Tatkal Ticket Booking: Aadhaar Verification Becomes Mandatory from July 1 – Here’s What You Need to Know

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From July 1, 2025, the Indian Railways has introduced a significant change that will affect millions of passengers booking Tatkal tickets. To enhance transparency and prevent misuse, Aadhaar verification has been made mandatory for all users booking Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website and mobile app. This new rule is aimed at curbing fraudulent bookings, improving fairness, and streamlining the ticketing process.

🔒 Why Aadhaar Authentication?

Tatkal ticket booking is known for its high demand and limited availability, often leading to misuse by touts and booking agents. By mandating Aadhaar-based KYC (Know Your Customer) verification, the Indian Railways aims to:

  • Prevent fraudulent bookings using fake accounts.
  • Ensure ticket availability for genuine users.
  • Reduce bot or bulk bookings via agents or unauthorized software.

📅 Key Dates to Remember

Date Implementation Update July 1, 2025 Aadhaar authentication becomes compulsory for Tatkal bookings on IRCTC. July 15, 2025 Aadhaar-linked OTP (One-Time Password) authentication will be required at the time of every Tatkal ticket booking.

✅ How to Link & Verify Aadhaar on IRCTC

To continue booking Tatkal tickets without any issues, users must follow these steps:

📲 Steps to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC:

  1. Log in to your IRCTC account.
  2. Navigate to ‘My Profile’ → ‘Link Your Aadhaar’.
  3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and full name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card.
  4. Tick the consent box and click ‘Send OTP’.
  5. Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
  6. Once verified, the system will fetch your KYC details. Click ‘Submit’ to complete the process.

🔐 How to Authenticate Aadhaar:

  1. Go to ‘My Account’ → ‘Aadhaar Authentication’ on the IRCTC portal.
  2. Enter your Aadhaar or Virtual ID (VID).
  3. Authenticate using the OTP sent to your mobile number.
  4. After successful verification, your Aadhaar is authenticated and ready for bookings.

🚫 Restrictions on Agents

To make Tatkal bookings more accessible to regular passengers, Indian Railways has restricted agent access:

  • Booking agents cannot book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of opening.
  • For AC classes: No agent bookings from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
  • For Non-AC classes: No agent bookings from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

This ensures fair access to Tatkal tickets for genuine users.

📋 Important Tips Before Booking

  • ✅ Ensure your Aadhaar is linked and authenticated before June 30, 2025.
  • ✅ Keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number active for OTPs.
  • ✅ Create a Passenger Master List on IRCTC to speed up form filling.
  • ✅ Use IRCTC’s official website or app for secure booking.
  • ✅ Ensure a stable internet connection and preloaded wallet/payment method for faster transactions.

📢 What If Aadhaar Isn’t Linked?

From July 1, you will not be able to book Tatkal tickets on IRCTC without Aadhaar authentication. It’s crucial to update your account details and complete the linking process as soon as possible to avoid last-minute booking hassles.

🚀 What This Means for Travelers

This move marks a major shift towards secure and efficient digital booking. Aadhaar-based KYC:

  • Builds trust in the ticketing system.
  • Prevents exploitation by touts.
  • Helps Indian Railways manage demand fairly during peak travel times.

📝 Final Words

If you’re planning to book a Tatkal ticket anytime soon, make Aadhaar linking your priority. The July 1 deadline is fast approaching, and missing it could cost you your seat on the train.

Stay informed. Travel smart.

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