Archive · 29 Dec 2025
IRCTC Prioritizes Aadhaar-Verified Users for Booking
Indian Railways is changing how people can book train tickets online.
Starting December 29, only people who have verified their Aadhaar ID can book tickets on the first day of ticket sales.
This special time is from 8 am to 12 pm.
Over the next few weeks, this special time will get longer.
By January 12, Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets from 8 am to midnight.
This change is to make sure real passengers get tickets and not agents.
People can still book tickets in person at the station without Aadhaar verification.
IRCTC introduces priority booking for Aadhaar-verified users starting December 29, 2023.
Initial booking window for Aadhaar-verified users is 8 am to 12 pm on the opening day.
Phased expansion: by January 12, Aadhaar-verified users get exclusive access from 8 am to midnight.
Changes apply only to online bookings through IRCTC website and mobile app.
Manual booking at PRS counters remains unchanged with valid ID proof.
- Who
- Indian Railways and IRCTC
- What
- Priority booking for Aadhaar-verified users
- When
- Starting December 29, 2023, with phased changes
- Where
- IRCTC website and mobile app
- Why
- To reduce the role of agents and prioritize genuine passengers
- Start Date
- December 29, 2023
- Initial Booking Window
- 8 am to 12 pm
- Second Phase Start Date
- January 5, 2024
- Second Phase Booking Window
- 8 am to 4 pm
- Third Phase Start Date
- January 12, 2024
- Third Phase Booking Window
- 8 am to midnight
- Platforms Affected
- IRCTC website and mobile app
- Manual Booking Process
- Unchanged at PRS counters