New Tatkal Booking Rules 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Indian Railways has introduced new Tatkal booking rules starting July 1, 2025, to make the system more transparent and fair for passengers. These changes aim to reduce misuse, prevent fraud, and ensure that genuine travellers get a fair chance to book tickets.

If you frequently book Tatkal tickets, understanding these updates is crucial to avoiding last-minute travel hassles. In this article, we will break down all the new rules, explain their impact, and provide tips for smooth Tatkal bookings.

1. Aadhaar Authentication for Online Booking

From July 1, 2025, passengers booking Tatkal tickets online through the IRCTC website or mobile app must have their Aadhaar linked to their IRCTC account. This is being introduced to stop fraudulent bookings made by unauthorised agents and middlemen. Here’s what it means for you:

• If your Aadhaar is not linked, you cannot book Tatkal tickets online.
• You need to verify your Aadhaar before booking.
• The verification process will involve an OTP-based authentication using the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.

Starting July 15, 2025, an extra layer of security will be added—Aadhaar authentication via OTP during the booking process itself. This means that each time you book a Tatkal ticket, you will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number, which you must enter to confirm your booking.

This security measure ensures that only genuine users can book tickets, preventing fraud and unauthorised bookings.

2. OTP Verification for Offline Bookings

Even if you book Tatkal tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or through authorized railway agents, you will need OTP verification.

How does this work?

• The OTP will be sent to the mobile number of the passenger booking the ticket.
• This OTP must be provided at the ticket counter to confirm the booking.
• Without OTP verification, the booking will not be processed.

This step ensures that tickets are booked by actual passengers rather than being bulk-booked by middlemen or scalpers.

3. Restrictions on Travel Agents

Indian Railways has imposed stricter booking time restrictions on travel agents to prevent unfair bulk bookings.

Under the new rule:

• For AC classes, Agents cannot book tickets between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
• For non-AC classes, Agents cannot book tickets between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

This means that individual passengers will get priority access to Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of booking, improving fair access to seats.

4. How to Link Aadhaar to Your IRCTC Account

If you haven’t linked your Aadhaar yet, here’s how you can do it:

Step-by-step process to link Aadhaar:

1. Log in to the IRCTC website using your username and password.
2. Go to ‘My Account’ and click on ‘Authenticate User’.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number and click ‘Verify details and receive OTP’.
4. Enter the OTP, check the consent form, and click ‘Submit’.
5. Once verified, your Aadhaar will be successfully linked to your IRCTC account.

Make sure your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, as the OTP will be sent to that number.

5. Tatkal Booking Timings

Tatkal tickets can be booked one day before the journey. The booking timings remain unchanged:

• AC classes: Booking starts at 10:00 AM.
• Non-AC classes: Booking starts at 11:00 AM.

Since Tatkal tickets sell out fast, make sure to log in on time and complete your booking within minutes.

6. Impact on Passengers

These new rules will help:

• Reduce fraud and misuse of Tatkal tickets.
• Ensure fair access for genuine travellers.
• Prevent bulk booking by unauthorised agents.
• Make the system more secure with Aadhaar authentication.

However, passengers who haven’t linked their Aadhaar may face difficulties in booking Tatkal tickets. So, it’s important to update your IRCTC profile before July 1, 2025, to avoid booking issues.

7. Tips for Hassle-Free Tatkal Booking

Tatkal bookings are highly competitive due to limited availability, so here are some expert tips to improve your chances of securing a ticket:

Online Booking Tips:

1. Log in in advance: Log in to your IRCTC account 5–10 minutes before Tatkal booking starts.
2. Keep passenger details ready: Save passenger names, ages, and Aadhaar numbers in your IRCTC account to avoid delays.
3. Use fast internet: A stable and fast internet connection improves the chances of booking successfully.
4. Opt for multiple payment options: Have a backup payment method ready in case your primary option fails.

Offline Booking Tips:

1. Reach the reservation counter early: Arriving at least 30 minutes before booking opens gives you a better chance.
2. Keep Aadhaar-registered mobile handy: You need OTP verification for booking, so have your mobile ready.
3. Choose less crowded routes: Popular routes fill up fast, but alternative routes may have better availability.

Final Thoughts

The new Tatkal booking rules aim to make the system fairer and more secure. If you frequently book Tatkal tickets, make sure to link your Aadhaar, keep your registered mobile number active, and book on time to avoid any issues.

By following these guidelines, you can maximise your chances of securing a Tatkal ticket and ensure a smooth booking experience.

What do you think about these new rules? Will they improve Tatkal bookings? Let’s discuss!