Table of Contents
What is Tatkal tickets
Tatkal booking in India allows travelers to secure train tickets on short notice, typically just one day before their journey. It caters to individuals who need to travel urgently when advance reservations are either unavailable or impractical.
How many Tatkal tickets can you book?
According to Indian Railways regulations, a person is allowed to book a maximum of 4 Tatkal tickets in a single transaction. This policy was put in place to prevent ticket hoarding and black market sales. By restricting the number of tickets, Indian Railways aims to provide more opportunities for legitimate travelers to secure confirmed tickets.
Where can you book Tatkal tickets?
Tatkal tickets can be booked in two ways:
Online via the official IRCTC website or mobile app. This method is preferred as it offers more availability.
Offline at railway reservation counters. However, the number of Tatkal tickets available at counters is lower than those offered through online booking platforms.
Steps to Book Tatkal Tickets on the IRCTC Portal
Login
Go to the IRCTC website (https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search) and log in using your username and password.
Enter Journey Information
Provide the departure and arrival stations, date of travel, and preferred class of travel.
Select Tatkal Quota
Choose the “Tatkal” option from the quota dropdown. A list of trains operating on your chosen route will be displayed.
Choose Class and Train
Click on the class type available for the train you’ve selected. The quota details will be shown on the right side of the list.
Book the Tatkal Ticket
To confirm your booking, click the “Book Now” button next to the train you’ve chosen.
Fill in Passenger Details
Enter the required passenger details, including names, age, gender, berth preference, and meal choice. Keep in mind that names should not exceed 16 characters.
Verify and Add Mobile Number
Input the verification code and the passenger’s mobile number to receive SMS updates about your booking and cancellations.
Proceed to Next Step
After reviewing the details, click “Continue” to see the total fare (which includes GST and convenience fees) and availability of berths.
Payment Process
Once the details are correct, click “Continue” to move on to the payment page.
Select Payment Method
Choose your preferred payment option from the available gateway options.
Complete Payment
Click “Pay & Book” to proceed to the bank’s website and complete your payment.
Top Tips for Booking Tatkal Tickets Faster: How to Book Tatkal Tickets Fast
Booking Tatkal tickets can often feel like a race against the clock, with thousands of people trying to secure the same limited seats. Many people experience delays because of common booking practices. However, by applying a few effective strategies, you can greatly increase your odds of securing a seat. Here’s how I’ve consistently managed to secure Tatkal tickets without any hassle.
Pre-fill Your Details Using Autofill
To save precious time during the booking process, use your browser’s autofill feature to pre-fill your details. Most browsers, such as Chrome and Edge, can store your information, which allows you to proceed quickly when it’s time to book your ticket.
Stick to Desktop or Laptop for Booking
Although mobile apps are convenient, they often introduce delays due to slow internet connections or the device’s limitations. For a smoother and more efficient booking experience, always book your Tatkal ticket using a desktop or laptop.
Log in Just Before the Booking Window Opens
Timing is key when booking Tatkal tickets. Log in precisely 5 seconds before the booking window opens at 09:59:55 for AC trains and 10:59:55 for Non-AC trains. This ensures you’re ready to book exactly when the system allows.
Opt for Premium Tatkal Instead of Regular Tatkal”
You can either choose a Premium Tatkal ticket or a Normal Tatkal ticket based on your needs. Both options follow a similar booking process, but Premium Tatkal offers distinct advantages. Premium Tatkal operates similarly to regular Tatkal but uses a dynamic pricing model. As demand rises, prices increase. However, Premium Tatkal generally experiences lower demand, which makes the price difference minimal (usually Rs 100-300). The seats for Premium Tatkal are separate from regular Tatkal, boosting your chances of securing a seat.
Skip Seat Location Preferences
Avoid selecting a specific seat preference. Instead, always choose the option that says “Book Only If Seats Are Available.” This ensures that if no seats are available, the booking process won’t go through, saving you time and money.
Use Quick UPI or E-Wallet Payments
For faster payment processing, opt for UPI or e-wallet payments over cards. UPI and e-wallets are quicker, more reliable, and significantly reduce the chances of payment delays. This ensures that your booking is confirmed without any hassle.
Tatkal Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
Confirmed Tatkal tickets are non-refundable if cancelled. However, for waitlisted Tatkal tickets, cancellations may involve deductions based on IRCTC policies. You can cancel your waitlisted or RAC Tatkal tickets up to 30 minutes before the scheduled train departure. If a waitlisted ticket is not confirmed or upgraded to RAC, it will be canceled automatically, and a refund will be processed. In cases where the train is delayed by over 3 hours or cancelled by Indian Railways, you can file a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) to claim a refund.
New Tatkal Booking Rules: Aadhaar OTP, Agent Restrictions, and More (July 2025)
Indian Railways has introduced several important changes from 1 July, impacting fares, booking procedures, and reservation protocols. Key updates include:
Fare Increase on Some Routes
Non-AC second-class fares will rise by half a paisa per kilometre for distances above 500 km. The increase ranges from ₹5 to ₹15 depending on the distance.
Aadhaar Verification for Tatkal Bookings
Starting 1 July, passengers must have Aadhaar authentication to book Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website or app.
Booking Restrictions for Agents
Agents will be restricted from booking Tatkal tickets for the first 30 minutes after the booking window opens AC tickets from 10:00 to 10:30 am and non-AC tickets from 11:00 to 11:30 am.
Reservation Charts Prepared 8 Hours Before Departure
Reservation charts will now be prepared 8 hours in advance, offering earlier updates for waitlisted passengers.
Increased Waiting List Caps
The waiting list limit has been raised to 60% for AC classes and 30% for non-AC classes.
FAQ
From when will Aadhaar authentication be mandatory for Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website/app?
Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for all Tatkal ticket bookings via IRCTC’s website and mobile app. Passengers must link their Aadhaar with their IRCTC user ID and verify it successfully.
What should I do if my Tatkal booking is unsuccessful?
Check for Alternative Trains: If your first train option is unavailable, immediately try booking a seat on another train.
Look for Waitlisted Tickets: Sometimes, Tatkal tickets may become available if passengers cancel their bookings last minute. Always keep an eye on waitlisted tickets.
Use Multiple Devices: If possible, try logging in from more than one device to increase your chances. You can try booking from your phone, laptop, or tablet simultaneously to boost your odds.
Book in Advance for Non-Tatkal Seats: If Tatkal booking fails, check for availability of regular tickets or other classes that may be less in demand.
How can I increase my chances of booking a Tatkal ticket successfully?
Tatkal booking is competitive due to high demand, but there are several strategies you can use to improve your chances:
Login before 10:00 AM (AC) or 11:00 AM (Non-AC): Logging in ahead of time helps you avoid any delays when the booking window opens 09:59:55 for AC trains and 10:59:55 for Non-AC trains..
Enable Autofill: Use your browser’s autofill feature to speed up the filling of personal and payment details. This reduces the chances of the page timing out or the train filling up before you submit your information.
Use Fast Payment Methods: Opt for faster payment methods like UPI or E-Wallet instead of Net banking/credit/debit cards. These options are quicker and less prone to delays.
Book Multiple Trains: If your first attempt fails, have multiple train options lined up. It increases your chances of securing a seat on a nearby train.
Due to Aadhaar OTP verification, there might be a slight delay in the authentication process. It’s essential to have your Aadhaar linked and ensure it’s updated to avoid problems while booking.
When does the Tatkal booking window open?
The booking window for Tatkal tickets opens one day before the scheduled departure of the train. However, the exact timing for when you can book varies based on the class of travel:
For AC classes (1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC), the Tatkal booking window opens at 10:00 AM.
For non-AC classes (Sleeper class, General), the window opens at 11:00 AM.
Updated Rule for 2025: Due to an increasing number of fraudulent bookings, IRCTC has enforced stricter login and payment verification steps. This includes Aadhaar OTP for booking confirmations, which means you must be ready with your Aadhaar details to complete the booking faster.
Conclusion:
Booking Tatkal tickets can be tricky, but with the right tips like using autofill, logging in on time, and opting for faster payment methods you can increase your chances of securing a seat. Stay updated on new rules like Aadhaar OTP and agent restrictions for a smoother booking experience in 2025. For those navigating these challenges, there are plenty of practical tips and insights to explore, making your journey a bit easier