IRCC Ticket: IRCTC has changed the rules for online ticket booking. This new rule will be very helpful for those who frequently try to book Tatkal tickets or tickets two months in advance. Learn more.
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New Delhi: The next time you book a train ticket online, keep this in mind. The state-owned Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has now made Aadhaar verification mandatory for those booking train tickets online. According to the new rules, passengers will now have to complete Aadhaar-linked verification to confirm their identity before booking their tickets.
To curb fraud
IRCTC, a PSU of the Ministry of Railways, said on Thursday that these Aadhaar-linked bookings are aimed at curbing fraud and benefiting genuine passengers. This will help them easily book Tatkal and Advance Reservation Period (ARP) tickets. IRCTC said in a statement, “These steps have been taken to prevent misuse of the online booking system and reduce fraud in Tatkal ticket booking.”
What Changed?
IRCTC has clarified for online ticket bookers that only users who have completed Aadhaar verification will be able to book tickets on the day the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) opens. This means that passengers who have not verified their accounts with Aadhaar two months in advance will not be able to book tickets on the day booking opens. IRCTC has already made Aadhaar verification mandatory for Tatkal ticket bookings as well. It is believed that this will make booking easier for railway passengers and curb touts.
What are the benefits of Aadhaar verification?
IRCTC states that Aadhaar-based verification prevents the creation and operation of unauthorized user accounts. It acts as a safeguard against misuse. According to IRCTC, “This ensures the correct allocation of bookings on the day of Tatkal and Advance Reservation Period (ARP) openings. By increasing transparency and reducing fraudulent booking practices, ticket availability for genuine passengers has significantly improved.”
This system is already in place for Tatkal booking.
IRCTC has already phased out Aadhaar-based one-time password (OTP) verification for online Tatkal ticket booking. This system was implemented on 322 trains by December 4, 2025. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on December 10, 2025, that after this move, the time taken to get a confirmed Tatkal ticket on those trains had increased by approximately 65%.
