Tatkal Ticket Booking

What is a Tatkal Ticket?

The term "Tatkal" translates to "immediately" in Hindi, and that's precisely what this service offers: the ability to book train tickets at short notice. Tatkal ticket booking was introduced to cater to passengers with urgent travel plans or those facing peak-season rush when regular tickets are hard to come by. While Tatkal tickets come at a slightly higher price, they provide a much-needed solution for travellers with immediate needs.

Tatkal Ticket Booking Charges

Tatkal Ticket Booking Charges

Tatkal ticket charges are fixed at the rate of 10% of the basic fare for second class and 30% of the basic fare for all other classes, subject to a minimum and maximum fee.

• Reserved Second sitting (2S):
• Minimum Tatkal Charge: ₹10
• Maximum Tatkal Charge: ₹15

• Sleeper:
• Minimum Tatkal Charge: ₹100
• Maximum Tatkal Charge: ₹200

• AC Chair Car:
• Minimum Tatkal Charge: ₹125
• Maximum Tatkal Charge: ₹225

• AC 3 Tier:
• Minimum Tatkal Charge: ₹300
• Maximum Tatkal Charge: ₹400

• AC 2 Tier:
• Minimum Tatkal Charge: ₹400
• Maximum Tatkal Charge: ₹500

• Executive:
• Minimum Tatkal Charge: ₹400
• Maximum Tatkal Charge: ₹500

Non-AC – First Class and Sleeper Tatkal Ticket Booking Time

The Tatkal ticket booking time for non-AC sleeper coaches, second-class sitting, and first-class opens at 11:00 a.m., 24 hours before the journey date from the originating station.

AC Class Tatkal Ticket Booking Time

The Tatkal ticket booking time for AC class opens at 10:00 a.m., 24 hours before the journey date.

Online Tatkal Ticket Booking on IRCTC

Booking Tatkal train tickets on IRCTC is a straightforward process, provided you follow the steps carefully. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open the IRCTC Website or Download the Mobile App

• Visit the official IRCTC website or download the IRCTC mobile app.

Step 2: Select "Book Train Tickets"

• After logging in to your IRCTC account, select the "Book Train Tickets" option.

Step 3: Choose Source and Destination Stations

• Pick your source and destination Indian Railway stations from the drop-down menus.

Step 4: Select Departure Date and Travel Class

• Choose your departure date and travel class. You can select from various classes, including AC First Class, Sleeper Class, Second Air Conditioning, Third Air Conditioning, and AC Chair Car.

Step 5: Pick Your Train and Class

• Based on your preferred departure and arrival times (in hours), choose your Indian Railway train and travel class.

Step 6: Provide Passenger Information

• Fill in passenger details, including berth preference, names of children, and any senior citizens traveling with you.

Step 7: Enter Your IRCTC User ID and Password

• Create a new account or if you already have an IRCTC user ID, enter it along with your password.

Step 8: Complete Payment and Reservation

• Enter the payment details – you will be redirected to the IRCTC website's payment gateway.

Step 9: Receive Confirmation

• After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email and SMS on your registered mobile number.

New Rules for Online Tatkal Ticket Booking

The Indian Railways periodically updates its rules and guidelines. Here are some key points related to Taktal booking to keep in mind from the current rules:

• Tatkal train tickets can only be booked one day before the start of the journey of the train from the originating station. For example, if your journey date is the 3rd of the month, Tatkal bookings will open on the 2nd. However, it's important to note that the day of the journey is defined as the day of chart preparation at the originating station of the train.
• Tatkal booking for AC classes begins at 10:00 a.m., while booking for non-AC classes Tatkal tickets starts at 11:00 a.m.
• Tatkal tickets can be purchased online through the IRCTC website or mobile app, providing passengers with a convenient way to secure their reservations.

IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking Quotas and Limits

• Maximum of four passengers (including children) can be booked on a single Tatkal E-Ticket.
• There is a Senior Citizen Quota available in IRCTC, but senior citizen concessions are not allowed in the Tatkal quota.

Maximum Tatkal Ticket Booking Allowed per User in a Month

• Users with an Aadhar number linked can book up to 24 tickets in a month.
• Users without an Aadhar number linked can book up to 12 tickets in a month.

Differences Between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal Tickets:

Pricing:

• Tatkal tickets have fixed charges based on the class of travel.
• Premium Tatkal tickets have dynamic fare pricing, meaning the fare varies based on demand and availability for different classes.

Agent Bookings:

• For Tatkal tickets, authorized agents are allowed to book tickets under this quota.
• Booking Premium Tatkal tickets through agents is prohibited, and only individual bookings are allowed.

Ticket Types:

• Tatkal tickets can include RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) or Waitlisted tickets, which means passengers may get a ticket with a status of RAC or WL.
• Premium Tatkal tickets only allow booking of confirmed tickets, ensuring that passengers have a confirmed berth.

Waitlisting:

• Passengers booking Tatkal tickets may sometimes receive a waitlisted ticket, which can later get confirmed.
• Premium Tatkal tickets do not permit waitlisted tickets; only confirmed bookings are made.

Cancellation:

• Tatkal tickets can be canceled, but with certain restrictions and charges depending on when they are canceled.
• Premium Tatkal tickets typically do not offer the option for cancellation; they are considered non-refundable.

Understanding these distinctions between Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets can help passengers make informed decisions based on their travel needs and preferences.

How to Check Train Seat Availability for Online Tatkal Ticket Booking

Before booking your Tatkal ticket online, it's essential to check seat availability. Here's how you can do it:

1. Visit the IRCTC website or use the mobile app.

2. Enter your train number, travel date, source station code, destination station code, class, and quota.

3. Click "Get Availability" to view the available seats on the train.

If you don't know the train number or station codes, you can look them up using your travel date and the source and destination station names.

Checking the Status of Your IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking

Once you've successfully booked your Tatkal ticket, you will receive a Passenger Name Record (PNR) number. This unique identifier allows you to check the booking status of your ticket. Simply enter your PNR on the Indian Rail website to view the current status of your reservation.

Ladies Quota in IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking

The Ladies Quota was introduced by IRCTC to provide discounts to women traveling alone or with a child under the age of twelve. This special quota offers reduced fares and is available in sleeper class with only six reserved berths on a train. However, there is no separate Ladies Quota for IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking.

FAQs on Tatkal Ticket Booking