In a major development, Indian Railways has introduced a new rule related to online ticket bookings. Starting October 1, 2025, (only) passengers with Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC accounts will be able to book reserved general tickets via the IRCTC website in the first 15 minutes after the general reservation window opens for any train. This is applicable for mobile booking apps as well. The announcement was shared on the Press Information Bureau (PIB) official website.Let’s find out more about the new change:Understanding the reason behindAccording to the The Ministry of Railways announcement:“The new change is to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach the common end user and are not misused by unscrupulous elements, it has been decided that, with effect from 01.10.2025, during the first 15 minutes of the opening of general reservation, reserved general tickets can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar-authenticated users.”The announcement also clarifies that there will be no change in the timings of booking of general reserved tickets through computerized PRS counters of Indian Railways as of now. “Also, there shall be no change in the timings of the restriction of 10 minutes of the opening of general reservation during which authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways shall not be allowed to book opening day reserved tickets.”What changes now?
So in simple words: From Oct 1, 2025, for the first 15 minutes after the general reservation window opens for a train, only Aadhaar-verified IRCTC users would be allowed to make online bookings. And after 15 minutes, the booking process reverts to the usual flow for all registered users.Where it is NOT applicable
This won’t affect ticket booking from PRS (station) counters. People can still book from a counter without the new online restriction mandate. The 10-minute access rule for authorised ticketing agents remains unchanged. The process
Link and verify your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account well before Oct 1. Log into your account My Account Authenticate User Submit Aadhaar or Virtual ID Submit OTP verification on the Aadhaar-linked mobileTips
Plan before the window opens as popular train tickets go away in a blink.If you want a shot at seats in the opening 15 minutes, keep logged in and ready with details filled This is being done only to allow genuine users to get a fair chance at seats.FAQWon’t I be able to book a ticket if I am not Aadhar linked?Worry not, if you aren’t Aadhaar-verified, you can still try after 15 minutes. Is an Aadhaar card mandatory to book from a station counter? No, PRS counters continue to work just like before. Is the new rule applicable for Tatkal? No. The new change is applicable to general reserved tickets during the first 15 minutes
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