Tatkal Ticket Booking: Didn't get a confirmed ticket to travel home for Diwali? Here’s how to book via Tatkal..

Are you planning to head home for Diwali or Chhath Puja but struggling to secure a confirmed train ticket? Demand for train seats surges significantly during the festive season. In such cases, a 'Tatkal' (urgent/immediate) ticket can be a viable option. However, it is crucial to book at the right time and have all necessary information ready in advance.

Indian Railways (IRCTC) offers a limited number of seats under the 'Tatkal' quota. Booking for these tickets opens one day before the date of travel. If you are planning to travel by train this festive season, here is everything you need to know about the right time to book a Tatkal ticket, the online booking process, and the relevant rules.

What is the timing for Tatkal ticket booking?
Tatkal ticket booking opens one day prior to the date the train departs from its originating station. The booking start times differ for AC and non-AC classes:

AC Class: From 10:00 AM
Sleeper and other non-AC classes: From 11:00 AM
For example, if your train is scheduled to depart from its originating station on October 29, the Tatkal quota booking will open on October 28. Please note that this date is determined based on the train's departure from its originating station, not necessarily based on the date you board the train.

How to book a Tatkal ticket via IRCTC
If you wish to book a Tatkal ticket online, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your account on the IRCTC website or mobile app.
2. Have your travel date, origin and destination stations, and preferred train details ready.
3. Select the train and the class of travel. Then, choose 'Tatkal' under the 'Quota' option.
4. Check seat availability and click on the booking option.
5. Enter the passengers' names, ages, and other required details. 6. Complete the payment by selecting one of the available payment options.
7. Once the ticket is booked, be sure to check the PNR number and the status of your ticket.

During festive seasons, seats can fill up rapidly; therefore, it is advisable to log in before bookings open and have the passengers' details ready.

Aadhaar is mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets.
Aadhaar authentication is required to book Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website or app. The Railways has also imposed restrictions on authorized agents, prohibiting them from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. Agents cannot book Tatkal tickets for AC classes between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM, and for non-AC classes between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

Know these rules before booking a Tatkal ticket.
Keep the following important points in mind when booking a Tatkal ticket:

A maximum of four passengers can be booked on a single PNR for an online Tatkal e-ticket.

In addition to the regular train fare, a Tatkal charge is applicable, which varies depending on the class of travel.

Generally, no refund is provided if a confirmed Tatkal ticket is cancelled.
The Tatkal quota may not be available for certain trains, classes, or routes.

Even if you book on time, there is no guarantee of securing a seat, as the number of seats under the Tatkal quota is limited.