Planning a last-minute train journey through IRCTC? Hold on! If you’re someone who often relies on Tatkal tickets, there are some big rule changes from July 1, 2025, that you need to know right now. From mandatory Aadhaar verification to a new OTP system and changes in ticket limits, IRCTC has revamped the rules to make the booking process more secure and fair.
What’s New in IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking (Effective July 1, 2025)
1. Aadhaar Verification Now Mandatory for Tatkal Booking
To prevent misuse and agent fraud, IRCTC now requires Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal bookings. Here’s how it works:
- Your IRCTC account must be Aadhaar-verified.
- At least one passenger in the booking must also be Aadhaar-authenticated.
2. OTP Verification Starts from July 15
From July 15, 2025, whether you book online, at a counter, or through an agent, you’ll need to:
- Enter OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- No OTP? No ticket.
3. Agents Restricted During Peak Booking Hours
To give genuine passengers a fair shot:
- To ensure fair access, IRCTC has barred agents from booking Tatkal tickets in the initial booking window:
- 10:00–10:30 AM for AC class
- 11:00–11:30 AM for non-AC class
So if you’re booking personally, this window is your golden hour.
4. Book Up to 24 Tickets/Month If You Link Aadhaar
In the past, IRCTC users were allowed to book no more than 12 tickets monthly
But now:
- If your IRCTC account is Aadhaar-verified, and
- You include at least one Aadhaar-authenticated passenger per ticket,
You can now book up to 24 tickets per month!
Note: Aadhaar for all passengers is NOT mandatory — just one verified passenger per ticket is enough.
5. Tatkal Fare Slightly Revised
Yes, there’s a small fare hike:
- Non-AC classes: ₹0.005/km (₹5–₹15 approx.)
- AC classes: ₹0.02/km
But these are minimal and mostly would not impact short-distance travelers.
6. Train Chart Preparation Time Advanced
Earlier, reservation charts were prepared 4 hours before departure. Now, they will be ready 8 hours in advance. This means:
- You get to know your confirmed/waitlist status sooner.
- Better planning for last-minute travelers.
How to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC & Unlock 24 Tickets/Month
Step-by-Step to Link Aadhaar to IRCTC:
- Log in to www.irctc.co.in
- Go to My Account → Link Your Aadhaar
- Enter Aadhaar/VID and OTP sent to your mobile
- Done! Your profile will show “Aadhaar Verified”
Add Aadhaar-Verified Passenger to Master List:
- Go to My Profile → Master List
- Add passenger details with Aadhaar as ID
- Complete verification via OTP
- That person is now Aadhaar-authenticated and ready to be included in bookings
Summary: What You Must Do Before Booking a Tatkal Ticket
| Task | Status |
| Link your Aadhaar to IRCTC account | Must |
| Add at least 1 Aadhaar-verified passenger | Must |
| Keep Aadhaar-linked mobile ready for OTP | Must (from July 15) |
| Book personally during 10–10:30 AM (AC) / 11–11:30 AM (non-AC) | Recommended |
| Check chart 8 hrs before travel for WL updates | New |
Why These Changes?
These updates are designed to:
- Block bots & unfair agents
- Make booking more transparent
- Prioritize real passengers
- Strengthen security via Aadhaar & OTP
Pro Tips for Tatkal Booking in 2025
- Login 5–10 mins before Tatkal opens
- Pre-fill your Master List with Aadhaar-verified passengers
- Use IRCTC app or website, avoid third-party platforms
- Have multiple payment options ready to avoid delays
Indian Railways is finally addressing the chaos around Tatkal bookings. While these rules may feel a bit restrictive at first, they’re here to protect you , the genuine traveler , from black-marketing and unfair practices.
So go ahead, link your Aadhaar, prepare your Master List, and get ready to book smarter and faster from July 2025!
Got questions about Tatkal, IRCTC, or Aadhaar linking? Drop them in the comments! I will be happy to help.