How to Book Tatkal Tickets in IRCTC?

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) provides multiple options for ticket bookings, and one such option is Tatkal ticket booking. Tatkal booking option is beneficial for customers who have to book a train ticket on short notice, and they can book a tatkal ticket for select trains only. The IRCTC tatkal booking system opens one day before the departure of the train.In this blog post, we will explore how to book tatkal tickets in IRCTC, including step-by-step instructions and some tips to ensure successful booking.

Step by Step Process for Tatkal Ticket Booking in IRCTC

The process of booking a tatkal ticket in IRCTC involves the following steps:

Step 1: Log in to your IRCTC account

If you don’t have an account, create one on the IRCTC website. Enter your username and password to log in to your account.

Step 2: Select the origin and destination stations, date of journey, and class of travel

Enter the details of the journey, including the origin and destination stations, date of travel, and the class of travel. In the case of tatkal bookings, select the tatkal quota option.

Step 3: Check availability of seats

Click on the “Check Availability” button to know the availability of seats in the tatkal quota for your preferred journey. If the seats are available, proceed to the next step without delay.

Step 4: Enter passenger details and continue to payment page

Enter the details of the passengers travelling, including name and age. Ensure that the details entered are accurate and match the identity proofs that will be carried during the journey.

Step 5: Make the payment

Make the payment using your preferred payment method. It is important to note that tatkal tickets require immediate payment, and you should ensure that funds are available in your account at the time of booking.

Step 6: Print the ticket

Once the payment is made, the final ticket will be generated, and you can print it or download it on your device. You can also opt for an SMS confirmation of the ticket on your registered mobile number.

Some Tips for Successful Tatkal Ticket Booking in IRCTC

Booking a tatkal ticket on the IRCTC website can be a challenging task, given the high demand and limited availability. However, the following tips can help increase the chances of a successful booking:

Tip 1: Log in before the booking time starts

Log in to the IRCTC website a few minutes before the tatkal booking window opens. This reduces the chances of facing login issues due to sudden heavy traffic on the website.

Tip 2: Save passenger details in advance

Save the details of passengers travelling in your account beforehand, such as name and age, to save time during the booking process.

Tip 3: Choose the right train and class

Select a train and class that is less popular to increase the chances of booking a tatkal ticket. For example, booking a 3A class ticket instead of a 2A class ticket can increase the chances of getting a confirmed tatkal ticket.

Tip 4: Opt for a faster payment method

Choose a payment method that is quick and easy, such as an e-wallet or net banking, to save time during the payment process.

Tip 5: Try again promptly after failed payment transactions

If the payment transaction fails, try again promptly. In case of a delayed attempt, the availability of seats can become limited, making it difficult to book a ticket.

Conclusion

The process of booking a tatkal ticket in IRCTC can be challenging due to the high demand and limited availability, but following the steps mentioned above and keeping in mind some helpful tips, you can increase your chances of booking a successful tatkal ticket. Keep in mind that booking is open only during the specific tatkal window, and once you book the ticket, make sure to carry the necessary identity proofs while travelling.