IRCTC Tightens Tatkal Bookings With Aadhaar OTP from July 15—Step-by-Step Guide

IRCTC: Indian Railways has changed the rules of ticket booking. These rules of Indian Railways have come into effect from today 15 July 2025. This change has been made in Tatkal ticket booking. Now whether you book tickets online from IRCTC website or app or offline through PRS counter or agent, Aadhaar based OTP verification has now become mandatory. The purpose of this step is to prevent fraud in Tatkal ticket booking and make it easier for common passengers.

Now Aadhaar OTP verification is necessary for Tatkal ticket

Now whenever a passenger books a Tatkal train ticket, he will have to enter the OTP received on the mobile number linked to his Aadhaar card. Unless this OTP is successfully verified, the ticket will not be issued. This rule applies to all Tatkal bookings on the IRCTC website, IRCTC Rail Connect app, PRS counters and registered railway agents.

When and how are Tatkal tickets booked?

Tatkal tickets for AC class (1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC) can be booked from 10:00 am a day before the train departure. Tatkal tickets for Non-AC class (SL, 2S) can be booked from 11:00 am a day before the train departure.

Aadhaar OTP is also required for offline booking

Even if you are booking Tatkal ticket through offline PRS counter or any registered railway agent, it is necessary to provide Aadhaar OTP. At the time of booking, you will have to provide your Aadhaar number and mobile number linked to Aadhaar.

Aadhaar authentication is mandatory in IRCTC user profile

If you want to book Tatkal ticket on IRCTC app or website, then first authenticate your IRCTC profile with Aadhaar. If you do not do this, you will not be able to book Tatkal ticket.

How to do Aadhaar authentication

• Login to IRCTC website or app
• Go to the My Account section
• Click on Authenticate User
• Complete the process by doing OTP verification

There is also a time limit on agent booking

• Railways have also limited the booking time for authorised agents so that common people get tickets first.
• For AC class: Agents will not be able to book tickets between 10:00 am to 10:30 am.
• For Non-AC classes: Agents will not be able to make bookings between 11:00 am and 11:30 am.

Train fares have also increased from July 1

Railways has increased the fares of many special and premium trains from July 1, 2025. This includes trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Duronto, Humsafar. The new fare rates have been fixed according to distance and class.

Reservation chart will now be made 8 hours in advance

Another change made by the railways is that now the reservation chart will be prepared 8 hours before the departure of the train. If the train is leaving before 2 pm, then its chart will be prepared at 9 pm the day before. Earlier this chart was prepared only 4 hours in advance.

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