Indian Railways has made important changes in the rules for Tatkal ticket booking from 1 January 2025. The main objective of these changes is to provide better facilities to the passengers and make the ticket booking process simple, transparent, and equitable. These new rules will make it easier for passengers to book Tatkal tickets and will also increase the chances of getting a confirmed ticket. Let us discuss these new rules and other information related to Tatkal tickets in detail.
What is a Tatkal ticket?
A Tatkal ticket is a special type of ticket introduced by Indian Railways that can be booked a day before the date of travel. It is very useful for passengers who have to travel suddenly or whose travel plans are made at the last minute. Although the fare of the Tatkal ticket is slightly higher than the normal ticket, it increases the chances of getting a confirmed seat for the passengers.
Tatkal Ticket’s main features include:
| Description | Information |
| Booking start time (AC Class) | 10:00 AM |
| Booking start time (Non-AC Class) | 11:00 AM |
| Maximum tickets per booking | 4 |
| Minimum charge | ₹10 (Second Sitting) |
| Maximum charge | ₹500 (AC First Class) |
| Refund Policy | No refund (except in some special cases) |
| ID Proof | Required |
New timing for Tatkal ticket bookings:
Tatkal ticket booking for AC class will now start at 10:00 AM. Tatkal ticket booking for non-AC class will start at 11:00 AM. The aim of this change is to give passengers enough time to book tickets and reduce the load on the server.
New rules for Tatkal ticket booking:
The Indian Railways has introduced some special rules for Tatkal ticket booking: Monthly ticket limit: Maximum 6 Tatkal tickets can be booked in a month from one user ID. Aadhaar link facility: If your IRCTC account is linked with Aadhaar, you can book 12 Tatkal tickets in a month. Passenger limit: Tickets can be booked for a maximum of 4 passengers in one booking. ID proof is mandatory. It is necessary to provide valid ID proof while booking.
Tatkal ticket fare
Tatkal ticket fare is higher than normal ticket and depends on the class and distance of travel.
| Class | Minimum Fare | Maximum Fare |
| General Class | ₹10 | ₹15 |
| Sleeper Class | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| AC Chair Car | ₹125 | ₹225 |
| AC 3 Tier | ₹300 | ₹400 |
| AC 2 Tier | ₹400 | ₹500 |
| Executive Class | ₹400 | ₹500 |
Documents Required for Tatkal Tickets
One of the following ID proofs must be carried while booking a Tatkal ticket and during the journey: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID Card, Government-issued Photo ID Card
Tatkal Ticket Booking Process:
Booking Online:
Booking from the IRCTC website or mobile App: Login to the IRCTC website or app. Fill in travel details (source, destination, and date). Choose “Tatkal” quota. Choose the train of your choice from the available trains. Fill in the passenger details. Make payment and download the ticket.
Booking from Railway Counter:
Go to the nearest railway station. Provide travel details and ID proof at the Tatkal ticket counter. Make the payment and get the ticket.
Tatkal Ticket Booking Tips
Use a fast internet connection. Login before booking starts. Keep the passenger details ready in advance. Use faster payment options like UPI or Net Banking. Keep a list of alternate trains ready. Tatkal Ticket Refund Policy Generally, there is no refund on Tatkal tickets. There is a provision for a refund in case of a train cancellation or delay of more than 3 hours. The refund amount is directly credited to the passenger’s bank account.
Advantages of Tatkal Ticket Booking
- Emergency Travel Facility: Last-minute travel planning possible.
- Chances of Confirmed Seat: Higher chances of getting a confirmed ticket compared to other quotas.
- Availability for all classes: Available in both AC and non-AC classes.
- Online Booking Facility: Booking through the IRCTC website and mobile app.
Disadvantages of Tatkal Ticket Booking
- Limited number of tickets: There are limited number of tickets in the Tatkal quota.
- High Fare: Fare is higher than normal tickets.
- Refund Policy: Generally no refund is available (except in some special cases).
- Limited Booking Time: Booking time is only for a few hours.
With the new rules of Indian Railways, the tatkal ticket booking process has become more convenient and transparent than before. By following these rules, you can make your journey simple and tension-free.