IRCTC train ticket rules: If you’re looking to book train tickets online today, January 5th, make sure to check out IRCTC’s updated rules. That’s right, the guidelines for advance ticket booking have changed as of January 5th. Now, only users who have completed Aadhaar verification on the IRCTC website or app can take advantage of this. Starting today, January 5th, IRCTC users without Aadhaar linkage won’t be able to book tickets online between 8 am and 4 pm.
Passengers lacking a verified Aadhaar card might run into issues when trying to secure a confirmed ticket. This rule is only in effect on the first day that reserved train ticket booking opens. Railway reserved ticket booking starts 60 days before the train’s departure date.
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With the new rules, users who have completed Aadhaar verification can book tickets up to 60 days in advance. If you haven’t finished your Aadhaar verification, you won’t be able to book tickets during this period. Additionally, starting January 12th, tickets won’t be available for such users from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
On December 29th, IRCTC revised the booking schedule for Aadhaar-linked users. According to this update, Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets from 8 AM to 4 PM, while non-verified users can only start booking after 4 PM. Previously, Aadhaar-verified users could book from 8 AM to 12 PM.
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Now, this time has been extended by four hours, making it more convenient for users. Indian Railways has implemented this change to ensure that genuine passengers get confirmed tickets and that the system isn’t exploited by brokers or other dishonest entities. The hope is that this new system will help passengers who book 60 days in advance, boosting their chances of securing a confirmed ticket.
The new rule will roll out in three stages
Stage 1 (December 29, 2025): Users linked with Aadhaar can book tickets from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Stage 2 (January 5, 2026): Booking hours will be expanded from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Users without Aadhaar linkage can only book tickets after 4:00 PM.
Stage 3 (January 12, 2026): The booking time is likely to be further extended, allowing Aadhaar-linked users to book tickets until midnight.
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How do you link your IRCTC account with Aadhaar?
To link your Aadhaar, start by logging into the IRCTC website or mobile app.
Next, head to My Profile and choose the Aadhaar KYC option.
Then, input your Aadhaar number.
After that, an OTP will be sent to your mobile.
Once you enter the OTP, your IRCTC account will be linked to your Aadhaar.
There are no changes to the rules for offline ticket booking.
The rules for booking tickets at railway counters remain unchanged. Previously, Aadhaar-verified users had just 15 minutes, which was later increased to 4 hours. Now, with a full 8-hour online booking window, Aadhaar-verified users get even more perks. On the first day of general reservations, the online booking window for verified users has been extended until noon, while counter booking will proceed as usual.