ClearBerthClearBerth / Guides / Tatkal rules
Tatkal ticket booking: timings, charges and rules
Tatkal is the railway's last-minute booking scheme. This guide sets out what IRCTC and the Ministry of Railways have published: when it opens, what it costs, who can book and what happens if you cancel.
When does Tatkal open?
IRCTC's Tatkal FAQ says Tatkal e-tickets open one day before the journey, not counting the journey date itself. On that opening day, AC classes (2A, 3A, CC, EC and 3E) open at 10:00 and non-AC classes (SL, FC and 2S) open at 11:00.
Which classes have Tatkal?
IRCTC states that Tatkal bookings are allowed in all classes except First AC and Executive Class. Whether a train offers Tatkal in a class still depends on the train and your stations, so the booking screen is the final word. Tatkal is issued for the distance you actually travel, subject to the train's distance restriction, so it is not limited to end-to-end journeys.
Ladies quota and general quota cannot be selected together with Tatkal. No concessions apply to Tatkal bookings.
What does Tatkal cost?
The Tatkal charge is added per passenger on top of the normal fare. It is 10% of the basic fare for second class and 30% for the other classes, but never below the minimum or above the maximum for the class:
| Class | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Second (sitting) | ₹10 | ₹15 |
| Sleeper | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| AC Chair Car | ₹125 | ₹225 |
| AC 3 Tier | ₹300 | ₹400 |
| AC 2 Tier | ₹400 | ₹500 |
| Executive | ₹400 | ₹500 |
IRCTC's page lists Executive in this table, although the same page says Tatkal is not allowed in Executive Class.
Who can book Tatkal?
A Ministry of Railways release dated 11 June 2025 set these rules. From 1 July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked on 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. At reservation counters and with authorised agents, Tatkal bookings from 15 July 2025 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 of the window: 10:00 to 10:30 for AC classes and 11:00 to 11:30 for non-AC classes. Read more in our guide to Aadhaar and train ticket booking.
If you cancel a Tatkal ticket
IRCTC says confirmed Tatkal tickets are not refunded on cancellation. For waitlisted and contingent Tatkal tickets, cancellation charges apply under the existing railway rules.
In short
- Opens one day before the journey: 10:00 for AC, 11:00 for non-AC.
- Online booking needs an Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC account.
- The Tatkal charge is 10% or 30% of the basic fare, within a minimum and maximum per class.
- No concessions, and no refund on a confirmed ticket.
Sources
- IRCTC: Tatkal frequently asked questions
- PIB, 11 June 2025: Only Aadhaar authenticated user can book Tatkal tickets on IRCTC website and app from July 1
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.
