e-Aadhaar verification mandatory for general quota ticket booking from tomorrow:Passengers will be able to book tickets in 1st 15 minutes only via Aadhaar OTP

Indian Railways is going to make a major change in the online ticket booking system from Wednesday, October 01, 2025. The Ministry of Railways had earlier announced that, just like Tatkal tickets, e-Aadhaar verification will also be necessary while booking general quota reservation tickets. The Ministry of Railways had issued a notification providing this information. According to the ministry, Aadhaar verification will be required to book tickets within the first 15 minutes of the opening of booking window of general quota tickets on the IRCTC website or app. This will curb use of fake IDs, black ticket marketing by agents, and bot bookings. If your IRCTC account is already linked with Aadhaar, booking will be easier. Waiting time will be reduced, and ticket booking process will be completed quickly. Albeit, the old process for booking general quota tickets at the railway’s computerised PRS counters will remain the same. Additionally, the 10-minute restriction on ticket booking on the first day for authorised railway ticketing agents will continue without any changes. Lets decode new rules on general reservation ticket booking in following questions and answer format… Question 1. Why were Aadhaar verification rules introduced for general reservation? Answer: It was often observed that tickets would sell out within minutes of booking opening, as brokers and fake agents would book tickets using fraudulent methods. This made it difficult for regular passengers to get tickets. The new rules aim to ensure that the opportunity for ticket booking is available only to genuine passengers and to prevent fraud. Aadhaar verification will ensure that the person booking the ticket is the one whose Aadhaar number is registered. Agents will not be allowed to book tickets for both AC and non-AC classes for the first 15 minutes. Question 2. How will Aadhaar authentication work? Answer: This is similar to the new rules recently introduced for Tatkal ticket booking. If you are booking a ticket through the IRCTC website or app, you will first need to link your Aadhaar number with your IRCTC account. When you book a ticket, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Your booking will only be confirmed after entering this OTP. Question 3. If I don’t have an Aadhaar card, will I not be able to book a ticket? Answer: According to the new rules, Aadhaar authentication is mandatory. If your account is not linked with Aadhaar, you will not be able to book a confirmed ticket in the first 15 minutes. No other method for booking tickets without Aadhaar has been mentioned in the information provided by the Railways. Question 4. What changes are there for those booking tickets from the counter? Answer: If you book tickets from the railway station counter, from October 1, 2025, you will need to provide your Aadhaar number. Your Aadhaar verification at the counter will be done through OTP. This means your mobile number should be linked with Aadhaar to receive the OTP. If you are booking a ticket for someone else, you will also need that passenger’s Aadhaar number and OTP. Question 5. What if I book a ticket through an agent? Answer: Agents will not be able to book tickets for the first 10 minutes. Even after that, if an agent books a ticket, they will also have to do Aadhaar and OTP verification. Question 6. Do I need to link Aadhaar to my IRCTC account? Answer: Yes, if you want to book tickets online, it is necessary to link your Aadhaar number to your IRCTC account. You can log in to the IRCTC website or app and add Aadhaar details by going to the “My Profile” section. Ensure that your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, otherwise, you will not receive the OTP. Question 7. What should I do if I face any issues? Answer: If you face any issues while booking a ticket, such as not receiving an OTP or Aadhaar not being linked, you can call the IRCTC helpline (139). Alternatively, you can seek help at the ticket counter of the nearest railway station. If there is an issue related to Aadhaar, contact the UIDAI helpline (1947). Question 8. Will these rules be applicable throughout India? Answer: Yes, these rules will be applicable in all railway zones across India where ticketing facilities are available. Whether you book a ticket from Delhi to Mumbai or from Kolkata to Chennai, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory everywhere. The railway has instructed the Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS) and IRCTC to make the necessary technical changes to implement this change. Question 9: If booking tickets for five people, is Aadhaar verification necessary for everyone? Answer: No, Aadhaar verification is not necessary for all passengers when booking tickets for five people. General rules for group booking: