If you always face the problem of waiting lists while booking train tickets, then this news will bring you relief. From Monday, January 12, 2026, Indian Railways has brought a major change in the train ticket booking rules, which will directly benefit the common passengers and will curb the activities of brokers and users of fake IDs to collect tickets. The reservation system is now more transparent and secure than ever.
What has been modified from Monday January 12th?
The Indian Railway and the IRCTC announced this week that beginning today, (Monday) only persons registered with an Aadhar number will be allowed to purchase General Quota (GQ) tickets for the Advance Reservation Period (ARP), with this ticket access for Aadhar Users starting from 8:00 AM onwards until 12:00 AM the following day. Previously Aadhar users were able to purchase tickets during a specified window of time between the hours of 8:00 AM to 12:00PM, however, it has been extended by one additional hour and becomes accessible until midnight on January 12th.
Ticket Booking Time
From January 12, 2026, Aadhaar-verified IRCTC users will be able to book General Reserve tickets till 12 midnight on the first day of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Earlier, this feature was available for a limited time. IRCTC has clarified that only Aadhaar-verified users will be able to book General Reserve tickets on the opening day of ARP.
No change in ticket booking process at PRS counters
The Railway Ministry has further clarified that there has been no change in the ticket booking process at computerized PRS counters. This rule is applicable only to online ticket bookings through the IRCTC website and mobile app.
Aadhaar verification will make the system more secure
According to the Railway Ministry, the objective of making Aadhaar verification mandatory is to strengthen the ticketing system. The Ministry explained that advanced technology is being used to identify users trying to misuse the e-ticketing system.
What was the timing of ticket booking till now?
Till January 11, 2026, Aadhaar-authenticated users could book tickets only from 8 am to 12 noon on the first day of ARP. The Railways gradually increased this time period. Earlier, Aadhaar verification was mandatory only for the first 15 minutes.
What has changed since January 12
Later, this timing was changed from 8 am to 10 am. On December 29, 2025, it was increased from 8 am to 12 pm. On January 5, 2026, the timings were changed to 8 am to 4 pm. Now, from January 12, this facility will be available till midnight.
Efforts to control the activities of brokers
According to the Railways, the objective of this decision is to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach genuine passengers and stop black marketing of tickets by brokers or anti-social elements.
The Railway Ministry said that Aadhaar verification and technical monitoring have been strengthened to maintain transparency in ticket sales. As part of this process, 5.73 crore suspicious and inactive IRCTC user accounts have been deactivated or temporarily suspended.