its not possible
pnr is the only tool by which you can check the status

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the options are - check with the counters - if you had booked your ticket thro counters, if it is not clear they will inform you the pnr number note it - if you had booked thru irctc - you can easily check by logging in to your account and seeing booked tickets.
if you did booking thro agent, you can contact him and ask him.
if ticket serial number is ok, the counter people will be able to help you or u can contact the reservn. supervisor showing your ticket. thanks

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Its Only Possible After chart prepartion ,in chart your by name or by status

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@ others :
i) For physical counter ticket, it is hence always advisable, like in normal course, to check the tickets immediately while moving from the counter. All details - PNR No., Date of Journey, Places for travel, Train No. .. everything. For any query (including the one related to PNR No.) should be clarified at that time. Without coorect PNR No. , you are handicapped for any and all types of queries.
ii) For e-ticket, another print out is possible and hence not a big problem.

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