If you frequently travel by train and sometimes need to book Tatkal (urgent) tickets, there is important news for you. Starting from 1st July 2025 and 15th July 2025, the Indian Railways has changed the rules for booking Tatkal tickets, aiming to make the booking process more secure, transparent, and fair for passengers.
Many people often get confused with the complicated language used in official notices. That is why, in this article, we will explain all the new rules, their reasons, and what you need to do, so you can prepare yourself and book your Tatkal tickets without any last-minute stress.
What are the new rules for Tatkal booking?
1st July 2025 onwards
You will now need to link your Aadhaar card (India’s biometric ID) with your IRCTC account before booking a Tatkal ticket. If your Aadhaar is not linked with your IRCTC account, you will not be able to book Tatkal tickets.
15th July 2025 onwards
Along with Aadhaar, you will now need to verify an OTP (One-Time Password), which will be sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. This OTP verification will be mandatory for both online bookings (via IRCTC website/app) and offline bookings at railway station ticket counters.
In simple words: Before booking a Tatkal ticket, your Aadhaar and the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar will be checked and verified. Without this verification, you will not be able to proceed with your booking.
Why has Indian Railways made these changes?
The Railways has brought these changes to
Stop ticket touts: Many times, touts use fake IDs and multiple accounts to book Tatkal tickets in bulk and then sell them at higher prices to passengers. This makes it difficult for genuine travelers to get tickets. With Aadhaar and OTP verification, it will be ensured that tickets are booked only by real passengers.
Prevent fake bookings: Some people used to book tickets using false information. Now, with Aadhaar and OTP, it will be verified that the person booking the ticket is genuine.
Increase transparency: These rules will make the entire ticket booking process clean, fair, and trustworthy, boosting people’s confidence in the railway system.
What do passengers need to do now?
If you plan to book a Tatkal ticket, you should take these important steps beforehand:
Link your Aadhaar with your mobile number- Check if your Aadhaar is already linked with your mobile number. If not, visit your nearest Aadhaar center and get it linked immediately.
Update your Aadhaar in your IRCTC account- Log in to the IRCTC website or app and enter your Aadhaar number in your account details. Complete the verification process to ensure it is properly updated.
Keep your mobile phone handy while booking- When you book your Tatkal ticket, an OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with your Aadhaar. You will need to enter this OTP immediately to proceed, so make sure your phone is fully charged and within reach.
Be prepared for quick action- Every second counts during Tatkal bookings. Since you will now need to enter the OTP quickly, be mentally prepared and alert before you start your booking.
What changes will happen in online and offline bookings?
Online Booking (IRCTC website/app)
- Log in to your IRCTC account.
- Select your desired train under Tatkal quota.
- An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Enter the OTP to proceed with your booking.
- If you do not enter the OTP or if it is incorrect, your booking will not be completed.
- This rule will apply to both AC and Non-AC Tatkal tickets.
Offline Booking (at railway ticket counters)
- You will need to provide your Aadhaar number at the counter.
- An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
- You will need to share this OTP with the booking clerk to complete your booking.
- Without the OTP, you will not get your ticket.
What if the OTP does not arrive?
Sometimes, OTPs may get delayed due to network issues or server load. In such situations:
- Check your mobile number: Ensure that you are using the same mobile number that is linked with your Aadhaar and that your SIM is active.
- Check network connectivity: Move to a place where your mobile signal is strong to receive the OTP without delays.
- Wait for a few minutes: Sometimes, the OTP may take 1-2 minutes to arrive due to server traffic.
- Seek help if needed: If you repeatedly face issues, visit your nearest Aadhaar center to verify or update your mobile number.
Will these rules affect existing tickets?
No, the new rules will only apply to Tatkal tickets booked on or after 1st July 2025. If you have already booked a Tatkal ticket before this date, your ticket will remain valid, and these new requirements will not impact your existing bookings.
Is the Tatkal booking time changing?
No, there will be no change in Tatkal booking timings:
- AC Tatkal tickets can still be booked from 10 AM onwards.
- Non-AC Tatkal tickets can be booked from 11 AM onwards.
Additionally, there will be no change in Tatkal ticket charges or cancellation policies.
How will these new rules benefit passengers?
- Better chances of getting tickets- By stopping fake and bulk bookings by touts, genuine passengers will have higher chances of securing Tatkal tickets.
- Safer and secure bookings- Aadhaar and OTP verification will add a strong layer of security to your ticket booking process.
- Transparent system- With reduced malpractice, the overall railway booking system will become more transparent and trustworthy for passengers.
- Discouragement of touts- With Aadhaar and OTP verification, it will be nearly impossible for touts to misuse the Tatkal booking system, ensuring fair access for all travelers.
Read Official AIR Article
Also Read- RailOne Super App: Indian Railways Ticket Booking, Train Status, Food Orders in One Place
Conclusion: A Step Towards Safer and Smoother Travel
By making Aadhaar and OTP mandatory for Tatkal bookings, Indian Railways has taken a strong and positive step towards ensuring that the Tatkal ticket booking process is safer, transparent, and hassle-free for all passengers.
If you are planning to travel soon and wish to book a Tatkal ticket, make sure to:
- Link your Aadhaar with your mobile number
- Update your IRCTC account with your Aadhaar details
- Keep your registered mobile handy while booking
These small preparations will ensure that you can book your tickets without stress and travel with peace of mind.
Remember- These changes are designed to protect your interests as a passenger and to ensure that only genuine travelers can book tickets under the Tatkal quota, making your journey safer, easier, and more reliable.
What happens if my Aadhaar is not linked to my mobile number?
If your Aadhaar is not linked to your mobile number, you won’t be able to receive the OTP required for booking Tatkal tickets. Without this OTP, your booking will not proceed. So, before planning to book your Tatkal ticket, it’s best to visit your nearest Aadhaar center and get your mobile number linked. This is a one-time step that will save you a lot of last-minute stress while booking.
Will I still be able to book Tatkal tickets if I don’t have an Aadhaar card?
As per the new rules starting July 2025, Aadhaar has been made mandatory for Tatkal ticket bookings, both online and offline. If you don’t have an Aadhaar card yet, you won’t be able to book a Tatkal ticket under these rules. It is advisable to apply for your Aadhaar card as soon as possible to avoid inconvenience in your future travel plans.
What should I do if I don’t receive the OTP during booking?
Sometimes, OTPs may get delayed due to network issues or server load, so don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
Check if your phone has a proper network signal.
Wait for 1–2 minutes, as the OTP might be on its way.
Ensure you are using the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
If you still don’t receive it repeatedly, visit your nearest Aadhaar center to verify or update your mobile number.
Taking these small steps beforehand will help you book your Tatkal tickets smoothly and without last-minute tension.
