No Aadhaar, No Tatkal Ticket: How To Verify Your Aadhaar In IRCTC App

Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory to book Tatkal train tickets on the IRCTC website or app. This update was announced in a Railway Ministry circular dated June 10, 2025, to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach genuine users.

The Ministry stated: "With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under the Tatkal scheme can be booked through the IRCTC website or app only by Aadhaar authenticated users."

Additionally, from July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will also become compulsory for Tatkal bookings.

IRCTC is urging users to link and authenticate their Aadhaar in advance to make the booking process faster, safer, and more transparent.

How to Authenticate Aadhaar in Your IRCTC Account:
Step 1: Log in to the IRCTC website or app.
Step 2: Go to 'My Account' and click 'Authenticate User'.
Step 3: Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number or Virtual ID.
Step 4: Click 'Verify Details'.
Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile, tick the consent box, and click 'Submit'.

If it fails, check your details and try again. You can recheck your status in the same section.

How to Link Aadhaar to Your IRCTC Account:
Step 1: Log in to the IRCTC portal.
Step 2: Click on 'Link Aadhaar' under the 'Profile' tab.
Step 3: Enter your name (as per Aadhaar) and Aadhaar number.
Step 4: Tick the box and click 'Send OTP'.
Step 5: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile and click 'Verify OTP'.
Step 6: Your KYC details will be fetched. Click 'Update' to complete the process.

A confirmation message will appear once it's successfully linked.