Tatkal Ticket Booking New Rule 2025! Booking to Start at 10:10 AM – 3 Big Changes You Must Know

New Tatkal Ticket Booking 2025 : Indian Railways has introduced significant changes to the Tatkal ticket booking process starting May 2025. If you often rely on Tatkal tickets for last-minute travel, these updates are crucial for you. The changes aim to streamline the booking process, reduce server load, and curb the unfair practices that have frustrated genuine passengers for years.

In this article, we will break down the 3 major changes, explain the new Tatkal booking timings, and provide tips to secure your tickets successfully under the new system.

New Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings from 2025

The biggest and most noticeable change is the adjustment of Tatkal booking timings. Here’s what you need to know:

• For AC Class Tickets: Booking will start at 10:10 AM (instead of 10:00 AM earlier)
• For Sleeper Class Tickets: Booking will start at 11:10 AM
• Online booking through IRCTC website and mobile app
• Offline booking timings will also align accordingly
• Bookings can be made one day before the journey date
• ID proofs are mandatory at the time of booking
• Service charges will remain the same for now

Table: New Tatkal Booking Timings 2025

Class Type	Old Timing	New Timing	Booking Mode	ID Proof Required	Day of Booking
AC Classes	10:00 AM	10:10 AM	Online/Offline	Yes	One day before
Sleeper Class	11:00 AM	11:10 AM	Online/Offline	Yes	One day before
General Ticket	Not Available	Not Available	Counter Only	No	Same day
Tatkal Premium	10:00 AM	10:10 AM	Online Only	Yes	One day before
Foreign Tourist	10:00 AM	10:10 AM	Online/Offline	Passport	One day before
Ladies Quota	10:00 AM	10:10 AM	Online/Offline	Yes	One day before
Senior Citizen	10:00 AM	10:10 AM	Online/Offline	Yes	One day before
Defence Quota	10:00 AM	10:10 AM	Online/Offline	Defence ID	One day before

3 Major Changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking You Must Know

1. Revised Booking Time by 10 Minutes

• AC class Tatkal booking will now begin at 10:10 AM.
• Sleeper class Tatkal booking will begin at 11:10 AM.
• This 10-minute buffer is introduced to manage server traffic more efficiently.

2. CAPTCHA-Free Fast Login for Registered Users

• IRCTC has introduced a new “Quick Login” feature for users with verified mobile numbers and email IDs.
• Users no longer need to fill complex CAPTCHAs during peak hours.
• This ensures a faster and smoother booking experience.

3. AI-Based Anti-Bot Mechanism

• Indian Railways has implemented a new AI system to detect and block bots and auto-fill software.
• It aims to prevent unfair bookings by touts and ensures genuine passengers get better chances.
• The system will monitor suspicious activities in real-time and block suspicious accounts immediately.

Important Rules You Must Follow During Tatkal Booking

• Carry a valid government-issued ID proof at the time of travel.
• Only one Tatkal ticket per user ID can be booked in one session.
• No concessions are allowed on Tatkal tickets.
• Refunds are only granted if the train is cancelled by Indian Railways.
• Payment gateways have been optimized for faster processing.

Table: Tatkal Ticket Booking Essentials

Particulars	Details
ID Proofs Accepted	Aadhaar, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License
Max Tickets per Login	2 tickets per session
Cancellation Policy	No refund except in case of train cancellation
Payment Modes Supported	UPI, Netbanking, Credit/Debit Card, Wallets
Booking Platforms	IRCTC Website, IRCTC Mobile App, Offline Counters
Tatkal Charges (Sleeper)	₹100 to ₹200 extra per ticket
Tatkal Charges (AC)	₹200 to ₹400 extra per ticket
Service Charge	As applicable by IRCTC

Tips to Successfully Book Tatkal Tickets in 2025

• Create your IRCTC account and complete mobile/email verification beforehand.
• Save traveler profiles in advance to avoid delays during booking.
• Login 5-7 minutes before booking opens and keep the payment page ready.
• Prefer UPI or pre-saved credit cards for faster payment.
• Avoid reloading the page multiple times during booking.

Why These Changes Are Important

• Reduces the load on IRCTC servers during peak booking time.
• Curbs the influence of touts and software-based unfair bookings.
• Makes the booking process more transparent and fair for all.
• Increases the chances of successful booking for genuine passengers.

Impact of New Rules on Different Passenger Groups

Passenger Group	Impact of New Rules
Daily Commuters	Easier access to Tatkal tickets
Emergency Travelers	Improved chances of getting confirmed ticket
Foreign Tourists	Simplified booking with passport ID proof
Senior Citizens	Need to adjust to new timing and process
Defence Personnel	Dedicated quota but must follow new rules

The new Tatkal ticket booking rules effective from May 2025 are designed to make the system more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly. With a minor adjustment in booking time and the use of AI technology, Indian Railways aims to offer a fairer chance to every genuine traveler. Passengers are advised to prepare in advance by verifying their accounts, updating traveler details, and planning their booking strategies carefully.

The information provided here is based on official updates from Indian Railways as of April 2025. Rules and processes are subject to change. Passengers are advised to verify the latest guidelines from the official IRCTC website or authorized railway sources before making travel plans.