Planning to travel home for Diwali on November 6 but still do not have a confirmed train ticket? Indian Railways offers the Tatkal booking facility for passengers who need to make last-minute travel arrangements.
Tatkal tickets can generally be booked one day before the train’s scheduled departure from its originating station. This means passengers travelling on November 6 can try booking their tickets on November 5. The booking window opens at different times for AC and non-AC classes.
Before booking, passengers should understand the timings, online booking process and Aadhaar verification requirements to avoid missing their chance.
Tatkal Booking Timings for AC and Sleeper Classes
Indian Railways follows separate opening times for Tatkal reservations based on the travel class.
For AC categories, including AC 2-Tier and AC 3-Tier, Tatkal booking starts at 10:00 AM on the previous day. For non-AC categories, including Sleeper Class, the booking window opens at 11:00 AM.
Passengers should be ready with their travel and passenger details before the booking window begins, as Tatkal tickets are subject to availability.
How to Book a Tatkal Ticket Online
Passengers can reserve Tatkal tickets through the official IRCTC website or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile application. The booking process involves the following steps:
- Open the IRCTC website or Rail Connect app.
- Log in using your registered user ID and password.
- Enter your journey details and search for the required train.
- Select the Tatkal quota for your preferred class.
- Add passenger details and check the information carefully.
- Make the payment using an available online payment method.
After completing the transaction, check your booking status to confirm whether the ticket has been confirmed or placed on the waiting list.
Aadhaar Verification Required for Online Tatkal Booking
Passengers booking Tatkal tickets online should ensure that their IRCTC accounts are Aadhaar-authenticated. An OTP-based verification may also be required during the booking process through the mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
Completing the necessary verification before the booking window opens can help avoid delays when trying to reserve a ticket.
Tatkal Booking Restrictions for Railway Agents
Indian Railways also imposes time restrictions on authorised ticket agents to give individual passengers an opportunity to book Tatkal tickets first.
Agents cannot book AC-class Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window, meaning bookings are allowed from 10:30 AM. For non-AC classes, the restriction applies until 11:30 AM.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Tatkal ticket availability, booking timings and Aadhaar verification requirements are subject to Indian Railways rules and may change. Passengers should check the official IRCTC website for the latest guidelines before making a reservation.