Tatkal ticket booking is the most useful option when you need to travel urgently by train. However, many passengers miss out on confirmed tickets because they do not fully understand the Tatkal ticket booking timing, rules, and cancellation conditions. A small mistake in timing or process can lead to a waiting list or payment failure.
This detailed guide explains everything step by step, so that nothing is missed — from booking time and eligibility to cancellation rules, refunds, and practical tips.
⭐ What Is Tatkal Ticket Booking?
Tatkal is a special quota introduced by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) under Indian Railways.
It is meant for last-minute travel needs and works on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tatkal tickets are available:
- Online via IRCTC website or authorised apps
- Offline at railway reservation counters
⚠️ Seats under Tatkal quota are limited and usually sell out within minutes.
⭐ Tatkal Ticket Booking Timing (Most Important Part)
Tatkal booking opens one day before the date of journey, excluding the journey date itself.
🕘 Exact Tatkal Booking Time (India Time)
| Class of Travel | Tatkal Booking Time |
|---|---|
| AC Classes (1A, 2A, 3A, 3E, CC, EC) | 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Non-AC Classes (Sleeper, 2S, FC) | 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM |
🔎 Example to Understand Timing Clearly
- If your train starts from the originating station on 10 March
- Tatkal booking will open on 9 March
- AC class booking starts at 10:00 AM
- Sleeper / Non-AC booking starts at 11:00 AM
⛔ Tatkal booking is NOT available on the same day of journey.
⭐ Important Tatkal Booking Rules (Must Read)
- Aadhaar must be linked with IRCTC account
- Aadhaar-based OTP authentication is mandatory
- Maximum 4 passengers per PNR
- Tatkal quota cannot be combined with General or Ladies quota
- Name change is not allowed after booking
- Duplicate Tatkal tickets are not issued (except rare cases with full charges)
- Tatkal booking is available in Executive Class of Shatabdi trains
⭐ Tatkal Ticket Charges (Extra Amount You Pay)
Tatkal tickets cost more than normal tickets.
| Class | Minimum Charge | Maximum Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Second Seating (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
- 30% of base fare for other classes
⭐ Tatkal Ticket Cancellation Rules (Very Important)
This is where most people get confused.
❌ Confirmed Tatkal Ticket Cancellation
- No refund is given
- Full ticket amount is forfeited
✅ RAC or Waiting List Tatkal Ticket
- Can be cancelled up to 30 minutes before train departure
- Refund is processed after deduction of applicable charges
🔄 Automatic Cancellation
- If Tatkal ticket remains waitlisted and does not get confirmed
- Ticket gets auto-cancelled
- Refund is credited to original payment mode
🧾 TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) Refund
You can file TDR and claim refund if:
- Train is cancelled by Railways
- Train is delayed by more than 3 hours
⭐ What Is TQWL in Tatkal?
- TQWL = Tatkal Quota Waiting List
- It appears when Tatkal seats are fully booked
- TQWL has very low confirmation chances
- If not confirmed, refund is automatic
⭐ Can You Book Tatkal on Mobile?
Yes. Tatkal tickets can be booked via:
- IRCTC website
- IRCTC-authorised train apps
⚠️ Make sure:
- Aadhaar is linked
- Passenger details are saved
- Payment option is fast (UPI is recommended)
⭐ Difference Between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal
| Tatkal | Premium Tatkal |
|---|---|
| Fixed charges | Dynamic pricing |
| RAC / WL allowed | Only confirmed tickets |
| Cancellation allowed | No cancellation |
| Agents allowed | Agents not allowed |
| Available online & counters | Online only |
⭐ Practical Tips to Get Tatkal Ticket Successfully
- Log in 15 minutes before booking time
- Keep passenger details saved in IRCTC profile
- Use fast internet connection
- Prefer UPI or card payment
- Avoid refreshing repeatedly at booking time
Conclusion
Understanding the Tatkal ticket booking timing and rules is the key to successful last-minute train travel. From exact booking hours to cancellation and refund rules, every detail matters. A confirmed Tatkal ticket cannot be cancelled for refund, so booking carefully is very important. If you plan properly and follow the correct timing, your chances of getting a seat increase significantly. For more detailed railway guides, booking rules, and travel-related updates, visit Sarkari Bakery.