IRCTC Tatkal Bookings: Aadhaar Verification Required from July 1

Indian Railways has announced new rules for booking Tatkal tickets. From July 1, 2025, passengers will need to complete Aadhaar authentication to book Tatkal tickets online through the IRCTC website or app. The changes are being introduced to regulate the Tatkal system and reduce misuse.

Aadhaar Now Mandatory for IRCTC Tatkal Bookings

Starting July 1, 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be able to book Tatkal tickets online. Passengers must link their Aadhaar number to their IRCTC account and verify it to access the Tatkal quota.

From July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP verification will also become mandatory for each online Tatkal booking. A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar, and bookings will proceed only after successful verification.

Counter Bookings Also Require OTP

Tatkal tickets booked at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or through authorised agents will also require OTP authentication starting July 15, 2025. The OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided at the time of booking.

Agents Restricted During Initial Booking Window

To prevent early bulk bookings by agents, Indian Railways has restricted their access during the initial Tatkal booking window. As per the updated rules:

• AC class Tatkal tickets: Agents cannot book between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM
• Non-AC class Tatkal tickets: Agents cannot book between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM

These restrictions apply across online and counter bookings.

IRCTC Booking Process Remains the Same

Passengers can still book Tatkal tickets using their IRCTC account by selecting the Tatkal quota, entering journey details, filling in passenger information, and completing payment. The Aadhaar-linked OTP step will be added to this process.

Read more: Best Railway Stocks for June 2025 Based on 5-Yr CAGR!

Waitlist Confirmation Trial

Separately, Indian Railways has started a pilot project in the Bikaner Division to prepare reservation charts 24 hours before departure instead of the usual 4 hours. The trial aims to give waitlisted passengers more clarity in advance.

IRCTC Share Price Performance

On June 12, 2025, at 3:30 PM, IRCTC share price is trading at ₹769.80, a 1.69% decline.

Conclusion

These changes signal a tighter, more accountable Tatkal system. With Aadhaar authentication and time-based controls in place, Indian Railways is prioritising regular passengers over agents. Users are advised to link their Aadhaar with IRCTC accounts before July 1, 2025, to avoid disruption.

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