In today’s digital era where convenience and security are paramount, linking your Aadhaar with your IRCTC profile offers enhanced booking benefits and peace of mind. Much like other guides on the first page, this article shows you clear, simplified steps—covering website and app methods—along with recent Tatkal-specific updates and troubleshooting tips. If you’re looking to streamline your train travel experience and stay ahead of evolving IRCTC rules, keep reading!
Why Should You Link Aadhaar to IRCTC? (H2)
1. Increase Monthly E‑Ticket Quota (H3)
- Without Aadhaar: You can only book up to 6 e‑tickets/month.
- With Aadhaar linked: Quota jumps to 12 e‑tickets.
- With Aadhaar‑verified master‑list passenger: You can book up to 24 tickets/month
2. Tatkal Booking Eligibility (H3)
From July 1, 2025, Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts are mandatory for Tatkal bookings. Only verified users can secure Tatkal tickets; agents and bots are barred from the first booking window
3. Account Security & Bot Prevention (H3)
IRCTC says linking Aadhaar prevents fake accounts—millions of suspicious accounts have been closed recently .
4. Faster Verification & Autofill Benefits (H3)
Linking enables autofill of passenger details, reduces repeated KYC steps and simplifies the booking and cancellation process
Prerequisites Before Starting (H2)
- A valid IRCTC account (username + password)
- Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP
- For family/group booking: prepare Aadhaar numbers for at least one passenger
- Ensure names and DOB match exactly between Aadhaar and IRCTC profile
Method 1: Linking via IRCTC Website (H2)
Step 1: Log In (H3)
- Visit www.irctc.co.in
- Enter your credentials and CAPTCHA code
Step 2: Navigate to Aadhaar KYC (H3)
- Go to My Account > choose Link Your Aadhaar or Aadhaar KYC
Step 3: Submit Aadhaar & OTP (H3)
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and name as per Aadhaar card
- Tick the consent checkbox and click Send OTP
- Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar‑linked mobile number
Step 4: Update & Confirm (H3)
- Review your auto-fetched details, click Update or Submit
- A confirmation pop-up (“Aadhaar verification successful”) appears
Method 2: Linking Using the IRCTC Rail Connect App (H2)
Step 1: Download & Log In (H3)
- Download the official IRCTC Rail Connect app
- Log in with your IRCTC credentials
Step 2: Link Aadhaar in Profile (H3)
- Tap My Account > Link Your Aadhaar (or Aadhaar KYC)
- Enter your Aadhaar number and name, tick consent box
- Tap Send OTP, verify OTP on your Aadhaar-linked phone
Step 3: Complete Verification (H3)
- Enter the OTP and tap Submit
- Confirmation shows your Aadhaar is linked
Adding and Verifying Passengers via Master List (H2)
To unlock the full 24-ticket quota, one passenger must be Aadhaar-verified.
Step 1: Open Master List (H3)
- On website: My Profile > Master List
- On app: My Account > My Master List
Step 2: Add Passenger Details (H3)
- Fill in name, DOB, gender, and Aadhaar number (choose Aadhaar in ID type)
Step 3: Verify Aadhaar (H3)
- Status shows “Pending” initially—use the provided link to initiate verification
- Upon OTP confirmation, status changes to “Verified”
Booking Tickets with Aadhaar‑Linked Profile (H2)
Normal Booking
- Up to 12 passengers per month can book once Aadhaar is linked
Extended Booking (Up to 24 Tickets) (H3)
- For more tickets, select at least one Aadhaar-verified passenger from master list per booking
Tatkal Booking (H3)
- From July 1, 2025, Aadhaar-linked and verified users get priority booking in the first 10 minutes of Tatkal window
- OTP via Aadhaar-linked mobile is mandatory even for Tatkal bookings from July 15, 2025
Troubleshooting & Common Questions (H2)
Q1: I didn’t receive OTP—what to do? (H3)
- Ensure the OTP is sent to the mobile linked with Aadhaar
- If not, update your Aadhaar-linked mobile number via UIDAI before retrying
Q2: Name mismatch error during linking (H3)
- IRCTC account name must exactly match Aadhaar
- Update IRCTC profile details or re-register if mismatch persists
Q3: Passenger shows “Not verified” (H3)
- Use “Edit” in Master List to correct details and re-initiate OTP verification
Q4: Can I link more than one Aadhaar to my account? (H3)
- No, only one Aadhaar per IRCTC account is allowed; additional passengers are verified via master list
Q5: Will IRCTC block my account if I don’t link? (H3)
- Accounts not linking Aadhaar may be flagged/banned during system clean-up of bot accounts
Benefits of Linking (H2)
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Higher booking quota | Up to 24 tickets/month with Aadhaar |
| Tatkal access | Required for booking from July 1, 2025 |
| Quicker booking | Autofills and reduces manual entry |
| More secure IRCTC account | Prevents misuse and bots |
FAQs (H2)
Can I book 24 tickets right after linking but before verifying a passenger?
No—24-ticket limit applies only once at least one passenger in master list is Aadhaar verified
Is Aadhaar mandatory for standard bookings?
No—booking up to 6 tickets per month works without Aadhaar. Above that requires verification
Can I use virtual ID instead of Aadhaar number?
Yes—the system supports both Aadhaar number and VID during linking
What if mobile number linked to Aadhaar is changed?
Update your mobile number on UIDAI site first, then proceed to link via IRCTC.
Final Thoughts (H2)
Linking your Aadhaar to IRCTC isn’t just a box-check—it unlocks smoother bookings, higher ticket limits, Tatkal privileges, and safer transactions. With the new rules kicking in July 2025, it’s a necessity for frequent travelers. Follow the step-by-step process above—via website or app—and don’t forget to set up your master-list passengers. Travel smart, secure, and hassle-free!