Railways makes Aadhaar authentication mandatory for first 15 minutes of online general reservation
The Ministry of Railways said on 15 September 2025 that from 1 October 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book general reserved tickets on the IRCTC website or app during the first 15 minutes after reservation opens.
Summary
The Ministry of Railways announced on 15 September 2025 that from 1 October 2025, reserved general tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website or app only by Aadhaar-authenticated users during the first 15 minutes after general reservation opens. The ministry said the move aims to ensure the benefits of the reservation system reach common users and are not misused. There is no change in the timings for booking general reserved tickets at computerised PRS counters. The existing 10-minute restriction barring authorised ticketing agents from booking opening-day reserved tickets also continues.
Key facts
- Effective
- 1 Oct 2025
- Rule
- Only Aadhaar-authenticated users in the first 15 minutes of general reservation on IRCTC
- Unchanged
- PRS counter timings; 10-minute bar on authorised agents
Practice MCQs 1 questions
From 1 October 2025, during what period after general reservation opens can only Aadhaar-authenticated users book general reserved tickets on IRCTC?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — First 15 minutes
From 1 October 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated users can book reserved general tickets on the IRCTC website or app during the first 15 minutes of the opening of general reservation; the separate 10-minute bar on authorised agents continues.