Train ticket booking rules will change from October 1, now Aadhaar verification is necessary even for general reservation..

Train Ticket Booking Online: If you are thinking of traveling by train during festivals like Chhath or Diwali, then it is important to know about the changes in the rules of ticket booking. Last month, Indian Railways made a big change in the Tatkal ticket booking rules. Under which it has been made mandatory to link the IRCTC account with Aadhaar. Now, to book a Tatkal ticket on IRCTC, it is necessary to have an Aadhaar number linked to your account.

Is Aadhaar verification necessary for the general reservation also?

After this, the question arises in the minds of the passengers whether the Aadhar card will have to be shown to buy a general ticket from the counter. Also, is Aadhaar verification necessary for online general reservation from IRCTC? Railways have given a big update related to this. Another big change is going to happen in the rules of ticket booking from October 1. Let us tell you in detail ...

New rules for Tatkal ticket booking
The Railway Ministry has clearly said that from July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP verification has been made mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets. Now, whenever you book a ticket from the IRCTC app or website, an OTP will come to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar (Aadhaar verification IRCTC). Ticket booking will not be possible without entering the OTP.

That is, you will get the ticket only when you enter the OTP received on the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. This step has been taken to stop brokers and fake booking so that common passengers can get tickets easily.

Rules will also be applicable to general tickets from October 1

Many people are confused about whether they will have to show an Aadhaar card even for taking general tickets. Let us tell you that for those who are thinking of booking general tickets from the IRCTC website or app, the rules for ticket booking will also change from October 1. Now, e-Aadhaar verification will be mandatory in general reservations as well, and only users linked to Aadhaar will be able to take general tickets for 15 minutes before the reservation window opens.

Railways have made it clear that those taking general tickets from the window at the station will not need any identity card. Passengers can easily buy general tickets from the window at the station as before.

Agents will not be able to book tickets for the first 10 minutes.

Another special change has been made in the new system. Now, IRCTC agents will not be able to book tickets for the first 10 minutes of opening the Tatkal ticket booking window. Railways have clarified that only Aadhaar-linked users will be able to book tickets for the first 10 minutes of booking (IRCTC Tatkal Trains Booking).

AC class booking will be for passengers only from 10 am to 10:30 am, and non-AC ticket booking will be from 11 am to 11:30 am. This will increase the chances of common passengers getting tickets.

Aadhaar will have to be linked to the IRCTC account.

Passengers who book tickets online will have to link their IRCTC account with Aadhaar (IRCTC Aadhaar link). For this, log in to the Rail Connect app or website, go to the My Account section, and do authentication. After entering the Aadhaar number and verifying with the OTP received on the mobile, your profile will be linked to Aadhaar, and you will be able to easily book Tatkal tickets (IRCTC Tatkal Booking Time).

Keep these things in mind while booking train tickets.
Now, even for general tickets, your Aadhaar card should be linked to your IRCTC account. Also, if you want to book Tatkal tickets, then Aadhaar linking and OTP verification (Aadhaar verification IRCTC) is mandatory in advance. During festivals when the crowd increases, this rule will prove useful for you because it will stop fake booking and provide relief to the common passenger. Next time when you go to book a train ticket, remember this new rule. This will not cause any problem in your journey.

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