Aadhaar OTP Mandatory for Tatkal: How to book tickets online and check PNR status

Indian Railways has introduced a significant update for passengers booking Tatkal tickets online. In a move aimed at improving transparency and curbing misuse by agents and touts, IRCTC now requires Aadhaar-based OTP verification for all Tatkal bookings. While this step brings greater accountability to the system, it also places more responsibility on individual travellers to complete the process accurately.

Yet booking a ticket is only one part of the journey. Equally important is staying informed about your PNR status—a detail that many overlook until problems arise. During peak travel seasons or on high-demand routes, tickets often fall into RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or waitlist categories. Even confirmed bookings aren't immune to changes: coach positions can be reshuffled, berth numbers reassigned, and—perhaps most unpredictably—even train schedules can shift without notice.

Your PNR is more than a number—it’s a live record of your reservation details, coach assignment, and journey status. Checking it regularly, especially within 12 to 24 hours of departure, can help you avoid last-minute confusion and ensure a smoother travel experience. This is particularly vital if you’re travelling with family, elderly passengers, or under tight time constraints.

Whether you're planning your next train trip or preparing to board, this guide will take you through the updated Tatkal booking process—and show you exactly how to stay informed at every step.

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Step 1: Link Your Aadhaar with IRCTC — The New Starting Point

Before booking any Tatkal ticket, you must first verify your Aadhaar with your IRCTC profile. This step is mandatory and unlocks access to Tatkal booking.

How to do it:

• Log in to www.irctc.co.in
• Go to ‘My Profile’ > ‘Link Aadhaar’
• Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
• Submit the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
• Once verified, your account will show “Aadhaar Verified”

Step 2: Plan Your Journey and Choose the Right Train

With your Aadhaar linked, it’s time to search for your route and train. This part of the process remains familiar but requires precision—Tatkal tickets sell out within minutes.

What to do:

• Enter your departure and destination stations, date, and class of travel
• Browse through available trains
• Select the Tatkal quota when choosing your seat

Tatkal ticket booking opens at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes, one day before the date of travel. (Image: Unsplash)

Step 3: Enter Passenger Details and Authenticate with Aadhaar OTP

Once you select your train, you’ll be asked to fill in passenger details. This is also where Aadhaar verification becomes active.

What happens here:

• Enter name, age, gender, and berth preference
• Check the box for Aadhaar OTP authentication
• An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked number—enter it to verify
• Proceed only after successful verification

Step 4: Make Payment and Secure Your E-Ticket

Now that the verification is complete, you’ll move on to payment. This is the most time-sensitive stage—delays can cost you the booking.

What to keep ready:

• Choose a quick and reliable payment option (UPI, card, net banking, or wallet)
• Complete the transaction as swiftly as possible
• Your e-ticket will be sent to your registered email and is available in My Bookings on IRCTC

Verifying your PNR status is quick and can be done through multiple platforms:

Option 1: IRCTC Website

• Visit www.irctc.co.in
• Click on ‘PNR Status’
• Enter your 10-digit PNR number
• Get real-time details of your seat, coach, and booking status

• Type PNR <YourNumber> and send to 139
• You’ll receive a reply with the latest update

• Download the IRCTC Rail Connect or NTES app
• Enter your PNR to get live updates, train timings, and seat confirmation

Image: Unsplash

The Aadhaar OTP rule is a necessary shift toward accountability in Tatkal bookings. While the process might feel more structured, it ultimately puts control in the hands of the traveler—not the agent. By following the steps above, you not only reserve your seat but also stay ahead of last-minute surprises.

And as every seasoned traveler knows—preparation is half the journey. So link your Aadhaar, book with awareness, and never forget to check your PNR before you pack your bags.