As of July 2025, the Indian Railways has introduced major changes in Tatkal ticket booking rules. The most significant update is the mandatory Aadhaar linking and OTP verification for all Tatkal bookings through IRCTC. Whether you book tickets online, through counters, or via agents, linking your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account is now essential.
To achieve better transparency and to prevent misuse by the agents and to have fair access to Tatkal quotas this action has been undertaken..
If you haven’t linked your Aadhaar yet, follow this guide to complete the process and avoid ticket booking issues.
Why You Need to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC
Those who want to Tatkal tickets using their IRCTC account are now required to have their Aadhaar card linked with their account since the IRCTC made binding it a must starting in July 1, 2025. Furthermore, since July 15, 2025, the OTP-based Aadhaar authentication approach is applied to the Tatkal booking procedure. You will not get Tatkal tickets unless you are an Aadhaar-linked user even when you have registered as a user on IRCTC.
Step-by-Step Guide to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC
Follow these simple steps to link your Aadhaar card to your IRCTC account:
1. Login to IRCTC Website
Visit the official irctc web link www.irctc.co.in and log in using your username and password set up.
2. Go to ‘My Profile’
Log in to the website and then click your name on the right upper corner. On the dropdown menu, go to My Profile.
3. Select ‘Aadhaar KYC’
In the section of My Profile, select the option of Aadhaar KYC.
4. Enter Your Aadhaar Number
Type your 12-digit Aadhaar number carefully and click on ‘Send OTP’.
5. Enter OTP
You will receive an OTP on the mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Enter it and click ‘Verify’.
6. Aadhaar Linked Successfully
After successful OTP verification, your Aadhaar will be linked with your IRCTC account. You’ll see a confirmation message on the screen.
Important Points to Remember
- The mobile number used should be the same as registered with your Aadhaar.
- Aadhaar linking is required only once, but OTP authentication will be required every time you book a Tatkal ticket.
- You can link Aadhaar for up to 6 passengers saved in your IRCTC master list.
- Aadhaar linking is also applicable to bookings made via IRCTC mobile app, counters, and authorized agents.
IRCTC Tatkal Booking Timings (Reminder)
- AC Classes: 10:00 AM (1 day before travel)
- Non-AC Classes: 11:00 AM (1 day before travel)
Make sure your Aadhaar is linked and ready before these windows, or you might miss out on booking.
Restrictions for Agents
In order to limit abuse:
The agents are prohibited to make Tatkal bookings within the initial 30 minutes of opening.
Bookings during the period will only be allowed to verified Aadhaar users.
Final Words
As Tatkal booking of tickets now requires the Aadhaar card as a mandatory process, it is very important that you update Aadhar on your IRCTC account. This not only guarantees that ticketing becomes safe and fair but it also saves the secured users the experience of frauds and misuse.
In case you often use train travel or use Tatkal booking services then stop waiting and get your Aadhaar linked with IRCTC account now so that you are prepared well in advance with the new regulations