IRCTC New Rule: Railways has implemented a new rule for the Advance Reservation Period (ARP), the first day of ticket booking that opens 60 days in advance. Starting January 5th, passengers whose IRCTC accounts are not linked to Aadhaar will not be able to book tickets online between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
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IRCTC New Rule: If you’re planning to book train tickets online, this IRCTC update is essential. Starting today (January 5, 2026), the rules for advance ticket booking have changed. Only users who have completed Aadhaar verification on the IRCTC website or app will be eligible for this benefit. Passengers without a verified Aadhaar card may face difficulties and may have trouble getting a confirmed ticket.
Starting January 5, IRCTC users without Aadhaar-linked Aadhaar cards will be unable to book tickets between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This rule will only apply to the first day reserved train ticket booking opens. Reserved ticket booking opens 60 days before the train’s departure date. The Railways is implementing this rule in three phases. The first phase came into effect on December 29th, the second phase began today, and the third phase will be implemented on January 12th.
1. Ticket booking without Aadhaar was banned from 8 am to 12 pm on December 29th.
2. Starting today (January 5th), ticket booking will be prohibited from 8 am to 4 pm.
3. From January 12th, tickets will not be booked for such users from 8 am to 12 pm.
Why did the Railways take this decision?
The Railways says that linking Aadhaar makes it easier to identify fake and duplicate accounts. Millions of fake accounts have been closed so far. This will increase the chances of common passengers getting confirmed tickets on the day advance ticketing opens. Passengers who do not have Aadhaar can either book tickets offline or book online after the deadline.
How will Aadhaar work when booking tickets?
Your IRCTC account must be linked to Aadhaar. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number upon booking, and entering it will confirm the ticket. Users without Aadhaar linking will not be able to book tickets within the first four hours (window opening). They will only be able to book after that. Currently, no other option is available. An OTP is required at the counter as well. Your mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar. If you are booking a ticket for someone else, their Aadhaar and OTP will also be required.
How to link your IRCTC account with Aadhaar?
1. Log in to the IRCTC website or mobile app.
2. Next, go to My Profile and select the Aadhaar KYC option.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number.
4. You will receive an OTP on your mobile.
5. Once you enter the OTP, your IRCTC account will be linked to Aadhaar.
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