Tatkal booking rules: timings, ID and tips
The short answer
Tatkal opens one day before the journey date, excluding the journey date, at 10:00 a.m. for AC classes and 11:00 a.m. for non-AC classes. From July 2025, online Tatkal booking on IRCTC requires an Aadhaar-authenticated account, with OTP verification added later that month. Save passenger details in your IRCTC master list beforehand to book quickly.
Timings
AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC, 3E) open at 10:00 a.m. Non-AC classes (SL, 2S) open at 11:00 a.m., one day before the journey.
Account rules
Link and verify Aadhaar on your IRCTC account well before the day you need Tatkal. Check IRCTC for the latest rules, as they change.
Speed tips
Log in a few minutes early, keep UPI ready, and use the saved passenger list.
Last reviewed . Rules change; check the official source before you travel.