The rules for booking tickets from IRCTC have changed from today, now train tickets will not be booked without verification

IRCTC Ticket Booking Rules Updated: Aadhaar OTP Now Required for All Tatkal Tickets, Both Online and Offline

From July 15, 2025, the Indian Railways has implemented new rules for Tatkal ticket bookings, making Aadhaar-based OTP verification mandatory across all booking platforms—whether online via the IRCTC website or app, or offline through PRS counters and authorized agents. The changes are part of a broader initiative to curb misuse and improve transparency in the high-demand Tatkal quota system.

These new rules were officially announced by Indian Railways and are now in effect. Let’s take a detailed look at what’s changed, how it affects passengers, and what you need to do to book your Tatkal tickets successfully.

🔍 What’s the New Rule?

Under the new guidelines, no Tatkal train ticket will be booked without successful Aadhaar OTP verification. This applies to:

• Online bookings via the IRCTC website

• The IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app

• Offline bookings at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters

• Tickets booked through authorized railway agents

Passengers will need to enter the OTP sent to their Aadhaar-linked mobile number at the time of booking. Tickets will only be issued after successful OTP validation.

🔐 Why Aadhaar OTP is Now Required

This move is aimed at preventing fraudulent and bulk bookings, especially in Tatkal quotas that often sell out within minutes. The Aadhaar-based OTP verification helps ensure genuine, individual bookings and gives common travelers a fair chance to get Tatkal tickets.

🕘 Tatkal Booking Timings (No Change Here)

Although the verification rule is new, Tatkal booking timings remain the same:

• AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC):
  Booking opens one day before train departure at 10:00 AM

• Non-AC classes (SL, 2S):
  Booking opens one day before train departure at 11:00 AM

However, the process now requires verified IRCTC user accounts and mobile numbers linked to Aadhaar.

📲 How to Authenticate Aadhaar on IRCTC

To avoid last-minute issues during Tatkal bookings, IRCTC users are advised to complete Aadhaar authentication in advance:

Steps to Authenticate:

1. Log in to your IRCTC account on the website or app

2. Go to the ‘My Account’ section

3. Click on ‘Authenticate User’

4. Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number

5. Enter the OTP received to complete the process

Without Aadhaar authentication, your profile won’t be eligible to book Tatkal tickets online.

🏢 Offline Bookings Also Require OTP

The rule is not limited to online bookings. Passengers booking through PRS counters or agents must also provide:

• Their Aadhaar number

• The mobile number linked to Aadhaar

An OTP will be sent to this number, which must be entered by the booking clerk or agent for the ticket to be issued.

🧑‍💼 Time Restrictions on Agent Bookings

To prioritize individual travelers, Indian Railways has limited booking access for agents during key Tatkal hours:

• AC class tickets:
  Agents cannot book between 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

• Non-AC class tickets:
  Agents cannot book between 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

This ensures that general users get a head start before agents flood the system.

💸 Fare Hike from July 1 Also in Effect

As part of broader updates, Indian Railways had earlier implemented a fare hike effective from July 1, 2025, on several premium trains, including:

• Rajdhani

• Shatabdi

• Vande Bharat

• Tejas

• Duronto

• Humsafar

Fares have been revised based on distance and class of travel.

📊 Reservation Chart Now Prepared 8 Hours Before Departure

Another procedural change: Reservation charts will now be prepared 8 hours before train departure, instead of the earlier 4-hour window. For trains leaving before 2 PM, the chart will be prepared the night before at 9 PM.

🧾 Summary: Key Changes You Need to Know

🚆 Final Words

These updated IRCTC ticketing rules mark a significant shift in how Tatkal tickets are booked in India. With Aadhaar-based verification now essential, the process aims to reduce manipulation, streamline bookings, and ensure a more transparent and fair experience for passengers. If you haven’t authenticated your IRCTC account with Aadhaar yet, do it now to avoid inconvenience during future bookings.