IRCTC’s New Rule for Train Bookings in India, Aadhaar Authentication Now Required for General Tickets. Find Out What It Means

Published on September 15, 2025

Starting October 1, 2025, Indian Railways will implement a major change in how passengers book general reserved tickets through the IRCTC platform. This new policy mandates Aadhaar authentication for online reservations, especially during the highly competitive first 15 minutes of ticket availability. The initiative is designed to reduce fraudulent bookings and ensure that only genuine passengers can access tickets during this prime booking period. While this rule applies to online ticket bookings, it does not affect the PRS counters (computerized reservation systems), where ticketing procedures will remain unchanged. The restrictions on ticketing agents will also stay in place to maintain fairness in the system. This policy shift is aimed at enhancing the overall security, efficiency, and transparency of the booking process, marking an important step forward for Indian Railways.

Aadhaar Authentication: A Major Step for Online Ticket Bookings

The introduction of Aadhaar authentication for general reserved tickets starting from October 1, 2025 is a significant move by Indian Railways to tackle the increasing problem of fraudulent ticket bookings. This requirement will be specifically applicable to the first 15 minutes after the ticket reservation window opens, a time of high competition when securing tickets can be a challenge. The aim is to ensure that only genuine users can book tickets during this high-demand window, eliminating the chances of unauthorized access to tickets.

This initiative will affect online ticket bookings made through the IRCTC website or mobile app. Passengers will be required to authenticate their identity using their Aadhaar number before making their reservations. The Aadhaar authentication process is intended to streamline the ticketing procedure and prevent abuse during the initial booking phase. It will also contribute to increased transparency and a reduction in fraudulent activity within the system. However, it is important to note that this change will not impact offline bookings made through PRS counters, where the process will remain the same.

Extending Aadhaar Authentication to General Reserved Tickets

The decision to implement Aadhaar verification for general reserved tickets builds on the existing policy for Tatkal tickets. Tatkal tickets, which allow passengers to make last-minute bookings, already require Aadhaar authentication to confirm the identity of the person making the reservation. This has proven effective in ensuring that only authentic passengers can access these high-demand tickets.

By expanding the Aadhaar authentication process to include general reserved tickets, Indian Railways aims to create a consistent and secure system for all types of reservations. The Tatkal and general ticket systems will now be governed by the same security protocols, eliminating any inconsistencies and ensuring that all tickets are issued fairly. This change comes as Indian Railways continues to embrace digital platforms for bookings, helping to enhance the efficiency and security of the ticket reservation process.

This shift represents an important move towards a more streamlined and secure digital ticketing system, making it harder for fraudulent actors to manipulate the system and improving the overall user experience for genuine passengers.

No Changes to Procedures for PRS Counter and Ticketing Agents

While Aadhaar authentication will affect online bookings, the current procedure for booking tickets at PRS counters will remain unchanged. Passengers who prefer to book their tickets offline through the computerized reservation system at the station will continue to do so as they always have. This ensures that passengers who are uncomfortable with digital systems or lack access to the internet can still purchase their tickets using the traditional method.

In addition to this, the existing rules surrounding ticketing agents will remain intact. The 10-minute restriction for authorized railway agents—designed to prevent them from monopolizing the system during opening-day bookings—will continue to be enforced. This rule ensures that ticket agents cannot secure large blocks of tickets, which could be resold for profit, leaving the general public with fewer opportunities to purchase tickets. The goal is to maintain fairness and ensure that every passenger has an equal chance of securing a ticket during the opening phase.

By maintaining these rules alongside the introduction of Aadhaar verification, Indian Railways is working towards a fairer, more balanced ticketing system. This ensures that passengers who prefer offline booking methods are not disadvantaged by the new digital system.

Global Impact of Aadhaar Authentication on Travelers

The Aadhaar authentication policy for general reserved tickets will not only affect domestic travelers in India, but also have significant consequences for international passengers who wish to travel within the country. As Indian Railways modernizes its ticketing system, this policy could potentially create challenges for foreign tourists who may not have access to Aadhaar numbers.

For domestic travelers, particularly those who frequently book tickets through IRCTC’s online platform, this new requirement will likely be welcomed. By reducing the ability of fraudulent individuals to book tickets during the highly competitive first 15 minutes, it will ensure a fairer, more secure system for online ticket reservations. However, passengers unfamiliar with the Aadhaar authentication system or digital identity verification may face initial difficulties when adapting to the new process.

For international travelers, however, the introduction of Aadhaar-based verification could pose some difficulties. Foreign tourists who do not possess an Aadhaar number may find it difficult, if not impossible, to book general reserved tickets online through the IRCTC platform. This could create confusion for tourists unfamiliar with India’s train booking system, leading to complications in their travel planning. Indian Railways may need to provide guidance and possibly offer alternative booking methods for international tourists to help them navigate this system.

Despite the challenges it presents for international users, this move aligns with global trends in digital identity verification. The shift towards digital security systems for online bookings is becoming the norm in many countries, making Indian Railways a leader in the move towards secure, digital ticketing. As India’s rail network continues to grow, these measures are likely to improve the overall security and efficiency of the ticketing system, benefiting travelers both within India and globally.

How the New Policy Will Shape the Future of Train Travel

The policy change is a key moment in the transformation of Indian Railways’ ticketing system, with the implementation of Aadhaar authentication marking the beginning of a more secure and transparent way to book tickets. The move to Aadhaar-based verification will reduce fraud and improve accountability, particularly for high-demand reservations.

For domestic passengers, the shift is expected to significantly improve their experience, as it will make the ticketing system more fair and accessible. The policy will help curb the practices of ticket scalping and unauthorized ticket reservations, which often frustrate genuine travelers. Indian Railways aims to create an environment where all passengers have equal access to tickets, regardless of their booking method, whether online or offline.

For international travelers, however, the Aadhaar authentication rule may pose an obstacle. Since foreign visitors do not have access to Aadhaar, they may need to seek alternative methods to purchase tickets, potentially complicating their travel planning. Indian Railways may need to offer clearer instructions for international users, guiding them through alternative solutions for booking train tickets.

This policy is part of Indian Railways’ broader effort to modernize and digitize its services, aligning with global trends in digital identity systems. By adopting this new approach, Indian Railways is setting a precedent for other countries and transport systems looking to integrate secure online booking into their services.

Creating a Secure, Transparent, and Fair Future for Indian Railways

The introduction of Aadhaar authentication for general reserved tickets represents a major leap forward for Indian Railways. The policy, which comes into effect on October 1, 2025, is designed to make the booking process more secure, transparent, and efficient by ensuring that only genuine passengers can book tickets, particularly during the competitive early booking period.

For domestic travelers, this change will likely be seen as a positive move, improving the integrity of the ticketing system and ensuring fairer access to tickets. However, the Aadhaar authentication system could pose challenges for international travelers who do not have access to the Indian identification system. To accommodate these travelers, Indian Railways will need to explore options for alternative booking methods and provide clear guidance.

Ultimately, this policy shift reflects India’s commitment to a more secure, transparent, and fair railway ticketing system. While there may be an adjustment period for some travelers, the long-term benefits of the Aadhaar authentication system will likely create a better, more reliable experience for all passengers. As Indian Railways continues to modernize, this policy could serve as a model for global transportation networks aiming to secure their ticketing systems against misuse.