The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) came to the aid of Aadhaar-authenticated users by introducing a new rule, under which they
get a special window on the first day of the Advanced Reservation Period (ARP) for booking general reserved tickets. This rule came into effect on January 12, 2026. Before January 12, 2026, any registered IRCTC user (with or without Aadhaar linkage) could book general reserved tickets on the first day of the ARP. Since January, 12 users without Aadhaar linkage have lost their first-day online access, as per information available on the IRCTC website. The rules regarding the overall length of the ARP and PRS counter bookings at stations remain unchanged. Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website and mobile app since July 1, 2025, there has been no update on that rule. How to make sure your IRCTC Account is Aadhaar-authenticated
- Log in to your IRCTC account using the mobile app or website.
- Go to 'My Account' and select the option for Aadhaar authentication or profile verification.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. Enter the OTP to confirm and submit the request.
- You will be notified once the Aadhaar authentication is complete.
This change in the Aadhaar authentication rule can be a game-changer for travellers. If your IRCTC account is not Aadhaar-linked, you would lose the whole first day of the Advanced Reservation Period and might end up losing your confirmed seat.
Aadhaar authentication is now a no-brainer for travellers who plan to book tickets early. Verified passengers get more flexibility and a better chance at securing their preferred seats. If you snooze, you lose, go now and link your Aadhaar to your IRCTC account.
