Indian Railways has announced a significant change in its online ticket booking process. Starting October 1, 2025, train travellers need to have their Aadhaar authenticated to book general tickets in the first 15 minutes after the reservation window opens. 🚂
This new rule is designed to ensure fair access for genuine passengers and curb misuse of the reservation system by agents or fraudulent accounts.
What Exactly is Changing?
Currently, any registered IRCTC user can log in and book tickets online once the reservation window opens. However, from October 1, 2025:
- For the first 15 minutes of the reservation window, → Only Aadhaar-verified IRCTC users will be allowed to book reserved general tickets.
- After 15 minutes, → The booking system opens up for all registered users, Aadhaar verified or not.
- At station counters (PRS) → No change. Passengers can continue booking general reserved tickets without Aadhaar verification.
In simple terms: If you want the best chance at booking popular trains that sell out quickly, Aadhaar verification is now essential.
Why Has Indian Railways Made This Change?
According to the Ministry of Railways, the aim is to:
- Promote fairness – Ensure that real passengers get priority access during the crucial opening minutes.
- Curb misuse – Prevent automated bots, bulk bookings, and unscrupulous agents from blocking tickets.
- Enhance security – Aadhaar authentication adds a layer of user verification, making it harder for fake accounts to manipulate the system.
This move is expected to reduce the struggle faced by common users when trying to secure train tickets, especially during peak travel seasons and festivals.
How Will This Affect Passengers?
- If you’re Aadhaar-verified → You will have an advantage during the first 15 minutes of booking. This is the golden window to secure tickets for popular trains.
- If you’re not Aadhaar-verified → You will still be able to book tickets online after 15 minutes, but chances of getting a confirmed seat may reduce.
- For counter bookings → No change. Tickets at PRS counters can still be booked without Aadhaar authentication.
Here’ what you need to do to link your account:
Click here to link your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account on Paytm and follow the below steps:
- After clicking on the above link, you’ll reach the Paytm Aadhaar Link page
- Click on ‘Link Now’ and log into your IRCTC account
- Enter user name, password and captcha to sign in
- Go to My Account and then tap on Authenticate user
- Enter Aadhaar Number and verify using OTP
- Accept terms and tap Submit
Keep passenger details saved for quick booking.
Log in before the reservation window opens so you don’t lose time.
Key Benefits of the New Rule
- Genuine users get priority access
- Reduced chances of ticket touting and fraud
- Transparent and secure booking process
- More equitable distribution of limited seats
Quick Update 🚂
From now on, Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for booking Tatkal train tickets online. Verify your Aadhaar today to avoid delays and enjoy smooth, hassle-free bookings. Don’t wait – secure your seat fast!
Final Thoughts
The new Aadhaar authentication rule by Indian Railways is a major step towards making the ticket booking system more fair, transparent, and user-friendly. While it adds a small extra step for passengers, it ensures that genuine travellers have the first opportunity to secure train seats when the booking window opens.
👉 If you frequently travel by train, make sure your IRCTC account is Aadhaar verified before October 1, 2025. This small step could be the difference between a confirmed ticket and a waitlisted one.
