From July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking Tatkal train tickets, as per a directive from the Ministry of Railways. In a circular issued on June 10, the ministry stated that this move aims to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach genuine passengers.
“From 01-07-2025, Tatkal tickets can only be booked on the IRCTC website or app by users who have completed Aadhaar authentication,” the circular said.
Additionally, starting July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP verification will also become compulsory for all Tatkal bookings. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is urging users to link and verify their Aadhaar with their IRCTC accounts to ensure a smoother, more secure ticketing experience.
🔐 How to Authenticate Your Aadhaar in Your IRCTC Account
Follow these steps to complete Aadhaar verification and ensure uninterrupted Tatkal ticket booking:
- Log In:
Open the IRCTC website or mobile app and log in with your IRCTC credentials. - Navigate to Authentication:
Go to the ‘My Account’ section and select ‘Authenticate User’. - Enter Your Details:
Provide your Aadhaar number, Virtual ID, or PAN card number. - Verify Your Details:
Click ‘Verify Details’ to proceed. - OTP Verification:
You’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Enter the OTP, check the consent box, and click ‘Submit’ to complete the authentication.
✅ Once authenticated, your IRCTC account will be linked with Aadhaar, making you eligible to book Tatkal tickets from July 1, 2025.
🔁 Having Trouble? Here’s What to Do If Aadhaar Authentication Fails:
If your authentication attempt fails, double-check the details you’ve entered — especially your Aadhaar number, PAN, and mobile number linked to Aadhaar. Then, try the process again.
You can always check your authentication status by going to the ‘Authenticate User’ option under the ‘My Account’ section on the IRCTC website or app.
🔗 How to Link Your Aadhaar Number to Your IRCTC Account
To ensure seamless Tatkal ticket booking from July 1, 2025, follow these steps to link your Aadhaar with your IRCTC profile:
📝 Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the IRCTC Portal:
Go to the IRCTC official website. - Log In:
Use your IRCTC username and password to log in. - Go to Profile:
Click on the ‘Profile’ tab and select ‘Link Aadhaar’. - Enter Your Details:
- Type your name as per Aadhaar
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Send OTP:
Check the consent box and click on ‘Send OTP’. - Enter OTP:
Input the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and click ‘Verify OTP’. - Update KYC:
Once verified, your KYC details will be auto-fetched from Aadhaar. Click ‘Update’ to complete the process.
✅ A confirmation pop-up will appear, indicating successful Aadhaar linking and KYC update.
⚠️ Important Considerations:
- Link & Authenticate:
Make sure to complete both Aadhaar linking and authentication in your IRCTC profile. - Registered Mobile Number:
Your mobile number must be updated in Aadhaar records. If not, visit the UIDAI portal or a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update it. - Be Tatkal-Ready:
For smoother Tatkal bookings, link Aadhaar in advance and keep your IRCTC login credentials ready to avoid last-minute delays.
⚠️ Important Considerations Before Booking Tatkal Tickets
- ✅ Link and Authenticate:
Ensure your Aadhaar is both linked and authenticated in your IRCTC profile. Without authentication, Tatkal booking will not be allowed from July 1, 2025. - 📱 Mobile Number Matters:
The OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Make sure it’s up to date. If needed, update it through the UIDAI website or your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra. - 🚄 Be Tatkal Ready:
To avoid last-minute delays, complete your Aadhaar linking and keep your IRCTC login credentials handy before Tatkal bookings open.
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