Planning a last-minute train journey in India? The Tatkal ticket scheme by Indian Railways is a lifesaver for passengers who need to travel urgently. However, due to high demand and misuse through automated software, IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) has introduced strict booking limits and authentication rules.
If you’ve ever wondered how many Tatkal tickets can be booked in a day, this detailed guide explains all booking restrictions, Aadhaar verification requirements, and IRCTC’s updated policies for 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking Scheme | Tatkal (Emergency quota by Indian Railways) |
| Booking Timings (Online & Counter) | AC Classes: 10:00 AM Non-AC (Sleeper/2S): 11:00 AM (One day before journey date) |
| Maximum Tickets per User ID (10 AM–12 PM) | 2 Tatkal tickets per IRCTC user ID per day |
| Maximum Passengers per PNR | 4 passengers |
| Monthly Booking Limit | 6 tickets/month (12 tickets if Aadhaar-verified account) |
| Booking Allowed From (Per IP Address) | 2 Tatkal tickets between 10 AM–12 PM |
| Classes Covered | 2A, 3A, CC, EC, 3E, SL, 2S |
| Tatkal Fare Range | ₹100 – ₹500 (depending on class) |
| Cancellation Policy | No refund for confirmed Tatkal tickets. Partial refund for waitlisted Tatkal tickets before chart preparation. |
| Aadhaar Requirement (2026 Update) | Mandatory for online booking. Non-Aadhaar users must book via counter. |
| Agent Booking Restriction | Agents cannot book between 10:00–10:15 AM (AC) and 11:00–11:15 AM (Non-AC). |
How Many Tatkal Tickets Can Be Booked in a Day 2026
What Is a Tatkal Ticket?
The Tatkal scheme was launched by Indian Railways to help passengers book emergency tickets at short notice. Bookings under the Tatkal quota open one day before the date of journey, excluding the day of travel.
- AC classes (2A/3A/CC/EC/3E) open at 10:00 AM, and
- Non-AC classes (Sleeper, 2S) open at 11:00 AM.
Tatkal tickets are available in most classes except First AC. Passengers can book these online via IRCTC.co.in or at railway reservation counters.
Tatkal Ticket Booking Limits
To ensure fair booking and reduce misuse, IRCTC has placed multiple limits — per PNR, per user ID, per IP address, and per month.
a. Per PNR (Passenger Name Record)
A single Tatkal PNR can include a maximum of four passengers. You cannot add more than four travelers on one Tatkal ticket.
b. Per User ID (IRCTC Account)
Between 10 AM and 12 PM, each IRCTC user ID can book a maximum of two Tatkal tickets.
After 12 PM, users can book regular tickets as per standard rules.
c. Per IP Address
To prevent misuse by touts or agents, IRCTC limits two Tatkal tickets per IP address between 10 AM and 12 PM.
d. Per Month
Each user can book six tickets per calendar month. However, if your IRCTC account is Aadhaar-verified, this limit increases to twelve tickets per month.
Updated Aadhaar Verification Rules (Effective 2025)
From July 2025, Indian Railways made Aadhaar verification mandatory for online Tatkal bookings.
This new rule aims to increase transparency and eliminate illegal ticketing software.
- Only Aadhaar-verified IRCTC accounts can book Tatkal tickets online.
- Passengers without Aadhaar verification can book Tatkal tickets only at reservation counters.
- During online booking, an OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar for verification.
- At reservation counters, the OTP will be sent to the mobile number mentioned in the booking form.
This system helps IRCTC curb fraud and ensures that genuine travelers get access to tickets.
Tatkal Booking Timings
| Class Type | Booking Opens | Booking Mode |
|---|---|---|
| AC Class (2A/3A/CC/EC/3E) | 10:00 AM | Online & Counter |
| Sleeper / Non-AC (SL/2S) | 11:00 AM | Online & Counter |
Example: If your train departs on 3rd August, Tatkal booking will open on 2nd August at the above timings.
How to Book Tatkal Tickets Online
Follow these quick steps to book your Tatkal ticket on IRCTC:
- Visit IRCTC.co.in or open the IRCTC Rail Connect app.
- Log in at least 5–10 minutes before Tatkal opening time.
- Select your source and destination stations.
- Choose your journey date (one day before travel).
- Select the “Tatkal” quota and click Search.
- Pick your train and class of travel.
- Enter passenger details — up to four per PNR.
- Check “Book only if confirm berths are allotted” (optional).
- Enter CAPTCHA and proceed to payment.
- Complete payment quickly using your preferred bank or wallet.
Booking Tatkal tickets requires speed and accuracy — it’s best to keep all details ready before 10 AM.
Tatkal Fare and Extra Charges
Tatkal tickets cost slightly more due to premium charges applied over the base fare.
| Class | Minimum Tatkal Charges (₹) | Maximum Tatkal Charges (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Second Seating | 10 | 15 |
| Sleeper | 100 | 200 |
| AC Chair Car | 125 | 225 |
| AC 3-Tier | 300 | 400 |
| AC 2-Tier | 400 | 500 |
| Executive Class | 400 | 500 |
Can You Cancel Tatkal Tickets?
Yes, but cancellation rules differ for confirmed and waitlisted tickets:
- Confirmed Tatkal tickets – No refund is allowed.
- Waitlisted Tatkal tickets – Refund as per normal rules before chart preparation.
- Mixed (Confirmed + WL) – WL passengers may get confirmation after charting; the ticket can be cancelled 30 minutes before departure.
Key Booking Restrictions
To maintain fairness and reduce server load, IRCTC enforces additional controls:
- Agents cannot book Tatkal tickets between
- 10:00–10:15 AM for AC classes, and
- 11:00–11:15 AM for non-AC classes.
- Bookings are restricted to verified user IDs.
- Use of illegal booking software or VPNs can lead to account suspension.
- IRCTC’s AI-based system now monitors suspicious activity like multiple bookings from the same IP.
What’s New in 2026: Future of Tatkal Booking
Indian Railways plans several digital upgrades in 2026 to make Tatkal booking more secure and efficient:
- Facial Recognition for Aadhaar-linked Accounts:
Users may soon verify themselves via face scan through the IRCTC mobile app. - AI-Powered Fraud Detection:
Advanced monitoring will block multiple logins, VPN users, and automated bots during Tatkal hours. - Unified Payment System (IRCTC Pay+):
A dedicated payment gateway with one-click checkout to speed up Tatkal transactions. - SMS + OTP Dual Authentication:
IRCTC may implement both SMS and app-based OTP for safer login and faster verification.
These innovations aim to reduce ticket hoarding and make the system fairer for genuine passengers.
Tatkal Booking Do’s and Don’ts (2026 Updated)
Do’s
- Verify your Aadhaar on IRCTC before booking.
- Log in early (5–10 minutes before Tatkal time).
- Keep passenger details saved in your IRCTC master list.
- Use IRCTC Pay+ or UPI for quick payment (avoid card OTP delays).
- Use a stable internet connection — preferably Wi-Fi, not mobile data.
- Tick “Book only if confirm berths are allotted” to avoid WL tickets.
- Book from a personal IP address (avoid office/public networks).
Don’ts
- Don’t use multiple browsers or VPNs; IRCTC may block your account.
- Don’t refresh repeatedly after clicking “Book Now.”
- Don’t depend on agents during 10 AM–12 PM; they face restrictions.
- Don’t forget to carry a valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).
- Don’t share OTPs or IRCTC credentials with anyone.
Can You Cancel a Tatkal Ticket?
- Confirmed Tatkal tickets: No refund is provided.
- Waitlisted Tatkal tickets: Eligible for refund if cancelled before chart preparation.
- Mixed (CNF + WL): WL passengers may get confirmed after charting; others can cancel 30 minutes before departure.
FAQs
1. How many Tatkal tickets can I book per day in 2026?
You can book 2 Tatkal tickets per day per user ID between 10 AM and 12 PM.
2. How many passengers are allowed on one Tatkal ticket?
You can add up to 4 passengers per PNR.
3. Can I book Tatkal tickets without Aadhaar verification?
No, Aadhaar verification is mandatory for all online Tatkal bookings. Non-verified users can only book at counters.
4. When should I log in for Tatkal booking?
At least 5–10 minutes before booking starts to avoid session timeout.
5. How many Tatkal tickets can I book in a month?
Six tickets per month or twelve if your account is Aadhaar-verified.
6. Will facial recognition be mandatory in 2026?
IRCTC plans to introduce optional facial recognition login for verified users to enhance security.
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