In a recent clarification, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) addressed widespread rumors on social media regarding changes to the booking timings for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets. These rumors, which suggested that the booking schedule would change starting April 15, 2025, have been confirmed as false by the IRCTC.
On April 16, 2025, IRCTC took to social media platforms to debunk the misinformation circulating about the timings for Tatkal ticket bookings. They stated, "Some information is circulating on social media platforms mentioning different timings for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets. There is no such change in timing currently proposed in the Tatkal or Premium Tatkal booking timing for AC or Non-AC classes." This announcement was crucial for travelers who rely on these services for last-minute travel plans.
To clarify the existing booking schedule, IRCTC reiterated that tickets for Tatkal can be booked starting at 10:00 AM for AC classes (2A, 3A, CC, EC, 3E) and at 11:00 AM for Non-AC classes (SL, FC, 2S) on the day before the journey. For example, if a train is scheduled to depart on August 2, Tatkal booking for AC classes will begin at 10:00 AM on August 1, while booking for Non-AC classes will start at 11:00 AM on the same day.
In addition to the booking timings, IRCTC also provided details on the charges associated with Tatkal tickets. An extra charge of 10% of the basic fare is applied for second-class tickets, while a 30% charge is levied for all other classes, subject to minimum and maximum limits. It's important to note that confirmed Tatkal tickets are non-refundable, which means that travelers should be certain of their plans before making a purchase.
Passengers can book a maximum of four tickets under one PNR when using Tatkal e-tickets. The process has been streamlined for registered users, with passenger details auto-filled to expedite the booking process. Moreover, the payment timeout has been extended to five minutes, up from three minutes, and the captcha process has been simplified to facilitate easier access for users.
For those looking to book Tatkal tickets, the process remains straightforward. Travelers can visit the official IRCTC website or use the IRCTC mobile app to select their train and class, choose the Tatkal quota, enter passenger details along with valid ID proof, and proceed to payment. This ensures a smooth booking experience for those needing tickets on short notice.
The IRCTC's announcement is particularly significant given the high demand for Tatkal tickets, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays. The Tatkal scheme is designed to cater to passengers who require immediate travel options, making it a vital service for many, including business travelers and tourists.
Despite the false claims that circulated online, the IRCTC has assured travelers that the existing system remains intact, and they encourage users to rely on official channels for accurate information. The organization emphasized the importance of using their official website or app for booking, advising against third-party sites that may not provide reliable information.
As travel patterns continue to evolve, especially in post-pandemic times, the IRCTC's commitment to maintaining transparency and efficiency in ticket booking processes is essential. The clarity provided by IRCTC helps to alleviate confusion and ensures that passengers can plan their journeys without the worry of unexpected changes in booking procedures.
In summary, travelers can rest assured that the Tatkal ticket booking timings remain unchanged. The booking for AC classes starts at 10:00 AM, while Non-AC classes begin at 11:00 AM the day before travel. As always, passengers are reminded to check the official IRCTC channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their travel plans.
For further updates and information on ticket booking, travelers are encouraged to follow IRCTC's official social media accounts and visit their website regularly.
