How to book Tatkal train tickets faster on IRCTC: Follow these easy steps, check booking timings and tips to get a confirmed seat

Booking a confirmed train ticket at the last minute can be challenging, especially during festivals, holidays and peak travel seasons. Tatkal booking on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and app offers passengers an option to reserve tickets for urgent journeys. However, tickets often sell out within minutes of the booking window opening.

To improve your chances of securing a Tatkal ticket, it is important to prepare your IRCTC account, passenger details and payment method in advance. Here is a step-by-step guide to booking Tatkal train tickets faster on IRCTC.

What is Tatkal ticket booking?

Tatkal is a reservation facility introduced by Indian Railways for passengers who need to travel at short notice. Under this scheme, passengers can book tickets one day before the train's scheduled departure from its originating station, excluding the date of journey.

Tatkal tickets are available for selected trains and classes, subject to seat availability. Since demand is usually high, passengers are advised to complete the booking process as quickly as possible.

Tatkal ticket booking timings on IRCTC

Tatkal bookings open one day before the scheduled departure of the train from its originating station. The booking time depends on the travel class.

• AC classes: 10:00 AM
• Non-AC classes: 11:00 AM

For example, if a train is scheduled to depart from its originating station on November 10, Tatkal bookings will open on November 9 at the respective timings.

How to book a Tatkal train ticket faster on IRCTC

Follow these steps to book your Tatkal ticket online:

1. Visit the official IRCTC website at IRCTC or open the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app.

2. Log in to your account using your registered username and password before the Tatkal booking window opens.

3. Enter your source station, destination station and date of journey in the 'Plan My Journey' section.

4. Select the required train and choose the appropriate travel class.

5. Select the 'Tatkal' quota option to check available seats.

6. Click on 'Book Now' once the booking window opens.

7. Enter the passenger details, including name, age, gender and berth preference.

8. Complete the required verification and proceed to the payment page.

9. Select your preferred payment method and complete the transaction.

10. Once the payment is successful, check your booking confirmation and PNR details.

Tips to book Tatkal tickets faster on IRCTC

1. Keep your IRCTC account ready

Log in to your IRCTC account a few minutes before the booking window opens.

2. Complete Aadhaar authentication in advance

IRCTC requires users to have Aadhaar-authenticated accounts to book Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets online. Aadhaar-based OTP verification is also mandatory during online Tatkal booking.

3. Save passenger details beforehand

Add frequently travelling passengers to the Master List available in your IRCTC account. This can reduce the time spent entering names, ages and other passenger information during the booking process.

4. Keep your payment method ready

Choose a convenient payment method, such as UPI, net banking or a debit or credit card.

Important rules to know before booking a Tatkal ticket

Passengers should keep the following rules in mind before making a reservation:

• Only Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC users can book Tatkal tickets online.
• Aadhaar-based OTP authentication is mandatory for online Tatkal bookings.
• Confirmed Tatkal tickets generally do not qualify for a refund on cancellation, except in specific circumstances covered by railway refund rules.
• Tatkal availability may vary depending on the train, class and route.

FAQs

1. When does Tatkal ticket booking open on IRCTC?

Tatkal booking opens one day before the scheduled departure of the train from its originating station. Bookings for AC classes start at 10 AM, while non-AC class bookings begin at 11 AM.

2. Can I book Tatkal tickets online through the IRCTC app?

Yes, passengers can book Tatkal tickets through the official IRCTC website and the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile application.

3. Is Aadhaar authentication mandatory for Tatkal booking?

Yes, Aadhaar authentication is required for online Tatkal and Premium Tatkal bookings. Passengers must also complete Aadhaar-based OTP verification during the booking process.

4. Can I cancel a confirmed Tatkal ticket and get a refund?

Generally, no refund is provided for cancelling a confirmed Tatkal ticket. However, refunds may be permitted under specific circumstances mentioned in Indian Railways' refund rules.

5. Can I book a Tatkal ticket without an IRCTC account?

No, passengers need to register and log in to an IRCTC account to book Tatkal e-tickets online.