Tatkal ticket booking is a lifesaver for last-minute travelers in India, but with the latest changes introduced by IRCTC in 2025, the process has become stricter and more secure. If you’ve ever encountered errors like “Action Not Allowed at This Time” or wondered why OTP goes to a specific number, this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about booking Tatkal tickets under the new Aadhaar OTP rules.
Table of Contents
What Is a Tatkal Ticket?
Tatkal is a special quota in Indian Railways that allows passengers to book confirmed tickets a day before the journey. It is especially helpful for emergencies or sudden travel plans. However, it comes with limited seats, dynamic pricing, and strict timing.
Alongside regular Tatkal tickets, IRCTC also offers Premium Tatkal — a special quota where dynamic pricing applies more aggressively. Premium Tatkal tickets are priced higher but offer an additional option for passengers who urgently need a confirmed ticket and are willing to pay more. Booking for Premium Tatkal opens at the same time as regular Tatkal but only applies to select trains and classes. The process is the same, but the fare increases depending on seat demand.
What’s New in Tatkal Booking Rules (Effective from July 2025)?
In July 2025, IRCTC introduced several changes to enhance security and reduce misuse:
- Aadhaar OTP verification is mandatory for all Tatkal bookings.
- Tatkal bookings are now Aadhaar-authenticated at the time of booking.
- Only Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets in the first 30 minutes.
- Agents are restricted from booking during this priority window.
Tatkal Booking Time (Still the Same)
Despite the new rules, the booking times for Tatkal tickets remain unchanged:
| Class | Booking Start Time |
|---|---|
| AC Classes (1A/2A/3A/CC) | 10:00 AM (one day before travel) |
| Sleeper Class (SL) | 11:00 AM (one day before travel) |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book Tatkal Ticket on IRCTC in 2025
Step 1: Authenticate Aadhaar with IRCTC Account
On IRCTC Website (Desktop):
- Login to IRCTC website
- Click on “My Account” or “Account”
- Select “Authenticate User”
- Enter the exact name as on Aadhaar, Date of Birth, and Aadhaar Number
- Click “Send OTP”
- Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number to complete verification
On IRCTC Mobile App:
- Login to the IRCTC Rail Connect App
- Tap on “Account” from the bottom menu
- Click on “Authenticate User”
- Enter name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, then tap Send OTP
- Enter OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile to complete the process
Step 2: Add Passengers to Master List (Optional but Recommended)
- Go to “My Profile” > “Add Passenger”
- Fill in passenger details exactly as per Aadhaar (Name, DOB must match)
- Select Berth Preference, Food Type, etc.
- Save passenger to use during quick bookings
Step 3: Prepare Before Booking Time
- Login at least 10–15 minutes before 10 AM (AC) or 11 AM (SL)
- Fill journey details and select Tatkal Quota
- Pre-fill passenger details from Master List
- Ensure Passenger 1 is Aadhaar verified
Step 4: Booking Time – Be Quick!
- Exactly at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM, click on Find Trains
- Select your train and class, and hit Book Now
- OTP will be sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number of Passenger 1
- Enter the OTP quickly to authenticate and proceed
Step 5: Make Payment
- Complete payment using UPI, Net Banking, or Card
- Once successful, you’ll receive a confirmed PNR or waitlist status
Important FAQs
Q1: Is Aadhaar verification required for all passengers?
No, only one Aadhaar-verified passenger (usually Passenger 1) is mandatory. Others can be non-verified.
Q2: Who receives the OTP during booking?
OTP is sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar of Passenger 1, not the IRCTC account holder (unless they’re Passenger 1).
Q3: What does “Action Not Allowed at This Time” mean?
This error appears if:
- You click before booking opens (e.g., 10:00:00 AM vs. 9:59:59 AM)
- You’re not Aadhaar-verified
- You’ve logged in on multiple devices
- You’re refreshing too often
- You’re using a restricted agent account
Q4: What if I don’t receive the OTP?
- Ensure Passenger 1’s Aadhaar-linked number is active
- Avoid DND settings or network issues
- Try rebooking quickly if time allows
Pro Tips for Successful Tatkal Booking
- Use high-speed internet and a reliable browser (or the IRCTC Rail Connect app)
- Avoid multiple logins – use only one device
- Sync your system clock to the official IST time
- Disable browser extensions or ad blockers
- Use autofill tools wisely (IRCTC allows some pre-filling)
- Always match name and DOB with Aadhaar details during verification and passenger entry
Summary
With the 2025 Aadhaar OTP rules in place, IRCTC’s Tatkal booking process has become more secure but slightly more complex. The key is preparation — make sure your Aadhaar is linked, Passenger 1 is verified, and your internet is stable. If you follow the steps above, you’ll increase your chances of securing that much-needed last-minute ticket without stress.
Still facing issues or want a visual walkthrough? Let us know in the comments!