Tatkal Ticket Booking: Traveling in Indian Railways is an exciting experience for everyone. But sometimes it becomes difficult to get tickets when you plan a sudden trip. In such a situation, IRCTC’s Tatkal ticket service proves to be a boon. Tatkal ticketing service gives passengers the opportunity to travel in case of emergency.
IRCTC’s Tatkal ticket service has made last minute booking easy for passengers. Through this service you can book tickets up to a day before the journey. However, booking Tatkal tickets can sometimes be challenging as many people try to book tickets at once. Therefore, in this article we will tell you easy and fast ways to book IRCTC Tatkal tickets.
IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Overview
Description | Information |
Service Name | IRCTC tatkal ticket booking |
Booking Time (AC Class) | from 10:00 am |
Booking Time (Non-AC Class) | from 11:00 am |
maximum ticket | 4 passengers per PNR |
instant charge | 10% to 30% of basic fare |
Refund Rules | Limited refunds available |
id proof | essential during travel |
Availability | a day before the trip |
Necessary preparations to book Tatkal ticket
Before booking Tatkal tickets it is necessary to make some important preparations. These preparations can make your booking process faster and smoother:
- IRCTC Account: First of all you must have a valid IRCTC account. If not, register immediately.
- E-Wallet: Maintain sufficient balance in your IRCTC account or keep net banking/credit card/debit card details ready in advance.
- Passenger details: Keep the name, age, gender and berth preference of all passengers ready in advance.
- Train Information: Know in advance the number and name of the train in which you want to travel.
- Fast Internet: Ensure fast internet connection so that there is no interruption in the booking process.
Steps to book IRCTC tatkal ticket
Now that you are ready, let us know the easy steps to book IRCTC Tatkal ticket:
- Login: Visit IRCTC website or mobile app and login to your account.
- Search Train: Enter your source station, destination station and journey date. Then click on ‘Search’ button.
- Select Train: Select the train of your choice and click on ‘Book Now’.
- Fill passenger details: Fill name, age, gender and berth preference of all passengers.
- Select Quota: Select the instant quota.
- Fill Captcha: Fill the given captcha correctly.
- Make Payment: Pay with your preferred payment method.
- Download Ticket: After successful booking, download your e-ticket.
Best time for Tatkal ticket booking
The best time to book Tatkal tickets is immediately after the booking window opens. Remember:
- Booking for AC class starts at 10:00 am.
- Booking for non-AC classes starts at 11:00 am.
Be ready a few minutes before this time and start the process immediately as soon as the booking window opens.
Tips and Tricks for Tatkal Ticket Booking
Some useful tips to get success in booking Tatkal tickets:
- Fast Internet: Use a fast Internet connection. Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data.
- Multiple Devices: Increase your chances of success by logging in from multiple devices simultaneously.
- Autofill: Use the autofill feature of the browser so that filling out the form takes no time.
- Alternate Train: Choose an alternate train along with the train of your choice.
- Flexi Fare: If budget is not a concern then opt for flexi fare.
Tatkal Ticket Terms and Conditions
Keep some important rules in mind while booking Tatkal tickets:
- Tatkal tickets can be booked one day before the date of journey.
- Tickets for maximum 4 passengers can be booked on one PNR.
- There is no child concession on Tatkal tickets.
- Only partial refund is available on Tatkal tickets, that too under certain circumstances.
- It is mandatory to carry ID proof with you during the journey.
Tatkal Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
The rules for canceling Tatkal tickets and getting refund are slightly different:
- No refund is available on Tatkal tickets if the journey is canceled by the passenger.
- Refund is available only if the train is late or cancelled.
- The amount of refund depends on the time of train delay.
- Partial cancellation is not allowed.
- Refund can be claimed by filing TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt).
Benefits of IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking
There are many advantages of Tatkal ticket service:
- Emergency Travel: This service is very useful when there is a sudden travel need.
- Guaranteed Seat: If the ticket is confirmed then you get a guaranteed seat.
- Online Booking: You can easily book tickets sitting at home.
- 24×7 Service: You can book tickets anytime day or night.
- Secure Payments: Online payments are secure and fast.
Problems faced in Tatkal ticket booking and their solutions
Sometimes some problems may arise while booking Tatkal tickets. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Website slows or crashes:
- Solution: Wait for a while and try again. Use an alternate device or browser.
- Payment failed:
- Solution: Use another payment method. Solve the problem by connecting to the bank.
- Captcha error:
- Solution: Fill the captcha carefully. If the problem persists, refresh the page.
- Seat not available:
- Solution: Try booking tickets in a different class or in a different train.
- Login Problem:
- Solution: Reset password or contact IRCTC helpline.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. IRCTC Tatkal ticket booking process and rules may change from time to time. For the most latest and accurate information please contact the IRCTC official website or helpline. We have tried to keep all the information given in this article correct, but we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Be careful while booking tickets and follow all the terms and conditions set by IRCTC.