Indian Railways BIG update: How to book Tatkal ticket? IRCTC introduces new rules, passengers can now book ticket via…

New Delhi: Are you a frequent train traveller? If yes, then we have an important update for you. The Indian Railways has made the Aadhaar-based OTP authentication mandatory for all Tatkal ticket bookings. The new rule promises to curb misuse of Tatkal train ticket bookings and enhance ease of booking for general passengers from July 15, 2025. It is important to note that if the passengers are booking train tickets online via IRCTC or offline via Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and authorised agents, Aadhaar OTP verification will now be an essential step in the process.

Tatkal tickets can be booked one day prior to the train’s departure date, excluding the journey date. Tatkal train tickets for AC classes such as 1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC) can be booked from 10:00 AM on the day before the journey. For non-AC classes (like Sleeper and Second Sitting), tatkal bookings open at 11:00 AM on the same day.

Aadhaar-based OTP authentication:

From July 15, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become mandatory for Tatkal bookings. Passengers, who will be booking tatkal ticket, will need to enter a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to the mobile number linked with their Aadhaar during the booking process.

How to Book a Tatkal Ticket from the IRCTC Portal?

For the convenience of the passengers, we have mentioned the steps via which passengers can book the ticket

Step 1: Go to the IRCTC website (https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search).

Step 2: Enter your username and password to complete the login process.

Step 3: Enter the departure and destination stations, travel date, and class of travel.

Step 4: In the quota dropdown, select the “Tatkal” option.

Step 5: On the next page, you’ll see a list of available trains for the selected route.

Step 6: Click on the class type available in the selected train.

Step 7: To book a Tatkal ticket in the selected train, click on the ‘Book Now’ button.

Step 8: Now fill in all the details, including the names of the passengers.

Step 9: Enter the verification code.

Step 10: Enter the passenger’s mobile number to receive free SMS alerts for booking and cancellation.

Step 11: Click the Continue button.

Step 12: Review all the details, complete the payment process, and click Continue again.

Step 13: Click on the ‘Make Payment and Book’ button.

Starting July 1, 2025, only Aadhaar authenticated users will be allowed to book Tatkal Train Tickets on the IRCTC Website and Mobile Apps. If your user profile is not Aadhaar authenticated on the IRCTC app, then you will not be able to book tatkal train tickets.

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