Indian Railways has introduced a number of significant modifications to its tatkal ticket reservation system in order to improve efficiency, prevent misuse and guarantee fair access to authentic customers. The changes include compulsory Aadhaar verification for booking online, OTP verification at reservation counters, as well as booking restrictions to agents with a valid license.The Ministry of Railways has also asked everyone to be aware of the changes, and urges all passengers to make sure they have Aadhaar connectivity to their IRCTC User profiles are used to prevent any inconvenience.
Aadhaar authenticates online Tatkal reservations
Tatkal tickets booked through IRCTC’s official site and mobile application will be accessible to people who are authenticated successfully using Aadhaar on July 1 2025. It means that customers must connect their Aadhaar number to their IRCTC account and confirm that it is valid in order to buy Tatkal tickets on the internet.
In addition, the Aadhaar-based OTP authentication is now obligatory in Tatkal reservations made on the internet starting 15th July 2025.
OTP system-based Authentication in agents and counters
From July 15th of 2025 All Tatkal tickets bought through the computerised passengers Reservation System (PRS) counters or through railway agents who are authorised will require an additional security layer via OTP (One-Time Password) authenticating.
Time limit for bookings by authorised agents
To guarantee an equal access to Tatkal tickets for frequent passengers, Indian Railways has imposed the time limit for authorized ticketing agents in the first stage of Tatkal reservations.
The new rules state that authorized agents won’t be permitted to make bookings for Tatkal tickets in the initial 30 minutes during the window of booking in the morning when Tatkal reservations are open.
The rules are as follows:
To book AC classes: Agents are not able to make reservations between the hours of 10:00 am between 10:00 AM and 10:30 am.
In non-AC classes, agents are not able to book tickets between the hours of 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM.
How do I book tickets for Tatkal through the IRCTC portal?
Step 1: Login by entering your User name and Password in the IRCTC website (https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search)
Step 2: Give the desired date of departure from your station, the date of your journey as well as the Class of your the journey.
Ste 3: Choose the Tatkal option within the drop-down menu for quota. The following page shows the available trains on the route you have selected.
Step 4: Select the kind of class that is offered by the train selected. You can find the quota selection at the right hand side of the previously mentioned train listing.
5. To reserve a Tatkal ticket on the desired train, click the “Book Now” button
Step 6: Type in the names of passengers aged or gender, preference for berth as well as the preferred food for each person. Names with a maximum length is 16 characters.
Step 7. Fill in the verification number. Enter the number for your passenger to get the booking and cancellation SMS.
Step 8: Click the Continue button.
The ticket information, the total price (including GST & Convenience Fee) as well as the number of available spots at that date and time will be displayed on the screen.
Step 9: Once you have checked every detail, click the Continue button to begin the payment process.
Step 10: Choose the preferred payment option from the available Payment gateway menus.
Step 11: Hit the “Pay & Book” button for a redirection to your chosen Bank site.
Following successful booking and payment of lodging, Ticket Confirmation Page will show up. Virtual reservation notification (VRM) that is in the form of a text message will be delivered via mobile Number (as as stated in the passenger reservation form.
Important questions regarding tickets for tatkal
Q1. What have been the latest changes to Tatkal ticket bookings from Indian Railways?
Indian Railways has implemented key modifications to increase the transparency of its operations and to prevent abuse from Tatkal. Tatkal system. This includes:
An Aadhaar-based mandatory authentication is required to make bookings made online.
OTP-based authentication for counter and agent reservations.
Time restrictions on bookings for authorized agents.
Q2. What date do you expect Aadhaar authentication become mandatory to purchase Tatkal tickets purchased on the IRCTC application or site?
Beginning July 1st, 2025. Aadhaar authenticating your identity is now required on the majority of Tatkal tickets booked through IRCTC’s mobile application and website. Customers must connect their Aadhaar to their IRCTC user ID, and then verify the authenticity of their ID.
Q3. Does OTP-based Aadhaar verification required also in online bookings?
Yes. From July 15th, 2025, the OTP Aadhaar verification is mandatory for any online Tatkal reservations made via IRCTC.
Q4. Is it true that Tatkal tickets purchased through PRS counters, or through authorized agents impacted?
Yes. Starting July 15 2025, all Tatkal bookings at computerized PRS counters or through authorised agents will need OTP verification that is sent to the mobile number used during the booking.
Q5. What are the reservation restrictions that are applicable to agents with authorization?
In order to ensure equal access for all users, authorized agents can’t book opening-day Tatkal tickets within the initial 30 minutes of the ticket booking window.
AC Classes: There are no reservations between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
Classes that are not AC: No reservations between 11:00 am and 11:30 AM
