When IRCTC Tatkal Booking Starts

IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is the official online portal for booking train tickets in India. One of the most popular features of IRCTC is the Tatkal booking option, which allows passengers to book tickets for immediate travel. Tatkal tickets are in high demand due to their availability for last-minute travel plans. In this article, we will explore when IRCTC Tatkal booking starts and provide valuable insights into the process.

Understanding Tatkal Booking

Tatkal booking is a service provided by IRCTC to facilitate last-minute train ticket bookings. It is particularly useful for passengers who need to travel urgently or have spontaneous travel plans. Tatkal tickets are available for both AC and non-AC classes, and the booking window opens a day in advance of the train’s departure.

When Does Tatkal Booking Start?

The Tatkal booking window opens at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes, one day before the train’s scheduled departure. For example, if a train is scheduled to depart on the 15th of the month, Tatkal booking for that train will open at 10:00 AM on the 14th of the month for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes.

Tatkal Booking Process

The Tatkal booking process on IRCTC is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps to book a Tatkal ticket:

1. Login to the IRCTC website or mobile app using your credentials.
2. Select the “Plan My Journey” option and enter your source and destination stations, date of travel, and class of travel.
3. Choose the train from the available options and click on the “Book Now” button.
4. Enter the passenger details, including name, age, gender, and berth preference.
5. Review the booking details and click on the “Continue Booking” button.
6. Make the payment using the available payment options.
7. Once the payment is successful, the Tatkal ticket will be booked, and you will receive a confirmation message with the ticket details.

Tips for Successful Tatkal Booking

Booking Tatkal tickets can be challenging due to the high demand and limited availability. Here are some tips to increase your chances of successful Tatkal booking:

• Be prepared: Login to the IRCTC website or app a few minutes before the Tatkal booking window opens to avoid any delays.
• Save passenger details: Save the passenger details in your IRCTC account to avoid entering them manually every time you book a Tatkal ticket.
• Use multiple devices: If possible, use multiple devices or browsers to increase your chances of getting a Tatkal ticket. Sometimes, the website may experience heavy traffic, and using multiple devices can help you secure a ticket.
• Choose alternative trains: If your preferred train is not available, try looking for alternative trains that have Tatkal quota available. This increases your chances of getting a ticket.
• Keep payment options ready: Ensure that you have sufficient funds in your bank account or digital wallet to make the payment quickly. Delaying the payment can result in the ticket being released to other passengers.
• Be patient: Due to the high demand, Tatkal booking can be a time-consuming process. Stay patient and keep trying if you are unable to book a ticket in the first attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I book Tatkal tickets at railway stations?

Yes, Tatkal tickets can also be booked at select railway reservation counters. However, online booking through IRCTC is the most convenient and popular method.

2. Is there a limit on the number of Tatkal tickets I can book?

Yes, there is a limit on the number of Tatkal tickets that can be booked per user. For AC classes, the limit is four tickets per user, and for non-AC classes, the limit is six tickets per user.

3. Are Tatkal tickets refundable?

Tatkal tickets are not refundable except in certain circumstances, such as train cancellation or late running of the train by more than three hours.

4. Can I change the boarding station for a Tatkal ticket?

No, the boarding station cannot be changed for Tatkal tickets. The boarding station remains the same as mentioned during the booking process.

5. Can I book Tatkal tickets for any train?

Tatkal tickets are available for most trains, except for a few special trains and trains with dynamic pricing.

6. Can I book Tatkal tickets for the same day of travel?

No, Tatkal tickets cannot be booked for the same day of travel. The booking window opens one day in advance of the train’s departure.

Summary

IRCTC Tatkal booking is a convenient option for passengers who need to travel urgently. The Tatkal booking window opens at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes, one day before the train’s scheduled departure. To increase your chances of successful Tatkal booking, be prepared, save passenger details, use multiple devices, choose alternative trains, keep payment options ready, and be patient. Tatkal tickets can also be booked at select railway reservation counters, but online booking through IRCTC is the most popular method. Remember to check the ticket refund policy and other restrictions before booking Tatkal tickets. Happy travels!