From October 1, Aadhaar Linking Becomes Mandatory for IRCTC Online Train Ticket Booking
Starting October 1, 2025, the Indian Railways has announced a significant change in its online ticket booking system. Passengers booking general reservation tickets on the IRCTC website or mobile app will now be required to complete Aadhaar authentication during the first 15 minutes of the booking window.
This new rule aims to ensure that tickets are booked only by genuine passengers, maintaining fairness and transparency in the reservation system.
Aadhaar Linking Mandatory for Early Online Booking
Under the new policy, passengers whose IRCTC accounts are not linked with Aadhaar will not be able to book tickets in the initial 15-minute window after bookings open. However, ticket bookings at railway counters will continue as usual without any Aadhaar requirement.
The Ministry of Railways clarified that this move will help prevent ticket hoarding and black-marketing, ensuring a greater chance of confirmed tickets for ordinary passengers.
How to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC Account
Passengers are advised to complete their Aadhaar linking process before October 1 to avoid last-minute issues. The process is simple:
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Log in to your IRCTC account through the website or mobile app.
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Go to the “My Account” section.
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Select the option “Link Your Aadhaar.”
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Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
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Authenticate the process via OTP sent to the registered mobile number.
Once successfully verified, the Aadhaar number will be permanently linked to the IRCTC account, allowing hassle-free ticket bookings within the new rules.
Why Indian Railways Introduced This Rule
According to the Railway Ministry, the decision was made to:
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Curb black marketing of tickets by unauthorized agents.
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Improve transparency in the online booking process.
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Ensure genuine passengers get fair access to confirmed tickets.
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Enhance security in the digital booking system.
The ministry emphasized that the step is in line with the government’s broader vision of integrating Aadhaar authentication to improve efficiency and accountability in public services.
Impact on Tatkal and Counter Bookings
It is important to note that this Aadhaar rule applies only to general ticket bookings made online. Tatkal bookings already have Aadhaar-based verification in place, so no new changes will apply there.
For passengers booking tickets at physical railway counters, the process remains unchanged. They can continue purchasing tickets as before, without the Aadhaar requirement.
Experts’ Take on the New System
Industry experts believe that the new Aadhaar-based authentication will make the IRCTC booking system more secure, reliable, and user-friendly. By discouraging fraudulent bookings and automated hoarding, the change is expected to benefit genuine passengers, especially during high-demand seasons.
Travel analysts also suggest that this move may reduce the growing problem of bulk ticket purchases made through software tools and later sold at inflated prices in the black market.
Advice for Passengers
With just days left before the new rule comes into effect, passengers are strongly advised to link their Aadhaar numbers with their IRCTC accounts at the earliest. Failing to do so may result in difficulties while booking tickets, particularly in the crucial first 15 minutes when most seats get reserved.
Key Takeaway
The Indian Railways is tightening its booking system to bring more fairness, transparency, and security for passengers. From October 1, linking Aadhaar with your IRCTC account will no longer be optional—it will be essential for early access to online general ticket bookings.
By taking this step, the railways aim to curb ticket misuse and ensure that genuine passengers get a better chance at confirmed seats.
