IRCTC Aadhaar verification: Great news for train travelers in India! Indian Railways has made it mandatory to link your Aadhaar number with your IRCTC account if you want to book Tatkal tickets. This new rule aims to make the train ticket booking system more secure, reduce fraud, and give genuine passengers a fair chance.
If you travel often or rely on Tatkal bookings, it’s important to understand what this rule means and how to complete the linking process. Don’t worry—linking your Aadhaar is simple and takes only a few minutes.
Why Do You Need to Link Aadhaar to Your IRCTC Account?
The main goal of this step is to verify passenger identity and stop fraudulent ticket bookings. For years, booking agents have used software tricks to grab Tatkal tickets within seconds, leaving regular users behind. With Aadhaar linking:
IRCTC can verify your identity using your Aadhaar details.
Fake accounts and fraud bookings can be reduced.
IRCTC blocks booking agents during the first 30 minutes of Tatkal booking, giving regular users a better chance.
By linking your Aadhaar, you help keep the ticket system safe and fair.
What You Need Before You Start?
Before linking, keep these things ready:
Your IRCTC username and password
Your 12-digit Aadhaar number
The mobile number linked with your Aadhaar (for OTP verification)
Step-by-Step: How to Link Aadhaar with Your IRCTC Account?
Follow these easy steps to complete the Aadhaar linking:
1. Log in to Your IRCTC Account
Go to the IRCTC website and sign in using your username and password.
2. Go to ‘My Profile’
After logging in, click on “My Account” on the top menu. Then, choose “My Profile”.
3. Select ‘Aadhaar KYC’
From your profile options, click on “Aadhaar KYC” to begin the linking process.
4. Enter Your Aadhaar Number
Type in your 12-digit Aadhaar number. Tick the box to give permission to IRCTC for identity verification.
5. Verify with OTP
You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on the mobile number linked with Aadhaar. Enter this code in the box and click Verify.
6. Submit Your Details
Once your Aadhaar is successfully verified, your KYC (Know Your Customer) information will be displayed. Click on “Submit” to complete the process.
✅ Done! You can confirm if the Aadhaar is linked by going to “Authenticate User” under the My Account section.
Benefits of Linking Aadhaar to IRCTC
Linking your Aadhaar comes with many advantages, especially if you travel frequently by train:
✅ Faster Booking Process
Once your Aadhaar is linked, your profile is KYC verified. This helps you book tickets faster, especially during the high-demand Tatkal hours.
✅ Higher Ticket Booking Limit
Without Aadhaar, IRCTC only allows you to book 12 tickets per month. But if your Aadhaar is linked, this limit is increased to 24 tickets per month. That’s great if you’re:
A frequent traveler
Booking for your family or group
Managing travel plans for others
✅ Increased Security and Trust
With Aadhaar verification, IRCTC ensures that only genuine users can book tickets. This reduces the misuse of the Tatkal system by bots or agents.
What is the Tatkal Booking System?
Tatkal is a special ticket booking option by Indian Railways that allows passengers to book tickets on short notice. These tickets:
Open one day before the journey date
Sell out within minutes, especially for popular routes
That’s why booking them has always been tough. With Aadhaar-linked accounts and the 30-minute block on agents, regular users now get a fairer chance to grab a seat.
Who Should Link Aadhaar?
Everyone using IRCTC should link Aadhaar, but it’s especially important for:
Frequent train travelers
Those who often use the Tatkal service
Users who book tickets for family or groups
Travel agents (for compliance)
Even if you don’t book often, linking your Aadhaar now can save time and help you enjoy better services later.
Is Linking Aadhaar Safe?
Yes. IRCTC uses secure and government-approved methods to verify your Aadhaar. The OTP verification ensures that only you can authorize the linking process. Your Aadhaar details are used only for identity verification, and the platform is encrypted for data safety.
Final Thoughts
The new rule by Indian Railways may seem like a small step, but it brings big improvements in the train ticket booking experience. By linking your Aadhaar to your IRCTC account, you’ll get:
A smoother and faster booking process
A fair chance during Tatkal ticket rush
The ability to book more tickets each month
A safer and more secure account
So, if you haven’t done it yet, take a few minutes today and link your Aadhaar with IRCTC. It’s quick, easy, and totally worth it.
