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Under the new system, the first 15 minutes will belong to Aadhar-linked individual users. Agents will have to wait until 8:10 a.m.
Step-by-Step: How the 8:00 a.m. Reservation Rush Will Work Under the New System
Booking a coveted train ticket in India can feel like a high-stakes race the moment the clock strikes 8:00 a.m. Every second counts, servers slow, and seats vanish in a flash. Starting October 1, that race is getting new rules.
Indian Railways is tightening its online reservation system so only passengers with Aadhar-linked IRCTC accounts can book in the first crucial minutes, while agents must wait their turn. The goal: curb fraud, outsmart touts, and give ordinary travelers a fair shot at a confirmed berth.
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Why the Change
The rush for train tickets, especially on popular long-distance routes to states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, has led to a thriving black market and misuse of automated booking software.
Previously, Aadhar linking was compulsory only for Tatkal bookings. Indian Railways is now extending that rule to the opening minutes of regular bookings to cut down on automated bulk reservations and tout-driven scams.
How the Booking Window Works
Train reservations open 60 days in advance. At exactly 8:00 a.m., the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) begins accepting bookings, and thousands of users log on simultaneously.
In the past, professional agents using high-speed internet could snap up large blocks of tickets within seconds, leaving regular travelers scrambling.
Under the new system, the first 15 minutes will belong to Aadhar-linked individual users. Agents will have to wait until 8:10 a.m., and other users without Aadhar-linked accounts can begin booking after the 15-minute mark.
Finding the Best Chance for a Confirmed Seat
The first few minutes remain critical. Here’s the practical takeaway for travelers:
- Linking your IRCTC account with Aadhar dramatically improves your chance of success if you log in and book right at 8:00 a.m.
- If you rely on an IRCTC agent, the sweet spot is between 8:10 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., the short window before the floodgates open to all users at 8:15 a.m.
- After 8:15 a.m., when every user is allowed to book, the system slows down and ticket availability drops quickly.
Planning Ahead
Travelers are advised to complete Aadhar linking well before October 1 and to be ready at their computers or phones before 8:00 a.m. on the day bookings open for their chosen journey. Keeping payment details pre-saved and logging in a few minutes early can help shave valuable seconds off the process.
These new measures are designed to discourage fraud and level the playing field. For regular passengers heading home for festivals or family events, a simple step, linking Aadhar could mean the difference between a confirmed berth and a long waitlist.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 18, 2025, 15:06 IST
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