Aadhaar Card Linking: How To Verify Your IRCTC Account For Tatkal Ticket Booking From July
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Starting 1 July 2025, Indian Railways will implement a new Aadhaar-based verification process that will affect lakhs of passengers who rely on the Tatkal ticket booking system. As per the latest directive issued by the Ministry of Railways, passengers will no longer be able to book Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website or app without first completing Aadhaar authentication. This move aims to improve transparency, reduce ticket fraud, and enhance passenger convenience across the railway network.
Moreover, a second phase of this rollout will begin on 15 July 2025. From that date, Aadhaar-based OTP (One-Time Password) authentication will become a necessary step for finalising Tatkal ticket purchases. The OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to the Aadhaar provided during booking, making it crucial for users to ensure that their contact details are up-to-date.
Experts suggest that Aadhaar-based validation can act as a secure filter, reducing unauthorised bookings and ensuring fairer access to limited Tatkal tickets, which are often booked within minutes of availability. Additionally, the integration of digital identity checks is expected to streamline user management on the IRCTC platform and support the government’s push for secure, authenticated digital services.
While this change may initially inconvenience some users, particularly those unfamiliar with Aadhaar authentication processes, the long-term benefits include greater security, less misuse, and a smoother booking experience. Experts believe this could also help Indian Railways gather cleaner, authenticated user data to better plan services and respond to passenger needs.
With Aadhaar authentication becoming a core requirement for Tatkal bookings, passengers are urged to complete the verification process before July begins. Whether booking online or at counters, the rules will uniformly apply from mid-July, making this a critical period for users to align with the new norms. As Indian Railways digitises its services further, Aadhaar linkage is expected to play a central role in enhancing the safety and reliability of the ticketing system.
What Will Change from 1 July?
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will begin enforcing Aadhaar authentication as a mandatory step for all users attempting to book tickets under the Tatkal quota. Travellers will first need to ensure that their Aadhaar details are successfully linked and authenticated on the IRCTC portal. Without this verification, they will be unable to proceed with bookings through online platforms.Moreover, a second phase of this rollout will begin on 15 July 2025. From that date, Aadhaar-based OTP (One-Time Password) authentication will become a necessary step for finalising Tatkal ticket purchases. The OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to the Aadhaar provided during booking, making it crucial for users to ensure that their contact details are up-to-date.
Why Is the Change Being Made?
According to officials, this shift is part of a broader strategy to improve the integrity and efficiency of the ticketing system. In recent years, concerns about bulk bookings, impersonation, and misuse of Tatkal quotas have prompted Indian Railways to seek stronger verification mechanisms.Experts suggest that Aadhaar-based validation can act as a secure filter, reducing unauthorised bookings and ensuring fairer access to limited Tatkal tickets, which are often booked within minutes of availability. Additionally, the integration of digital identity checks is expected to streamline user management on the IRCTC platform and support the government’s push for secure, authenticated digital services.
How to Link and Authenticate Aadhaar on IRCTC
For passengers looking to continue using Tatkal services without disruption, completing Aadhaar authentication is now a priority. The process is straightforward and can be completed through the IRCTC website or mobile app. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help users navigate the process:- Login to IRCTC Account
Visit the IRCTC portal and sign in with your registered user ID and password. - Access User Profile
Go to the 'My Account' section and click on the ‘Authenticate User’ option. - Enter Aadhaar Details
The system will display your existing profile information. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or virtual ID. - OTP Verification
Click on the button to receive OTP. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. - Submit and Confirm
Enter the OTP, check the consent box to allow data sharing with UIDAI, and click on the ‘Submit’ button. - Check Status
A confirmation message will be shown upon successful authentication. In case of an error, recheck the details and retry the process.
Booking Through PRS Counters Also to Require OTP
Not just digital users, even those booking Tatkal tickets through computerised PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters or authorised agents will be subject to OTP verification from 15 July onwards. According to the railway circular, the system will generate and send an OTP to the mobile number provided at the time of booking. Only after this OTP is successfully entered will the ticket be confirmed.What This Means for Travellers
For frequent train passengers, especially those who depend on last-minute Tatkal tickets, this new rule means planning ahead is crucial. Ensuring that Aadhaar information is verified well in advance will prevent last-minute hurdles. The IRCTC system is already prompting users to update their Aadhaar linkage, and delays in doing so could result in being unable to book tickets during peak periods.While this change may initially inconvenience some users, particularly those unfamiliar with Aadhaar authentication processes, the long-term benefits include greater security, less misuse, and a smoother booking experience. Experts believe this could also help Indian Railways gather cleaner, authenticated user data to better plan services and respond to passenger needs.
With Aadhaar authentication becoming a core requirement for Tatkal bookings, passengers are urged to complete the verification process before July begins. Whether booking online or at counters, the rules will uniformly apply from mid-July, making this a critical period for users to align with the new norms. As Indian Railways digitises its services further, Aadhaar linkage is expected to play a central role in enhancing the safety and reliability of the ticketing system.
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