All You Need to Know About Tatkal Train Ticket Booking Timings

4 April, 2024

Summary

• Tatkal booking in Indian Railways offers a critical service for passengers with urgent travel needs, allowing reservations in almost all classes except First AC and Executive Class.

• Booking for AC classes starts at 10 AM and for non-AC at 11 AM, one day before the train's departure, with stringent rules for refunds and a maximum of four passengers per PNR.

• To ensure a successful Tatkal booking, be prepared with a fast internet connection, pre-registration on IRCTC, and payment details, and be ready to book at the precise opening time.

Tatkal booking is a vital aspect of the Indian Railways reservation system, offering last-minute booking opportunities for passengers. Understanding the intricacies of tatkal ticket booking time is crucial for a successful journey. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the tatkal booking system, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth travel experience.

Understanding Tatkal booking in Indian Railways

Here’s what you need to know about tatkal train bookings:

• The Concept of Tatkal Booking
  
  The Indian Railways introduced the Tatkal scheme to accommodate passengers with last-minute travel plans. This scheme is available for almost all classes, barring First AC and Executive Class. The primary allure of Tatkal booking lies in its ability to provide a reliable travel option, albeit at a higher price, for urgent journeys.
  
  

• Tatkal Ticket Booking Time
  
  The tatkal ticket booking time is critical for passengers. For AC classes, the tatkal train booking time begins at 10 AM, one day in advance of the train's original station departure date. For non-AC classes, this time is 11 AM. It's imperative to note that these times are strictly adhered to, both for online and offline bookings.
  
  

• When Tatkal Booking Starts 
  
  To effectively utilise the Tatkal scheme, knowing precisely when Tatkal booking starts is crucial. Since the booking window opens just a day before the journey, it's advisable to be prepared beforehand to secure a reservation. This aspect is especially important during peak travel seasons, where demand can significantly outweigh supply.
  
  

• Is Confirmation Guaranteed?
  
  Note that with tatkal tickets, there is no guaranteed confirmation if they are on the waitlist. Therefore, you may or may not be able to go on that train journey. Typically, the seats made available during tatkal booking are few but the number of individuals trying to book these seats is high.
  
  

How to Book a Tatkal Ticket

You can book a tatkal train ticket both online and offline.

• Online Booking
  
  

Booking a Tatkal ticket online involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Visit the authorized IRCTC booking platform and log in using the User ID and password.

2. Enter the origin and destination stations.

3. Select your journey date and choose the Tatkal quota.

4. Check the availability and proceed to book if available.

5. Fill in the passenger details and make the payment.

Only four passengers can be booked per PNR in tatkal.
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• Offline Booking

For those who prefer traditional methods, Tatkal tickets can also be booked at railway reservation counters. Here, the same tatkal ticket booking time applies.

Charges and Refunds

Tatkal train tickets tend to be more expensive than regular train tickets. Also, you ought to know the refund policy:

• Tatkal charges 

The charges for Tatkal tickets are a percentage of the fare, ranging from 10% to 30%, subject to minimum and maximum limits. These charges are over and above the standard ticket price. You can check the upper and lower limit for charge below:

• Refunds
  
  

Refund policies for Tatkal tickets are stringent. For confirmed tickets, no refund is granted upon cancellation. For RAC or waitlisted tickets, cancellations can be made up to 30 minutes before the train's departure, with some deductions. No refund is issued for cancellations made less than 30 minutes before departure.

Tips for Successful Tatkal Booking

Consider the following tips to increase your chances of securing a tatkal train ticket booking:

• Be timely: Be ready to book right when the tatkal ticket booking time window opens.

• Fast internet connection: Ensure a stable and fast internet connection for quick booking.

• Pre-registration: Pre-register on the IRCTC website to save time during the booking process.

• Payment readiness: Have your payment details ready for a swift transaction.

• Alternative plans: Have a backup plan in case you don't secure a Tatkal ticket.
  
  

Scan Online QR Codes with PayZapp for Faster Payments

Understanding the nuances of tatkal ticket timing is crucial for any passenger relying on the Indian Railways for urgent travel. While the Tatkal scheme comes with its set of rules and additional charges, its utility in facilitating last-minute travel plans is undeniable. By following the guidelines and tips provided, passengers can navigate the Tatkal booking process with ease and confidence.

To use PayZapp Payment App to avail the Tatkal train booking time, follow these steps:

1. When you are ready to make a payment for your IRCTC e-ticket booking, select the 'Scan & Pay' option. This will generate a QR Code specific to your transaction.

2. On your smartphone, launch PayZapp. Ensure that you have previously linked your desired bank account to this app for seamless transactions.

3. Use PayZapp to scan the QR Code displayed on the IRCTC payment page.

4. After scanning the QR Code with PayZapp, proceed to complete the payment using your linked bank account.

Click here to book train tickets through PayZapp on your IOS phone.

Click here to make train ticket booking through PayZapp on your Android phone.

By following these steps, you can efficiently use PayZapp for your Tatkal ticket bookings, utilising the 'Scan & Pay' method for a quick and secure payment process. PayZapp also allows you to book your train tickets via IRCTC conveniently. Enjoy features like swipe to pay, assured cashback, faster money transfers and more, with PayZapp. Get started here.

*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.