Indian Railways has announced several changes to the Tatkal ticket booking system, which will come into effect from July 2025. In addition to strengthening user verification and streamlining the process, this move is expected to improve access for genuine passengers. The Railway Board has recently announced that using the IRCTC website or mobile app to buy Tatkal tickets would now require Aadhaar authentication.
Key Changes to the Tatkal Booking System
“With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users,” the ministry said, according to a circular issued by the Railway Board.
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Also, from July 15, 2025, all online Tatkal ticket bookings will include a one-time password (OTP) verification based on Aadhaar. The mobile number linked to the Aadhaar used for authentication will receive the OTP. This step was implemented to give an additional layer of verification during the booking process.
Offline bookings are also covered under the revised guidelines. As per the circular, passengers booking Tatkal tickets at computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or through authorised agents will also need to complete an OTP-based verification process. A system-generated OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided by the passenger at the time of booking, and ticket issuance will only be completed once the OTP is verified. This rule will also come into effect from July 15, 2025.
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In addition to the authentication measures, booking time restrictions have been introduced for authorised agents. The circular states that agents will not be permitted to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. For air-conditioned classes, this restriction applies from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, and for non-AC classes, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
The Railway Board has instructed IRCTC and CRIS to carry out necessary system updates and has asked all zonal railways to ensure wide publicity of these changes to inform the public in advance. It is expected to make the Tatkal ticket booking system more streamlined and reliable.
