Indian Railways is tightening online ticket rules to curb fraud and improve passenger convenience. From January 2026, Aadhaar-verified IRCTC accounts will play a key role in advance bookings.
Indian Railways Aadhaar-Verified IRCTC Booking Rule Explained
To reduce ticket fraud and improve facilities for genuine passengers, Indian Railways has announced a major change in online ticket booking. From January 12, 2026, passengers will need an Aadhaar-linked IRCTC account to book tickets online on the opening day of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP).
However, accounts without Aadhaar verification will still exist. They can book tickets only during the non-restricted time slots. As a result, Aadhaar authentication becomes essential for early access to online reservations.
New ARP Booking Timings for Aadhaar-Verified IRCTC Users
The Railway Board has introduced these changes in a phased manner. Therefore, passengers should clearly understand the new timeline to avoid last-minute issues.
From December 29, 2025, on the first day of advance reservation, only Aadhaar-verified users can book reserved tickets online between 8:00 am and 12:00 noon.
Additionally, from January 5, 2026, this exclusive window will expand. Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on the opening day.
Finally, from January 12, 2026, online ticket booking for the entire day—from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight—will remain restricted to Aadhaar-verified IRCTC accounts.
Meanwhile, Indian Railways has clarified that this rule applies only to online bookings. In contrast, ticket booking through PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters will continue as usual.
Indian Railways Action Against Fake IRCTC Accounts
Railway officials confirmed that this move directly targets large-scale misuse of the booking system. So far, authorities have already shut down nearly 3 crore fake IRCTC accounts.
Moreover, the Railways is currently reviewing another 3 crore suspicious accounts. Once completed, around 6 crore fake accounts are expected to be permanently deactivated.
Aadhaar-based verification ensures genuine user identity. As a result, it prevents bulk bookings through fake profiles and blocks unfair practices that hurt regular passengers.
How Aadhaar Verification Improves Ticket Booking Transparency
According to railway sources, Aadhaar authentication brings fairness to the system. It limits automated bulk bookings and gives genuine passengers a better chance to secure confirmed tickets.
Therefore, Indian Railways believes this step will strengthen public trust in the online reservation system. Passengers are strongly advised to link their Aadhaar with their IRCTC account well before January 2026 to avoid disruptions.
Changes in Ticket Booking Timings and Reservation Charts
Along with Aadhaar verification, Indian Railways has also revised ticket booking timings. After December 29, 2025, online ticket booking will be available only between 8:00 am and 12:00 midnight for Aadhaar-verified users.
Additionally, the Railways has updated reservation chart preparation schedules to improve clarity for passengers.
The first reservation chart for trains departing between 5:01 am and 2:00 pm will be prepared by 8:00 pm the previous day.
Meanwhile, for trains running between 2:01 pm and 11:59 pm and 12:00 am to 5:00 am, the first chart will generally be prepared at least 10 hours before departure.
As a result, passengers can check their ticket status earlier and plan their journeys with greater confidence.
FAQs on Aadhaar-Verified IRCTC Ticket Booking
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Aadhaar mandatory for all IRCTC bookings? | Aadhaar is mandatory only for online bookings on the opening day of the Advance Reservation Period. |
| From when will Aadhaar-only booking apply for the full day? | From January 12, 2026, Aadhaar-verified accounts can book tickets online from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight. |
| Can I still book tickets at PRS counters without Aadhaar? | Yes, PRS counter ticket booking rules remain unchanged. |
| Why is Indian Railways enforcing Aadhaar verification? | To stop fake accounts, prevent bulk booking fraud, and improve ticket availability for genuine passengers. |
| What happens if my IRCTC account is not Aadhaar-linked? | You can book tickets online only after the restricted Aadhaar-only time window ends. |
