Aadhaar Linking and Verification Mandatory for IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Bookings from July 1, 2025. Bookings will not be possible without verification.
This is crucial information for those who book Tatkal tickets through the Indian Railways website or the IRCTC app. A significant change is coming to the Tatkal ticket booking system on July 1, 2025, making Aadhaar verification mandatory for online ticket bookings. The Ministry of Railways has implemented this measure to curb agent malpractice and prioritize ordinary passengers.
Online Tatkal Booking Will Not Be Possible Without Aadhaar
On June 10, 2025, the Ministry of Railways officially announced through a notification and social media posts that Aadhaar linking and verification will be mandatory for all Tatkal ticket bookings from July 1, 2025. Therefore, if your Aadhaar number is not linked to your IRCTC account or you have not verified your Aadhaar, you will not be able to book tickets through the IRCTC website or app.
Furthermore, another security feature will be implemented from July 15, 2025 – OTP-based Aadhaar verification. This means that when you book a ticket, an OTP will be sent to the mobile number associated with your Aadhaar, and the booking will only be confirmed after entering this OTP.
What are the Alternatives for Non-Aadhaar Users?
Passengers who have not yet linked or verified their Aadhaar will no longer be able to book tickets online. Such users will have to purchase Tatkal tickets only from PRS counters or authorized agents like YTSK (Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra).
However, even here, OTP verification will be mandatory after July 15th, meaning an OTP will be sent to the passenger's mobile phone during ticket booking, which must be entered before the ticket can be issued. The aim is to completely prevent fraudulent bookings.
Booking Time Limit for Agents
The Railways has implemented another significant change directly affecting agents. Now, no authorized agent can book tickets for 30 minutes after the Tatkal booking window opens. This directly benefits ordinary passengers, who can now book tickets without competing with the speed of agents.
- AC class Tatkal booking starts at 10:00 AM, but agents can only book tickets after 10:30 AM.
- Non-AC class booking starts at 11:00 AM, and agents must wait until 11:30 AM.
Reason for the Changes
In recent years, it has been observed that some large agents and brokers used tools to book a large number of Tatkal tickets in seconds, making it almost impossible for ordinary passengers to obtain tickets.
The Railway Ministry believes these new rules will make the booking process more transparent and provide more opportunities for genuine passengers. Furthermore, it will help control fraudulent accounts, bots, and agent bookings.
What Should Passengers Do?
If you frequently book Tatkal tickets, it is essential to link your Aadhaar to your IRCTC account and verify it as soon as possible. This will not only allow you to book tickets without interruption but also ensure faster and more secure booking through fast OTP verification.
How to Verify Aadhaar on IRCTC:
- Log in to the IRCTC website.
- Go to the My Account section.
- Click on the Aadhaar KYC option.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and complete the verification using an OTP.
Benefits for You
- Better Chance of Booking Tickets – Agents will not be able to book for the first 30 minutes.
- Fast and Secure Booking Process – OTP-based verification minimizes fraud.
- Cheaper Tickets Without Brokers – Eliminates arbitrary agent fees.
- Priority for Authentic Users – Increases the likelihood of ordinary passengers getting tickets.
