How to Book Tatkal Tickets: An Easy Guide

Indian Railways' Tatkal system is a service that allows you to book train tickets instantly. This is especially useful for people who need to travel urgently and don’t have time to book tickets through the general reservation system. If you want to book a Tatkal ticket, this blog will guide you step-by-step on how to book it online or offline.

Essential Things for Tatkal Ticket Booking:

1. IRCTC Account: To book a Tatkal ticket, you need to have an IRCTC account. If you don't have one, you can create it on the IRCTC website.

2. Payment Details: For Tatkal booking, you'll need to have your payment details, such as your bank account information or UPI.

3. Tatkal Quota Timing: Tatkal tickets are available during specific timings. They are available between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on the day of the train's departure.

How to Book a Tatkal Ticket (Online Process):

Step 1: Login to the IRCTC Website

First, visit the IRCTC website.

Log in with your account details. If you don't have an account, register first.

Step 2: Search for Trains

On the home page, in the "Plan My Journey" section, fill in your journey details like source station, destination station, travel date, and class (AC, Sleeper, etc.).

Click on "Find Trains."

Step 3: Select Tatkal Ticket Option

Once you see the available trains, select the "Tatkal" option for the desired train.

Make sure you choose the "Tatkal Quota" for booking, not the "General" or "Ladies" quota.

Step 4: Fill Passenger Details

You will need to enter passenger details such as name, age, gender, etc. If you have saved these details earlier, they will be automatically filled.

Step 5: Make Payment

After filling in all the details, click on "Proceed to Payment."

On the payment gateway, make the payment using your preferred method (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, etc.).

Step 6: Ticket Confirmation

After a successful payment, you will receive a ticket confirmation.

You can check your ticket on the IRCTC website or app, and you will also receive an SMS and email with your ticket details.

Important Tips for Tatkal Ticket Booking:

1. Pay Attention to Timing: There is high demand for Tatkal tickets after 10:00 AM, so make sure your login credentials and payment details are ready.

2. High-Speed Internet: Since Tatkal tickets need to be booked quickly, ensure you have a fast internet connection.

3. Avoid Adding Too Many Passengers: Booking tickets for too many passengers at once can overload the system. If possible, book tickets for your travel group separately.

4. Tatkal Charges: Tatkal bookings incur additional charges, which are higher compared to general tickets.

Offline Tatkal Booking (At the Railway Station):

If you are unable to book online through IRCTC, you can also book Tatkal tickets at the nearest railway station's booking counter.

You will need to show your travel details and a photo ID proof, which includes your name, age, and address.

Tatkal Ticket Refund Policy:

Tatkal ticket cancellations come with strict rules. If you cancel within 30 minutes of booking, you may receive a partial refund. However, if you cancel after the train has started its journey, the chances of getting a refund are low.

Conclusion:

Tatkal booking provides an opportunity to travel on short notice. However, it’s important to keep track of time when using this system. If you use the IRCTC website or app, the booking process becomes much smoother. So, adopt this method for your next journey and enjoy your travel!