TrainsDateTatkal booking time by class
| Class | Tatkal opens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First AC (1A), AC 2-Tier (2A), AC 3-Tier (3A), 3E, Chair Car (CC), Executive (EC) | 10:00 AM IST | One day before journey |
| Sleeper (SL), Second Sitting (2S), First Class (FC) | 11:00 AM IST | First Class is non-AC despite the name |
"One day before the journey" is counted from the day the train leaves its origin station, not the day it reaches yours. On a train that runs overnight those can be different dates, which is the most common reason people turn up a day late.
The rules that changed in 2025
- 1 July 2025: online Tatkal needs an Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC account. How to link and verify Aadhaar.
- 15 July 2025: Tatkal booking needs an OTP, including at agents and counters. If it does not arrive, try these fixes.
- Agent window: agents cannot book in the first 30 minutes. Read the details in IRCTC agent booking rules.
A simple Tatkal routine
- Decide train, class and date the night before. Do not browse at 9:59.
- Log in 10 minutes early and confirm your master list passengers are ready.
- Keep one tested payment method as the default.
- Open only one tab. Why multiple tabs do not help.
- If it fails, check your bank status before retrying so you do not pay twice.
When Tatkal is the wrong choice
Tatkal costs extra and a confirmed Tatkal ticket is generally not refundable on cancellation. If you have a few days, the general quota plus a waitlist can be the better bet; Tatkal or waiting list? walks through it, and general quota vs Tatkal lists every difference. In a hurry for something faster? Premium Tatkal is a different animal.
Not sure why it keeps failing? Start with why Tatkal booking fails. For the older class-wise table, see the Tatkal time table, and for the general quota clock see IRCTC booking time.
Quick FAQ
What time does Tatkal booking start?
Tatkal opens one day before the journey date (counted from the train's origin station): 10:00 AM IST for AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A, 3E, CC, EC) and 11:00 AM IST for Sleeper, Second Sitting and First Class (FC). Not every train has Tatkal quota in every class, so check the train on IRCTC.
Can I book Tatkal two days before the journey?
No. Tatkal opens only one day before the journey date. If you want a seat earlier than that you have to use the general quota, which opens 60 days before.
Is Aadhaar needed for Tatkal?
Yes. Since 1 July 2025 online Tatkal booking needs an Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC account, and since 15 July 2025 Tatkal booking needs an OTP, including at agents and reservation counters.
Can agents book Tatkal at 10 AM?
Agents are kept out for the first 30 minutes of the 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 a confirmed Tatkal ticket refundable?
Generally no. Cancelling a confirmed Tatkal ticket does not earn a normal refund, while a waitlisted Tatkal ticket that does not get confirmed is refunded. Check IRCTC's current refund rules before you book.
Is Tatkal cheaper or costlier than a general ticket?
Costlier. Tatkal adds a Tatkal charge on top of the base fare, which is why people use it only when the general quota is full.