Travelling by Indian Railways is one of the best ways to see the real India. From green fields and tall mountains to busy towns, the view from a train window is always interesting. On top of that, the sound of vendors calling out and selling snacks or toys adds to the charm. But when you need to book a Tatkal ticket at the last minute, things can get a little stressful. Don’t worry—this guide makes it easy for anyone to book a Tatkal ticket online without confusion.

What is Tatkal Ticket Booking?

Tatkal is a special ticket that you can book just one day before your train journey. These tickets are for people who need to travel urgently. There are limited seats, so you must be quick.

Important points to remember:

Booking opens at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes.
You can book up to 4 passengers per ticket.
Tatkal tickets cannot be refunded if confirmed.
Charges are 10% of the base fare for second class and 30% for other classes.

Step-by-Step: How to Book Tatkal Tickets Online

Step 1: Go to the official IRCTC website or download the IRCTC app on your phone.

Step 2: Log in with your account. If you don’t have one, create a new account using your mobile number and email. Log in 10 to 15 minutes early before the booking time.

Step 3: Enter your travel details:

Choose your source and destination stations.
Pick your journey date.
Select the “Tatkal” option from the quota list.

Step 4: Check the list of trains. Choose one that has Tatkal seats in your preferred class. Click “Book Now”.

Step 5: Fill in passenger details:

Name, age, and gender.
A valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, or driving license).

Step 6: Proceed to the payment page. You will get 5 minutes to complete your payment. Choose from UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.

Things to Keep in Mind

The tatkal facility is not available for First AC.
Only book through the official IRCTC website or app to avoid scams.
If the Tatkal ticket is waitlisted or gets cancelled, you may get a partial refund as per railway rules.