Tatkal Tickets in 2026: Beat the Aadhaar-OTP Rush

Online Tatkal now needs an Aadhaar-linked, verified IRCTC account plus an OTP on your Aadhaar mobile.

Booking opens one day before travel: AC classes at 10:00 AM, sleeper and other non-AC at 11:00 AM.

Agents are locked out for the first 30 minutes, so a logged-in solo traveller has a real shot.

Pre-save your passenger Master List and a UPI/saved card to finish payment before the seats vanish.

Tatkal has no refund on confirmed tickets; a waitlisted Tatkal that stays WL is auto-cancelled with a refund.