IRCTC Brings Big Changes to Tatkal Ticket Booking: What You Need to Know

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Starting July 2025, IRCTC is implementing several new rules for Tatkal ticket bookings to make the system more secure, fair, and user-friendly. These updates aim to curb misuse and make the booking process smoother for genuine passengers.


IRCTC Brings Big Changes to Tatkal Ticket Booking
IRCTC Brings Big Changes to Tatkal Ticket Booking


Key Changes You Must Know

1. Aadhaar Mandatory for Online Tatkal Booking
From July 1, passengers must have their IRCTC account linked with their Aadhaar number to book Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app. This rule is designed to stop the misuse of multiple fake accounts and improve passenger verification.

2. OTP-Based Booking Verification
Beginning July 15, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number at the time of Tatkal booking. This will apply to online bookings, PRS counters, and even bookings done through agents.

3. Booking Time Restriction for Agents
To give regular passengers a better chance, IRCTC is banning agents from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window:

  • AC coaches: Agents can’t book between 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

  • Non-AC coaches: Agents can’t book between 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

4. Anti-Bot Measures and Tech Improvements
The platform is being upgraded with AI and anti-bot systems to prevent automated or unfair bookings. Over 2.5 crore fake accounts have already been deactivated to clean up the system.

5. Early Chart Preparation
Another helpful change is that the passenger reservation chart will now be prepared 8 hours before train departure, giving better clarity on seat confirmations and waitlists.

Why These Rules Matter

These steps aim to stop ticket black-marketing, reduce unfair agent activity, and make sure that genuine passengers get a fair opportunity to book Tatkal tickets without hassle. It’s a shift towards more transparency and trust in the Indian Railways booking system.

How to Be Ready

  • Make sure your IRCTC account is Aadhaar-verified.

  • Add passengers to the master list only if their Aadhaar is linked.

  • Keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number handy for OTP entry.

  • Prefer booking directly via IRCTC rather than through agents, especially during restricted timings.

Final Thoughts

These new rules are a positive step to ensure fairness and security in one of the most in-demand booking categories of Indian Railways. With Aadhaar verification and limited agent access, the Tatkal system is set to become faster, more transparent, and more reliable.

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