Indian Railways has introduced major changes to its online ticket booking rules, giving priority to IRCTC users whose accounts are linked with Aadhaar. The new system comes into effect from today, Monday, January 5, 2026.
Under the revised rules, the ticket reservation window for Aadhaar-linked IRCTC users has been extended. These users can now book reserved tickets from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, a significant increase from the earlier time limit. The move is aimed at curbing the influence of ticket touts and ensuring genuine passengers get fair access to online bookings.
The Rail Ministry has also clarified that this is part of a phased rollout, and booking hours will be expanded further in the coming days. In the final phase, Aadhaar-linked users will be able to book tickets from 8:00 AM until 12:00 midnight.
Earlier, the absence of mandatory Aadhaar linking allowed agents and middlemen to exploit the system by making bulk bookings. The government has now tightened the rules to prevent misuse and promote transparency in the ticketing process.
It is important to note that the new priority booking window applies only on the first day of the reservation period. Officials said this step will help genuine travelers secure tickets more easily while effectively shutting out touts.
To encourage Aadhaar linking, the Railways has decided to implement the extended booking hours in three phases:
Phase 1 (December 29, 2025): Aadhaar-linked users were allowed to book tickets from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Phase 2 (January 5, 2026): The booking window has now been extended from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Non-Aadhaar-linked users can book tickets only after 4:00 PM.
Phase 3 (January 12, 2026): The booking window is expected to be extended further, allowing Aadhaar-linked users to book tickets until 12:00 midnight.
Railway officials said the move will make the ticket booking process more passenger-friendly and reduce unfair practices in online reservations.
Where Will the New Rule Apply?
When passengers book train tickets in advance of their journey date, it falls under the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). Earlier, Indian Railways allowed ticket bookings up to 120 days before the train’s departure. However, in November 2024, this period was reduced to 60 days.
This means passengers can now start booking tickets exactly 60 days before the train’s departure date. The first day of ticket booking is known as the Opening Day.
The newly announced rules will apply only on this Opening Day. Indian Railways aims to ensure that maximum Aadhaar-linked IRCTC users are able to book tickets on the first day itself, helping curb ticket touts and the misuse of fake software.
Important Points to Know
The new rules do not apply to tickets booked at physical railway counters.
Users who have not linked their Aadhaar with their IRCTC account will not be allowed to book tickets during the initial priority booking window.
To link Aadhaar, log in to the IRCTC app or website, go to the ‘My Profile’ section, and complete the Aadhaar KYC process.
OTP verification is mandatory even at ticket counters. Your mobile number must be linked with Aadhaar, as an OTP will be sent to your phone to confirm the booking.
In case of any booking or OTP-related issues, passengers can contact the IRCTC helpline number 139 to register a complaint.
Indian Railways believes these measures will make the booking process more transparent and ensure genuine passengers get priority over agents and middlemen.
FAQs: New IRCTC Ticket Booking Rules 2026
What is the new rule introduced by Indian Railways?
Indian Railways has introduced a priority booking system for Aadhaar-linked IRCTC users. From January 5, 2026, users whose IRCTC accounts are linked with Aadhaar will get exclusive access to ticket booking during extended hours on the first day of reservation.
When did the new ticket booking rule come into effect?
The revised rule came into force on Monday, January 5, 2026.
What are the new booking timings for Aadhaar-linked users?
From January 5, 2026, Aadhaar-linked IRCTC users can book tickets from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the opening day of reservation.
When can non-Aadhaar-linked users book tickets?
Users who have not linked Aadhaar with their IRCTC account can book tickets only after 4:00 PM on the opening day.
Is this booking priority permanent?
No. The priority booking window applies only on the first day of the Advance Reservation Period (Opening Day). Normal booking rules apply on subsequent days.
What is the Advance Reservation Period (ARP)?
The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) is the time window during which passengers can book tickets in advance. Currently, ARP is 60 days, reduced from 120 days in November 2024.
What is meant by the “Opening Day”?
The Opening Day is the first day of ticket booking, exactly 60 days before the train’s departure date. The new Aadhaar-linked priority rules apply only on this day.
Why has Indian Railways introduced this change?
The move aims to:
Curb the role of ticket touts and agents
Prevent misuse of fake software and bulk bookings
Ensure fair access for genuine passengers
Improve transparency in online ticket booking
Is this change being implemented in phases?
Yes, the Railways is rolling out the system in three phases:
Phase 1 (Dec 29, 2025): Booking allowed from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Phase 2 (Jan 5, 2026): Booking extended from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Phase 3 (Jan 12, 2026): Booking likely to be extended till 12:00 midnight
Does this rule apply to railway ticket counters?
No. Tickets booked at physical railway counters are not affected by this rule.
How can I link my Aadhaar with my IRCTC account?
You can link Aadhaar by:
Logging into the IRCTC website or app
Going to ‘My Profile’
Selecting Aadhaar KYC
Completing OTP verification
Is OTP verification mandatory?
Yes. OTP verification is mandatory, even for counter bookings. Your mobile number must be linked with Aadhaar to receive the OTP.
What should I do if I face booking or OTP issues?
Passengers can contact the IRCTC helpline number 139 to report booking or OTP-related problems.
Will this change benefit genuine passengers?
Yes. Indian Railways believes the new system will prioritise real travelers, reduce unfair practices, and make online reservations more passenger-friendly.
Will Aadhaar linking become mandatory for all IRCTC users?
Currently, Aadhaar linking is mandatory only to get priority booking benefits on the opening day. However, Indian Railways has hinted that Aadhaar-based verification may be expanded further in the future.
Can one Aadhaar be linked to multiple IRCTC accounts?
No. One Aadhaar number can be linked to only one IRCTC user ID. This restriction helps prevent duplicate and fake accounts.
How many tickets can an Aadhaar-linked user book in a month?
An Aadhaar-verified IRCTC user can book up to 24 tickets per month, compared to 12 tickets for non-verified users (subject to IRCTC rules).
Will my ticket get cancelled if Aadhaar is not linked?
No. Tickets already booked will not be cancelled if Aadhaar is not linked. Aadhaar is required only for priority booking access, not for ticket validity.
Does Aadhaar linking guarantee a confirmed ticket?
No. Aadhaar linking does not guarantee ticket confirmation. Ticket status still depends on seat availability and booking time.
Are Tatkal tickets included under the new rule?
No. The current Aadhaar-based priority system applies only to advance reservation (ARP) tickets. Tatkal booking rules remain unchanged.
Does this rule apply to all train categories?
Yes. The rule applies to all trains where advance reservation is available, including:
Rajdhani
Shatabdi
Duronto
Mail/Express
Superfast trains
Can senior citizens get any additional benefit?
No separate benefit has been announced for senior citizens under this rule. However, senior citizens with Aadhaar-linked accounts will benefit from early booking access.
What happens if OTP is not received during booking?
If OTP is not received:
Check if your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar
Ensure network connectivity
Retry after a few minutes
If the issue persists, contact IRCTC helpline 139
Will travel agents still be able to book tickets?
Yes, but agents will not get priority access during the Aadhaar-linked booking window. This significantly limits bulk bookings by agents.
Is Aadhaar data safe with IRCTC?
IRCTC follows government-mandated data protection and encryption standards. Aadhaar verification is done only for identity confirmation.
Can I unlink Aadhaar after booking?
Yes, Aadhaar can be unlinked later, but you may lose priority booking benefits for future reservations.
Will the booking window extension continue permanently?
Indian Railways is monitoring the system’s performance. If successful, the extended booking window till midnight may continue or expand further.
Does this change affect international tourists?
Foreign nationals who do not have Aadhaar can still book tickets, but they will not get priority booking access on the opening day.
What is the biggest advantage of this new rule?
The biggest advantage is fair ticket access for genuine passengers, reduced agent interference, and faster booking during peak demand.
