IRCTC Tatkal 2026:The Indian Railways has introduced a significant change in the Tatkal ticket booking system in 2026. The new rule aims to stop ticket agents and brokers from misusing the system and to make it easier for regular passengers to get confirmed tickets. Under this system, booking a Tatkal ticket now requires verification through a mobile OTP. This means that whether you book a ticket online, through the app, or at a railway counter, entering an OTP received on your registered mobile number is mandatory. The change is expected to reduce fake bookings and bulk reservations, ensuring fair access to Tatkal tickets.
Problems with the Previous System
Earlier, agents and brokers often used high-speed software to book most Tatkal seats in just a few seconds. Regular passengers either could not get a ticket or had to pay much higher prices in the secondary market. During festivals and holidays, the problem became even worse. To address these issues, Indian Railways decided to strengthen security measures in the booking process and make it more transparent for genuine travelers.
Understanding Tatkal Tickets
Tatkal tickets are meant for journeys scheduled for the next day. They are available for both AC and Non-AC classes, with AC ticket booking opening at 10 a.m. and Non-AC at 11 a.m. The number of seats under this quota is limited, making timely booking essential. With the new OTP rule, the process becomes more secure, as only genuine users with registered mobile numbers can complete their bookings.
New OTP-Based Booking Rule
According to the 2026 rule, mobile OTP verification is mandatory for every Tatkal booking. Whether you use the IRCTC website, mobile app, or ticket counter, the system will send an OTP to the registered mobile number linked to your IRCTC account. Tickets will only be confirmed after the OTP is entered successfully. This prevents multiple bookings by a single person and limits misuse by ticket agents and brokers.
Special 30-Minute Security Window
Indian Railways has also introduced a special rule for the first 30 minutes after Tatkal booking opens. During this time, extra security measures prevent bulk bookings by agents and brokers. This rule, previously applied to regular reservations with positive results, has now been extended to Tatkal bookings to ensure fair ticket distribution.
Who Can Book Tatkal Tickets
Any Indian citizen with a valid IRCTC account linked to their Aadhaar card can book Tatkal tickets. Each booking can include up to four passengers, and OTP verification is required for every traveler, including women, senior citizens, and children. These measures ensure that only genuine passengers can access Tatkal tickets without interference from brokers.
Benefits of the New System
The OTP-based booking system offers several advantages. It increases the chances of regular passengers getting confirmed tickets while reducing ticket scalping. The system also makes booking safer and more transparent. It is expected to reduce long queues at railway stations and improve public trust in the ticketing process, especially during busy travel periods like festivals and holidays.