The Government of India’s Ministry of Railways, via the Railway Board, has issued an important notice (Commercial Circular No. 08 of 2025, dated 10.06.2025) regarding significant modifications to the Tatkal scheme. The core objective of these changes is to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme are reaped by the common end user.
If you rely on Tatkal bookings for urgent travel, here is a detailed breakdown of the new rules you need to know, which involve mandatory Aadhaar usage and new restrictions on authorized agents.
Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication for Online Tatkal Booking
Significant changes are coming to how you book Tatkal tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or its application (app).
1. Aadhaar Authentication is Now the Gateway (Effective 01-07-2025) With effect from July 1, 2025, tickets under the Tatkal Scheme can only be booked through the IRCTC website or its app by users who are Aadhaar authenticated.
2. OTP Authentication Follows (Effective 15-07-2025) Subsequently, starting July 15, 2025, Aadhaar based OTP authentication shall also be made compulsory for the Tatkal booking process.
OTP Compulsory for Counter and Agent Bookings
The new authentication requirements are not limited to online bookings; they also extend to tickets booked through physical channels.
Effective July 15, 2025, when booking Tatkal tickets through computerized PRS counters of Indian Railways or authorized agents, the transaction will only proceed after authentication of a system generated OTP. This OTP will be sent through the system to the mobile number furnished by the user at the time of booking.
Restrictions on Authorized Ticketing Agents
To curb misuse and ensure general passengers get better access to immediate bookings, authorized ticketing agents of Indian Railways face new time restrictions.
Authorized agents shall not be allowed to book opening day Tatkal tickets during the first thirty minutes of opening of the Tatkal booking window for both AC and non-AC classes.
The specific restricted booking times for agents are:
• Air-Conditioned (AC) Classes: From 1000 hours to 1030 hours.
• Non-Air-Conditioned (Non-AC) Classes: From 1100 hours to 1130 hours.
What Happens Next?
In light of these major modifications, the Railway Board has instructed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC to make all necessary modifications in the system.
Furthermore, the circular emphasizes that wide publicity through all possible means shall be given to these modifications for the information of the general public.
Make sure you update your IRCTC account details and are prepared for Aadhaar-based authentication before the July deadlines!
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