IRCTC has significantly expanded its exclusive online booking window for Aadhaar-verified users, extending the privilege from 8:00 AM to midnight on the opening day of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP), effective January 12, 2026. This marks the fourth phase of a policy designed to combat ticket touting and ensure genuine passengers have better access to train reservations.

Policy Evolution and Implementation Timeline

The exclusive booking window has undergone systematic expansion since its introduction in October 2025. The policy evolution demonstrates Railway's commitment to gradually increasing benefits for verified users while monitoring the system's effectiveness.

The Railway Board communication emphasized that the scope of Aadhaar-authenticated booking is being expanded "up to 0000 hours of the day in a phased manner" to ensure benefits reach genuine passengers effectively.

Key Features and Restrictions

The extended window applies exclusively to online bookings through IRCTC's website and mobile application. Physical counter bookings at PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters remain unaffected, with existing timings and procedures continuing unchanged. During the exclusive window, only passengers with Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC accounts can book general reserved tickets online.

Authorized agents and non-Aadhaar verified users face restrictions during this period but can resume online bookings after midnight or book through physical counters without limitations. The policy specifically targets online platforms where tout-driven misuse was most prevalent, according to Railway officials.

Aadhaar KYC Process and Benefits

To access the extended booking window, passengers must complete Aadhaar KYC verification on their IRCTC accounts. The process involves logging into the account, navigating to "My Profile," selecting the Aadhaar KYC option, entering the Aadhaar number, and validating it through OTP sent to the registered mobile number.

IRCTC has clarified that Aadhaar verification does not provide additional quotas or relax existing limits on tickets per user ID or monthly booking caps. The advantage lies purely in timing access during high-demand periods.

Impact on Ticket Booking Ecosystem

Railway officials report that similar Aadhaar-based restrictions implemented for Tatkal bookings significantly reduced misuse and automated ticket blocking. The Financial Express quoted Railway Board communications highlighting that Aadhaar authentication helps track suspicious booking patterns and discourage bulk reservations by unauthorized agents.

The policy aims to level the playing field for ordinary passengers competing against sophisticated booking systems operated by touts, particularly for popular trains where seats typically vanish within minutes of opening. IRCTC's existing restrictions on simultaneous logins and monthly booking limits continue to operate alongside the new Aadhaar-based priority system.

Operational Guidelines

The updated policy maintains all basic reservation rules, including ARP duration and offline booking procedures. Non-verified users retain access to general reserved tickets after the exclusive window closes or through traditional counter bookings. For Tatkal reservations, Aadhaar-based OTP verification remains mandatory for all online bookings.

The implementation represents Railway's broader strategy to modernize the booking system while protecting genuine passengers from unfair competition during peak booking periods.

Source: https://www.goodreturns.in/news/irctc-aadhaar-booking-exclusive-window-for-verified-users-011-1481178.html

Indian Railways has implemented a significant change to its online ticket booking system, restricting first-day advance reservations to Aadhaar-verified users only. The new rule, effective from January 12, represents a major shift in how passengers can access tickets during peak demand periods.

New Booking Restrictions Take Effect

IRCTC has now limited online booking of general reserved tickets on the opening day of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) exclusively to Aadhaar-authenticated users. This means passengers whose IRCTC accounts lack Aadhaar verification will no longer have access to online bookings on the crucial first day when tickets become available.

The restriction applies specifically to the period from 8:00 AM to midnight on the opening day of ticket sales. During this window, only users with verified Aadhaar authentication can access the IRCTC website or mobile application for booking purposes.

Impact on Different Booking Categories

The new policy creates distinct access tiers for different user categories:

Exemptions and Unchanged Services

Several booking categories remain unaffected by the new restrictions:

• Tatkal bookings: Already required Aadhaar authentication prior to this change
• PRS counter bookings: Continue operating normally at railway stations with valid identification
• Offline reservations: No changes to existing procedures

Railway's Strategic Objectives

Railway authorities have positioned this change as a measure to address systemic booking issues. The primary targets include:

• Agent misuse: Preventing bulk bookings by unauthorized ticket agents
• Automated systems: Blocking software tools that secure multiple tickets instantly
• Genuine passenger priority: Ensuring individual travelers have fair access during peak periods

The Advance Reservation Period typically experiences the highest demand, particularly for long-distance and popular routes, where tickets often sell out within minutes of release.

Passenger Action Requirements

Passengers who regularly book tickets on opening day should take immediate steps to comply with the new system:

Essential Steps for Continued Access

• Link Aadhaar number to existing IRCTC account
• Complete the authentication verification process
• Ensure account status shows as Aadhaar-verified before booking attempts

Those who fail to complete Aadhaar verification will need to wait until the second day of the booking period, when general access resumes. However, ticket availability may be significantly reduced by that time, particularly for popular routes and travel dates.

Implementation Timeline and Scope

The restriction specifically targets the most competitive booking window - the first day of the Advance Reservation Period when demand typically exceeds supply. This strategic timing suggests Railways aims to balance accessibility with fraud prevention, maintaining open access for most of the booking period while securing the critical opening hours for verified users.

The policy represents part of broader digitization efforts within Indian Railways, leveraging Aadhaar's verification capabilities to create a more controlled and transparent booking environment for millions of daily passengers.

Source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/destinations/irctc-new-ticket-booking-rule-indian-railways-changes-aadhaar-verified-users-jan-12-ws-l-19819137.htm