Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets online via IRCTC. The move aims to curb misuse and ensure fair access for genuine passengers.
Tatkal Booking to Get Stricter: Aadhaar OTP Must from July 15
The Ministry of Railways has announced a major reform in Tatkal ticket booking: only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website and app starting July 1, 2025.
According to officials, from July 15, all Tatkal bookings will require Aadhaar-based OTP verification, marking a decisive step to prevent bulk booking by touts and unauthorized agents.
No Agent Booking in First 30 Minutes
To further enhance fairness, agents will no longer be allowed to book tickets in the first 30 minutes after Tatkal booking opens. This rule will apply to both AC and Non-AC classes, ensuring general users have early access to high-demand seats.
What the Ministry Said
A senior Railway Ministry official said:
“These steps are meant to curb the misuse of Tatkal quota by fraudulent agents and ensure genuine travelers get confirmed seats, especially during emergencies.”
The ministry added:
“Tatkal tickets shall be available for booking through computerised PRS counters or authorized IRCTC agents only after successful OTP authentication on the mobile number furnished at the time of booking.”
Why This Move Matters
- Prevents misuse by software tools and touts
- Empowers genuine passengers with fairer access
- Adds an extra layer of security to the ticket booking process
- Brings uniformity across online and offline ticket booking systems
What Should Passengers Do?
- Link Aadhaar with IRCTC Account – if not done already
- Ensure mobile number is updated in Aadhaar
- Be ready for OTP verification while booking Tatkal tickets online
- Avoid relying on agents for emergency bookings during restricted windows
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