IRCTC has made Aadhaar linking mandatory to book train tickets during morning rush hours. Here’s how to link your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account easily and avoid booking delays.
IRCTC Aadhaar Linking Rule Explained
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced a crucial change for train travellers. Starting 2025, passengers can only book train tickets between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM-the most in-demand booking period-if their IRCTC account is linked with Aadhaar.
If your account isn’t Aadhaar-verified, you’ll need to wait until after 10:00 AM to book tickets. This rule aims to prevent fraudulent bookings by agents and bots, ensuring that genuine travellers have a fair chance to secure confirmed tickets.
Railways officials confirmed that this move will make the reservation system more transparent and user-friendly, especially during high-traffic periods such as festival or holiday seasons.
How to Link Aadhaar with Your IRCTC Account
If you haven’t linked your Aadhaar yet, don’t worry-it only takes a few minutes. Follow these simple steps:
1. Visit the official IRCTC website–[www.irctc.co.in](https://www.irctc.co.in)
2. Log in to your IRCTC account.
3. Navigate to ‘My Profile’ and select ‘Authenticate Aadhaar’.
4. Enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID.
5. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
6. Enter the OTP and click ‘Submit’.
Once verified, your account will be fully Aadhaar-authenticated. You’ll then be eligible to book tickets anytime, including during the 8–10 AM slot.
Read Also :MS Dhoni Sweet Gesture on the Road Goes Viral! What He Did for a Fan’s Bike Will Melt Your Heart
Indian Railways Ticket Booking Rules 2025
According to the latest circular by the Ministry of Railways, Aadhaar verification is now mandatory for booking reserved train tickets during morning hours.
This policy also extends to Tatkal bookings. Earlier this year, IRCTC announced that Tatkal tickets can be booked through its portal or mobile app only by Aadhaar-verified users.
To curb mass bookings, authorised agents are restricted from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the window opening. This ensures regular passengers get priority access to available seats.
Why Aadhaar Verification Is Important
Aadhaar linking enhances security and transparency in ticket bookings. It helps the Indian Railways:
* Prevent misuse of multiple fake accounts.
* Detect and block bot-driven bulk bookings.
* Simplify passenger identity verification.
* Ensure only genuine users get fair access during high-demand hours.
So, linking Aadhaar not only benefits the railway system but also makes your own travel planning smoother and faster.
Read Also :E Shram Card 2025: Get ₹9,000 Instantly in 2 Steps–Check Your Payment Status Now
Final Thoughts
If you frequently book tickets through IRCTC, linking your Aadhaar is no longer optional-it’s essential. Complete the verification today to enjoy hassle-free bookings, even during the 8:00–10:00 AM peak slot. This simple step can save you valuable time and increase your chances of getting confirmed tickets.
