Tatkal Ticket Booking New Rules: Only Aadhaar Authenticated Users Can Book Tatkal Train Tickets From July 1, Agents Won’t Be Allowed During First 30 Minutes, Announces Railway Ministry
With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users," the ministry said.
New Delhi, June 11: From July 1, 2025, onwards, the Railway Ministry announced that only Aadhar-authenticated users will be able to book tickets under the Tatkal scheme. In a circular dated June 10, 2025, the ministry informed all zones that this decision was made "to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal Scheme are received by the common end users."
"With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users," the ministry said.
Subsequently, from July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will also be compulsory for Tatkal bookings. Indian Railways To Use E-Aadhaar for Tatkal Ticket Bookings, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw.
"Tatkal tickets shall be available for booking through computerized PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters of Indian Railways/authorized agents only after authentication of a system-generated OTP, which shall be sent through the system on the mobile number furnished by the users at the time of booking. This shall also be implemented by 15/07/2025," the circular further stated. How To Link Aadhaar With IRCTC Account? Step-by-Step Guide Here As Indian Railways To Mandate e-Aadhaar Authentication for Tatkal Train Ticket Bookings.
The circular also specified that authorised ticketing agents of the Indian Railways will not be permitted to book Tatkal tickets for the opening day during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal booking window. Specifically, they will be restricted from booking Tatkal tickets for air-conditioned classes from 10.00 am to 10.30 am and for non-air-conditioned classes from 11.00 am to 11.30 am.
The ministry has directed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC to modify the system and communicate these changes to all zonal railways. Furthermore, the circular assures that these modifications will be widely publicised through all available means to inform the general public.