New IRCTC Rule: Aadhaar Must for Tatkal Bookings Starting July 2025 – Here’s How to Verify Yours

Starting July 1, 2025, booking a Tatkal train ticket is getting a serious update. If you’re someone who scrambles to grab last-minute seats, there’s one thing you must have sorted first—your Aadhaar authentication on IRCTC. No Aadhaar = No Tatkal ticket. Let’s break down what’s changing, why, and how you can get set up right now (before the rush hits).

What’s New with IRCTC Tatkal Booking?

On June 17, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw dropped a major update: from July 1, 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated and KYC-verified users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window.

And that’s not all. From July 15, 2025, you’ll also need to complete OTP verification via your Aadhaar-linked mobile number every time you book a Tatkal ticket online

“These steps are aimed at stopping misuse and ensuring that genuine passengers get access to tickets first,” said the Minister.

How to Authenticate Aadhaar in Your IRCTC Account

Don’t worry—getting your Aadhaar linked and verified is actually super simple. Just follow these steps:

1. Open the IRCTC app or website and log in.
2. Go to ‘My Account’ and tap ‘Authenticate User’.
3. Enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID.
4. Click ‘Verify Details’.
5. An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked phone number.
6. Enter the OTP, tick the consent box, and hit Submit.

That’s it! If something goes wrong, just double-check your details and try again. You can always see your verification status under “Authenticate User” in the “My Account” section.

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How to Link Aadhaar with Your IRCTC Profile (If You Haven’t Already)

Here’s how to get your Aadhaar linked if it’s not connected yet:

1. Go to the official IRCTC website and log in.
2. Head to the Profile tab and click on “Link Aadhaar”.
3. Enter your name as per Aadhaar and your Aadhaar number.
4. Tick the box and click “Send OTP”.
5. Type in the OTP sent to your phone and click “Verify OTP”.
6. Once verified, IRCTC will fetch your KYC details and show a confirmation pop-up.

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A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Don’t wait till the last minute. Tatkal bookings move fast, and you don’t want to waste precious seconds fumbling with OTPs.
• Make sure your mobile number is updated with Aadhaar. No OTP = no booking.
• Check your IRCTC login info ahead of time. Reset your password if you’ve forgotten it.

Bottom Line

Tatkal bookings are changing for the better—but only if you’re prepared. Link and verify your Aadhaar now to avoid missing out when you need that urgent train ride the most.

Set a reminder, share this info with friends, and get your account ready before July hits. Because when it comes to Tatkal, every second matters.