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Aadhaar and online train ticket booking: what the rules say

Two Ministry of Railways releases changed who can book tickets online in the first minutes after booking opens. Here is what each one says, with its date.

Last checked: 26 October 2026. Railway rules change, so confirm on IRCTC before you book or cancel.

Tatkal tickets

From 1 July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked through IRCTC's website and mobile app are available only to users authenticated with Aadhaar. From 15 July 2025, an Aadhaar-based OTP is mandatory for online Tatkal bookings. The Ministry of Railways announced both on 11 June 2025.

The same release covers counters and agents. From 15 July 2025, Tatkal bookings at reservation counters and through authorised agents need an OTP sent to the mobile number given at the time of booking. Authorised agents cannot book opening-day Tatkal tickets in the first 30 minutes: 10:00 to 10:30 for AC classes and 11:00 to 11:30 for non-AC classes.

General reserved tickets

A second release, dated 15 September 2025, extended the idea to general reserved tickets. From 1 October 2025, during the first 15 minutes after general reservation opens, tickets can be booked on IRCTC's website or app only by Aadhaar-authenticated users.

The release says booking timings at computerised reservation counters stay unchanged, and that the existing restriction on authorised agents stays: they cannot book opening-day reserved tickets in the first 10 minutes after general reservation opens. It does not state a clock time for the opening of general reservation.

How to authenticate your IRCTC account

IRCTC publishes a user guide titled "Authenticate IRCTC User Profile with Aadhaar". It is linked in the sources below. Do it before the day you plan to book, because the rules above apply from the first minute the window opens.

What this page does not cover. We only describe changes that appear in official Ministry of Railways or IRCTC documents. If the railway announces a longer Aadhaar window or any other change later, this page will be updated with the new notice and its date.

Related guides

Sources

Check your ticket in the app

ClearBerth shows your PNR status with a berth diagram, tracks your train live and alerts you when your waitlist moves. Tickets are booked on IRCTC, not in ClearBerth.