IRCTC Tatkal Bookings Now Require Aadhaar-Linked OTP Authentication, a Rule Still in Force

Indian Railways has, over the past year, tightened how last-minute Tatkal tickets can be booked, aiming to cut out bulk booking by agents and automated tools and give genuine passengers a fairer shot at scarce seats. The core change, confirmed by the Ministry of Railways, is that Tatkal bookings now require Aadhaar-based authentication, and the rule applies whether a passenger books online, at a counter, or through an authorised agent.

What changed, and when

From 1 July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked through IRCTC's official website and mobile app became available only to Aadhaar-authenticated users. From 15 July 2025, that requirement extended to Tatkal bookings made at computerised Passenger Reservation System counters and through authorised ticketing agents, who must now also complete Aadhaar-linked OTP verification sent to the passenger's registered mobile number. Authorised agents are additionally barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the opening half hour of each day's booking window. As of this September, these requirements remain in force; nothing publicly announced has rolled them back.

Why Indian Railways made the change

Tatkal tickets, released a day ahead of travel for the following day's journey, have long been a target for automated booking software and agents securing large blocks of seats within seconds of the window opening. Aadhaar-based authentication is intended to tie each booking to a verified individual, making that kind of bulk capture harder to sustain, and officials have framed the change around improving transparency and access for genuine travellers rather than revenue.

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What this means for travellers

Anyone planning to rely on Tatkal bookings, a common fallback when regular quota tickets sell out, should ensure their IRCTC account is Aadhaar-linked and that the mobile number registered against it is current, since the OTP is sent there at the point of booking. Passengers booking through agents or at a counter can expect to be asked for the same Aadhaar-linked OTP step rather than a simpler walk-up purchase.

Traveller tips

• Link and verify Aadhaar on your IRCTC account well before you need a Tatkal ticket, rather than during the booking window itself.
• Keep the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar and IRCTC account current, since OTPs are sent there at the moment of booking.
• Non-Tatkal, general-quota bookings are not affected by this rule and continue as before.
• Confirm the latest position directly via irctc.co.in or the Ministry of Railways before relying on Tatkal for a specific journey, since booking procedures can be revised further.