Big Change in IRCTC Online Booking Rules: First 15 Minutes Reserved Only for Aadhaar-Verified Users
If you’re planning to book train tickets during the upcoming festival or wedding season, there’s a major update you need to know about. Indian Railways, through IRCTC, has rolled out a significant change in its online ticket booking policy—effective October 1, 2025—to tackle the overwhelming rush and ensure fair access for genuine passengers.
🚆 What’s Changed?
Starting October 1, 2025, the first 15 minutes of any train’s online reservation window will be exclusively available to passengers with Aadhaar-verified IRCTC accounts.
This means:
- ✅ Aadhaar-verified users: Can book tickets immediately when the booking window opens.
- ⏳ Non-verified users: Must wait 15 minutes before they can attempt booking.
The move is specifically aimed at curbing bot-driven bookings, fake accounts, and ticket hoarding during peak travel seasons—like Diwali, Dussehra, weddings, and holidays—when demand skyrockets and confirmed tickets vanish within minutes.
🔍 How It Works: A Real Example
Let’s say you want to travel from New Delhi to Kanpur on December 2, 2025, via the Shram Shakti Express.
- The booking window for this train opens on October 3 at 12:20 AM (120 days in advance).
- From 12:20 AM to 12:35 AM, only Aadhaar-verified IRCTC users can book tickets.
- At 12:35 AM onward, all other users (non-verified) can access the booking system.
This gives verified, genuine travelers a critical head start in securing seats on high-demand trains.
🎯 Why Was This Rule Introduced?
During festive and wedding seasons:
- Booking servers crash due to massive traffic.
- Automated bots and touts book hundreds of tickets instantly.
- Ordinary passengers struggle to get confirmed seats—even for urgent travel.
By restricting the first 15 minutes to Aadhaar-authenticated users, IRCTC ensures:
- Real people get priority—not bots.
- Transparency and fairness in seat allocation.
- Reduced server overload during peak hours.
💡 Note: A similar rule was already implemented for Tatkal bookings in July 2025. Now, it’s been extended to all general reservations.
✅ What Should You Do?
If you haven’t already:
- Log in to your IRCTC account .
- Go to ‘Profile’ > ‘Link Your Aadhaar’.
- Complete the Aadhaar verification process using OTP or biometric authentication.
It takes just a few minutes—but can make the difference between getting a confirmed ticket or being stuck on the waiting list.
🛡️ Why Aadhaar Verification Matters
Beyond priority booking, Aadhaar linking:
- Prevents duplicate or fake accounts.
- Enhances security and accountability.
- Supports Indian Railways’ digital integrity initiatives.
In short: If you travel by train even occasionally, get your IRCTC account Aadhaar-verified—now.
📌 Final Takeaway
This policy isn’t about restriction—it’s about fairness. By giving verified users a small but crucial advantage, Indian Railways is leveling the playing field for millions of honest travelers.
So, before the Diwali rush begins, secure your advantage. Verify your account today, and book with confidence tomorrow.
🚉 Travel smart. Travel verified.
#IRCTC #TrainBooking #AadhaarVerification #IndianRailways #TravelTips #FestivalSeason2025
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