If you often travel by train, then there is a big news for you. Indian Railways has announced many major changes in the train ticket booking system since 10 May 2025. These changes have been made keeping in mind the convenience, transparency and safety of the passengers.
Now the method of booking tickets is going to be quite different and easier than before. In particular, people who use online ticket booking or Tatkal Ticket Booking are very important to know these new rules.
The purpose of these changes is to prevent ticket brokers, make the booking process easier and give priority to real travelers. Many rules such as OTP Verification, Dynamic Pricing, Advance Reservation Period, and Tatkal Booking Rules have been changed.
In this article, we will tell you what is going to be new in the ticket booking system from May 10, how to get a train ticket now, and what you have to take care of.
Train ticket booking system new rule 2025
Complete information about the new rules to be implemented from 10 May 2025 is given below. These changes are necessary for every passenger, whether you travel often or sometimes.
| Name of Plan/Rules | Description |
| Date of change of change | 10 May 2025 |
| OTP verification | Essential on every ticket booking |
| Advance reservation period | 60-90 days (earlier 120 days) |
| dynamic pricing | Applicable on premium trains |
| Tatkal booking new timing | AC: 10:10 AM, Sleeper: 11:10 AM |
| Digital ticket acceptance | Digital tickets valid on mobile/laptop |
| Waiting list ticket rules | Permission to travel only in general coach |
| ID proof required | Essential at the time of every booking |
| Return process | Refund in 2 days |
| Additional service charges | Increased, up to ₹ 20- ₹ 600 on Tatkal |
OTP Verification Now required on every ticket booking
Now whether you book tickets through IRCTC App, Website or an agent, OTP Verification will be necessary every time. OTP will come on your registered mobile number, only after entering you will be able to pay ticket booking. This will reduce the problem of fake bookings, brokers rigging and blocking tickets from boats to a great extent. This rule is applicable to both Tatkal Ticket Booking and General Booking.
Advance Reservation Period Change
The first passengers could book the train tickets till 120 days ago, but now the Advance Reservation Period has been reduced to 60-90 days. That is, now you can book tickets only 2-3 months in advance. This will reduce the problem of blocking tickets by agents and will increase the chances of getting tickets to Genuine Passengers.
Dynamic Pricing: Ticket Price Demand
Now dynamic pricing will be applicable in premium trains like Shatabdi, Rajdhani, Duronto. This means, the higher the demand, the higher the ticket price. If the seats are less left or the peak season, tickets will be found expensive. At the same time, discounts can also be found on booking off-season or early.
| Train name | Prices in peak season | Prices in off-peak season |
| Rajdhani | ₹ 2000 | ₹ 1500 |
| Shatabdi | ₹ 1500 | ₹ 1200 |
| Duronto | ₹ 1800 | ₹ 1400 |
Digital Ticket is no longer valid, printout not needed
Now you do not need to take a ticket -out of the ticket. You can also travel by showing digital tickets on mobile, laptop or tablet. Just keep in mind that you must have a valid ID proof.
Big change in Waiting List Ticket Rule
Now if your ticket is in Waiting List, then you will not be able to travel in Sleeper or AC Coach. Passengers with Waiting List can travel only in General (Unreserved) Coach. If someone breaks the rule, he will be fined or can be taken off the train.
| Ticket status | Travel permission | Fines (if the rules are broken) |
| Confirmed | All coaches | , |
| waiting list | Only general coach | Sleeper: ₹ 250, AC: ₹ 440 |
Changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking Rules
Timing has been changed for Tatkal Ticket Booking. Now booking for AC Class will start from 10:10 AM and Sleeper Class will start from 11:10 AM. Also, Aadhaar Verification will be necessary for TATKAL Booking. The first 30 minutes of booking for agents will be closed so that common passengers can get tickets.
| Class type | Old time | new time | Booking mode | Id proof required | Booking day |
| AC class | 10:00 AM | 10:10 pm | online offline | Yes | A day ago |
| Sleeper class | 11:00 AM | 11:10 am | online offline | Yes | A day ago |
| General ticket | , | , | Only counter | No | On the same day |
Necessary rules of tatkal booking
- Each user ID will be able to book only one TATKAL ticket at a time.
- There will be no concession on TATKAL ticket.
- Refund will be available only when the train is canceled.
- All options like UPI, Netbanking, Credit/Debit Card, Wallets will be available for payment.
- TATKAL ticket will have ₹ 100- ₹ 200 for Sleeper and ₹ 200-400 Extra charge for AC.
Refund process faster now
Now if you cancel the train ticket, then the refund will come to your account in just 2 days. Earlier this process used to take 5-7 days.
Additional service charges
Now Reservation Ticket Charges have been increased to ₹ 30- ₹ 80. The charge for superfast trains has increased to ₹ 20- ₹ 100 and for Tatkal to ₹ 20- ₹ 600.
Main Points: Ticket Booking System 2025
- OTP Verification is required on every booking.
- Advance Reservation Period is just 60-90 days.
- Dynamic pricing just on premium trains.
- Digital ticket valid, printout is not necessary.
- Waiting list will be able to travel only in general coaches.
- Changes in tatkal booking timing and Aadhaar Verification required.
- Refund in just 2 days.
- Service charge and Tatkal charge increased.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is OTP necessary now on every ticket booking?
Yes, now OTP Verification will be necessary on every ticket booking.
Q2: How much is Advance Reservation Period?
Now you can book tickets 60-90 days in advance, earlier it was 120 days.
Q3: Is printout necessary?
No, now digital tickets (mobile/laptop) are also valid, just keep the id proof.
Q4: Waiting list can travel in Sleeper or AC on ticket?
No, now those with Waiting List ticket can travel only in General Coach.
Q5: What is the new time of Tatkal ticket booking?
Booking will start from 10:10 AM for AC Class and 11:10 AM for Sleeper Class.
Q6: How many days will the refund be available?
Now the refund will come to your account in just 2 days.
Q7: Will the concession be available on Tatkal ticket?
No, there will be no discount on TATKAL ticket.
Impact of new rules of ticket booking
These new rules will ease Genuine Passengers in ticket booking. The rigging of brokers and boats will be less. Digital tickets and sharp refunds will facilitate passengers. Waiting List will definitely increase a bit difficult, but this will make the system transparent and safe.
Documents required for ticket booking
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving license
Easy Tips for Ticket Booking
- Book tickets in Advance, especially in the peak season.
- Login prematurely for tatkal booking.
- Keep mobile number and ID proof updates.
- Keep digital tickets saved in the phone.
- Choose fast options like UPI, Netbanking for Payment.
conclusion
From 10 May 2025, the ticket booking system of Indian Railways will change completely. Many changes like OTP Verification, Advance Reservation Period, Dynamic Pricing, Tatkal Booking Timing, Waiting List Rule will be applicable. These new rules will benefit Genuine passengers and the booking system will be more transparent and safe. If you also travel by train, then read these rules carefully and be ready for your next journey.
Disclaimer:
This information is based on the new rules issued by Indian Railways. All changes will be applicable from 10 May 2025. Passengers are advised to check the official information of IRCTC or Railways before ticket booking. This article is only for information, please confirm from the railway website or nearby station before any trip.
