Train ticket booking
From 1 October 2025, the Railways has made a big change in the rules of general reservation ticket booking. Now while booking general tickets from IRCTC website or mobile app, Aadhaar verification will be mandatory for the first 15 minutes. That is, now you cannot book tickets until your IRCTC account is linked to Aadhaar and OTP is not put on mobile.
Why this rule was brought?
Railways has taken these steps to book fake booking, pick up tickets from bots and to stop black marketing of tickets by agents. It is often seen that as soon as the booking started, all the tickets were finished in seconds, due to which the common passengers could not get tickets. Now through Aadhaar Authentication, it will be ensured that the ticket will book the same person who is the real traveler. This will make the booking process more transparent and safe.
How will E-Aadar Verification work?
When you go to Login to book tickets on IRCTC, it will be seen first whether your IRCTC account is linked to Aadhaar. If there is a link, an OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar registered mobile number. You can book tickets by entering the same OTP. This rule will be applicable to general, sleeper, AC booking of every category, but only for the first 15 minutes. After that, users without base will also be able to book tickets, but by then there is more likely that tickets go into waiting.
What to do if there is no base?
If you do not have Aadhaar or your IRCTC account link, then you will not be able to book tickets for the first 15 minutes. Later you can book, but the chances of getting ticket confirmed will be less. Therefore, the suggestion is to link your IRCTC account to Aadhaar from now on. For this, Aadhaar details can be added by going to the “My Profile” section of the IRCTC website or app. Note that it is necessary to link the mobile number to your Aadhaar, so that OTP can be found.
What will happen when booking tickets from the counter?
OTP based Aadhaar verification will also be necessary for those who book tickets from the PRS counter of the railway station. While booking tickets, Aadhaar number and OTP will have to be given on it. If you are booking tickets for someone else, then its Aadhaar number and OTP will be necessary.