The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways that handles the catering, tourism, and online ticketing operations. With the advent of technology, booking train tickets has become more accessible and convenient than ever before. One of the most sought-after ticket booking options is the Tatkal train ticket, which allows passengers to book tickets at short notice. In this article, we will discuss the online IRCTC train ticket booking system and provide a step-by-step guide for booking Tatkal tickets on both desktop and mobile platforms. Additionally, we will share five practical tips to increase your chances of securing a confirmed Tatkal ticket.
The Online IRCTC Train Ticket Booking System:
The online IRCTC train ticket booking system is a user-friendly platform that enables passengers to book train tickets from the comfort of their homes. It offers various ticket booking options, including General, Ladies, Senior Citizens, and Tatkal quotas. The Tatkal quota is specifically designed for passengers who need to travel on short notice and are willing to pay a premium for confirmed tickets. Tatkal tickets can be booked one day before the train’s scheduled departure, with booking opening at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes.
Step-by-Step Guide for Booking Tatkal Tickets on Desktop:
Step 1: Visit the official IRCTC website (https://www.irctc.co.in) and log in using your registered username and password. If you do not have an account, click on “Register” to create one.
Step 2: Once logged in, enter your journey details, including the origin and destination stations, date of travel, and class of travel. Select the “Tatkal” option under the “Quota” dropdown menu.
Step 3: Click on “Find Trains” to view the list of available trains for your selected route and date.
Step 4: Choose your preferred train and class, then click on “Book Now” to proceed with the booking.
Step 5: Fill in the passenger details, including name, age, gender, and berth preference. Make sure to enter the correct details, as they will be verified against your ID proof during the journey.
Step 6: Proceed to the payment gateway and complete the payment using your preferred method, such as credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
Step 7: Once the payment is successful, you will receive a confirmation message with your PNR number and ticket details.
Step-by-Step Guide for Booking Tatkal Tickets on Mobile:
Step 1: Download and install the official IRCTC Rail Connect app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Step 2: Log in using your registered username and password, or create a new account if you do not have one.
Step 3: Enter your journey details, select the “Tatkal” quota, and tap on “Find Trains.”
Step 4: Choose your preferred train and class, then tap on “Book Now.”
Step 5: Fill in the passenger details and proceed to the payment gateway.
Step 6: Complete the payment using your preferred method and wait for the confirmation message with your PNR number and ticket details.
Five Practical Tips to Get Confirmed Tatkal Tickets:
Tip 1: Create an IRCTC account in advance and ensure your personal and payment details are updated to save time during the booking process.
Tip 2: Log in to the IRCTC website or app a few minutes before the Tatkal booking window opens to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
Tip 3: Use a stable and high-speed internet connection to ensure a smooth and quick booking experience.
Tip 4: Keep your ID proof handy, as you will need to enter the details during the booking process.
Tip 5: Consider booking tickets in less popular trains or classes, as they may have a higher availability of Tatkal tickets.
In conclusion, booking Tatkal train tickets online through the IRCTC platform is a convenient and efficient way to secure last-minute travel arrangements. By following the step-by-step guides and practical tips mentioned above, you can book a tatkal train ticket very easily and enjoy a hassle-free journey.