IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking From July 2025: Why Aadhaar Is Now Mandatory
IRCTC
1. Introduction: A New Era for Tatkal Bookings
From July 1, 2025, IRCTC will require Aadhaar verification to book Tatkal tickets—a historic change after 28 years of the Tatkal scheme. With OTP-based authentication added from July 15, the government aims to clamp down on scalping, misuse by agents, and ensure tickets reach genuine travelers
2. Key Timeline & Rule Summary
| Date | Rule Effective | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2025 | Aadhaar-linked logins only | IRCTC website/app require Aadhaar linkage |
| Jul 15, 2025 | OTP authentication | For online, PRS counters, and agents |
| Jul 15, 2025 | Agent neutral period | No agent bookings in first 30 mins |
3. Why the Change? Tackling Tatkal Abuse
Tatkal tickets—introduced in 1997—face massive misuse by scalpers and automated bots. Blocking over 24 million fake IRCTC accounts is just one step. Aadhaar + OTP now restricts duplicate bookings and restores trust.
4. How the New System Works
- Online: Only Aadhaar-linked users can log in from July 1. OTP-based confirmation comes from July 15 onwards
- PRS Counters & Agents: System-issued OTP to user’s Aadhaar-linked mobile is mandatory before booking
- Agent Blackout: Agents are blocked for 10–10:30 AM (AC) & 11–11:30 AM (non‑AC) to ensure fair access.
5. What This Means for Passengers
Aadhaar-enabled logins protect your identity. Booking becomes transparent and reliable. No more anxiety over scalpers snatching tickets in seconds. But those yet to link Aadhaar or mobile must update their IRCTC profiles before July .
6. Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Prepare
1) Link Aadhaar to your IRCTC account.
2) Ensure OTP is mapped to the same mobile number.
3) Practice booking during Tatkal windows (10:00/11:00 AM).
4) Save IRCTC login and mobile access ahead of time.
7. The Impact on Ticket Agents
With the first 30 minutes off-limits, agents lose head-start advantage. It redistributes power back to genuine individuals—making booking fairer.
8. Potential Bottlenecks & How to Avoid Them
- IRCTC’s servers may slow during peaks—stay logged in.
- OTP delays from telecom networks? Keep mobile networks reliable.
- Agent services now limited—official PRS or IRCTC app is safer.
9. Comparing Booking Scenarios
- Before July: Anyone could book via any enabled device.
- After July 1: Aadhaar-linked access only.
- After July 15: OTP required at counters too—no anonymous bookings allowed.
10. Passenger Benefits and Wider Goals
These reforms mark a shift in public service digitization—rooted in privacy but geared to fairness. Genuine users get value, agents lose leverage, and IRCTC becomes safer.
11. Common FAQs
What if my mobile isn’t Aadhaar-linked? Update it ASAP.
- Can I still use agents after July 15? Yes, but only after OTP.
- Will refunds be affected? No, cancellation flows stay same.
Impact on General Passengers
For common passengers, this change may bring initial inconvenience, especially for those who haven’t linked their Aadhaar with IRCTC or don’t have their mobile number updated in UIDAI records. However, it offers a long-term advantage by reducing ticketing fraud and increasing the chances of genuine bookings during Tatkal hours.
Agent Bookings to be Restricted
From July 15, agents will no longer be able to book tickets during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal window:
- AC Class (10:00 AM to 10:30 AM)
- Non-AC Class (11:00 AM to 11:30 AM)
This restriction ensures that individual users are given a fair opportunity to secure tickets before professional agents step in.
Step-by-Step: How to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC
- Log in to your IRCTC account.
- Go to “My Profile” and click on “Link Your Aadhaar.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify via OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Upon successful authentication, your account will reflect Aadhaar-linked status.
How OTP-Based Booking Works
From July 15, when a user attempts to book a Tatkal ticket, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to their Aadhaar-linked mobile number. The ticket can only be booked after entering this OTP. This system applies to both online bookings and counter bookings via PRS and agents, thereby increasing accountability.
Changes in Booking Experience
With these new changes, passengers will have to:
- Ensure mobile network availability during booking hours.
- Keep Aadhaar-linked numbers active and updated.
- Log in ahead of the Tatkal window and be prepared for OTP delays, if any.
This adds a layer of complexity but also reduces system abuse.
Railway’s Statement on the Move
According to a Railway Board spokesperson, this move is part of a broader effort to digitize and secure the railway booking system. The Railways believes that Aadhaar verification will help build a secure passenger database and prevent ticket touting and agent manipulation during peak hours.
Reactions from Frequent Travelers
Some frequent travelers have welcomed the change, citing the difficulty in booking Tatkal tickets earlier due to agent overbooking. Others have expressed concern over Aadhaar privacy and accessibility, especially for the elderly or those in rural areas who may not have their Aadhaar-linked mobile number updated.
What This Means for Agents
Travel agents will now be under tighter scrutiny. Not only will they have to process bookings using Aadhaar OTPs, but they’ll also be excluded from the first half-hour of the booking window. Many agents believe this will impact their business negatively, but authorities argue it’s a step toward fairness and passenger-first service.
Technical Challenges & Suggested FixesPossible challenges:
- OTP delays due to telecom issues.
- Aadhaar server outages.
- Users unaware of their Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers.
Suggested fixes include setting up helpdesks at major stations, launching awareness campaigns, and allowing limited fallback mechanisms like alternate ID verification in emergencies.
How This Affects Mobile App Users
Mobile users must update their IRCTC apps to the latest version before July. Outdated apps may not support Aadhaar-based authentication. Also, enabling notifications and fast internet is crucial for receiving OTPs on time.
Final Thoughts
These changes may introduce minor friction, but they mark a definitive win for passengers. Tatkal was always meant for last-minute, genuine travelers—not scalpers. Starting July 2025, Indian Railways is making that promise real.
