When travel plans come up suddenly, Tatkal train tickets are a lifesaver for Indian passengers. The Tatkal quota allows travellers to book confirmed or RAC tickets just one day before the journey, provided seats are available. With online platforms and Aadhaar-based verification, the booking process has become faster, safer, and more transparent.
Below is a complete, easy-to-understand guide explaining how Tatkal booking works, important rules, booking timings, charges, and cancellation policies.
⭐ What is Tatkal Ticket Booking?
Tatkal is a special quota introduced by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation to help passengers book tickets at short notice. These tickets open a day before the train’s scheduled departure from its originating station and are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
A maximum of 4 passengers can be booked under one Tatkal PNR.
⭐ How to Book Tatkal Tickets Online (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to book Tatkal tickets online:
- Log in to your IRCTC account through an authorised platform
- Enter source and destination stations
- Select the date of journey
- Choose Tatkal as the quota
- Search and select the preferred train
- Click on Book Now
- Enter passenger details such as name, age, gender, and seat preference
- Select payment method (UPI, net banking, debit/credit card, wallet)
- Enter Aadhaar-linked OTP for verification
- Download or print the e-ticket
⭐ Important Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules
- Aadhaar must be linked and verified with the IRCTC user profile
- From 15 July 2025, Aadhaar OTP authentication is mandatory
- Confirmed Tatkal tickets are non-refundable
- Waiting list Tatkal tickets may get released if seats remain unsold
- TQWL means Tatkal Quota Waiting List
- Tatkal cannot be combined with General or Ladies quota
- Name change is not allowed in Tatkal bookings
- Duplicate Tatkal tickets are issued only in rare cases with full charges
- Tatkal booking is also available in Executive Class of Shatabdi trains
⭐ Aadhaar Authentication for Tatkal Booking
Aadhaar linking is compulsory for Tatkal reservations.
Steps to Link Aadhaar
- Open the train booking app and tap Link Aadhaar
- Log in using IRCTC credentials
- Enter Aadhaar number and request OTP
- Verify OTP sent to Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Receive confirmation after successful linking
Once linked, Aadhaar verification becomes mandatory during every Tatkal booking.
⭐ Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings
Tatkal booking opens one day before the journey, excluding the date of travel.
AC Classes Booking Time
| Class | Timing |
|---|---|
| 1A, 2A, 3A, CC, EC, 3E | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
Non-AC Classes Booking Time
| Class | Timing |
|---|---|
| Sleeper (SL), FC, 2S | 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
Booking during the exact time window is crucial due to high demand.
⭐ Tatkal Ticket Cancellation Rules
- Confirmed Tatkal tickets: No refund on cancellation
- RAC or waitlisted Tatkal tickets: Refund allowed if cancelled up to 30 minutes before departure
- Auto-cancellation happens if waitlisted Tatkal tickets remain unconfirmed
- Refund can be claimed by filing TDR if:
- Train is cancelled
- Train is delayed by more than 3 hours
⭐ Tatkal Ticket Charges Explained
Tatkal tickets cost extra over the base fare.
Tatkal Charges (Minimum & Maximum)
| Class | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Second Sitting (2S) | ₹10 | ₹15 |
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| AC Chair Car | ₹125 | ₹225 |
| AC 3 Tier | ₹300 | ₹400 |
| AC 2 Tier | ₹400 | ₹500 |
| Executive Class | ₹400 | ₹500 |
- Charges are 10% of base fare for second class
- Charges are 30% of base fare for all other classes
- Concessional fares are not applicable under Tatkal
⭐ Difference Between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal
| Tatkal | Premium Tatkal |
|---|---|
| Fixed charges | Dynamic pricing |
| Agents allowed | Agents not allowed |
| RAC/Waitlist allowed | Only confirmed tickets |
| Cancellation allowed | Cancellation not allowed |
| Some concessions applicable | No concessions |
| Available online & counters | Online only |
Conclusion
Tatkal ticket booking is the fastest way to secure train travel during emergencies or sudden plans. Knowing the exact booking time, charges, and rules can greatly improve your chances of getting a confirmed seat. With Aadhaar-based verification and online booking, the process is now more secure and efficient. For more simple guides on railway rules, ticket booking, and government services, visit Sarkari Bakery.