Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings Unchanged: IRCTC Clarifies Amid Viral Social Media Claims

IRCTC warns against misinformation as rumors spread about changes in Tatkal booking timings starting April 15. Here’s the verified update.

If you’re a frequent train traveler relying on Tatkal tickets, you’ve probably come across viral posts claiming that the Indian Railways has changed the booking time for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets. These claims, circulating widely on WhatsApp and Facebook, have caused confusion among passengers planning their journeys. But what’s the truth?

Viral Rumor: Change in Tatkal Booking Timings

Social media has been abuzz with messages suggesting that from April 15, the Tatkal booking timings for Indian Railways have been revised. The posts also imply that there’s a different schedule now for Premium Tatkal tickets, adding to the confusion. These unverified messages are being forwarded rapidly, leading many travelers to question the validity of their travel plans.

IRCTC Confirms: No Change in Booking Timings

Setting the record straight, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has officially clarified on its Twitter (now X) handle that these rumors are completely false. IRCTC stated that:

“There is no proposal to change the timing of Tatkal or Premium Tatkal bookings for AC or Non-AC classes. Posts circulating on social media about new booking schedules are misleading.”

This clarification aims to ensure passengers are not misled and can book their tickets as usual without any confusion.

Current Tatkal Booking Timings (As of April 2025)

For those planning travel, here are the correct and unchanged Tatkal booking timings:

• AC Classes (2AC, 3AC, CC, EC):
  Booking opens at 10:00 AM, one day prior to the date of journey.

• Sleeper Class (SL):
  Booking opens at 11:00 AM, one day prior to the date of journey.

Example: If your train is scheduled for April 20, Tatkal booking opens on April 19 at the above-mentioned times.

• Premium Tatkal Booking:
  The timing remains the same as Tatkal bookings for respective classes.

Note: There is no Tatkal or Premium Tatkal facility available for First Class tickets.

Final Word

Don’t fall for viral misinformation. Always rely on official updates from IRCTC or Indian Railways for ticketing and booking information. Currently, no changes have been made to the Tatkal or Premium Tatkal booking timings, and you can continue to plan your travel as per the existing schedule.