The PNR status refers to the Passenger Name Record number and is an integral part of the system laid down for the smooth functioning of the Indian Railways. An independent number is associated to every ticket that a passenger books with the Indian Railways and this number is known as the PNR number. Ten digits make up this number and passengers can access a number of details via this PNR number. A number of sources, both official as well as unofficial give away important details such as the status of the ticket on the waiting list and the PNR numbers come in handy while seeking this information. A reliable source that is also an official one is the IRCTC PNR status that can be obtained through the IRCTC website.

In India, traveling by trains is a way of life and the details associated with train travel if often an important one for many. There are a number of travelers who book their tickets well in advance, knowing too well that if they wait too long, their names will land in the waiting list! The waiting list is the dreaded list that Indian travelers always despise! Instead of knowing for sure as to whether their tickets will be confirmed or not, the travelers have to wait for days on end to see their PNR number slowly nudge up to the top of the list. Even if a traveler's PNR number tops the waiting list there is no sure shot way of knowing whether the ticket will be confirmed and this is one aspect that always troubles travelers. The Tatkal Scheme does come in handy at such times but the limited seats available through this option are sold out in minutes and travelers often have to remain empty handed.

IRCTC, or the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation, is an arm of the Indian Railways and a Government of India enterprise that manages the sale of tickets as well as other associated services in the rail network. The IRCTC website is the single source to obtain tickets online and is the official face of the Indian Railways as far as the booking process is concerned. Apart from train tickets, the website also offers a number of other services such as air tickets, hotel bookings, cab bookings, as well as tour packages.

The organization's main concern however lies with the status of train reservations. One can check the PNR status, cancel or modify tickets, book season tickets, and even book tickets under the Tatkal Scheme here. The IRCTC PNR status is among the most reliable avenues through which travelers can find out the actual status of their tickets. They can also tentatively decide whether their ticket will be confirmed or not depending on their number on the waiting list and the rate at which the list is moving through regular checks of the PNR status here.