Train Ticket Booking Timings to Change in India
Indian Railways is set to roll out a revised train ticket booking timing system from December 15, 2025. The update focuses on one clear goal: make ticket booking fairer, safer, and less chaotic for genuine passengers.
If you have ever refreshed the IRCTC page at dawn only to see “Tickets Not Available” in seconds, this change speaks directly to you. The Railways plans to curb misuse by touts, automated bots, and fake accounts while improving system performance for millions of daily users.
The new framework introduces fixed booking hours and stronger Aadhaar-based verification, especially during high-demand periods.
New Train Ticket Booking Timings: What Has Changed?
Under the revised rules, train ticket booking will now be available only between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM. This timing applies across major reserved categories, including AC classes and Sleeper class.
Earlier, bookings were technically possible late at night, which often overloaded servers and created uneven traffic. By fixing the booking window, Indian Railways aims to balance system usage and reduce early-morning rush-related failures.
In simple terms, no more midnight battles with slow-loading pages. The system now works when most humans are actually awake.
Aadhaar Verification Rules You Must Follow
A key change passengers need to note involves mandatory Aadhaar verification during peak booking hours.
Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts will get priority access. This slot usually sees the highest demand, especially for popular long-distance trains.
The logic is straightforward. Aadhaar verification limits mass bookings through fake IDs and automated tools. Real passengers get a fair chance, while touts lose their unfair advantage.
Linking Aadhaar with IRCTC requires mobile number verification and basic identity confirmation. The process takes only a few minutes and adds a strong security layer.
Tatkal Ticket Booking: New OTP Verification Explained
Tatkal booking remains the most competitive category in the Indian Railways system. To clean up long-standing misuse, Railways has introduced Aadhaar-based OTP verification for Tatkal tickets, effective from 21 November 2025.
Here is how it works:
When you attempt a Tatkal booking, the system sends an OTP to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. You must enter this OTP to proceed with payment and seat confirmation.
During the first 15 minutes of Tatkal booking, only Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts can access the system. This step blocks bots and bulk-booking agents from hijacking the initial rush.
For frequent Tatkal users, Aadhaar linking is no longer optional. It is the entry ticket to the race.
PRS System Upgrade: Temporary Service Disruptions
Indian Railways has also announced a major Passenger Reservation System (PRS) upgrade scheduled between 14 November and 21 November.
During this period, all booking and cancellation services will remain unavailable daily from 11:30 PM to 5:30 AM. The shutdown affects online bookings, enquiry systems, and charting services.
This pause is not a glitch. Railways is upgrading backend infrastructure to support higher traffic, faster processing, and advanced verification features.
Once completed, passengers can expect quicker response times, fewer transaction failures, and better handling during peak booking hours.
Importantly, PRS counter bookings at railway stations will continue normally after the upgrade and remain unaffected by Aadhaar rules.
How Passengers Benefit from the New Booking Rules
The revised ticket booking system delivers several practical benefits.
First, it improves transparency. Aadhaar verification discourages fake accounts and agent-driven manipulation. Genuine travellers gain better access to confirmed tickets.
Second, it enhances system stability. Fixed booking hours and upgraded infrastructure reduce server overload and failed transactions.
Third, it simplifies travel planning. With structured timings and a uniform 60-day advance reservation window, passengers can plan journeys with greater certainty.
Most importantly, the changes restore balance. Tickets should go to travellers, not to scripts running faster than humans.
What Passengers Should Do Now
Passengers should link Aadhaar with their IRCTC accounts well before December 15, 2025. This step ensures uninterrupted access to regular and Tatkal bookings.
Users should also stay updated through official IRCTC and Indian Railways notifications, as operational guidelines may evolve during implementation.
Final Word
Indian Railways is not changing booking rules to complicate travel. It is doing so to fix problems passengers have complained about for years. With clearer timings, stronger verification, and better infrastructure, ticket booking finally moves closer to fairness.
No magic tricks. Just fewer middlemen and more confirmed tickets.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Passengers should always verify booking rules, timings, and eligibility through official Indian Railways or IRCTC announcements before making travel decisions.
