Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) offers a unique ticketing provision called NOSB, which stands for “No Seat Berth.” This feature is specifically designed for children aged between 5 and 11 years traveling with parents or guardians. NOSB booking allows children to travel at half fare without being assigned a separate seat or berth. This article explores concept, functionality, and implications of NOSB in detail.
Major Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Form | No Seat Berth (NOSB) |
| Applicable For | Children aged 5 to 11 years |
| Fare | Half adult fare |
| Seat/Berth Allocation | Not assigned |
| Full Fare Requirement | Full fare required for seat/berth allocation |
| Effective Rule Change | Revised on April 1, 2016 |
| Key Feature | Cost-saving option for parents traveling with children |
| Displayed Status | NOSB or NOSB, 0 |
NOSB: Concept and Purpose
NOSB, or No Seat Berth, is a provision introduced by IRCTC to accommodate children between ages of 5 and 11 who are traveling with their parents or guardians. Under regular circumstances, booking a confirmed seat or berth for children in this age group requires passengers to pay full adult fare. However, NOSB booking option allows parents to opt for a half-fare ticket without allocating a seat or berth for child.
This feature benefits passengers who prefer to save on travel expenses while ensuring that their child can travel with them. It also addresses scenarios where a separate seat is unnecessary, such as when parents prefer their child to share their seat during journey.
How NOSB Booking Works
When booking tickets for children aged 5 to 11, passengers can choose between two options:
- NOSB Booking: This option applies when a seat or berth is not required for child. Passengers pay half adult fare, and ticket is marked as NOSB.
- Full Fare Booking: If a separate seat or berth is needed, passengers must pay full adult fare for child’s ticket.
In NOSB booking scenario, ticket status will display either “NOSB” or “NOSB, 0,” indicating that child is traveling without a reserved seat. This distinction ensures clarity for both passengers and ticket examiners.
Key Rules for NOSB Booking
- Age Criteria: NOSB booking is applicable only for children aged between 5 and 11 years.
- Half Fare: Passengers opting for NOSB pay 50% of adult ticket fare.
- No Seat/Berth Allocation: child will not be assigned a separate seat or berth under this booking category.
- Full Fare for Seats: To secure a confirmed seat or berth for child, passengers must pay full fare.
- Revised Rules: NOSB provision aligns with revised children’s concession rules implemented on April 1, 2016.
Advantages of NOSB Booking
- Cost Savings: NOSB booking reduces ticket costs for families traveling with young children.
- Flexibility: Allows passengers to decide whether a separate seat for child is necessary.
- Simplified Ticketing: Offers clarity in ticket status and fares for children.
Limitations of NOSB Booking
- No Separate Seat: child must share a seat or travel without a designated seat, which may be inconvenient on longer journeys.
- Eligibility Restrictions: NOSB is not available for children under 5 or over 11 years of age.
Scenarios Where NOSB Booking is Beneficial
| Scenario | Benefit |
| Short-Distance Travel | Parents can save costs for brief journeys without requiring a seat. |
| Crowded Compartments | Families with limited space can avoid booking extra seats. |
| Budget-Conscious Families | Reduces travel expenses for families with multiple children. |
| Shared Seat Preferences | Parents who prefer their child to share a seat can benefit from NOSB. |
Full Fare vs. NOSB Booking
| Criteria | Full Fare Booking | NOSB Booking |
| Fare | Full adult fare | Half adult fare |
| Seat Allocation | Reserved seat or berth | No seat or berth |
| Best For | Long-distance travel or when a separate seat is required | Short-distance travel or when no seat is needed |
| Cost | Higher travel expense | Lower travel expense |
Common FAQs About NOSB Booking
1. What does NOSB mean? NOSB stands for No Seat Berth. It refers to tickets for children aged 5 to 11 traveling without a reserved seat at half fare.
2. Can I book a separate seat for my child? Yes, but you will need to pay full adult fare to secure a confirmed seat or berth for your child.
3. Is NOSB booking mandatory for children aged 5 to 11? No, it is optional. Passengers can choose NOSB booking or opt for a full fare ticket based on their needs.
4. How do I identify a NOSB ticket? NOSB tickets are marked as “NOSB” or “NOSB, 0” in ticket details.
5. Can NOSB tickets be upgraded? No, NOSB tickets cannot be upgraded to reserved seats unless a new full fare ticket is purchased.
Conclusion
NOSB booking is a thoughtful provision by IRCTC that offers flexibility and cost savings for families traveling with children aged 5 to 11 years. By understanding rules and benefits of NOSB, passengers can make informed decisions when booking train tickets. This feature is especially advantageous for budget-conscious travelers and those on shorter journeys. However, passengers should carefully consider their travel needs and opt for full fare tickets if a separate seat for child is essential.
Disclaimer
information provided in this article is based on publicly available resources and IRCTC guidelines as of publication date. Passengers are advised to verify details on official IRCTC platform for latest updates and policies regarding NOSB booking.
