How to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC for Tatkal Ticket Booking Before July 2025
Booking train tickets after July? Aadhaar might block or unlock your way. Find out why linking it to IRCTC is now non-negotiable.
Admin
Starting July 1, Aadhaar verification is the new rule for Tatkal bookings on IRCTC. No shortcuts. Then from July 15, you won’t even be able to book a regular ticket online without an Aadhaar-linked OTP. It's a booking system overhaul. Skip this step and you might miss the train, literally. Here’s how to stay one step ahead and keep your travel plans on track.
How Aadhaar Helps Secure Tatkal Bookings
Let’s be honest. Tatkal bookings move fast. Blink and it’s gone. IRCTC wants those tickets going to real passengers, not shady accounts or automated bots. Linking Aadhaar just helps clean up the mess and gives you a fair shot.
Before you start, make sure you have:
- Your IRCTC login details
- Your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID
- The phone number linked to your Aadhaar
How to Link Your Aadhaar with IRCTC
- Log in to www.irctc.co.in or use the IRCTC app
- Head to My Account, then tap on Authenticate User
- Type in your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID
- Click Verify details and receive OTP
- Enter the OTP that comes to your Aadhaar-linked mobile
Done right, this takes under 5 minutes.
Tip: You can always check your status again under ‘Authenticate User’ if unsure.
Want to Book More Than 12 Tickets a Month? Here's How to Do it
Right now, unverified users can book up to 12 tickets a month. But if you want access to up to 24 tickets, both your account and at least one passenger on each ticket beyond the 12th must be Aadhaar verified.
Here’s how to add and verify passengers:
- After logging in, go to My Account > My Profile > Add/Modify Master List
- Fill in each passenger’s details exactly as shown on their Aadhaar
- Choose Aadhaar as the ID and enter the number
- Click Submit
- Then click Verify Aadhaar and enter the OTP you receive
- You’ll see “Verified” once it’s done
During booking, just select that verified passenger from your saved list. Their details will auto-fill.
Aadhaar Becomes Mandatory for Tatkal from July 1
Tatkal bookings without Aadhaar? Not happening from July 1. Even if it’s just you traveling, you need to be verified. The same goes for the app and the website. If your Aadhaar isn’t linked, your booking stops right there.
Aadhaar OTP Mandatory for All Bookings After July 15
Every online train ticket, whether Tatkal or regular, will require an Aadhaar-linked OTP. It’s one more security layer, but if your mobile isn’t updated or your Aadhaar isn’t linked, you’ll be stuck.
Do this now, not later.
How to Prepare for Tatkal Booking Changes
- Link Aadhaar early. Don’t wait until July when everyone else is scrambling
- Save your frequent travelers in the master list and verify them in advance
- Keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile charged and nearby
- Practice booking flow before Tatkal hours so you know what to expect
- Avoid last-minute login issues by completing all verifications ahead of time
Conclusion
IRCTC’s update may seem like a small technical change. But if you're the one rushing to book a Tatkal ticket at 10:00 AM, it makes all the difference. Aadhaar verification gives you that edge, not just for booking more but for booking faster and safer.
Don’t let a missed step stop your journey. Take five minutes today, get verified, and stay travel-ready.
FAQs
Is Aadhaar verification mandatory for IRCTC Tatkal bookings?
Yes. Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar verification is compulsory for all Tatkal bookings on IRCTC, whether through the website or mobile app.
Will I need Aadhaar for regular train ticket bookings too?
Yes. From July 15, 2025, all online ticket bookings, Tatkal or regular, will require an Aadhaar-based OTP during the process.
How do I link my Aadhaar with my IRCTC account?
Log in to IRCTC, go to My Account > Authenticate User, enter your Aadhaar or Virtual ID, and verify it with the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
What details do I need for Aadhaar verification on IRCTC?
You’ll need your IRCTC login, Aadhaar number (or Virtual ID), and the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
Can I still book tickets without Aadhaar after July 1?
You can book regular tickets until July 14, but after that, Aadhaar OTP becomes mandatory. Tatkal tickets will not be available without Aadhaar from July 1.
What is the benefit of Aadhaar verification on IRCTC?
Verified users can book up to 24 tickets a month, instead of 12. It also makes the booking process faster and more secure.
How can I verify passengers for booking more than 12 tickets?
Add them under My Profile > Add/Modify Master List, enter their Aadhaar details, and verify via OTP. At least one verified passenger is required per booking beyond 12 tickets/month.
