Tatkal is a scheme of Indian Railways for passengers who need to travel at short notice. A fixed quota of seats on most trains is kept for Tatkal booking, which opens a day before the journey. Here is how Tatkal ticket booking works.
Booking timings
Tatkal booking opens one day before the date of journey, not counting the journey date, from the station where the train starts.
- AC classes (1A excluded, 2A, 3A, 3E, CC, EC): 10 AM
- Non AC classes (SL, 2S and others): 11 AM
Premium Tatkal, available on select trains, follows the same opening times but has dynamic fares.
Aadhaar authentication rule
In 2025, the Ministry of Railways made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets online through IRCTC. Only users whose IRCTC accounts are verified with Aadhaar can book Tatkal tickets online. An OTP based Aadhaar verification step was also added for Tatkal bookings, including at counters and through authorised agents. Railways also restricted authorised agents from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes after booking opens. Check the latest rules on IRCTC, since they are updated from time to time.
How to link Aadhaar with IRCTC
- Log in to your IRCTC account on the website or app.
- Go to My Account and choose Authenticate User.
- Enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID.
- Verify with the OTP sent to your Aadhaar linked mobile.
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How to book a Tatkal ticket
- Log in a few minutes before booking opens.
- Use the Master List to save passenger details in advance.
- Search your train, select Tatkal as the quota and choose your class.
- Fill in passenger details from the Master List.
- Pay quickly using UPI, net banking or a wallet.
Tatkal charges
Tatkal fares are higher than normal fares. The Tatkal charge is calculated as a percentage of the base fare, subject to a minimum and maximum amount for each class, as notified by Railways. The exact charge is shown during booking.
Refund rules
- No refund is given on cancellation of a confirmed Tatkal ticket.
- For waitlisted Tatkal tickets, cancellation charges apply as per normal rules.
- Full refund is allowed in specific cases, such as when a train is delayed by more than three hours, cancelled or diverted, and the passenger does not travel, as per refund rules.
Tips for success
- Keep your internet connection stable and payment method ready.
- Avoid unauthorised software or apps that claim to book Tatkal faster; their use is not allowed.
- Have a backup train in mind.
Bottom line
Tatkal ticket booking needs speed and preparation. Link your IRCTC account with Aadhaar, save passengers in the Master List and log in before 10 AM or 11 AM.
Source / स्रोत: IRCTC, Indian Railways, Ministry of Railways, Press Information Bureau
