In an effort to make Tatkal bookings fairer, more transparent, and less prone to misuse by agents and bots, Indian Railways and irctc have revamped the Tatkal ticket booking process with important rule changes that are either already in effect or rolling out through 2025–26.

These changes aim to ensure that genuine passengers — not scalpers or automated software — get a better chance of securing last‑minute seats under the very competitive Tatkal quota.

🆕 Main New Rules You Must Know

1️⃣ Aadhaar Authentication Is Now Mandatory

From July 1, 2025, only users whose Aadhaar number is linked and verified with their irctc account can book Tatkal tickets online. This was done to prevent fake accounts and unauthorized bulk bookings.

➡️ Without Aadhaar linked, you cannot reserve Tatkal e‑tickets online — this applies on both the IRCTC website and mobile app.

2️⃣ OTP Verification Required for Every Tatkal Booking

Starting July 15, 2025, Aadhaar‑based OTP (One‑Time Password) verification became compulsory for all Tatkal bookings — not just online but also at railway reservation counters (PRS) and through authorised agents.

• The OTP is sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar (for online bookings).
• For PRS counter bookings, it’s sent to the mobile number provided during booking.
• Only after entering this OTP will the ticket be successfully issued.

This step adds an extra layer of passenger authentication and cuts down on bulk bookings using bots or fake accounts.

3️⃣ Restrictions on Booking Agents During Critical First Minutes

To give ordinary passengers a fairer chance, irctc has restricted authorised agents from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal opening:

• AC Class: Agents cannot book between 10:00 AM–10:30 AM
• Non‑AC Class: Agents cannot book between 11:00 AM–11:30 AM

This rule is designed to reduce the advantage that some agents had by using automated software to grab tickets the moment the window opened.

4️⃣ Same Rules Apply Across Platforms

The mandatory Aadhaar and OTP rules aren’t just for online users — they now cover all methods of Tatkal booking:

✔ Online via irctc website and app
✔ At reservation counters (PRS)
✔ Through authorised ticketing agents

This uniform policy is meant to close loopholes and prevent alternative manual or agent‑assisted misuse.

📌 Why These Rule Changes Matter

✅ 1. Fair Access for Genuine Passengers

Tatkal tickets are highly competitive, and in the past, many were booked within seconds by bots or agents using software scrapers — leaving genuine travellers without tickets. These reforms aim to level the playing field.

✅ 2. More Transparency & Less Black‑Marketing

With Aadhaar linked to each account and OTP authentication, it’s harder to run multiple fake accounts or use automated scripts — reducing the chances of tickets being resold illegally at higher prices.

✅ 3. Reduced Fraud & Better Accountability

Each booking now ties back to a verified identity and mobile number, making it easier to trace misuse and enforce accountability.

🧠 What This Means for You

Here’s how your Tatkal booking experience will be different:

🔹 No Aadhaar linked = No online Tatkal!
If your irctc account isn’t Aadhaar‑linked, you won’t see the Tatkal option online.

🔹 OTP is must — every time
You’ll receive an OTP during booking — and until it’s entered, the ticket won’t be issued.

🔹 Agents can’t dominate early booking minutes
This gives individual passengers a better chance to book seats during peak demand within the first half‑hour.

🔹 Counters also follow new verification
Even if you go to a physical reservation counter, you’ll need OTP verification to complete your Tatkal ticket purchase from July 15 onwards.

📍 How to Prepare for Tatkal Booking Under New Rules

Here’s a quick checklist so you don’t miss out:

✔ Link Aadhaar to your irctc account
✔ Keep your mobile number active and matched with Aadhaar
✔ Be ready to enter OTP quickly during booking
✔ Book early within the timing window (10:00 AM / 11:00 AM depending on class)
✔ Avoid multiple irctc accounts — use one verified profile to avoid blocks

These steps significantly increase your chances of successful booking under the tougher new rules.

🧾 Final Summary

Starting from mid‑2025 and into 2026, indian Railways has introduced major reforms in Tatkal ticket booking to curb misuse and give genuine travellers a better shot at last‑minute seats:

✔ Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for all Tatkal bookings
✔ OTP verification compulsory for every booking method
✔ One‑time block on agents during key early booking minutes
✔ Uniform rules across online, counter, and agent bookings

These changes are meant to make the system fairer, safer, and more transparent for regular passengers.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.