IRCTC Issues New Rules: 3 Big Ticket Booking Changes You Must Know

Booking Tatkal tickets on IRCTC is about to change in a big way. The Railways has introduced three major rules aimed at curbing black marketing and making the system more transparent and user-friendly. If you frequently book last-minute tickets, here’s everything you need to know.

Aadhaar OTP Now Mandatory for Tatkal Tickets

Starting July 1, passengers will need Aadhaar-verified OTP authentication to book Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website or app. This new rule aims to prevent misuse of bulk bookings and ensure that genuine users get a fair chance. The Railway Ministry confirmed the change and said it will help crack down on ticket black marketing.

Full Aadhaar Verification from 2025

Moving ahead, Railways plans to tighten the system even more. From 2025, only users with full Aadhaar verification will be allowed to book any IRCTC ticket. And from July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP will become compulsory for all instant (Tatkal) bookings. This means every passenger’s identity will be fully authenticated before booking.

Tatkal Agents Face Big Restrictions

Ticket agents are also affected by the new rules. Agents will no longer be able to book Tatkal tickets during peak booking slots:

• AC class: 10:00 am to 10:30 am
• Non-AC class: 11:00 am to 11:30 am

This step has been taken to give regular passengers an unhindered chance to secure tickets during high-demand hours.

Ticket Confirmation 24 Hours Earlier?

At present, the final chart is prepared 4 hours before the train departs. But Railways is now testing a system that will prepare the chart 24 hours in advance. If implemented, passengers will know a full day earlier whether their ticket is confirmed or still on the waiting list, making travel planning much easier.

Tatkal Booking Timings

If you're planning a last-minute trip, these timings matter:

• AC Tatkal booking: Starts at 10:00 am daily
• Sleeper Tatkal booking: Starts at 11:00 am daily
• Being on time, and logged in correctly, makes all the difference.

When Should You Log In?

To increase your chances:

• Log in 3-5 minutes before Tatkal booking begins.
• Avoid logging in 10-15 minutes early, as your session may expire right when the booking window opens.
• A small timing mistake can cost you a Tatkal seat!

Create a Master List for Faster Booking

Before the booking rush, prepare a Master List on the IRCTC website. This lets you store passenger details in advance, so you don’t have to enter them during Tatkal booking. It saves precious seconds, and in Tatkal, every second counts.

With Aadhaar verification, restricted agent access, and possible early charting, IRCTC is tightening its rules to make Tatkal booking smoother and more transparent. If you’re someone who banks on last-minute travel, stay updated, be prepared, and ensure your Aadhaar details are verified well before July 1.