Booking a Tatkal ticket with Indian Railways just got stricter. From today, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has made Aadhaar OTP authentication compulsory for all Tatkal ticket bookings.

This new rule is aimed at preventing misuse of the Tatkal system and improving booking transparency. According to IRCTC, the changes will protect genuine passengers and limit agent interference.

What Is the New Tatkal Ticket Rule?

From July 15, 2025, passengers must verify their Aadhaar-linked mobile number via OTP during the Tatkal booking process.

Here’s how it works:

• The one-time password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar card.

• The OTP must be entered at the time of booking a Tatkal train ticket.

This new step is mandatory for all users booking Tatkal tickets via IRCTC’s online platform.

IRCTC Tatkal Booking Timings Remain Unchanged

Despite the authentication changes, Tatkal booking timings will remain the same:

Only one day before the train departure date, Tatkal tickets can be booked.

Why Aadhaar OTP for Tatkal Tickets?

The Aadhaar OTP process is meant to:

• Stop mass ticket hoarding by agents

• Ensure tickets reach real passengers

• Add an extra layer of user verification

The move will help authorities reduce fraudulent bulk bookings and ensure fairness for everyday travelers.

Impact on Agents and Bulk Bookings

To further ensure transparency, authorised ticketing agents are now restricted as follows:

• Agents cannot book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window.

• This rule applies to both AC and non-AC classes.

The goal is to offer common passengers a better chance of securing Tatkal seats, especially on busy routes.

Benefits of Aadhaar OTP in IRCTC Tatkal Bookings

The new IRCTC rule benefits travelers in several ways:

• Stops misuse of the system by ticketing bots and scalpers

• Increases booking transparency and authenticity

• Prioritizes individual passengers over commercial agents

• Minimizes fake accounts and impersonation

IRCTC hopes this change will improve user experience during peak travel periods when Tatkal bookings are in high demand.

How to Book IRCTC Tatkal Ticket With Aadhaar OTP

To successfully book a Tatkal ticket using the new Aadhaar OTP rule, follow these steps:

1. Login to your IRCTC account

2. Select your journey details and class

3. Proceed to Tatkal booking section

4. At payment, the system will send an OTP to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number

5. Enter the OTP to verify identity

6. Complete payment and confirm booking

Make sure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar, or the booking will fail.

What If Aadhaar Is Not Linked?

If your mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar, you won’t be able to:

• Complete Aadhaar-based OTP verification

• Book Tatkal tickets under the new IRCTC rule

Passengers are advised to update their Aadhaar KYC and mobile number before attempting to book.

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FAQs on IRCTC Tatkal Booking With Aadhaar OTP

Q1. Is Aadhaar OTP needed for all IRCTC tickets?
No. Only Tatkal ticket bookings now need Aadhaar OTP from July 15, 2025.

Q2. Can agents book Tatkal tickets at opening time?
No. Agents are restricted for 30 minutes after the booking window opens.

Q3. What happens if I don’t get the OTP?
Booking will fail. Ensure your mobile number is correct and linked to Aadhaar.

Q4. Can I use someone else’s Aadhaar OTP?
No. This violates IRCTC’s terms and may result in account suspension.

Q5. Is this rule permanent?
Yes. IRCTC has implemented it for long-term transparency and safety.

The new IRCTC Aadhaar OTP rule is a major step toward fair and transparent Tatkal ticket booking. From July 15, passengers must verify their identity using Aadhaar OTP.

Agents are barred from early booking slots, which boosts chances for regular users.

Passengers planning urgent travel should link Aadhaar and mobile to avoid booking failures. IRCTC aims to make the Tatkal system more secure, reliable, and user-friendly.