What Is the IRCTC Master List?
The Master List is a built-in feature on the IRCTC website and Rail Connect app that allows you to save passenger details in advance. Think of it like a phonebook for your travel companions. You enter each person's details—name, age, gender, berth preference,
and ID proof—just once. The system then saves this information to your IRCTC profile. When it is time to book, you can add passengers to your ticket with a single click instead of typing everything out manually. This simple step is one of the most effective ways to save crucial time, especially during high-demand booking windows like Tatkal.
How to Create Your Master List
Setting up your list is a straightforward, one-time task that is best done well before you plan to travel. First, log in to your account on the IRCTC website (irctc.co.in). Navigate to the 'My Account' tab, then select 'My Profile', and finally click on 'Add/Modify Master List'. Here, you will find the option to 'Add Passenger'. Fill in the required details accurately: passenger name (exactly as on their government ID), date of birth or age, gender, and berth preference. You can also add food preferences and ID card details. After filling in the information for one person, click 'Submit' and repeat the process for other family members or frequent co-travellers. You can save up to 20 passengers in your Master List.
Using the Master List on the IRCTC Website
Once your Master List is ready, putting it into action is simple. After you have selected your train, date, and class, you will land on the passenger details page. Instead of the empty fields for manual entry, look for an option like 'Add Existing' or a button to select passengers from your list. Clicking this will bring up your saved Master List. You can then simply tick the checkboxes next to the names of the passengers for the current journey. Their details will auto-populate into the booking form, saving you from the high-pressure race of typing during a Tatkal booking. This action alone can shave off 30 to 60 seconds, which is often the difference between a confirmed berth and a long waitlist.
Using the Feature in the Rail Connect App
The Master List syncs automatically between the IRCTC website and the Rail Connect mobile app. To use it on the app, first log in and go to 'My Account' at the bottom. Tap on 'My Master List' to view, add, or edit passengers. When you are booking a ticket, proceed until you reach the 'Passenger Details' screen. Here, instead of typing, look for an icon, often a small person figure with a plus sign, or an 'Add Existing' button. Tapping this will display your saved list of passengers. Select the required travellers, and their details will be filled in instantly, allowing you to proceed to payment much faster.
Pro Tips for Tatkal Success
The Master List is most powerful during the Tatkal rush, which opens at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for Sleeper class. To maximize your chances, log in to your IRCTC account 5-10 minutes before the window opens. Have your train and passenger details finalised beforehand. When creating your Master List, consider selecting 'No Preference' for berths, as this can increase your chances of getting a ticket if your preferred berth type is unavailable. For the fastest possible checkout, consider pre-loading funds into the IRCTC eWallet. Combining a ready Master List with a funded eWallet removes the two biggest time-sinks in the booking process: typing passenger details and completing the payment.
