Going forward, Aadhaar-based OTP verification has been made compulsory for Tatkal ticket bookings on IRCTC. This requirement applies to all booking methods—whether you’re reserving tickets online via the IRCTC portal, offline at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, or through authorised travel agents.
The changes to IRCTC booking are in line with efforts to bring transparency, improve passenger authentication, and prevent misuse of the Tatkal quota, which many agents have exploited through bulk bookings. Under thIS new rule, IRCTC will only allow Aadhaar-authenticated users to book Tatkal railway tickets.
Keep in mind that the one-time password (OTP) for verification will be sent exclusively to the mobile number associated with your Aadhaar. To ensure a smooth experience and avoid last-minute complications during the narrow Tatkal booking timeframe, it is advised to complete your Aadhaar authentication well in advance.
How to Link Your Aadhaar to Your IRCTC Account for Tatkal Bookings
Step 1: Visit the official IRCTC website and sign in using your registered username and password.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Profile” section and select the “Link Aadhaar” option from the dropdown list.
Step 3: Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card, followed by your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
Step 4: Tick the consent checkbox and click on “Send OTP”. You will receive a one-time password on your mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
Step 5: Enter the OTP in the designated field, click “Verify OTP”, and then hit the “Update” button to finish the process. A confirmation pop-up will appear once the linking is successful.
