By News Desk 
Passengers traveling via Indian Railways are required to follow a set of regulations established by the railway authorities. These rules apply right from the ticket booking stage up until the end of the journey. Every day, millions of people use the railway network across India. While some book regular tickets in advance, others opt for the Tatkal (urgent) booking option for last-minute travel.
In a recent update, Indian Railways has introduced new rules for Tatkal ticket bookings, which will directly impact many travelers. Going forward, the Tatkal booking facility will no longer be available to certain users unless they comply with a new requirement.
If you’re someone who frequently relies on Tatkal bookings, here’s what you need to know to ensure you get a confirmed ticket without any last-minute hassles.
What’s the New Rule? Aadhaar Verification is Now Mandatory
Starting July 1, Indian Railways has made Aadhaar authentication compulsory for users who wish to book Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website or app. This move is aimed at curbing ticketing fraud and misuse of fake identities during the booking process.
So, if your IRCTC account is not linked with Aadhaar, you won’t be able to use the Tatkal booking service. The authentication process must be completed in advance before you can proceed to book under this quota.
Why This Change?
The primary reason behind this update is to eliminate fake bookings and prevent the use of fraudulent IDs in Tatkal reservations. By enforcing Aadhaar-based verification, Indian Railways hopes to make the booking process more secure, transparent, and fair for genuine passengers.
Pro Tip: Create a Master List in Advance
One common issue with Tatkal bookings is the time it takes to enter passenger details, often resulting in missed opportunities as tickets sell out quickly. To save time and increase your chances of getting a confirmed ticket, set up a Master List on your IRCTC account.
Here’s how it helps:
- Store passenger details in advance
- During booking, just select the passenger names from the list
- The form auto-fills instantly, helping you complete the process faster
This simple step can make a significant difference during the rush of Tatkal hours.
Tatkal Booking Timings
To maximize your chances of securing a ticket, be ready before the portal opens:
- AC Class Tatkal bookings open at 10:00 AM
- Sleeper Class Tatkal bookings start at 11:00 AM
Make sure to log in a few minutes early to avoid login delays and be ready to book the moment the portal goes live.
Key Takeaways
- Aadhaar authentication is now required for all IRCTC Tatkal bookings starting July 1.
- Complete your Aadhaar linking beforehand to avoid being locked out of the service.
- Set up a Master List on your IRCTC profile to speed up the booking process.
- Be ready and logged in before Tatkal booking windows open to increase your chances of securing a confirmed ticket.
By making these changes, Indian Railways aims to provide a more secure and efficient booking experience while preventing misuse of the Tatkal quota. Travelers are advised to update their IRCTC accounts and prepare in advance to avoid any last-minute hurdles.