IRCTC : It is not easy to book Tatkal tickets on IRCTC’s app because all the tickets are booked in less than half an hour after the window opens. The biggest reason for this is that there are a lot of fake bookings.
Now new rules have been made to stop fake bookings and make the system transparent. Now it will be mandatory to authenticate through Aadhaar while booking Tatkal tickets. This rule can be implemented by the end of June 2025. This rule will be applicable to all users booking Tatkal tickets through IRCTC portal.
Why make new rules?
Indian Railways has prepared to make e-Aadhaar Authentication mandatory in Tatkal ticket booking to increase transparency in ticketing and prevent fake booking. This new rule Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said on 3 June 2025 that Aadhaar authentication will now be made mandatory in Tatkal ticket booking so that only genuine passengers can get confirmed tickets.
What is Aadhaar Authentication?
Aadhaar Authentication means that when you submit your Aadhaar number and related information (such as name, date of birth, gender or biometric details) on the UIDAI site, it is checked whether the information given is correct or not. This ensures that the person booking the ticket is genuine.
How to book Tatkal ticket from IRCTC portal?
Login to IRCTC website (irctc.co.in).
Select travel date, station (From – To) and class.
Select Tatkal option in Quota.
Select any train and class from the train list.
Click on the Book Now button.
Enter passenger’s name, age, gender, seat preference, and mobile number.
Enter the captcha code and click on Continue.
Fare, tax and seat availability will be displayed on the screen.
Click on Continue and go to the payment page.
Select payment option (Net banking, Card, UPI etc.).
Book tickets by clicking on Pay & Book.
After booking, information regarding ticket confirmation is received through SMS.
Important questions (FAQs) related to Tatkal ticket booking
What is the Tatkal ticket booking time?
For AC class: 10:00 am
For Non-AC class: 11:00 am
Booking is done one day before the journey date (e.g. if journey is on 5th, then Tatkal booking will open on 4th).
Can Tatkal booking be done two days before the journey?
No, Tatkal booking can be done only one day in advance.
How many passengers can be added in one Tatkal ticket?
Maximum 4 passengers can be added in one booking (PNR).
Do senior citizens get exemption in Tatkal?
No, no kind of concession is given in Tatkal quota, whether the person is a senior citizen or anyone else.
What are the various modes of payment for Tatkal ticket?
Net Banking
Credit/Debit Cards
IRCTC e-wallet
UPI
Wallets like Paytm, Amazon Pay
Why is the new Aadhaar rule necessary?
There is a huge demand for IRCTC Tatkal tickets and some people book tickets in the wrong manner. Due to this, common passengers are not able to get confirmed tickets. Aadhaar verification will ensure that the person booking the ticket is genuine and cannot book tickets again and again using a wrong ID.
If you plan to travel early and book Tatkal tickets, now you will get tickets only after linking them to Aadhaar. All passengers are advised to link their Aadhaar number to IRCTC account in advance, so that there is no problem at the time of booking.
