Digital News Guru Current Affairs Desk:
From October 1, Aadhaar Verification Required in First 15 Minutes of IRCTC Booking: What It Means
Starting October 1, 2025, a significant change comes into effect for online train ticket booking in India: only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be able to book reserved general class tickets via IRCTC during the first 15 minutes after the general reservation window opens. This new directive, issued by the Ministry of Railways, is aimed at curbing misuse and ensuring that the benefits of the reservation system reach genuine travelers.
This policy extends the Aadhaar authentication requirement, which was already applicable for Tatkal ticket bookings, to general reservations as well.
Policy Details: How It Will Work & What Doesn’t Change
What Changes
- From October 1, for the first 15 minutes after the general reservation window for any train opens (usually 60 days before departure), only IRCTC users whose accounts are verified via Aadhaar will be permitted to book reserved general class tickets online (via the IRCTC website or mobile app).
- After the first 15 minutes elapse, the system reverts to allowing all registered IRCTC users (whether Aadhaar-authenticated or not) to book tickets in that general reservation window.
What Remains Unchanged
- Booking via PRS counters (station reservation counters): No change. Users can continue to book general reserved class tickets at PRS counters as before.
- The existing 10-minute restriction for authorized ticketing agents to book opening-day reserved tickets remains in place.
- Tatkal booking rules (including Aadhaar requirements and restrictions) continue as per earlier mandated policy.
In the official Press Information Bureau statement, the Railways underscored that the move is intended “to benefit common end user and prevent misuse by unscrupulous elements.”
Why This Change Now?
The Railway Ministry cites several motivations behind this shift:
- Prevent misuse & bulk bookings
The opening minutes of reservations often witness a flood of bookings by agents, bots, and users employing automation or multiple IDs. This often crowds out genuine passengers. Restricting access to Aadhaar-verified accounts attempts to reduce this misuse in the most critical early window. - Ensure fairness & priority access to verified users
By giving verified users exclusive access during the first 15 minutes, the system hopes to level the playing field for those genuine travelers who may otherwise lose out to high-speed agents or automated scripts. - Leverage success from Tatkal rule
Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal bookings was already introduced earlier, and authorities appear to now expand the logic to general bookings. - Transparency & accountability
When users are authenticated, tracing fraudulent behavior (duplicate accounts, fake IDs) and holding misusers accountable becomes easier. The change is framed as a step toward increased transparency in the booking system.
Implications for Passengers, Agents & System
For Passengers
- Must link Aadhaar in advance
Travelers who have not yet linked or authenticated their Aadhaar in their IRCTC account should complete the process before October. Otherwise, they lose access in that critical first 15-minute window. - Ensure matching details
The name, date of birth, and gender in the IRCTC profile should match what is in Aadhaar records to avoid verification rejections. - Be prepared
For high-demand trains/routes, having a verified account gives you an advantage in that early window. After 15 minutes, it’s open to all, but many seats may already be taken. - Fallback to counters if needed
If online access fails or scheduling is tight, physical PRS counters remain an option.
For Agents & Automated Systems
- Restrictions remain active
The 10-minute agent restriction continues, and agents’ ability to book early is curtailed. - Reduced advantage of bots
With access limited to Aadhaar-verified users (and presumably tying to unique identity), the advantage of bots and automation might reduce significantly.
For the IRCTC / System Infrastructure
- Increased demand on authentication systems
On D-day (October 1) and thereafter, many users will log in and verify Aadhaar. The system must handle the load (OTP generation, verification, matching). - Monitoring & enforcement
Authorities must detect misuse or attempts to circumvent the policy (e.g. fake/duplicate Aadhaar, sharing accounts). - Feedback & adjustment
The impact of this change will likely be monitored, and adjustments or relaxations might be considered if genuine users face difficulties.
Steps to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC Account (So You Don’t Miss Out)
According to IRCTC and media guides:
- Log into your IRCTC account (web or app)
- Go to My Profile / My Account
- Select Aadhaar Authentication or Authenticate User
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar or Virtual ID
- You’ll receive an OTP on the mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Enter the OTP and submit
- Make sure your profile name, date of birth, etc. matches the Aadhaar record
Looking Ahead & Final Thoughts
The new Aadhaar authentication requirement in the first 15 minutes of IRCTC general reservation booking is a bold attempt to curb misuse, bots, and unfair competition in a highly competitive arena. If implemented smoothly, it can give priority access to genuine passengers and reduce the dominance of unscrupulous elements.
However, success depends heavily on execution: robust system infrastructure, seamless Aadhaar linkage, handling exceptions gracefully, ensuring access for all segments of society, and maintaining trust in data security. How this plays out in practice will determine whether it becomes a model reform or a source of frustration for passengers.
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