Indian Railways has made major changes in the rules of Tatkal ticket booking. From July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be required on IRCTC website or app for booking.
Apart from this, OTP linked to Aadhaar number will also be required for online Tatkal booking from July 15. The purpose of these changes is to bring transparency in ticket booking and to stop the arbitrariness of brokers or fake agents.
Understand the new rules of Tatkal ticket booking in 10 questions and answers…
Question 1. Why have the rules for Tatkal ticket booking been introduced?
Answer: Many times it was seen that Tatkal tickets were sold within a few minutes as soon as they started, because brokers and fake agents used to book tickets through software or wrong methods. This made it difficult for common passengers to get tickets.
The purpose of the new rules is that only real passengers get the opportunity to book tickets and stop fraud. Aadhaar verification will ensure that the ticket is being booked by the one whose Aadhaar number is registered. Agents will not be allowed to book tickets for both AC and non-AC classes for the first 30 minutes.
Question 2. How will Aadhaar authentication work?
Answer: If you are booking Tatkal tickets from IRCTC website or app, you will first have to link your Aadhaar number to your IRCTC account.
When you go to book a ticket, an OTP will come on your registered mobile number. Your booking will be confirmed only after entering this OTP. The same process will happen at the counter, where you will have to give Aadhaar number and verify the OTP.
Question 3. If I do not have an Aadhaar card, will I not be able to book a Tatkal ticket?
Answer: Currently, Aadhaar authentication is necessary as per the new rules. If you do not have an Aadhaar card, it may be difficult to book a Tatkal ticket. No other way to book tickets without Aadhaar has been mentioned in the information given by the Railways.
Question 4. Why are agents barred from booking for the first 30 minutes?
Answer: Tatkal ticket booking starts in the morning – 10 am for AC and 11 am for non-AC. Earlier it was seen that agents used to book most of the tickets in these initial minutes, due to which common people missed it. Now only common passengers will be able to book tickets for the first 30 minutes. This will increase the chances of common people getting tickets.
Question 5. What is the change for those who book tickets from the counter?
Answer: If you book Tatkal tickets from the counter of the railway station, then from July 15, 2025, you will have to provide Aadhaar number. Your Aadhaar verification at the counter will be done through OTP. That is, your mobile number should be linked to Aadhaar, so that OTP can come. Even if you are booking a ticket for someone else, that passenger’s Aadhaar number and OTP will be required.
Question 6. Are these rules only for Tatkal tickets?
Answer: Yes, these rules are only for Tatkal ticket booking. Aadhaar authentication is not required for general tickets or waiting list tickets.
Question 7. What if I book a ticket through an agent?
Answer: Agents will not be able to book Tatkal tickets for the first 30 minutes. Even after that, if an agent books a ticket, he will also have to do Aadhaar and OTP verification.
Question 8. What if I face any problem?
Answer: If you have any problem in booking a ticket, like OTP not coming or Aadhaar not linked, then you can call IRCTC helpline (139). If you want, you can also ask for help at the ticket counter of the nearest railway station. If there is a problem related to Aadhaar, contact UIDAI’s helpline (1947).
Question 9. Do I need to link Aadhaar to my IRCTC account?
Answer: Yes, if you want to book tatkal tickets online, then it is necessary to link Aadhaar number to your IRCTC account. You can add Aadhaar details by logging in to IRCTC website or app and going to “My Profile” section. Make sure that your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, otherwise OTP will not come.
Question 10. Will these rules be applicable all over India?
Answer: Yes, these rules will be applicable in all railway zones across India, where tatkal ticket facility is available. Whether you book a ticket from Delhi to Mumbai or Kolkata to Chennai, Aadhaar authentication will be required everywhere.
