Indian Railways: If you frequently book Tatkal tickets at the last minute for your train journey, then this new and crucial rule from Indian Railways is vital for you to know. In 2026, the Railways have mandated an OTP (One-Time Password)-based booking system to eradicate the black marketing of Tatkal tickets.
Now, brokers’ automated software will no longer be effective, as tickets will only be confirmed when the OTP received on the passenger’s mobile is verified in the system. This historic change will not only bring transparency but also provide a surefire guarantee of a confirmed seat for ordinary passengers.
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Ending the game of brokers
There has been a frequent complaint regarding Tatkal ticket booking on Indian Railways that brokers and agents use their technology to snatch up all the seats before the average person can click. As a foolproof solution to this problem, the Railways have introduced the OTP system.
Now, whether you book online through the IRCTC app or queue up at a railway station reservation counter, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Your ticket will be printed or generated online only after this OTP is entered into the system. This will ensure that tickets are issued only to those who truly wish to travel.
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Applicable both online and at the counter
After successfully implementing the OTP system for general reservations in October 2025, it has now been firmly implemented for the Tatkal quota as well. Previously, Aadhaar-based identification was limited to online bookings, but now you will be required to provide your valid mobile number even when filling out the form at the counter. The Railways’ primary objective is to completely curb the use of fake mobile numbers and fake IDs used by touts. When each ticket is linked to a unique OTP, illegal bulk ticket booking will become impossible.
Pilot Project and List of Trains
Testing of the Tatkal OTP system began on November 17, 2025, with select trains, and it has now been fully implemented on more than 52 trains. This system has been operational on the Pune-Hyderabad Shatabdi Express since early December. It was made mandatory on premium trains like the CSMT-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express from December 5.
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Furthermore, Tatkal tickets without OTP verification have been discontinued on 13 other major trains, including the Duronto and Vande Bharat, starting December 6. The railway administration is gradually expanding this robust system to all mail and express trains across the country.
How will this new system work
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When you fill out the Tatkal form at the railway counter, you must clearly enter your mobile number. As soon as the booking clerk processes your data into the system, a confidential OTP will be sent to your phone. You must share the OTP with the employee at the counter, and only after verification will your confirmed ticket be printed. For online bookings, this process is even more stringent, requiring the OTP to be entered before the payment gateway or final submission.
Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings
Although the rules have become stricter, the booking timings remain the same. Tatkal bookings begin a day before the travel date. Bookings for AC classes like 2AC, 3AC, and CC begin at a brisk pace at 10:00 am. Bookings for non-AC classes like Sleeper and 2S begin at 11:00 am. If you are traveling on December 12th, you must be ready with your mobile phone on December 11th so that you can enter the OTP as soon as it arrives.