This means your IRCTC account must be linked to your Aadhaar card to book tickets under the Tatkal scheme.
IRCTC and railway authorities have confirmed that Aadhaar verification is compulsory solely for Tatkal ticket reservations. "Those who haven't linked their Aadhaar can continue booking standard train tickets via the IRCTC portal or mobile app," an official stated.
What did MPs ask in Parliament about Tatkal ticket booking?
During the Monsoon Session, 11 members of the Rajya Sabha sought clarification from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw whether Aadhaar-based authentication would be mandatory for Tatkal ticket bookings and whether passengers with Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts would receive booking priority. They also questioned how these measures would help curb misuse of Tatkal tickets by agents and touts.
Railway Minister's clarification on Tatkal ticket booking?
The minister confirmed that only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app and agents are not allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes after bookings open.
He explained that these changes have made it easier for genuine passengers to book tickets. It has also helped stop misuse by agents using fake accounts to grab tickets quickly.
He added that Indian Railways is always working to improve the system based on feedback from the public.
How to link Aadhaar with your IRCTC account: A step-by-step guide
- Visit the official IRCTC portal at https://www.irctc.co.in and sign in using your registered User ID and password.
- Head to the "My Account" menu and click on "My Profile."
- Select the "Aadhaar KYC" option from the available list.
- Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number and tick the consent checkbox to allow IRCTC to verify your identity through UIDAI.
- An OTP will be sent to your mobile number linked with Aadhaar. Enter the code and click on "Verify."
- Once your details are successfully authenticated, your KYC information will appear on the screen. Click "Submit" to finalize the Aadhaar linking.
- To check if the Aadhaar has been successfully verified, go to the "Authenticate User" section under the "My Account" tab.
Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings (IRCTC)
To stop misuse and ensure fair access to tickets, IRCTC has fixed time slots for Tatkal bookings where agents are not allowed to book tickets:
- AC Classes: 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM - No bookings by agents allowed
- Non-AC Classes: 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM - No bookings by agents allowed
Tatkal Ticket Booking via PRS Counters and Agents
If you book a Tatkal ticket at:
- A computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter
- Or through an authorised IRCTC agent
You will receive an OTP (One Time Password) on the mobile number you give at the time of booking. Your ticket will be confirmed only after you verify the OTP.
