Indian Railways has changed the rules for ticket booking. These new rules have come into effect from today, 15 July 2025. The change has been made in Tatkal ticket booking. Now, whether you book tickets online through the IRCTC website or app, or offline through the PRS counter or an agent, Aadhaar-based OTP verification is now mandatory. The main aim of this step is to stop fraud in Tatkal ticket booking and make the process easier and safer for regular passengers.

Now Aadhaar OTP is Needed for Tatkal Ticket Booking

From 15 July 2025, Indian Railways has changed the rules for Tatkal ticket booking. Now, when you book a Tatkal train ticket, you must enter an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Without this OTP, your ticket will not be booked. This rule applies to all bookings—online (IRCTC website or app), PRS counters, and through railway agents.

Tatkal Ticket Booking Time

  • AC Class (1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC): Booking starts at 10:00 AM one day before the train leaves.
  • Non-AC Class (SL, 2S): Booking starts at 11:00 AM one day before the train leaves.

Offline Booking Also Needs Aadhaar OTP

If you book from a PRS counter or through a railway agent, you still need to give your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to it. You will receive an OTP on your phone, and it must be entered to book the ticket.

Link Aadhaar with IRCTC Account First

If you book tickets online on the IRCTC app or website, you must first link your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account. If you do not do this, you cannot book Tatkal tickets.

How to Link Aadhaar on IRCTC

  1. Log in to the IRCTC website or app
  2. Go to “My Account”
  3. Click on “Authenticate User”
  4. Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked phone

Booking Time for Agents is Limited

To help regular people get tickets first, agents can book only after a certain time:

  • AC Class: Agents cannot book from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
  • Non-AC Class: Agents cannot book from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Train Fare Increased from 1 July

From 1 July 2025, Indian Railways has increased fares for special and premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Duronto, and Humsafar. The fare depends on distance and class.

Reservation Chart Will Be Made 8 Hours Before

  • Now the reservation chart will be made 8 hours before the train leaves.
  • If your train leaves before 2 PM, the chart will be ready at 9 PM the night before.
  • Earlier, the chart was made only 4 hours before departure.