Highlights
- IRCTC will require Aadhaar authentication for online train ticket bookings during the first 15 minutes of the reservation window.
- The rule applies to general reservations while PRS counter bookings remain unaffected and agents still face a 10-minute restriction.
- Passengers must link their Aadhaar to their IRCTC account in advance via the ‘My Profile’ section to benefit from early booking access.
Caption – IRCTC Makes Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory.
Starting October 1, 2025, passengers booking train tickets online through the IRCTC website or app will need to complete Aadhaar authentication if they wish to book within the first 15 minutes of the reservation window opening. The move, announced by the Ministry of Railways, aims to curb ticket touting and ensure that genuine passengers get fair access to tickets during peak booking hours.
Until now, this restriction was applicable only to Tatkal bookings, but it will now extend to general reserved ticket bookings as well. By limiting early access to Aadhaar-verified users, Indian Railways hopes to prevent bulk bookings made for resale at inflated rates.
“With a view to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach the common end user and are not misused by unscrupulous elements, it has been decided that with effect from 1.10.2025, during the first 15 minutes of opening of general reservation, reserved general tickets can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users,” the ministry circular stated on September 15, 2025, as reported by PTI.
Caption – Aadhaar authentication is mandatory if you wish to book within the first 15 minutes of the reservation window opening.
Officials clarified that once the 15-minute window ends, bookings will reopen for all registered users, including authorised ticket agents. The circular also emphasised that there will be no changes for bookings made through computerised PRS counters.
Additionally, the 10-minute restriction on authorised ticketing agents at PRS counters remains unchanged. “There shall also be no change in the timing of restriction of 10 minutes of opening of general reservation during which authorized ticketing agents of Indian Railways shall not be allowed to book opening day reserved tickets,” ministry officials added.
Impact on Travellers
For frequent train travellers, this change is expected to be significant during high-demand booking periods. Aadhaar authentication will give passengers a head start in securing seats on popular routes and trains.
Railway officials also noted that the earlier Aadhaar-based rule for Tatkal bookings was effective in reducing misuse, which is why it is now being extended to general reservations.
With this update, Indian Railways is taking another step towards a more secure and transparent ticketing system. Travellers are strongly advised to link their Aadhaar with their IRCTC accounts well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
How the New Rule Work?
- First 15 minutes – Only Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC users can book tickets online.
- After 15 minutes – Booking opens for all registered users.
- PRS Counters – No change; tickets can be booked normally.
- Authorised Agents – Continue facing a 10-minute restriction for Tatkal bookings.
To explain further, a ministry official said, “For example, if a train is scheduled to depart at 10 am on October 1, and reservations open today at 10 am, for the first 15 minutes, only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be allowed to book general reservations.”
Aadhaar Linking With IRCTC Account: Step-by-Step Process
Passengers must link their Aadhaar number to their IRCTC account before October 1 to take advantage of the early booking window. Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to your IRCTC account.
- Navigate to the ‘My Profile’ section.
- Click on ‘Aadhaar Authentication’.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Complete verification using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
It is important to ensure that your Aadhaar details match the information in your IRCTC account to avoid authentication issues.
FAQs
Q1. What is the new IRCTC booking rule starting October 1, 2025?
Answer. Only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book train tickets online during the first 15 minutes of the reservation window to prevent misuse and bulk bookings.
Q2. Does the new IRCTC booking rule apply to all ticket types?
Answer. Yes, it now applies to general reserved tickets as well as Tatkal bookings. PRS counter bookings remain unaffected.
Q3. How can I link my Aadhaar to my IRCTC account?
Answer. Log in to IRCTC, go to ‘My Profile’, click ‘Aadhaar Authentication’, enter your Aadhaar number, and verify via OTP sent to your registered mobile.
Q4. What happens after the first 15 minutes of booking?
Answer. After the initial 15-minute window, ticket booking opens for all registered users, including authorised agents.