New Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules: If you’re someone who often books Tatkal train tickets, then big changes are coming your way. Starting July 2025, Indian Railways will change how Tatkal tickets are booked, both online and at the counter. From Aadhaar OTP verification to restrictions on agents, everything is being set up to make the booking system more fair and transparent.
New Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules
- Aadhaar linking and OTP will become compulsory for booking Tatkal tickets.
- Agents will be stopped from booking tickets in the first 30 minutes of Tatkal windows.
- These changes aim to reduce misuse and improve fairness for regular passengers.
Aadhaar Now a Must for Online Tatkal Tickets
From 1st July 2025, if you want to book a Tatkal ticket online through the IRCTC website or app, you must link your Aadhaar number to your IRCTC account. Not just that, from 15th July, every booking will also need OTP verification to confirm your identity.
OTP Also Needed at Counters and for Agents
Even if you book from a physical PRS counter or through an authorised agent, you’ll need to complete an Aadhaar-based OTP verification process starting 15th July. This means your mobile number must be linked and active to get the OTP during booking.
Big Blow for Agents: Booking Time Restrictions
To ensure common passengers get a fair chance, the Railways is now restricting agents from booking tickets in the first half-hour of Tatkal window openings:
- AC Classes: Agents can’t book from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
- Non-AC Classes: Agents can’t book from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
This move comes as a welcome relief for many, especially those who constantly miss Tatkal tickets due to quick bookings by agents.
Why This Change Matters for You
These new rules will bring more security and equal opportunity. With Aadhaar and OTP verification, the misuse of user IDs and bulk booking by agents can be controlled. This means you have better chances of getting a Tatkal ticket when you really need one—whether for emergencies, last-minute trips, or urgent work.
How to Book Tatkal Tickets in IRCTC
- Log in at www.irctc.co.in.
- Fill in journey details and select Tatkal from the quota list.
- Choose your train and class, click on “Book Now”.
- Fill in passenger details, preferences, and mobile number.
- Enter the verification code and proceed to payment.
- After payment, you’ll receive SMS confirmation on your phone.
Important Dates for New Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules (Effective July 2025)
- July 1, 2025: Aadhaar card linking becomes mandatory for all online Tatkal bookings on the IRCTC website and mobile app.
- July 15, 2025: OTP-based Aadhaar authentication required for booking Tatkal tickets at PRS counters and through authorised railway agents.
- July 15, 2025: Tatkal booking restrictions for agents begin; agents cannot book AC class tickets between 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM and non-AC tickets between 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
These new Tatkal rules show that Indian Railways is taking real steps to make train ticket booking more secure, fair, and user-friendly. So, if you haven’t already, link your Aadhaar to your IRCTC account and get ready to book smarter, not harder. These changes might seem small, but they can make a big difference for everyday passengers.
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FAQs
From when is Aadhaar needed for Tatkal booking?
From 1st July 2025, for online bookings. OTP verification starts from 15th July.
Can agents still book Tatkal tickets?
Yes, but not in the first 30 minutes of the booking window.
Is OTP required even at counters?
Yes, from 15th July 2025, at counters and for agent bookings too.
How to link Aadhaar in IRCTC?
Log in to IRCTC → Go to ‘My Profile’ → Update Aadhaar details → Verify using OTP.
Will this new rule make Tatkal booking easier?
Yes, it will give regular users a better chance by reducing misuse from agents.
