BIG IRCTC Update: Aadhaar Mandatory For Not Train Ticket Booking In 1st 15 Min, From THIS Date; Check Info

In a major update related to online train ticket booking, the Indian Railways is set to introduce mandatory Aadhaar authentication for booking reserved general tickets on the IRCTC website and application from 1 October. As per the new rule, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking train ticket in the first fifteen minutes after the opening of train ticket window.

Earlier, Aadhaar authentication was only mandatory for Tatkal booking on the IRCTC website and application, but with the new guidelines, it is mandatory to complete the authentication even for booking train tickets for reserved general tickets.

The expansion of mandatory Aadhaar practice in online train ticket booking has been introduced with an aim to ensure genuine passengers benefit from the reservation system. The Aadhaar authentication will also reduce the scope of unauthorised individuals and agents to book tickets in huge numbers.

This initiative aims to ensure that genuine passengers benefit from the system while preventing misuse by unauthorised individuals. The Ministry of Railways has clarified that this change will not impact the current schedule for booking general reserved tickets at computerised PRS counters.

The existing rule that restricts authorised railway ticketing agents from booking opening day reserved tickets for 10 minutes will remain unchanged. This measure is part of a broader effort to streamline the booking process and make it more efficient and fair for passengers. By implementing these changes, Indian Railways aims to enhance the integrity of its reservation system.

Mandatory Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal Train Ticket Booking

Before mandating Aadhaar authentication for general train ticket booking on IRCTC app and website, the Indian Railways had made the process mandatory for Tatkal ticket booking in July.

Passengers must complete Aadhaar verification to book Tatkal tickets under this directive. The ministry's decision reflects an ongoing commitment to improving the efficiency and fairness of ticket access across various categories.

Authorised ticketing agents face specific restrictions under the Tatkal system as well. They are prohibited from booking first-day Tatkal tickets during the initial 30 minutes: from 10:00 am to 10:30 am for AC classes and from 11:00 am to 11:30 am for non-AC classes. These layered restrictions aim to prevent misuse and ensure faster access to tickets.

How To Authenticate Aadhaar on IRCTC App?

Open www.irctc.co.in in your web browser
-Submit your login credentials and proceed for Sign In.
-Go to MY ACCOUNT tab and select Authenticate User.
-Authenticate User page will appear where user's profile details will be populated.
-Submit your Aadhaar Number or Virtual ID and click on "Verify details and receive OTP" button.
-Submit OTP received on mobile number linked with submitted Aadhaar.
-Read and select the consent checkbox and then click on Submit button to authenticate the details with Aadhaar.
-On successful authentication, confirmation message will be displayed.
-In case of unsuccessful authentication, alert message will be displayed. In such cases, users are requested to re-check the details submitted and try again.