Indian Railways provides Tatkal ticket booking service for the convenience of passengers. This service is very useful for those passengers who have to travel suddenly. Through Tatkal ticket booking, you can book tickets a day before the date of travel. However, booking Tatkal tickets is not easy as the demand is very high and seats are limited.
In this article we will tell you how to book Tatkal ticket through mobile phone and what preparations should be done for it. We will also give information about Tatkal ticket booking rules, timings and tips so that you can easily book your ticket.
What is Tatkal Ticket Booking?
Tatkal ticket booking is a special type of ticket booking service provided by Indian Railways. Under this, passengers can book tickets a day before their journey. Tatkal ticket booking starts at 10 am (for AC classes) and 11 am (for non-AC classes). The objective of this service is to provide tickets to passengers in case of urgent travel.
Some of the key features of Tatkal ticket booking are as follows:
| Speciality | Description |
| Booking Time(AC) | 10:00 am |
| Booking Time (Non-AC) | 11:00 am |
| maximum passengers | 4 per PNR |
| minimum charge | 10-30% of normal fare |
| Refund Policy | No refund on confirmed tickets |
| id proof | Mandatory |
| booking window | a day before the trip |
| Availability | limited seats |
How to Book Tatkal Ticket from Mobile
To book Tatkal tickets through mobile, you can use the official mobile app of IRCTC. Follow the steps mentioned here:
- Download IRCTC official app and login
- Click on ‘Book Ticket’
- Select From and To station, date of journey and class
- Select ‘Tatkal’ in Quota
- Click on Search Trains
- Select available train and click on Book Now
- Fill in passenger information (maximum 4)
- Enter the captcha code and click on Continue
- Select payment option and make payment
- Download your ticket once it’s booked
Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules
It is important to follow these rules while booking Tatkal tickets:
- Maximum 4 passengers can be booked on one PNR
- Booking can be done only one day before the date of travel
- Booking starts at 10 am for AC classes and 11 am for non-AC
- It is mandatory to carry valid ID proof while travelling.
- Refund is not available on confirmed Tatkal ticket.
- Maximum 2 Tatkal tickets can be booked in a day from one user ID
- There is no discount on Tatkal tickets
Tips for Tatkal Ticket Booking
Follow these tips to be successful in booking Tatkal tickets:
- Login 2-3 minutes before the start of booking
- Use a fast internet connection
- Prepare passenger information in advance
- Try booking from multiple devices simultaneously
- Choose fast payment option like UPI or wallet
- Use the Master List Feature
- Practice filling captcha codes faster
- Try to book tickets on weekdays
Tatkal Ticket Charges
Tatkal tickets attract the following charges in addition to the normal fare:
| Category | minimum charge | maximum charge |
| second seating | ₹10 | ₹15 |
| sleeper | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| AC Chair Car | ₹125 | ₹225 |
| AC 3 Tier | ₹300 | ₹400 |
| AC 2 Tier | ₹400 | ₹500 |
| executive | ₹400 | ₹500 |
Documents required for Tatkal ticket booking
It is mandatory to carry any one of the following valid ID proofs while booking Tatkal tickets and during the journey:
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- Passport
- driving license
- voter id card
- Bank passbook with photo
- Student ID Card (issued by recognized institution)
Tatkal Ticket Refund Rules
Some important rules related to refund of Tatkal tickets are as follows:
- No refund is available on confirmed Tatkal tickets
- Full refund is given in case of train cancellation
- Full refund is given if the train is late by more than 3 hours.
- If the route is diverted, the passenger can take full refund if he wishes.
- Refund is available if waiting ticket is not confirmed
Advantages and disadvantages of Tatkal ticket booking
Advantages:
- Facility to book tickets at last minute
- Chances of getting a confirmed seat
- Online booking facility
- Available in all categories
Loss:
- costlier than normal ticket
- limited seats available
- Refund is not received
- Difficulty in booking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Tatkal Ticket Booking
Q: When can Tatkal tickets be booked?
A: One day before the date of travel
Q: What are the timings of Tatkal ticket booking?
A: 10 am for AC classes and 11 am for non-AC classes.
Q: How many passengers can be booked on one PNR?
A:Maximum 4 passengers
Q: Are there discounts on Tatkal tickets?
A: No, there is no discount on Tatkal tickets.
Q: Can Tatkal ticket be cancelled?
A: Confirmed Tatkal ticket cannot be canceled
Q: Which ID proof is valid for Tatkal ticket?
A: Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License etc.
Q: Can Tatkal tickets be booked offline?
A: Yes, can be booked from railway counter also
conclusion
Tatkal ticket booking is a very useful facility for passengers. Although there are some challenges, but by booking in the right way and on time, you can easily book your ticket. By following the information given in this article, you can understand the Tatkal ticket booking process in a better way and book the ticket successfully.
Disclaimer: This article has been written for informational purposes only. Tatkal ticket booking rules may change from time to time. Please visit the official website of IRCTC for latest information.
