• Source:JND
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Tatkal Booking Update: In a major overhaul of the Tatkal ticket booking system, the Indian Railways has announced that starting July 1, 2025, only users who have completed Aadhaar authentication will be allowed to book Tatkal train tickets through the IRCTC website and mobile app. The Railway Ministry issued a directive on June 10, 2025, to all railway zones, clarifying that this move is intended “to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal Scheme are received by the common end users.”

This reform is aimed at increasing transparency, curbing fraudulent bookings, and ensuring that genuine passengers have fair access to Tatkal tickets. The decision follows concerns over misuse of the Tatkal quota through bots and fake user IDs.

Tatkal Booking Update: What Changes From July 1?

1. Aadhaar mandatory for Tatkal e-ticket bookings: Only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets online via IRCTC's official website or app from July 1, 2025.

2. OTP-based Aadhaar verification for added security: Starting July 15, 2025, an additional Aadhaar-linked OTP authentication step will be introduced during the booking process.

3. Mobile OTP required for counter bookings: Tatkal tickets booked at railway reservation counters will require the booking person to provide a mobile number, which will receive an OTP. The ticket will be issued only after successful OTP verification, starting July 15, 2025.

Tatkal Booking Update: Key Changes Introduced By IRCTC

Crackdown on bots and fake accounts: Indian Railways has blocked 2.5 crore suspicious IRCTC user IDs over the past six months that were found using unauthorised software and bots to book tickets.

Time slot reserved for individual users: To give genuine passengers a fair chance, the first 30 minutes of Tatkal booking will be exclusively available to individual users booking via IRCTC or railway counters:

  • AC Class: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
  • Non-AC Class: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Travel agents restricted initially: Travel agents and authorised booking agencies can only book:

  • AC Class Tatkal tickets after 10:30 AM
  • Non-AC Tatkal tickets after 11:30 AM

Limited booking access for non-Aadhaar users: Users who do not have Aadhaar can only book Tatkal tickets through PRS counters or authorised travel agents. Online booking will not be available to them.

Rule Previous From July 1, 2025
Aadhaar Requirement Not compulsory Mandatory for online Tatkal bookings
OTP Verification Not required Required from July 15
Access to Booking (First 30 mins) Everyone Only individual users & counters
Travel Agents Immediate access After 30 mins of start time
Counter Ticket Authentication Basic ID check Mobile number + OTP verification
Action on Bots/Fake IDs Minimal 2.5 crore fake IDs blocked

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How to Book Tatkal Tickets on IRCTC (From July 1)

  • Login to your Aadhaar-linked IRCTC account on www.irctc.co.in or the IRCTC app.
  • Select From & To Stations, journey date, and click Find Trains.
  • Choose your train and class, then select the Tatkal quota.
  • Enter passenger details, including Aadhaar information, and proceed to book.
  • Authenticate via OTP (starting July 15), and complete the payment quickly.
  • Once confirmed, your ticket will be sent via email/SMS.

What You Need Before Tatkal Booking ? 

  • A registered IRCTC account
  • Aadhaar numbers of all passengers (mandatory for online Tatkal bookings)
  • A valid payment method (Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking, etc.)

 

These updated rules mark a major step by Indian Railways towards ensuring a fair, secure, and transparent Tatkal booking system, giving individual users priority over bots and booking agents. All users planning to book Tatkal tickets from July 1 are advised to link their Aadhaar with their IRCTC account well in advance.