Tatkal Ticket Booking: IRCTC Timing, Charges, Aadhaar OTP and Refund Rules
Updated: 3 September 2026Tatkal is an Indian Railways reservation facility intended for passengers who need to book at short notice. Tatkal quota is available on selected trains, classes and routes, subject to availability and the rules in force. Tickets may be booked through authorised Indian Railways reservation channels, including IRCTC for e-tickets.
What is the Tatkal Ticket Booking Scheme?
Tatkal is a special reservation quota of Indian Railways for travel at short notice. It is available only where Tatkal quota has been earmarked for the relevant train, class, source or remote station and destination. Availability is therefore not guaranteed on every train or route.
IRCTC's current Tatkal guidance states that a maximum of four passengers per PNR can be booked on a Tatkal e-ticket. Tatkal charges are payable per passenger in addition to the normal fare.
What is the Timing for Tatkal Ticket Booking?
Tatkal e-ticket booking opens one day in advance, excluding the date of journey from the train's originating station.
| Class | Opening Time |
|---|---|
| Air-conditioned classes | 10:00 AM |
| Non-air-conditioned classes | 11:00 AM |
For example, if a train departs from its originating station on 10 September, opening-day Tatkal booking starts on 9 September at 10:00 AM for eligible AC classes and 11:00 AM for eligible non-AC classes.
Aadhaar Authentication and OTP Requirement for Tatkal Booking
Under Railway Board's 2025 modification of the Tatkal scheme, IRCTC website/app Tatkal and Premium Tatkal bookings are restricted to Aadhaar-authenticated users. Aadhaar-based OTP authentication became compulsory from 15 July 2025.
For IRCTC account authentication, the user's profile details should match Aadhaar records. Authentication uses the Aadhaar number or VID and an OTP sent by UIDAI to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
For Tatkal tickets booked through computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or authorised agents, a system-generated OTP is sent to the mobile number supplied at the time of booking and must be authenticated as prescribed by the Railway Board.
Current Tatkal Ticket Charges
IRCTC states that Tatkal charges are fixed at 10% of basic fare for Second Class and 30% of basic fare for other eligible classes, subject to the prescribed minimum and maximum limits. The charge is levied per passenger in addition to the normal fare.
| Class of Travel | Minimum Tatkal Charge | Maximum Tatkal Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Second Sitting (2S) | ₹10 | ₹15 |
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | ₹125 | ₹225 |
| AC 3 Tier (3A) | ₹300 | ₹400 |
| AC 2 Tier (2A) | ₹400 | ₹500 |
| Executive | ₹400 | ₹500 |
Tatkal availability and applicable charge depend on the train, class, route, distance and quota rules in force. Check the fare displayed by the official booking system before payment.
Identity Proof Rules for Tatkal Tickets
The old requirement to enter identity-card details while booking a Tatkal e-ticket was withdrawn with effect from 19 August 2015. However, during the journey, at least one passenger travelling on the ticket must be able to produce a prescribed original proof of identity as required by Indian Railways.
This journey-ID requirement is separate from the Aadhaar authentication of the IRCTC user account now required for online Tatkal booking. The Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC user is the account holder making the booking; passengers must still comply with the applicable Railway identity rules during travel.
Refund on Cancellation of Tatkal Tickets
Under the current Railway refund rules, no refund of fare is admissible on cancellation of a confirmed Tatkal ticket. For RAC or wait-listed Tatkal tickets, refund is governed by the applicable Railway cancellation rules.
Special refund provisions may apply where the Railway cannot provide the booked service or in other circumstances specifically recognised under Railway refund rules, such as certain train disruptions, route diversions, non-attachment of the booked coach or accommodation in a lower class. Passengers should use the current IRCTC/Railway refund and TDR process applicable to their case.
How and Where to Book a Tatkal Ticket
- For online booking, use the official IRCTC website or IRCTC Rail Connect app.
- Ensure the IRCTC user account is Aadhaar-authenticated before attempting an opening-day Tatkal booking.
- Search for the train and select Tatkal quota where available.
- Enter passenger and journey details carefully.
- Complete the mandatory Aadhaar/OTP authentication step where prompted.
- Pay the fare through an available authorised payment mode and retain the electronic reservation details.
Tatkal tickets can also be booked at authorised computerized Railway reservation counters, subject to the applicable OTP and booking rules.