Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Aadhaar Verification Mandated for IRCTC Online Bookings
Starting October 1, 2025, when you book train tickets online, you'll need to prove who you are using your Aadhaar card during the first 15 minutes after bookings open.
This change affects bookings on the IRCTC website to prevent scalpers from buying up tickets.
Regular passengers must link their IRCTC accounts with Aadhaar.
After the first 15 minutes, anyone can book tickets.
Tickets purchased at the railway station are not affected.
This is designed to make it easier for real passengers to get tickets by reducing the ability of scalpers and automated systems to buy up tickets in bulk.
Aadhaar authentication becomes mandatory for online ticket bookings via IRCTC from October 1, 2025.
This applies during the initial 15 minutes of the booking window.
The rule aims to curb ticket touting and ensure fair access.
Passengers must link their IRCTC account with Aadhaar beforehand.
Physical ticket counters are excluded from this new rule.
- Who
- Passengers booking tickets online
- What
- Mandatory Aadhaar verification for online bookings
- When
- Starting October 1, 2025
- Where
- IRCTC website and app
- Why
- To curb ticket touting and ensure fair access
- Initiation Date
- October 1, 2025
- Requirement
- Aadhaar Authentication
- Platform
- IRCTC website/app
- Duration
- First 15 minutes
- Target
- Online general reserved tickets
- Exemption
- Physical ticket bookings
