On April 18, 2025, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) confirmed that the Tatkal ticket booking timings remain unchanged, quelling widespread rumors that new timings would take effect. This clarification comes amidst a flurry of misinformation circulating on social media, which suggested that changes were imminent.
According to the IRCTC, the standard booking hours for Tatkal tickets will continue as follows:
- AC Classes (2A, 3A, Executive Chair Car, AC Chair Car, 3E): 10:00 AM, one day before the journey date from the originating station.
- Non-AC Classes (Sleeper, Second Sitting): 11:00 AM, one day before the train’s scheduled departure.
For instance, if a train is set to depart on April 19, 2025, the Tatkal booking window will open on April 18, 2025, at the specified times.
In an official statement, IRCTC emphasized, “No such change in timings is currently proposed in the Tatkal or Premium Tatkal booking timings for AC or Non-AC classes. The permitted booking timings for agents also remain unchanged.” This announcement aims to reassure passengers who depend on urgent travel options that they can continue to utilize the existing schedule without disruption.
For travelers looking to secure Tatkal tickets, here are some essential guidelines:
- Advance Booking: Allowed one day in advance from the train’s origin.
- Passenger Limit: A maximum of four persons per Tatkal PNR.
- Tatkal Charges: 10% of the base fare for Second Sitting and 30% of the base fare for other classes, subject to minimum and maximum thresholds.
- Refund Policy: No refunds for confirmed Tatkal tickets; standard rules apply to RAC and waitlisted Tatkal bookings.
For passengers relying on last-minute travel options, it is crucial to continue booking AC class Tatkal tickets at 10:00 AM and non-AC class Tatkal tickets at 11:00 AM. Travelers are advised not to be swayed by rumors regarding revised timings and to utilize the official IRCTC portal for accurate, real-time ticketing information.
To ensure a seamless booking experience, passengers are encouraged to:
- Use official platforms only—IRCTC website or verified apps.
- Set reminders before the booking window opens.
- Keep ID details ready for fast entry.
- Utilize fast payment options like IRCTC eWallet or UPI for quicker checkout.
The recent rumors about changes to Tatkal booking timings seem to have stemmed from misunderstandings and misinformation. Many social media posts claimed that the Indian Railways had altered its Tatkal ticket system starting April 15, 2025. However, IRCTC has firmly debunked these claims, stating that no changes have been made to the timetable for express trains regarding Tatkal ticket bookings.
IRCTC's clarification was necessary due to the misleading nature of the posts circulating online, which suggested different timings for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), IRCTC reiterated, “Some posts are circulating on Social Media channels mentioning about different timings for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets. No such change in timings is currently proposed.”
The Tatkal facility is available for all classes except First AC, and the booking opens at 10:00 AM IST for AC classes (2A, 3A, CC, EC, 3E) and at 11:00 AM IST for non-AC classes (SL, FC, 2S). For the second class, the charge is 10% on top of the regular ticket fare, while it is 30% for all other classes.
As the summer travel season approaches, this clarification from IRCTC is particularly timely. It reassures travelers, including students, pilgrims, and frequent intercity passengers, that they can continue to book tickets confidently without worrying about unexpected changes in the booking process.
In summary, Tatkal timings for April 18 and beyond remain unchanged, confirming that travelers should proceed to book at the standard 10 AM (AC) and 11 AM (Non-AC) slots. The IRCTC's prompt clarification has reinforced the importance of relying on official channels for ticketing updates, ensuring that passengers can navigate their travel plans smoothly.
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