Quick summary: Indian Railways and IRCTC rolled out new safeguards for Tatkal bookings in 2025: Aadhaar-based authentication for Tatkal and time-window/agent restrictions during the initial booking minutes. This page explains the changes, ARP timing clarifications, impacts on agents, and answers common questions.

Essential update: Aadhaar OTP requirement for Tatkal (live)

Current news & latest changes

• Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal: Aadhaar-based authentication has been implemented for online Tatkal bookings earlier in 2025, with OTP checks phased in for some windows. This measure aims to curb misuse and fake bookings.
• Agent booking restrictions (ARP window): To make access fair, authorised agent bookings are temporarily restricted during the first 30 minutes of the opening window — AC classes and non-AC have separate start times.
• Expanded Aadhaar requirement (Oct 1, 2025 timeframe): The Railways announced additional Aadhaar-linked requirements for early reservation minutes on some ticket types; follow official IRCTC/PRESS releases for precise rollouts.

ARP / Booking timing clarifications

What ARP (advance reservation period) timing changes mean for you:

• Tatkal bookings still open one day before the scheduled journey date.
• AC classes generally open at 10:00 AM, and non-AC (sleeper) classes at 11:00 AM. For the first 30 minutes after these windows open, authorised ticketing agents face additional restrictions to prioritise individual users.
• If you are an IRCTC agent, note the restricted slot: agents cannot book for opening-day Tatkal tickets during the initial 10:00–10:30 (AC) or 11:00–11:30 (non-AC) windows, depending on the rule in force that day.

Aadhaar KYC & how it affects Tatkal bookings

Key points:

• Only Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC accounts will be eligible to book Tatkal online during the restricted authentication windows. Linking Aadhaar and completing OTP verification helps ensure tickets are issued to verified passengers.
• Aadhaar OTPs are delivered to the mobile number linked to the Aadhaar. Passengers must carry the same ID when travelling.
• Offline PRS counters and some legacy flows may remain unchanged; however, online Tatkal during the initial minutes generally requires Aadhaar verification.

How to book successfully (practical checklist)

1. Link your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account in advance and verify the mobile number.
2. Save passenger details in profile — name, age, gender, ID type and number (Aadhaar where required).
3. Be logged in at least 5 minutes before the Tatkal window and use a reliable internet connection.
4. Choose payment method saved in advance for faster checkout.

Frequently asked questions

From mid-2025, Aadhaar-based authentication is required for online Tatkal bookings during restricted windows. If you plan to use Tatkal online, link and verify your Aadhaar beforehand.

AC classes typically open at 10:00 AM and non-AC (sleeper) at 11:00 AM, one day before the journey. Agent restrictions may apply during the first 30 minutes for fairness.

No. Authorised agents are restricted from booking Tatkal tickets for the opening-day during the first 30 minutes for the relevant class. This gives individual Aadhaar-verified users priority.

Ensure the mobile number in your Aadhaar matches the one used for OTP verification, or update your IRCTC profile and Aadhaar linkage before Tatkal booking.

Some online-specific authentication windows apply to IRCTC web/app flows. PRS counters continue operating but certain OTP checks may be introduced; check official advisories for counter rules.

Note: This page summarises public announcements and media reporting about IRCTC changes as of the date shown. For the official rules and the latest updates, always check IRCTC or Railway Board press releases.