Indian Railways has introduced a major change to make Tatkal ticket booking more secure and transparent.
Starting today, 15th July 2025, Tatkal tickets can only be booked using an Aadhaar-based OTP.
This step is expected to benefit regular passengers who often miss tickets due to agents grabbing them first.
Now, the OTP will be sent only to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar. Without entering this OTP, ticket booking will not be completed.
So, if you are planning to book Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website or mobile app, make sure your Aadhaar is linked to your mobile number.
Booking Restrictions for Agents: 30-Minute Ban
To stop agents from blocking tickets unfairly, Railways has reserved the first 30 minutes of Tatkal booking time for general passengers:
AC class tickets: Agents cannot book from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Sleeper class tickets: Agents cannot book from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
During this period, only regular users can book tickets, improving the chances of confirmed bookings.
Aadhaar Linking Now Essential for All Tatkal Bookings
If your Aadhaar is not linked to your IRCTC account, you won’t be able to complete the OTP verification and your booking will fail.
Previously, tickets could be booked without OTP, and agents used special software to grab many tickets quickly.
But now, the Railway’s system (PRS) has been upgraded, and Aadhaar OTP verification is mandatory.
This rule applies across all railway zones in India—from Delhi to Bangalore or Patna to Mumbai—Tatkal tickets everywhere will now require Aadhaar verification.
Counter Bookings Also Require Aadhaar
Even if you book a Tatkal ticket at the railway station counter, you will need to give your Aadhaar number and verify an OTP sent to your linked mobile number.
If your mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar, the ticket will not be booked.
The same applies if you are booking for someone else—their Aadhaar number and OTP will also be required.
Rule Only for Tatkal Tickets, For Now
Currently, this rule applies only to Tatkal ticket bookings. You do not need Aadhaar for general or waiting list tickets yet. However, Railways may expand this process to counter bookings in the future.
Need Help?
If you’re facing issues like not receiving OTP or problems linking Aadhaar, you can:
Call IRCTC helpline: 139
Call UIDAI helpline: 1947
Visit the nearest railway station reservation counter for assistance
