IRCTC introduces new online booking rules: All you need to know
IRCTC introduces new online booking rules: All you need to know
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Coporation (IRCTC) has introduced some changes and replaced existing rules in the system to prevent misuse. IRCTC has announced new limits and checks on book e-ticket and i-ticket through the IRCTC website.
The Railway Ministry said in a press release, “This has been done keeping in view the analysis of usage of quota of 10 tickets which indicated that ninety per cent of users are booking up to six tickets in a given month and only 10 per cent are making more than six tickets.” The revised rules will come into effect from February 15, 2016.
The revised rules for booking tickets:
You can book only two tickets per user-ID in a day from 8 am to 10 am
You can book only two tickets per user-ID in a day from 10 am to 12 noon
A maximum of six tickets can be booked in a month using one user-ID
The ‘Quick Book’ option will be disabled from 8 am to 12 noon
All types of booking agents will be barred from booking tickets during the first thirty minutes when the booking window opens
Only one booking is allowed in one user login session expect for return or onward journey between 8 am to 12 noon.
Source : indiatoday.intoday.in
Here’s a summary of the new IRCTC online booking rules that have come into effect recently:
Key Rule Changes from July 2025
1. Aadhaar OTP Now Mandatory for Tatkal Bookings
Starting July 15, 2025, all Tatkal ticket bookings—whether online via IRCTC, at PRS counters, or through authorized agents—require Aadhaar-based OTP authentication. This aims to curb misuse by agents and bots, ensuring fair access for genuine passengers.
Agents are further restricted from booking tickets during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal window:
- AC class: 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- Non-AC class: 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
2. Reservation Chart Prepared Earlier
Railway reservation charts will now be prepared 8 hours before train departure, instead of the previous 4-hour window. This gives passengers more time to check their booking status and make necessary adjustments.
3. Slight Fare Increase for Premier Services
As of July 1, 2025, fares for premier and special services—such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Tejas, and others—have been increased nominally:
- Non-AC: +1 paisa per km
- AC: +2 paise per km
4. Improved Accessibility and Fairness
Early reports indicate that Aadhaar linkage has made Tatkal bookings more accessible. For instance, users could book AC Tatkal tickets even 15 minutes after the window opened—an improvement from earlier days when tickets vanished almost instantly.
Summary Table
| Feature | New Rule | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar OTP for Tatkal | Mandatory for all platforms | From July 15, 2025 |
| Agent Booking Restriction | First 30 mins blocked | From July 15, 2025 |
| Reservation Chart Preparation | 8 hours before departure | From July 1 (fare) & 15 (OTP) |
| Fare Increase (Premier Trains) | +1 p/km (Non-AC), +2 p/km (AC) | From July 1, 2025 |
What This Means for You
- Link your Aadhaar to your IRCTC account and complete verification ahead of any Tatkal booking to avoid delays or rejections.
- ⏳ Early chart preparation gives you more breathing room to plan or cancel if needed.
- Fare increases are negligible but could add up—especially for long-distance travel—so anticipate slightly higher costs.
- Better fairness in booking access, thanks to Aadhaar gating and initial agent blocks.
Would you like help with the Aadhaar linkage process on the IRCTC platform or understanding how this might affect your upcoming travel plans?