Indian Railways, through its online ticketing arm IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), has introduced important changes in train ticket booking rules, aiming to make the reservation system more transparent, fair, and passenger-friendly.
While several social media posts and viral headlines claimed that “Aadhaar linking has become mandatory for all train ticket bookings”, the actual policy is more balanced and phased, and not an outright ban for non-Aadhaar users.
This article explains what has changed, why the decision was taken, and how it impacts common passengers.
What Is the New IRCTC Rule?
IRCTC has made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for booking train tickets during specific priority booking windows, especially at the opening of ticket reservations and for Tatkal tickets.
👉 Importantly, Aadhaar linking is NOT mandatory for booking tickets throughout the entire day.
The rule applies only during certain high-demand time slots, where misuse by agents and automated bots has been repeatedly reported.
Key Changes Explained Clearly:
1. Tatkal Ticket Booking (Already in Force):
- Aadhaar authentication is compulsory for Tatkal ticket bookings.
- OTP-based Aadhaar verification is required at the time of booking.
- This step was introduced to stop bulk Tatkal bookings by agents using multiple fake accounts.
2. Advance Reservation Period (ARP) – Opening Day Bookings
When train tickets open for booking (usually 120 days before the journey date):
- Aadhaar-verified IRCTC users get priority access during the initial booking window
- Non-Aadhaar users can still book tickets after the priority window ends
This ensures that genuine passengers get a fair chance before agents flood the system.
3. Expanded Booking Window for Aadhaar-Verified Users (2026 Update)
From January 2026:
- IRCTC has extended the booking time advantage for Aadhaar-verified users on reservation opening days
- Verified users can book tickets for a longer duration on Day-1 of reservations
- This move directly targets agent monopolies and automated booking software
Why Did Indian Railways Introduce This Rule?
Indian Railways cited multiple reasons:
✔ To prevent misuse of the booking system by agents and touts
✔ To stop bot-driven bulk ticket purchases
✔ To give priority to genuine passengers
✔ To improve fairness during peak booking hours
✔ To enhance system transparency and security.
Railway officials have clarified that Aadhaar verification helps identify real users, while agents often rely on fake or bulk accounts.
Does This Mean Aadhaar Is Mandatory for Everyone?
No:-Passengers can still book tickets without Aadhaar, but:., Not during the priority booking window, Not for Tatkal tickets.
- Offline ticket booking through PRS counters remains unchanged
- No passenger is denied travel solely for not linking Aadhaar
How Common Passengers Benefit: For ordinary users, the new system offers:
- Better chances of getting confirmed tickets
- Reduced agent interference
- Less congestion during booking opening times
- Improved booking success rate
- More trust in the online reservation process
How to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC Account:
- Log in to IRCTC website or app
- Go to My Profile → Aadhaar KYC
- Enter Aadhaar number
- Verify via OTP, The process takes only a few minutes.
Concerns and Safeguards
- Aadhaar data is used only for authentication
- No biometric data is stored
- OTP-based verification follows government security protocols
Final Verdict
The claim that “IRCTC has made Aadhaar mandatory for all train ticket bookings” is misleading. The rule is real, but It is limited, phased, and targeted, not absolute. The decision is aimed at breaking the agent-dalal network, not troubling common passengers.
Overall, this is a passenger-centric reform designed to restore fairness in India’s online railway ticket booking system.
