No tatkal booking without this! Link your Aadhaar Card with IRCTC account: Here’s step by step guide

If you are a frequent traveller and book tickets very frequently, then this Indian Railway update is for you. From July 1st, only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be able to book Tatkal tickets on IRCTC’s official website/app. The Railway Ministry has recently announced that it has made some crucial modifications to the Tatkal ticket booking system in order to ensure fair access to Tatkal tickets and safeguard the interests of genuine passengers.

Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for Online Tatkal Bookings

The new norms will be implemented from July 1st 2025. Users who want to book Tatkal tickets from IRCTC’s official website and mobile app should be authenticated with Aadhar or else they will not be able to book the Tatkal tickets. From July first Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become necessary for online Tatkal ticket booking starting from July 15th.

Aadhaar Link To IRCTC

The Indian Railways Ministry advises passengers to update their IRCTC accounts by linking them to Aadhaar to prevent future difficulties resulting from upcoming changes.

Here’s how to link Aadhaar with IRCTC For Tatkal Booking

  • Visit the IRCTC’s official website.
  • Log in with your ID and Password.
  • Visit the official website and click on ‘My Account’ and click on ‘Authenticate User’.
  • When asked to enter Aadhaar number or Virtual ID details.
  • Search and click on the ‘Verify details and receive OTP’ option.
  • OTP will be sent to the registered mobile phone.
  • Enter the OTP, check the form, and click on ‘Submit’.

System-Based OTP Authentication at PRS Counters and Agents

Starting July 15, 2025, all Tatkal train tickets purchased at computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or through authorised agents will require an OTP verification sent to the registered mobile number.

Booking Time Restriction for Authorised Agents

In order to curb bulk bookings during the peak hours, authorised ticketing agents will not be allowed to book opening-day Tatkal tickets for the first 30 minutes.

Indian Railways Tatkal Bulk Booking

To enhance transparency and ensure Tatkal booking benefits reach intended users, a temporary restriction on bookings will be in place. This restriction applies to AC classes between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM, and to non-AC classes between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

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