Tatkal Ticket Rules Overhauled: OTP Verification Now Mandatory for All Bookings from December 6
The Indian Railways has rolled out a major change in the Tatkal ticket booking system, introducing mandatory OTP-based authentication across all booking platforms. Starting 6 December 2025, passengers will not be able to book Tatkal tickets without verifying their mobile number through a one-time password. This new rule applies universally — whether the booking is done via PRS counters, authorised agents, or the IRCTC website and mobile app.
According to the Railways, this system has been designed to curb fake reservations, bulk misuse by agents and fraudulent bookings that often deprive genuine travellers of Tatkal quota seats. With mobile OTP verification made compulsory, only real passengers using valid numbers will be able to complete the booking process.
Where Will the New OTP System Be Implemented First?
The Railways has announced that the OTP-based authentication will initially be introduced on Central Railway routes. In the first phase, the new rule will apply to 13 major trains, including premium services such as:
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Duronto Express
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Vande Bharat trains
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Rajdhani Express
These trains typically see massive demand during Tatkal hours, making them highly vulnerable to misuse. By starting the new system here, the Railways aims to test the mechanism and ensure smooth implementation before rolling it out nationwide.
Why has Indian Railways Introduced OTP Verification?
For years, Tatkal booking has been plagued by several issues—fake IDs, bots used by unscrupulous agents, mass blocking of seats, and resale of tickets at inflated prices. These malpractices not only cause financial loss to the Railways but also leave thousands of passengers struggling for last-minute tickets.
The new OTP verification system aims to solve all of these problems by:
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Ensuring that each booking is linked to a valid, active mobile number
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Preventing bots and automated scripts from generating bulk bookings
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Increasing transparency and fairness in the reservation process
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Providing a digital audit trail for security and accountability
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Helping Railways identify genuine passengers more accurately
The system is part of the Railways’ broader strategy to strengthen digital security and improve the customer experience.
How Will the New Tatkal Booking Process Work?
Here’s what passengers can expect when they try to book a Tatkal ticket under the revamped system:
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Visit the IRCTC website/app, authorised agent, or PRS counter
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Enter passenger details and proceed to book a Tatkal ticket
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Provide a valid mobile number during the process
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An OTP will be sent to the entered number
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Ticket will be issued only after OTP verification
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If the OTP is incorrect or not verified, the booking will fail
This makes the mobile number the most critical part of the entire transaction.
Why Is This Change Considered a Game-Changer?
The introduction of OTP verification is expected to drastically reduce system manipulation. Key benefits include:
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Fair access to Tatkal quota for genuine travellers
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Reduced misuse by agents using bulk auto-booking tools
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Improved system transparency
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Enhanced digital security for passengers
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More accurate passenger records
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A smoother, more reliable booking experience
Railways officials believe this single change has the potential to redefine Tatkal booking altogether.
Will This Make Tatkal Booking Difficult?
On the contrary, Railways says the new mechanism will actually make the process more passenger-friendly. While verifying the OTP adds one additional step, it ensures:
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Bookings happen only through valid users
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Lower chances of ticket fraud
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Faster response from the system due to reduced bot load
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A safer digital environment for transactions
Passengers need only ensure that their mobile number is active and working at the time of booking.
Part of Indian Railways’ Digital Transformation
This move is aligned with the government’s ongoing push for smarter, secure and technology-driven public services. With rising digital adoption, the Railways is focused on improving safety, tightening security and delivering a modern booking experience.
The new OTP system has the potential to completely transform how India books Tatkal tickets—making it more secure, more transparent and more accessible to millions of travellers.
