IRCTC: Aadhaar Mandatory for Advance Train Ticket Booking, Window Extended to Midnight

• IRCTC now allows Aadhaar-verified users to book general reserved tickets until midnight 12 AM on the opening day of Advance Reservation Period (ARP).
• This new rule, effective January 12, 2026, mandates Aadhaar verification for booking general reserved tickets on the ARP opening day.
• Previously, the booking window for Aadhaar-verified users was limited to 8 AM-12 PM, then extended to 4 PM, and now to midnight.
• Passengers without Aadhaar verification may face difficulties in getting confirmed tickets and cannot book 60 days in advance.
• The Ministry of Railways aims to prevent misuse by touts and ensure genuine passengers benefit from the reservation system.

Why It Matters: Aadhaar verification is now mandatory for advance train ticket booking, with the window extended to midnight.