Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules from July 1: Aadhaar Mandatory for IRCTC Users, OTP Verification at Counters

In a significant update for railway passengers, Indian Railways has announced new Tatkal ticket booking rules, which will come into effect from July 1, 2025. The fresh guidelines aim to streamline the booking process, enhance transparency, and curb ticketing fraud, especially during the high-demand Tatkal window.

Aadhaar Verification Now Mandatory on IRCTC

Starting July 1, 2025, Tatkal bookings on the IRCTC website and app will be allowed only for users who have completed Aadhaar authentication. This means passengers must link their Aadhaar number and complete the verification process on their IRCTC account before booking Tatkal tickets.

Furthermore, from July 15, 2025, OTP-based Aadhaar verification will also be introduced. Passengers will receive a one-time password (OTP) on their Aadhaar-linked mobile number, which must be entered to proceed with the booking.

PRS Counters and Agent Bookings Require OTP

For those who prefer booking tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or through authorised agents such as YTSKs, the process is also set to change. From July 15, 2025, Tatkal ticket bookings through these channels will require OTP verification sent to the mobile number of the person booking the ticket.

This added layer of verification is aimed at ensuring the authenticity of bookings and eliminating misuse by intermediaries.

New Rules for Travel Agents

To provide individual users a fair chance, Indian Railways has imposed new restrictions on authorised travel agents:

Agents will not be allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the opening window.

For AC classes, this restriction is from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

For non-AC classes, agents can begin booking only after 11:30 AM.

This move is designed to reduce competition between individual users and bulk-booking agents, especially during peak demand hours.

Why These Changes Matter

Tatkal bookings are a lifesaver for last-minute travelers, but the system has often been exploited. With Aadhaar-based authentication and OTP verification, Indian Railways aims to ensure that Tatkal tickets are reserved fairly and securely. These changes are expected to significantly reduce fraudulent bookings, ticket blocking, and misuse by unauthorised agents.

What Should Passengers Do Now?

IRCTC users: Link your Aadhaar and complete authentication before July 1, 2025.

Offline bookings: Be ready with a valid mobile number for OTP verification from July 15, 2025.

Travel agents and frequent users: Note the restricted booking windows and prepare accordingly.

Stay updated on IRCTC and Indian Railways announcements to avoid last-minute issues during Tatkal booking.