IRCTC Aadhaar Linking Rule from 1st October 2025: Must-Know Guidelines for Train Ticket Booking

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by

Himanshu
in

In 2025, the Indian Railways has introduced a significant update to its online ticket booking system. Passengers using the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) platform are now required to link their Aadhaar number to their accounts to access certain ticketing privileges. This rule aims to enhance transparency, prevent misuse of the ticket booking system, and ensure fair access to train reservations for genuine passengers.

With this new regulation, IRCTC users can enjoy benefits such as increased ticket booking limits and smoother verification processes, but they must understand how to comply fully to avoid disruptions in travel plans. In this blog, we explain the IRCTC Aadhaar rule in detail, step-by-step linking instructions, benefits, restrictions, and other critical information.

1. Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication for Online Bookings

IRCTC has made it compulsory for passengers to authenticate their identity using Aadhaar, particularly during the first 15 minutes of the train reservation window. This requirement is aimed at preventing bulk bookings by agents or scalpers and ensuring that tickets are accessible to actual passengers.

  • Applies to all general reservations, not just Tatkal bookings.
  • The first 15 minutes of booking are prioritized for Aadhaar-verified passengers.
  • Ensures fair distribution of tickets during peak booking times.

2. How to Link Aadhaar to Your IRCTC Account

Linking your Aadhaar to your IRCTC account is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

StepAction
1Visit the official IRCTC website and log in using your User ID and password.
2Navigate to the My Account section and select Authenticate User.
3Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or Virtual ID.
4Verify that your name, date of birth, and gender match your Aadhaar details.
5Enter the OTP sent to your mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
6After verification, a green tick will appear next to Authenticate User, confirming successful linking.

Once linked, your IRCTC account will be Aadhaar-verified, allowing you to access additional booking features and higher monthly limits.

3. Benefits of Linking Aadhaar

Linking Aadhaar to your IRCTC account comes with several advantages:

BenefitDescription
Higher Booking LimitVerified users can now book up to 24 tickets per month, double the standard limit of 12 tickets.
Priority Access to Tatkal TicketsAadhaar verification ensures priority during Tatkal bookings.
Enhanced SecurityReduces misuse of accounts and prevents bulk booking by agents or fraudsters.
Smooth VerificationEliminates repeated manual identity verification for passengers.

To access these benefits, at least one passenger in your booking must be Aadhaar-verified.

4. Unlinking Aadhaar from Your IRCTC Account

If you wish to remove your Aadhaar from your IRCTC account, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your IRCTC account.
  2. Go to My Account → Authenticate User.
  3. Select Unlink Aadhaar.

⚠ Note: Unlinking Aadhaar may limit your booking capacity and remove Tatkal priority access.

5. IRCTC User ID Deactivation

To improve the integrity of the ticketing system, IRCTC has deactivated millions of user IDs identified as inactive, fraudulent, or misused. Users whose accounts were deactivated must re-register and link Aadhaar to regain access to bookings.

6. Important Notes & Cautions

  • Aadhaar linking is mandatory for new bookings in the first 15 minutes of the reservation window.
  • Users must ensure Aadhaar details match exactly with IRCTC account details to avoid verification failures.
  • Linking Aadhaar does not guarantee Tatkal ticket availability, but it prioritizes your request.
  • Always keep your mobile number updated for OTP verification.
  • For issues, contact IRCTC customer support to avoid missing reservations.

7. FAQs

Q1: Is Aadhaar linking mandatory for all IRCTC users?
Yes, Aadhaar authentication is mandatory, especially for booking tickets during the first 15 minutes of the reservation window.

Q2: Can I link my Aadhaar after registration?
Yes, existing IRCTC users can link their Aadhaar anytime through the My Account → Authenticate User option.

Q3: How many tickets can I book after linking Aadhaar?
Aadhaar-linked users can book up to 24 tickets per month, double the standard limit.

Q4: Will linking Aadhaar affect Tatkal bookings?
Yes, linking Aadhaar provides priority access to Tatkal bookings during peak hours.

Q5: Can I unlink Aadhaar from my account later?
Yes, but it may reduce your monthly ticket booking limit and remove priority access for Tatkal bookings.

Q6: What if my Aadhaar name does not match IRCTC records?
Mismatch may cause verification failure. Ensure your IRCTC account details exactly match your Aadhaar card information.

Q7: Will I need Aadhaar for every passenger?
No, only one passenger in a booking needs to be Aadhaar-verified to avail benefits.

Conclusion

The Aadhaar linking rule introduced by IRCTC is a significant step towards creating a secure, transparent, and fair ticket booking system. Passengers who link their Aadhaar can enjoy higher booking limits, priority Tatkal access, and smooth verification, while ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.

Make sure your account is updated, your Aadhaar is linked, and your mobile number is active to continue enjoying seamless IRCTC ticketing services without disruption.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information on IRCTC Aadhaar rules as of 2025. It is for educational and informational purposes only and does not substitute official IRCTC guidelines. Always refer to official IRCTC communications for the latest updates.