Tatkal Ticket Timing: Nowadays, everyone travels by train. If you are planning a trip, this information may be useful. If you have a sudden travel plan and cannot secure a regular ticket, a Tatkal ticket can come in handy. Tatkal ticket booking opens one day before the travel date. The specific booking time depends on the train’s departure from its originating station. You can book Tatkal tickets online via the official Indian Railways website.
When does Tatkal ticket booking open?
Tatkal booking timings often confuse. According to official IRCTC rules, the booking window for AC classes opens at 10:00 AM, while the window for non-AC classes opens at 11:00 AM. For instance, if your train is scheduled to depart on August 2nd, Tatkal booking for AC classes opens at 10:00 AM on August 1st, and booking for non-AC classes opens at 11:00 AM.
How to book a Tatkal ticket online?
To do this, first log in to your IRCTC account. If you do not have an account, you must register on IRCTC first. Next, select your starting and destination stations under the “Plan My Journey” section. Then enter your travel date. Once the list of trains appears, select “Tatkal” from the quota options. After that, choose the desired train and class. Click “Book Now” next to the train with Tatkal seats available. Then, enter the passenger details. After verifying all the information, make the payment online. Once the payment is processed, your ticket will be booked.
How many passengers can be included in a single PNR?
According to Indian Railways, you can book a maximum of four passengers on a single PNR for a Tatkal e-ticket. Therefore, if more than four people are travelling together, they may need to be booked under separate PNRs.
What are the extra charges for a Tatkal ticket?
Tatkal tickets incur an additional charge over and above the standard fare. According to Indian Railways, this surcharge is 10% of the base fare for Second Sitting (2S) and 30% for other classes; minimum and maximum limits have also been prescribed.
How to prepare for Tatkal booking?
Demand for Tatkal tickets is very high, so it is beneficial to be prepared before booking opens. Log in to the Indian Railways system in advance, as there is very little time to log in during the actual booking process. Keep details such as names, ages, and other necessary information handy. Indian Railways also offers a feature to save passenger information beforehand, which saves time during booking. Additionally, have your preferred payment method ready to ensure a smooth transaction.
What is the rule regarding Aadhaar authentication?
Indian Railways has implemented an Aadhaar authentication process for Tatkal bookings effective July 1, 2025. The official guidelines for this process have been issued by Indian Railways. Therefore, it is advisable to check the current Aadhaar verification status of your Indian Railways account before booking a Tatkal ticket.
Is a refund available upon cancelling a Tatkal ticket?
According to Indian Railways’ rules, refunds are generally not granted for cancelled confirmed Tatkal tickets. However, in certain situations—such as with waitlisted Tatkal tickets—cancellation charges may apply under existing railway regulations. Therefore, carefully verify the travel date and passenger details before booking a Tatkal ticket.
Are Tatkal tickets available for every train?
Please note that the Tatkal ticket option is not available for all trains, classes, or stations. Indian Railways clarifies that the Tatkal option may not be available for specific trains, classes, or routes. Therefore, always check for availability when booking your ticket.
Which classes offer Tatkal tickets?
According to Indian Railways, Tatkal booking is available for a wide range of classes. However, the Tatkal facility is not available for First AC. Availability may vary by train and class of travel.
Points to remember while travelling
Keep your ERS/SMS safe after booking the ticket online. During the journey, at least one passenger listed on the ticket must carry valid identity proof.
Conclusion
Booking a Tatkal ticket is not difficult, but timing is crucial. AC Tatkal booking opens at 10:00 AM, and non-AC Tatkal booking opens at 11:00 AM. Bookings open one day before the journey, with the day calculated based on the train’s scheduled departure from its originating station. Therefore, have your Indian Railways account details, Aadhaar authentication, passenger information, and payment method ready before booking. This can speed up the booking process as soon as the Tatkal window opens.