRCTC office, along with a cancellation request form. The refund will be processed according to the Indian Railways' cancellation policy, and the payment will be refunded back to the passenger's bank account.

Difference between E-Ticket and I-Ticket

The following table highlights the major differences between E-Ticket and I-Ticket −

Characteristics	E-Ticket	I-Ticket
Ticket Delivery	Emailed to the passenger or can be downloaded from the website and shown on the mobile phone or printed by the passenger.	Printed on a special stationery paper and delivered to the passenger's address through courier or speed post.
Printing Required	Not required	Not required because the ticket is already printed and delivered to the passenger.
Validity	It is valid as long as the unique 10-digit PNR number is present and matches the identity proof.	It is valid as long as the physical ticket is present and matches the identity proof.
Cancellation and Refund	Can be cancelled and refunded online through the IRCTC website or authorized websites or apps.	can be cancelled online, but the physical ticket needs to be sent along with a cancellation request form to the IRCTC office.
Advantages	Convenience, eco-friendliness, easy cancellation, and refund	Physical ticket, no need for printing, no need for the internet, easy cancellation and refund
Booking	Booked online	Booked online
Eco-friendliness	paperless, eco-friendly option	Uses paper, not an eco-friendly option.
Convenience	Convenient and easy to book and manage online.	Requires additional time for delivery and receipt of the physical ticket.

Conclusion

In conclusion, E-tickets are purchased online and do not require a physical ticket, whereas I-tickets are purchased online and must be delivered to the passenger.