When booking train tickets in India, two common travel classes you might encounter are TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiner) and TC (Ticket Collector). However, TTE and TC are not classes — they are actually railway job roles, not seat categories.
TTE vs TC is often misunderstood. Let’s first clarify the difference and then see which one matters to you as a traveler.
| Aspect | TTE (Travelling Ticket Examiner) | TC (Ticket Collector) |
| Role | Checks tickets during the journey, assigns vacant seats | Checks tickets mainly at platforms or station exits |
| Location | Onboard trains (especially reserved coaches) | At railway stations |
| Key Duty | Allotting seats, verifying tickets during travel | Ensuring ticketed entry/exit, preventing fare evasion |
| Authority | Can allot unclaimed reserved seats to waitlisted passengers | No authority to allot seats |
| When You Meet Them | During the train journey | While entering or exiting a station |
| Uniform | Black coat, ID badge | Similar uniform, usually stationed at exit gates |
Why the Confusion Between TTE and TC?
Many people mistakenly think TTE and TC are two travel categories or coach types because they often hear these terms when traveling. In reality:
- TTE ensures the smooth running of reserved compartments.
- TC ensures that only ticket-holders use trains and station facilities.
They both serve different, important functions in Indian Railways but are not related to what seat or coach you should book.
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