Tatkal Scheme: Aadhaar-Based OTP Authentication Will Be Mandatory From July 15, 2025, To Enhance Security & Convenience For Travelers

Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets from July 1, 2025, according to a recent Railway Ministry announcement.

The ministry informed all zones in a circular dated June 10,2025, that this decision was made "to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal Scheme are received by the common end users."

From July 15,2025, onwards, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will also be mandatory.

Tickets under the Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, its app only by Aadhaar-authenticated users, according to the ministry. It will come into effect from 01-07-2025.

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation have asked users to link and authenticate their Aadhaar card with their IRCTC accounts. This will streamline the ticket booking process. Security and convenience for travellers will be enhanced.

To link an Aadhaar Number to an IRCTC Account:

1. Visit the official IRCTC portal.

2. Log in using your credentials.

3. Click "Link Aadhaar" under the "profile tab."

4. Enter your name as it appears on your Aadhaar card and enter your Aadhaar number.

5. Check the box and click 'Send OTP'.

6. Enter the OTP sent to your registered phone number and click 'Verify OTP'.

7. KYC details will be fetched from Aadhaar. Click 'Update' to complete the verification.

A pop-up message will confirm successful Aadhaar verification and KYC details update.

To authenticate Aadhaar in the IRCTC Account:

Visit the official IRCTC website or App and log in using account credentials. Go to 'My Account' and select 'Authenticate User'. Enter PAN Card Number, Aashaar number or Virtual ID. Click on 'Verify Details'. Enter the one-time password received on the Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Check the consent checkbox and click 'Submit' to authenticate.

It is important to ensure one's mobile number is updated with Aadhaar, as OTPs will be sent to this number. One needs to update if necessary through UIDAI. For faster Tatkal bookings and to avoid delays, one needs to have one's Aadhaar linkage and IRCTC login credentials ready in advance.

If the authentication fails, double-check the details entered and try again. Under the "Authenticate User" link in the "My Account" section, the authentication status can be verified.

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