Indian Railways has made major changes in the rules of TATKAL Ticket Booking, which have been implemented since 2025. The purpose of these changes is to provide better convenience, transparency and safe service to the passengers. Tatkal tickets are an important option for passengers who have to travel suddenly. In this article we will give detailed information about the new time, process and other important changes of Tatkal ticket booking.
What is Tatkal Ticket Booking?
Tatkal ticket is a special service of Indian Railways, which allows passengers to book tickets one day before the journey. This service is useful for those who have to travel suddenly. Although tatkal tickets are more expensive than normal tickets, it ensures that you can get a seat for travel.
Tatkal Ticket Booking New Rules 2025
In 2025, many significant changes have been made to make the Tatkal ticket booking process more transparent and simplified. Their main points are given below:
- Booking time: AC class booking will start at 10:10 am and Non-AA-C class booking will begin at 11:10 am.
- ID proof mandatory: Valid identity cards like Aadhaar card, PAN card or passport will now be mandatory.
- PTR Passenger limit per PNR: Only a maximum of four passengers can be booked on a PNR.
- Refund Policy: No refund will be available on the confirmed Tatkal ticket. Fundamental is possible only if the train is canceled or delays more than three hours.
- Online Priority: Online booking has been given priority from IRCTC website and mobile app.
- Safety Measures: OTP and Captcha entry has been made mandatory before every booking.
Tatkal Ticket Booking New Time Table
| Social class | Booking time (one day before traveling) | Notes |
| AC Class (1A/2A/3A/CC/EC) | 10:10 am | For the next day’s journey only |
| Non-C Class (SL/2S) | 11:10 am | Limited seats, dynamic pricing applicable |
| Premium tatkal | 12:00 am | High fee, limited quota |
| Booking on IRCTC portal | Class time | OTP and Captcha compulsory |
| Booking at railway counter | From 8:00 am | Valid ID proof required |
Benefits of Tatkal Ticket Booking
TATKAL Ticket Booking System provides the following benefits to passengers:
- Emergency journey: This is the most suitable option for passengers traveling suddenly.
- Convenient process: It is easy to book tickets through both online and offline mediums.
- Seat Availability: Limited seats ensure that you can plan your journey.
Why were changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking?
Indian Railways has given the following reasons behind improving the TATKAL ticket system:
- Increasing transparency: to prevent wrong booking and make the process more secure.
- Solution of technical problems: to reduce problems like heavy traffic and system crash.
- Improving user experience: providing fast and simple service to passengers.
Tatkal Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
Under the new rules, the process of cancellation of TATKAL ticket and refund has been clarified:
| Ticket status | First refund rules | New refund rules (2025) | Cut-off time | Special notes |
| Confirmed tatkal | no refunds | no refunds | Na | Unchanged |
| Weightlisted tatkal | Full refund | Full refund | Before the chart is formed | Auto cancell |
| Partially confirmed | No refund on confirmed | Refund on weightlisted | Before the chart is formed | Apply only to unconnected passengers |
| On cancellation of train | Full refund | Full refund | Any time | Automatically applied |
Main instructions for TATKAL TICKET Booking
Do’s (what to do):
- Keep your ID proof ready (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport etc.).
- Login before the scheduled time.
- Use fast internet connection.
- Use the official website or app of IRCTC.
Don’ts (what not to do):
- Do not be completely dependent on agents.
- Do not use the same ID again and again.
- Do not use automation or bots – it can cause blacklist.
Tatkal Ticket Charges
Tatkal ticket fees are determined as follows under the new rules:
| Square type | Minimum fee (₹) | Maximum fee (₹) |
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹ 100 | ₹ 200 |
| AC 3 Tier (3AC) | ₹ 300 | ₹ 400 |
| AC 2 Tier (2AC) | ₹ 400 | ₹ 500 |
| First Class AC (1ac) | ₹ 400 | ₹ 500 |
| Second Sitting (2s) | ₹ 10 | ₹ 15 |
conclusion
These changes made in the TATKAL ticket system will provide better convenience to the passengers. New rules will help increase transparency, prevent wrongly booking and reduce technical problems. Although tatkal tickets are expensive and their refund policy is strict, it is the best option for emergency journey.
Disclaimer
According to the recently released statement by IRCTC, some rumors spread on social media are wrong. There has been no major change in the Tatkal ticket booking process. The above details are presented for the purpose of giving information only. Always use the official website or app of IRCTC while traveling.
