TrainsDateThe timings, in one place
| Booking type | Date it applies to | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| General advance reservation | Journey date 60 days from today | 08:00 AM |
| Tatkal, AC classes | Tomorrow's journeys (origin date) | 10:00 AM |
| Tatkal, Sleeper and 2S | Tomorrow's journeys (origin date) | 11:00 AM |
| Agents on Tatkal | Same day | From 10:30 AM (AC), 11:30 AM (non-AC) |
What changed in the last year
Three rule changes made the first few minutes matter more than they used to. First, since 1 July 2025, an Aadhaar-authenticated account is needed for online Tatkal. Second, since 15 July 2025, Tatkal booking needs an OTP, including at agents and counters. Third, since 1 October 2025, the first 15 minutes of opening-day general booking online are for Aadhaar-authenticated accounts only.
The simple takeaway is to link and verify Aadhaar well before you need it, and to keep your phone number current so the OTP actually reaches you. If it does not, here is what to try when the OTP is late.
A calm routine for booking morning
- Log in 10 minutes early and check your saved passenger list.
- Have the train number, class and quota decided before the clock hits the minute.
- Refresh once at the exact time. Spamming refresh and opening many tabs tends to cause errors, not speed; see the multiple tabs myth.
- If payment fails, check bank status before retrying so you do not pay twice.
Why Tatkal fails even at 10:00 sharp
Most failures are not about speed. They come from expired sessions, unverified accounts, or choosing a class that is already full. Our guide on why Tatkal booking fails goes through them one by one, and the Tatkal time table has the class-wise breakdown.
Wondering which date you should be waiting for? Use the ARP calculator.
Quick FAQ
What time does IRCTC booking start?
General advance booking opens at 08:00 AM IST every day, for the journey date that is 60 days away.
What time does Tatkal booking open?
One day before the journey date: 10:00 AM IST for AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A, 3E, CC, EC) and 11:00 AM IST for Sleeper, Second Sitting and FC.
Can agents book at the start of Tatkal?
No. Agents are kept out for the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal window, so individual users get a head start: 10:00 to 10:30 AM for AC and 11:00 to 11:30 AM for non-AC.
Is Aadhaar needed for booking right at 8 AM?
Under the rule in force since 1 October 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated accounts can book online in the first 15 minutes after general reservation opens for a date. Tatkal needs Aadhaar authentication and an OTP as well.
Is IRCTC open 24 hours?
Not quite. E-ticketing generally runs from about 12:20 AM to 11:45 PM, with a short break at night for maintenance.
Does the time change by train or zone?
The 08:00 AM opening is the same for all trains, but the date it applies to depends on the train's origin date.