New Tatkal ticket booking rules effective from July 1: All you need to know

The new rules are applicable to both online as well as the counter ticket booking systems.

“With effect from 01.07.2025, tickets under tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users. Subsequently, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication shall also be made compulsory for the tatkal booking from 15.07.2025,” reads the circular issued by the Railway Ministry. The rules for the counter ticketing system will be implemented by July 15, 2025.

The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), the technological wing of the Indian Railways, and IRCTC were asked to make necessary modification in the system accordingly under intimation to all zonal railways.

Here are the 5 things you need to know about the new rules for booking Tatkal tickets:

1. 01

   What are the new rules for booking Tatkal tickets?

   Users identified with Aadhaar can book Tatkal tickets using the IRCTC’s official website or the mobile app.

   According to a senior official from the Ministry of Railways, “Account holders who link their accounts with Aadhaar will get priority booking during the first 10 minutes of Tatkal ticket sales."

2. 02

   When will the rules come into effect?

   The new rules for Tatkal reservations via online ticket booking system has come into effect from July 1, 2025. Users can book their tickets through the website of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) or its mobile app.

   Starting 15th July 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become mandatory for Tatkal bookings made online as well as through Passenger Reservation Systems (PRS) counters and authorised agents.

3. 03

   Why has the Ministry brought in new rules?

   The proposal for the e-Aadhaar authentication system is part of the campaign against the use of automated tools to book tickets online.

   The new rules will strengthen the Tatkal ticketing process and combat fraud by mandating e-Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal reservations.

   So far, the railways have deactivated and barred over 24 million users in the last six months, and around 2 million accounts have been marked as suspicious and are being investigated, according to a senior ministry official.

4. 04

   How will the IRCTC agents be affected due to the new rules?

   Under the new rules, authorised IRCTC agents are not allowed to book within the first 30 minutes of opening of booking for AC as well as non-AC travel classes.

   It means the agents are allowed to book tatkal tickets from 10 am to 10.30 am for air-conditioned classes and from 11 am to 11.30 am for non-air conditioned classes.

5. 05

   What are the other provisions made by the Railways for convenience of passengers?

   🔴 The railway board has proposed preparing the reservation chart eight hours before the departure of the train, which would reduce uncertainties for passengers with waitlist tickets, according to a press release by the Ministry of Railways. Currently, the reservation chart is prepared four hours before departure.

   🔴 The new upgraded PRS will allow over 1.5 lakh ticket bookings per minute, and the ticket enquiry capacity will jump ten times, that is, from 4 lakh to over 40 lakh enquiry will be possible in a minute's time, the release highlighted. Within this, users will be able to submit their choice of seat and see the fare calendar. It also has integrated facilities for Divyangjan, students, patients, etc.