Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules: Big news for people traveling by train, big change in ticket booking rules

Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules: Big news for people traveling by train, big change in ticket booking rules Tezzbuzz | 01/07/2025 13:24:13

If you also travel by train, then this news is important for you. Many people travel by doing reservation. Because it is convenient to travel in a reserve coach. For this, you have to book tickets before the journey. People book tickets online from railway counter or at home. When they have to travel suddenly, they book Tatkal tickets. But now the rules have changed regarding Tatkal ticket booking from Indian Railways. If this new rule will be applicable from July 1, then know detailed information.

New rules for Tatkal Ticket Booking:

IRCTC has informed all users via email. It states that from 1 July 2025, users who do not have an account with Aadhaar, will not be able to book tickets from IRCTC website and mobile app.

From July 1, only Aadhaar certified users will be able to book Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website and app.

-No agent booking in the first 30 minutes for AC and non-AC class

-OTP-based identity authentication will be mandatory for online and immediate booking through PRS counters and authorized agents from July 15.

With the aim of ensuring fair and transparent access to Tatkal tickets and protecting the interests of real travelers, Indian Railways has announced major changes in Tatkal ticket booking system. The purpose of these changes is to increase the user authentication and reduce the misuse of the scheme.

New provisions are as follows…

1. Aadhaar authentication for online booking:
This rule will be applicable from July 1, 2025. Tatkal tickets booked through IRCTC’s official website and mobile app will be available only to certified users from Aadhaar. Apart from this, from July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP certification will be mandatory for online immediate booking.

2. System-based OTP certification on PRS counters and agents:

For Tatkal tickets booked through computerized passenger reservation system (PRS) counters and authorized agents, it will be necessary to send OTP certification to the mobile number given by the user at the time of booking. This provision will be applicable from July 15, 2025.

3. Booking time ban for authorized agents:
To prevent bulk booking during the important initial period, Indian Railways authorized ticket agents will not be allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of booking window. This ban for AC class is applicable from 10.00 am to 10.30 am and for non-AC class from 11.00 am to 11.30 am.

These changes are being implemented to increase transparency in immediate booking and ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the real final users. CRIS and IRCTC have been instructed to make necessary system changes and inform all regional railway and concerned departments accordingly. The Ministry of Railways requests all passengers to focus on these changes and encourage all to ensure Aadhaar link with their IRCTC user profile to avoid inconvenience.