Aadhaar OTP Now Mandatory for Tatkal Train Ticket Booking from July 15: Check IRCTC Rules, Timings & Fare Hike

The Indian Railways has made Aadhaar-based OTP authentication mandatory for all Tatkal train ticket bookings starting July 15, 2025. Whether booking online via the IRCTC platform or offline at ticket counters and through authorised agents, passengers must now verify their identity using an OTP sent to their Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Aadhaar OTP Now Required for All Tatkal Bookings

From now on, Tatkal tickets can only be booked after successful Aadhaar OTP authentication. This applies across all booking channels-online (IRCTC website or app), offline at PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters, and even through authorised railway agents.

Passengers will be required to provide their Aadhaar number and the mobile number registered with Aadhaar. During the booking process, an OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number, and only after successful authentication will the ticket be issued.

IRCTC User Authentication Also Mandatory

If you book Tatkal tickets online via the IRCTC platform, you must complete Aadhaar authentication on your user profile. From July 1, 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC users are allowed to book Tatkal tickets.

Offline Bookings Also Require Aadhaar OTP

Offline Tatkal bookings made at computerised PRS counters or through authorised agents will now also require Aadhaar OTP verification. Agents and ticket clerks will ask for your Aadhaar number and mobile number linked to Aadhaar during the booking process. Once the OTP is verified, the ticket can be issued.

How to Aadhaar Authenticate Your IRCTC Profile?

• Log in to the IRCTC website or IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app.
• Go to "My Account".
• Click on "Authenticate User" and follow the instructions to complete the Aadhaar verification process.

Tatkal Booking Timings

Tatkal train tickets can be booked one day before the journey date, not including the day of travel.

Booking windows remain the same:

• AC Classes (1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC): Bookings open at 10:00 AM the day before travel.
• Non-AC Classes (Sleeper, Second Sitting): Bookings open at 11:00 AM the day before travel.

Train Fare Hike from July 1

Starting July 1, 2025, the Indian Railways has increased fares for several premium and special train services. The fare hike applies to popular trains such as the Rajdhani Express, Shatabdi Express, Duronto Express, Vande Bharat Express, Tejas Express, and Humsafar Express. Other affected services include the Amrit Bharat Express, Mahamana Express, Gatimaan Express, Antyodaya Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, and Yuva Express.

The revised fare also applies to AC Vistadome coaches, Anubhuti coaches, and ordinary non-suburban services for journeys covering more than 500 km. The new pricing structure depends on the type of train and class of travel, with detailed rates available through Indian Railways' official platforms.