Starting tomorrow, a new rule will come into effect that mandates linking your IRCTC account with Aadhaar for instant ticket bookings. The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced this rule to enhance the security and authentication process for online ticket bookings. This change aims to reduce fraud and streamline the process of booking train tickets online.

What Does the New Rule Mean for IRCTC Users?

As per the latest update from IRCTC, from July 1, 2025, passengers will no longer be able to book “Tatkal” tickets or make other types of instant bookings without linking their IRCTC account to Aadhaar. This will primarily affect users who are trying to avail of quick ticket booking services under the Tatkal scheme. The new rule has been implemented to further strengthen the verification process and ensure that only authorized individuals are booking tickets.

With this change, linking the Aadhaar number with your IRCTC account will be mandatory for securing tickets under the Tatkal quota. This is part of the Indian government’s initiative to make the online ticketing system more secure, reducing the chances of misuse, and minimizing the risk of fraudulent activities.

Why is IRCTC Making This Change?

The decision to make Aadhaar linkage mandatory stems from the need for improved security and authenticity in the ticket booking process. Aadhaar-based authentication offers a foolproof method to verify the identity of the passenger, ensuring that tickets are not being misused or resold at inflated prices. It also makes the process of booking tickets faster and more efficient.

This move is expected to curb the practice of agents and unauthorized individuals booking multiple tickets using fake details. Aadhaar’s biometric data and other personal information provide a reliable system for linking individuals to their tickets. With this system in place, IRCTC hopes to create a safer and more transparent environment for train travel.

How to Link Your IRCTC Account with Aadhaar

To ensure you can continue booking Tatkal tickets and other instant services, you need to link your Aadhaar card with your IRCTC account before July 1, 2025. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Login to your IRCTC account:

   • Visit the official IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in) or open the IRCTC mobile app.

   • Enter your username and password to log in to your account.

2. Navigate to the “Profile” section:

   • After logging in, go to the “Profile” section on the top menu.

   • You will find an option for “Aadhaar Linking” under the Personal Details section.

3. Enter your Aadhaar Number:

   • You will be prompted to enter your Aadhaar number.

   • Make sure the details entered match the information on your Aadhaar card for a smooth linking process.

4. Verify the Aadhaar OTP:

   • Once you enter your Aadhaar number, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.

   • Enter the OTP to verify and link your Aadhaar to your IRCTC account.

5. Completion of Linking:

   • After successful verification, your IRCTC account will be linked to your Aadhaar.

   • You will receive a confirmation message once the process is complete.

Benefits of Linking IRCTC Account with Aadhaar

Linking your Aadhaar number with your IRCTC account offers several advantages:

1. Instant and Secure Booking: With Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts, you can book Tatkal and other tickets seamlessly without worrying about identity fraud. It ensures that only legitimate passengers are booking tickets.

2. Faster Ticket Verification: The Aadhaar verification process is swift, enabling quicker authentication and faster booking of tickets, especially for time-sensitive Tatkal bookings.

3. Reduced Fake Ticket Bookings: By linking Aadhaar, it becomes almost impossible for agents or individuals to book fake or duplicate tickets, as the system verifies the user’s identity through a secure process.

4. Enhanced Security: Linking Aadhaar to IRCTC adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to access or misuse your account.

5. Avoid Penalties: The new rule is mandatory. Non-compliance with this policy may result in restricted access to instant ticket bookings, meaning passengers may not be able to avail of the Tatkal services without Aadhaar linkage.

What Happens if You Don’t Link Aadhaar to IRCTC Account?

If you fail to link your Aadhaar card to your IRCTC account by July 1, 2025, you will no longer be able to book Tatkal or other instant tickets. Without Aadhaar verification, the system will not allow you to proceed with quick bookings. However, you will still be able to book tickets under other quotas or avail regular booking services as usual, though the Tatkal booking will be restricted.

This change in the IRCTC ticket booking system is a crucial step towards improving security and transparency in the Indian railway system. By making Aadhaar linkage mandatory for booking instant tickets, the government aims to reduce fraud and ensure that only verified individuals are able to use the Tatkal scheme. If you want to continue using instant booking services, make sure to link your IRCTC account with your Aadhaar number before the deadline of July 1, 2025.

For further information or help with linking your Aadhaar, you can visit the official IRCTC website or contact their customer support.