Indian Railways Tatkal Train Tickets changes for May 15 – Check New Timings, Process & Guidelines

Railways Tatkal Train Tickets : In a significant move to streamline the ticket booking experience and reduce passenger inconvenience, Indian Railways has announced a series of changes to its Tatkal ticket booking system, effective from May 15. These changes are aimed at improving transparency, reducing last-minute rush, and curbing the misuse of the Tatkal quota. If you’re someone who often relies on last-minute train bookings, this update is crucial for you.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s changing, how it impacts you, and what you need to do differently moving forward.

What is the Tatkal Scheme?

Tatkal is a time-sensitive ticket booking scheme introduced by Indian Railways to allow passengers to book tickets at the last minute. It is widely used by travelers who have urgent travel needs. However, due to high demand and limited availability, booking a Tatkal ticket has always been a challenge.

With the latest changes, Indian Railways is looking to make the process more efficient and user-friendly.

New Tatkal Booking Timings from May 15

From May 15 onwards, the Tatkal booking timings for different classes have been revised to allow smoother processing and reduced website traffic.

Revised Timings for Tatkal Booking

Class of Travel	New Booking Start Time	Old Booking Time	Applicable Days	Booking Method
AC Classes (1A/2A/3A)	10:00 AM	10:00 AM	One day in advance	Online & PRS Counter
Non-AC Classes (SL/2S)	11:00 AM	11:00 AM	One day in advance	Online & PRS Counter
Premium Trains	10:00 AM (Dynamic fare)	10:00 AM	One day in advance	Online Only
Suvidha Trains	10:00 AM	10:00 AM	One day in advance	Online Only
Special Trains	10:00 AM or as notified	Varies	One day in advance	Online & PRS Counter
Ladies Quota	No Tatkal Quota	No Quota	Not applicable	Not applicable
Divyangjan Quota	No Tatkal Quota	No Quota	Not applicable	Not applicable

Note: Tatkal tickets can be booked only one day in advance, excluding the date of the journey.

Updated Booking Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has streamlined the Tatkal booking process to ensure more fair access and prevent agents from blocking seats unfairly. Here’s how the new process works:

How to Book a Tatkal Ticket After May 15

1. Log in to your IRCTC account (either on the website or mobile app).
2. Select your train, class, and preferred quota as “Tatkal.”
3. Fill in passenger details – be careful with spelling and ID numbers.
4. Choose your payment method – UPI, net banking, cards, or IRCTC wallet.
5. Complete CAPTCHA and proceed to payment quickly to avoid session timeout.
6. Confirm your booking and download the e-ticket.

Pro Tips:

• Have your ID details and payment method ready before the Tatkal window opens.
• Avoid using multiple tabs or browsers to prevent session conflict.
• Use IRCTC’s “Quick Book” feature for faster processing during rush hours.

Key Guidelines and Rules to Keep in Mind

The changes aren’t just about timing – there are new rules and limitations as well.

Updated Tatkal Ticket Rules

• Booking Window: Opens 1 day prior to the journey date.
• No Refunds: No refund on confirmed Tatkal tickets (unless train is canceled or delayed by more than 3 hours).
• Partial Cancellation Not Allowed: You can’t cancel individual passengers – only full ticket cancellation is possible.
• ID Proof Mandatory: At least one passenger must carry original ID used at the time of booking.
• Agent Restrictions: IRCTC has restricted booking by agents during the first 30 minutes of Tatkal opening.
• Ticket Transfer: Tickets booked under Tatkal are non-transferable.

Fare and Charges: What You Will Pay

Tatkal tickets are priced higher than regular tickets due to dynamic fare and premium charges.

Tatkal Fare Structure Comparison

Class	Base Fare	Tatkal Charges (Min – Max)	Total Fare Estimate	Refundable?
Sleeper (SL)	₹400	₹100 – ₹200	₹500 – ₹600	No
Second Seating	₹150	₹10 – ₹15	₹160 – ₹170	No
Third AC (3A)	₹1,000	₹300 – ₹400	₹1,300 – ₹1,400	No
Second AC (2A)	₹1,500	₹400 – ₹500	₹1,900 – ₹2,000	No
First AC (1A)	₹2,400	₹500 – ₹600	₹2,900 – ₹3,000	No

Note: Fares may vary slightly depending on distance and train category.

Major Impacts on Passengers

These changes are expected to bring both benefits and challenges for passengers, especially frequent travelers and business commuters.

Pros

• More transparent and faster booking.
• Reduced agent interference and misuse.
• Improved user experience on IRCTC platform.