If you have ever booked a train ticket online through IRCTC, you know how tough it can be to get a confirmed seat — especially under Tatkal. With millions of users booking at the same time, tickets sell out in seconds. Many passengers also face issues like fake accounts, agent scams, and blocked Tatkal slots.
To fix these problems and make the system fair, IRCTC introduced Aadhaar linking for user accounts. This move is part of the Indian government’s plan to make railway ticketing more secure, transparent, and convenient for everyone.
Let’s understand in simple words why IRCTC made Aadhaar linking mandatory, how it helps passengers, and what changes you’ll notice while booking tickets.
The Problem: Fake Accounts and Ticket Scams
Before Aadhaar verification, many people created multiple fake IRCTC accounts using different email IDs or phone numbers.
Some agents even used automated software (bots) to book Tatkal tickets within seconds, leaving genuine passengers without a chance.
These fake accounts were used to block tickets in bulk and sell them later at higher prices.
This not only caused unfairness but also hurt the reputation of Indian Railways.
To control this misuse, IRCTC needed a reliable way to confirm that each account belonged to a real, verified person — and that’s where Aadhaar came in.
Why Aadhaar?
Aadhaar is India’s universal identification system. It gives every citizen a unique 12-digit number linked to their name, photo, address, and biometrics.
By connecting Aadhaar to IRCTC accounts, the Railways can make sure:
- One person can have only one IRCTC account.
- Every ticket booked is linked to a real identity.
- Fraud, black marketing, and bulk bookings by agents are reduced.
In short, Aadhaar linking helps IRCTC verify users in seconds and keep fake accounts out of the system.
Main Reasons Why IRCTC Introduced Aadhaar Linking?
Let’s break down the real reasons behind this move:
1. To Stop Misuse of Tatkal Tickets
- Tatkal tickets are in high demand because they allow last-minute travel. Earlier, agents and bots grabbed these tickets quickly, leaving genuine travelers helpless.
- Now, from July 1, 2025, only Aadhaar-verified IRCTC users can book Tatkal tickets. This ensures that only real passengers can book seats and not fake accounts.
2. To Ensure One Person = One Account
- Earlier, one person could create multiple IRCTC accounts using different emails. This made it hard to track misuse.
- With Aadhaar linking, a single Aadhaar number can be linked to only one IRCTC account — solving the duplicate account problem.
3. To Promote Transparency
- Aadhaar linking brings accountability. Each booking is traceable to a real person. This makes the whole system more transparent and prevents any kind of fraud.
4. To Increase Monthly Ticket Limit
- IRCTC also rewarded verified users. Normally, you can book up to 12 tickets per month.
- But if your account is Aadhaar-verified, you can book up to 24 tickets per month (if at least one passenger on each ticket is Aadhaar-authenticated).
5. To Support Digital India Mission
- The Indian government wants to create a seamless digital experience for citizens. By connecting Aadhaar to services like IRCTC, banks, and telecom, it builds a unified digital identity system.
- This is part of the “Digital India” vision — simple, safe, and smart services for everyone.
How Aadhaar Verification Works?
Here’s what happens when you link your Aadhaar with IRCTC:
- Log in to your IRCTC account.
- Go to My Profile → Aadhaar KYC.
- Enter your Aadhaar number.
- You’ll get an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Enter the OTP and verify.
That’s it! Your IRCTC account is now Aadhaar-authenticated. The verification process takes less than 2 minutes and makes your account more secure.
What Are the Benefits for Passengers?
Aadhaar linking is not just for IRCTC’s benefit — it actually helps passengers too.
✅ 1. Fair Access to Tickets
Only verified users can book Tatkal tickets, which means no more competition with fake accounts or bots. It increases your chances of getting a confirmed seat.
✅ 2. More Monthly Tickets
As mentioned, verified users can book up to 24 tickets per month. This is a big plus for frequent travelers and families.
✅ 3. Easier Check-in & Travel Verification
Since your identity is already verified through Aadhaar, ticket checking becomes smoother and faster.
✅ 4. Protection Against Fraud
With Aadhaar verification, IRCTC can block suspicious accounts and prevent online scams, ensuring your money and booking details are safe.
Privacy and Security Concerns
Some passengers worry about privacy — “Will IRCTC store my Aadhaar details?”
The answer is no. IRCTC doesn’t store your Aadhaar data permanently. It only verifies your number through UIDAI (the official Aadhaar database) using a secure OTP system.
All data is encrypted and used only for identity verification, not for tracking or sharing.
- Use only the official IRCTC website or app for Aadhaar linking.
- Never share OTPs or Aadhaar numbers on third-party sites.
What Changes After Aadhaar Linking?
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Before Aadhaar Linking | After Aadhaar Linking |
|---|---|
| Anyone could create multiple accounts | One verified account per person |
| Tatkal tickets often misused by agents | Only verified users can book Tatkal tickets |
| 12 ticket limit per month | 24 ticket limit per month |
| Weak identity verification | Strong verification with Aadhaar OTP |
| Frequent scams and duplicate bookings | Safer, transparent system |
This clearly shows that Aadhaar linking makes online train bookings more secure, fair, and convenient for passengers.
What Should You Do Next?
If you haven’t linked your Aadhaar yet, do it right now.
It’s quick, free, and helps you enjoy a better booking experience.
Just follow these steps:
- Log in to IRCTC official website.
- Go to “My Profile → Aadhaar KYC.”
- Enter your Aadhaar number.
- Verify with OTP.
Once linked, you’ll immediately get access to higher ticket limits and Tatkal booking privileges.
Final Thoughts
IRCTC’s Aadhaar linking rule is not just another government formality — it’s a smart move to protect honest passengers.
It makes booking fair, cuts down fake accounts, and brings more trust to India’s railway system.
So if you love traveling by train, linking your Aadhaar is a simple way to ensure your bookings are safe, genuine, and hassle-free.
