IRCTC Ticket Booking Rules 2025: The Indian Railways has rolled out six major changes to its ticket booking system, effective November 5, 2025. Under the new rules, passengers will now need to present two identification documents while booking train tickets. These updates aim to make the booking process more transparent, secure, and free from fraud or manipulation. The revised rules apply to both online and offline bookings.
One of the key changes is that Aadhaar authentication has become mandatory for all passengers during the first 15 minutes of the booking window. Earlier, this verification was required only for Tatkal bookings, but now it extends to regular tickets as well. This step is expected to curb ticket black marketing and fraudulent practices.
Additionally, the Railways has introduced new guidelines related to ticket cancellations, baggage penalties, and waiting list limits, ensuring fair practices and enhanced passenger convenience.
6 Big Changes in Train Ticket Booking Rules
Here are the new rules for train ticket bookings under Indian Railways from November 5, 2025:
- Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication (First 15 Minutes)
To book tickets in the first 15 minutes of the booking window, passengers must link their IRCTC accounts with Aadhaar and verify it using an OTP. This measure is designed to prevent fraudulent bookings by agents or bots. - Two Documents Required for Booking
Passengers will need to verify both their Aadhaar ID and registered mobile number while booking tickets, ensuring a more secure and verified process. - Stricter Ticket Cancellation Policy
Tickets canceled less than 4 hours before departure will incur a 25% cancellation fee. Additionally, Tatkal tickets will not be refunded unless the train is delayed by over 3 hours or canceled. - Waitlisted Passengers Restrictions
Waitlisted passengers will not be allowed to travel in reserved coaches. Any violation of this rule will result in heavy fines to ensure fair travel practices. - New Luggage Rules
Passengers carrying excess luggage beyond the allowed limit will be charged a fine up to six times the standard rate. The weight limits will vary depending on the class of travel. - Agent Booking Restrictions
Ticket agents will be restricted from booking tickets during the first 10–30 minutes of the booking window. This new rule ensures that regular passengers get priority access to available tickets.
Why is Aadhar authentication important?
Under the new guidelines, Aadhaar linking and OTP verification will be mandatory for general ticket bookings during the first 15 minutes on the IRCTC website or mobile app. The primary aim of this measure is to ensure that only genuine passengers can access tickets, preventing fraudulent bookings by bots or unauthorized agents.
For users who have not linked their Aadhaar, they can still book tickets, but only after the first 15 minutes of the booking window. Please note, this rule does not apply to offline bookings at railway counters.
Updated Ticket Cancellation Rules
- If a ticket is canceled less than 4 hours before the scheduled departure, a 25% cancellation fee will be applied to the ticket fare.
- No refunds will be provided for Tatkal tickets, unless the train is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours.
Passengers are encouraged to cancel tickets in advance to avoid the heavy cancellation charges.
Updated Rules for Waitlisted Passengers
Passengers with waitlisted tickets are not allowed to travel in reserved coaches (Sleeper or AC).
If found traveling in a reserved coach, they will be fined between Rs 250 and Rs 440, and will also be required to pay the full fare for the journey.
This rule is designed to ensure that confirmed ticket holders have access to their reserved seats.
Baggage Limit
Passengers carrying luggage beyond the allowed limit without prior booking will be charged a penalty of up to six times the regular luggage fare.
| AC First Class | 70 Kg |
| Sleeper Class | 40 Kg |
Major rules for agent
Under the new guidelines, authorized agents will not be allowed to book train tickets during the first 10–30 minutes of the booking window, particularly during Tatkal hours.
This change aims to give regular passengers priority and prevent bulk bookings by agents.
These new rules introduced by Indian Railways aim to enhance passenger convenience, transparency, and safety. The government’s goal is to reduce ticket fraud, prevent misuse by agents, and stop ticket hoarding, ensuring a fair and smooth booking experience for all travelers.
