When does Aadhaar authentication become mandatory for IRCTC booking?

Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for booking train tickets online on the first day of the Advance Reservation Period starting January 12, 2026.

How can I complete Aadhaar authentication for IRCTC?

Log in to your IRCTC account, go to 'My Account', select Aadhaar authentication, enter your Aadhaar number, and verify with an OTP.

What happens if I don't have Aadhaar linked to my IRCTC account?

You will not be able to book train tickets online on the first day of the Advance Reservation Period and must wait until the second day.

Home / Business and Economy / Aadhaar Now Rules Indian Railways Ticket Bookings

Aadhaar Now Rules Indian Railways Ticket Bookings

13 Jan

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Summary

Only Aadhaar-verified users can book train tickets online on Jan 12, 2026.
Verified users get an extended booking window from 8 am to midnight.
Non-Aadhaar users must wait until the second day to book train tickets.

Aadhaar Now Rules Indian Railways Ticket Bookings

Beginning January 12, 2026, Indian Railways has implemented new online booking regulations for train tickets. On the first day of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP), only passengers who have completed Aadhaar authentication via IRCTC will be permitted to book tickets online. This change prioritizes verified users, granting them an exclusive booking window from 8:00 am until midnight on that critical day.

Passengers who have not undergone Aadhaar authentication will be unable to secure tickets online on the initial booking day. They must wait until the ARP opens for the second day, with bookings contingent on remaining seat availability. This revised policy aims to streamline the booking process and curb automated or fraudulent bookings.