Tatkal ticket booking rules: Aadhaar authentication must from July 1, OTP-based booking from July 15

Very soon, Aadhar-authenticated users will be able to book their train tickets under the Tatkal scheme from July 1, 2025 the Railway Ministry said. In a circular issued June 10, 2025, the Railway Ministry informed all zones that this decision was made to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal Scheme are received by the common end users.

"With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users," the



ministry said.

Subsequently, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication shall also be made compulsory for Tatkal bookings from July 15, 2025, onwards.

"Tatkal tickets shall be available for booking through computerized PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters of Indian Railways/authorized agents only after authentication of a system-generated OTP, which shall be sent through the system on the mobile number furnished by the users at the time of booking. This shall also be implemented by 15/07/2025," the circular further stated.