New IRCTC Train Reservation Rule! What if Your Aadhaar isn’t Linked? Can you book in the first 15 Minutes? Here’s What to do News24 –

By Correspondent On Sep 16, 2025

IRCTC will be implementing a new policy that mandates Aadhaar-based authentication for booking reserved general tickets from October 1. This Aadhaar-based booking will be a a must for the first 15 minutes of the reservation window opening. Railways say that the new rule will ensure genuine users receive the benefits of the reservation system. According to them, it will also prevent unauthorised individuals and middlemen. However, the current 10-minute limit for authorised railway ticketing agents to book reserved tickets on the opening day is still in effect. The ministry has not made any changes to this rule. Now the confusion here is regarding whether people will be able to book tickets in the first 15 minutes, if their Aadhar hasn’t been updated?

About the new rule

From October 1, the reservation for the first 15 minutes of booking will be only for those who have linked their Aadhaar with IRCTC and have their mobile updated. A new rule has been introduced just months after Indian Railways made Aadhaar verification mandatory for Tatkal ticket booking from July 1, 2025. From this date, passengers must complete Aadhaar authentication to book Tatkal tickets only through the IRCTC website or mobile app. The rule also places certain restrictions on authorised railway ticketing agents for Tatkal bookings.

The rule sets limits for authorised railway ticket agents in Tatkal bookings. They cannot book tickets during the first 30 minutes of opening. For AC classes, this is from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. For non-AC classes, this is from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

How can you book tickets if Aadhar is not linked?

But despite this strict regulation, Indian Railways has a provision that allows passengers to book tickets easily. However, most people are unaware of it. If your Aadhaar is not linked, it is important for you to know this.

What Is PRS? (Passenger Reservation System)

There is a system called the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) through which you can book or reserve tickets without any time constraint. Indian Railways has exempted the PRS (Passenger Reservation System) from this rule. This means you can visit any nearby railway station or PRS counter and book tickets even without Aadhaar. At present, only 20 percent of people use PRS for reservations. Here, you simply need to fill out a slip, submit it at the reservation counter, and your booking will be done.