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The Railways have revised the Tatkal booking schedule.
- For AC classes, booking will now open at 9:00 AM.
- For Sleeper classes, it will begin at 10:00 AM.
Earlier, the timings were 10:00 AM for AC and 11:00 AM for Sleeper. The change allows more time for passengers to plan and confirm their journeys.
Agents Restricted in First 30 Minutes
To give individual passengers a fair chance, authorised agents will not be able to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. This step is designed to stop bulk bookings made by agents and ensure equal access for all travellers.
During this period, only Aadhaar-verified individual users can book Tatkal tickets directly through IRCTC. After the first half hour, agents will be allowed to book the remaining tickets as per availability.
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Aadhaar Linking Becomes Mandatory from October
Starting October 1, 2025, Aadhaar linking will become mandatory for all train ticket bookings on IRCTC, not just Tatkal tickets. Passengers will need to verify their accounts using Aadhaar to continue booking online.
This step will help Railways maintain a verified database of travellers, making the system more transparent. It will also help reduce identity issues, duplicate accounts, and fake bookings that often disrupt the process.
Aadhaar-Based Verification Introduced for Tatkal Bookings
From July 1, 2025, booking a Tatkal ticket requires Aadhaar verification through OTP. The Indian Railways introduced this rule to make the process more secure and fair. Every passenger booking through IRCTC’s website or mobile app now needs to link their Aadhaar number with their account.
This change aims to stop fraudulent bookings and ensure that tickets go to genuine passengers. The system verifies identity instantly through an OTP sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Why These Changes Matter
The new rules are part of the Railways’ effort to make online ticketing simpler, safer, and more user-friendly. By using Aadhaar authentication, the system can quickly confirm identities, prevent misuse, and speed up the booking process.
Moreover, limiting agent access in the initial window ensures that individuals, especially those booking for urgent travel, get a fair chance. These changes aim to create a balanced, transparent, and reliable booking experience for millions of passengers.
What Passengers Should Do Now
Passengers should ensure that their IRCTC account is linked to Aadhaar and that the registered mobile number is active, since OTPs are sent there during booking.
Those who haven’t linked Aadhaar yet can log into their IRCTC account and update their details to avoid booking issues.
FAQs on New IRCTC Railway Rules 2025
When did the new Tatkal booking rules start?
The new Tatkal booking rules took effect on July 1, 2025.
Is Aadhaar linking mandatory for all ticket bookings?
Yes, from October 1, 2025, Aadhaar linking will be mandatory for all IRCTC bookings.
What are the new Tatkal booking timings?
Tatkal booking will open at 9:00 AM for AC classes and 10:00 AM for Sleeper classes.
Can agents book Tatkal tickets at the start of booking hours?
No. Agents are restricted from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window.
What if I don’t have Aadhaar linked to my IRCTC account?
You will need to link your Aadhaar to continue booking tickets after the new rules come into effect.
The IRCTC’s new Tatkal and Aadhaar-linked rules are a major step toward building a fair and secure booking system. With OTP verification, limited agent access, and clear timings, passengers can expect a smoother and more transparent travel experience.