• Source:JND
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IRCTC Train Ticket New Rules: Starting October 1, 2025, Indian Railways has introduced a major change to the general ticket booking system. Passengers will be required to link their IRCTC accounts with their Aadhaar numbers to book general tickets online through the IRCTC app or website. It will be verified through Aadhaar OTP authentication.

This move aims to prevent the misuse of the ticket reservation system by unauthorised agents or ticketing fraud. Earlier in July, the Railway Ministry mandated Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal ticket booking.

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Changes In General Ticket Booking Rule From October 1

According to the new rule, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Department (IRCTC) will allow only Aadhaar-verified users to book general tickets online during the first 15 minutes after booking opens from October 1.

The revised guidelines apply to both the IRCTC website and mobile application. This will enhance security and reduce misuse.

How To Link IRCTC Account With Aadhaar?

From October 1, passengers will be required to link their IRCTC account to their Aadhaar to book general tickets online. To link your IRCTC account with Aadhaar, follow these steps:

- Log in to the IRCTC website or the mobile application.

- Go to the “My Account” section and click on “Authenticate User”.

- Enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID to link your Aadhaar with the IRCTC account.
Click on “Verify”.

- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and click on Submit.

- Once completed, your Aadhaar will be linked to your IRCTC account, and you will be able to book general tickets online hassle-free.

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Aadhaar Mandatory For Ticket Counter Booking

Starting October 1, Aadhaar authentication isn’t limited to online bookings. Even if you are booking a general ticket at the PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counter of the railway station, you will be required to provide your Aadhaar number. The verification process will require an OTP, making it essential that you link your mobile number correctly to the Aadhaar.