If you're struggling to book a train ticket on Indian Railways, especially at the last minute, the Tatkal booking scheme might be your saviour.
IRCTC offers travellers the opportunity to book train seats just a day before their journey.
Here is the process of booking Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website or mobile app as well as some tips and tricks to help you secure a confirmed Tatkal ticket.
IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Booking Process
Booking a Tatkal ticket on the IRCTC website or mobile app is a simple process.
Here are the steps to follow.
- First, head to the IRCTC website at irctc.co.in.
- To access your IRCTC account, use your user ID and password to log in. If you don't have an account yet, click "Sign Up" and follow the instructions to create one.
- Now, here you have to click on the "Book Ticket" option.
- Choose the "Tatkal" booking option and complete the required details including your source and destination stations, travel date, train, and class.
- Enter the passenger information for the booking.
- You can also choose a berth preference, but bear in mind that lower berths are generally given to elderly passengers.
- Review the fare and other details before proceeding to the payment page.
- Select your payment option, such as credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, or any other available options.
- Confirm the booking details and make the payment.
- Once payment is successful, download your e-ticket.
IRCTC Tatkal Ticket Timing and Fees
The booking window for AC class tickets (2A/3A/CC/EC/3E) opens at 10:00 AM, while non-AC class (SL/FC/2S) Tatkal tickets can be booked from 11:00 AM onwards.
As IRCTC has to reserve seats for the Tatkal scheme, it levies an additional fee for Tatkal bookings.
This makes Tatkal tickets more expensive than regular tickets.
The additional charges for Tatkal tickets are based on a percentage of the basic fare, which is 30% for all travel classes except for second class (sitting), which has a fixed rate of 10%.
Get Tatkal Ticket Confirmation
- Book in advance (at least two days before departure).
- Use multiple devices.
- Keep all personal details ready.
- Use a fast internet connection.
- Choose less popular trains with lower demand.