Starting tomorrow, July 1, 2025, the Indian Railways is introducing new rules for tatkal ticket booking. These changes are meant to stop misuse of the system and make it more transparent.
What’s New?
From now on, you must link your Aadhaar card with your IRCTC account to book tatkal tickets online. You’ll also need to go through an OTP (One-Time Password) verification while booking tickets at railway counters.
Also, IRCTC agents won’t be allowed to book tatkal tickets during peak hours (first 30 minutes of the booking window).
 Why the Change?
These new rules are being brought in to:
- Stop fake and bulk bookings
- Make the booking process more fair and secure
 How to Link Aadhaar Card with Your IRCTC Account
To book tatkal tickets, at least one passenger must be Aadhaar-verified. Follow these steps to link your Aadhaar:
- Visit www.irctc.co.in
- Log in to your IRCTC account
- Go to ‘My Profile’
- Click on ‘Aadhaar KYC’
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
- Done! Your Aadhaar is now linked.
 How to Add Aadhaar-Verified Passengers
- Log in to your IRCTC account
- Go to ‘My Profile’ > ‘Master List’
- Enter passenger details: Name, Age, Gender, Aadhaar number
- Click on ‘Verify’ and enter the OTP
- Now the passenger is Aadhaar-verified and ready for booking
 New Booking Time Restrictions for Agents
To avoid crowding and misuse:
- Agents can’t book AC tatkal tickets between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM
- Agents can’t book non-AC tatkal tickets between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM
- OTP will also be required for bookings at railway counters
Final Note
These new rules apply to both AC and sleeper class tatkal bookings. So, make sure your Aadhaar is linked to your IRCTC account before July 1 to avoid issues while booking.
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