Indian Railways is the fourth largest railway network in the world, carrying 23 million passengers every day. Many people also travel by train frequently, perhaps for work or other reasons. In such situations, the Tatkal ticket booking system becomes a great boon for these travelers.
Tatkal means “immediate” or “urgent.” This facility was introduced in 1997, initially available only on a few trains. However, today, it is available on express, mail, and superfast trains as well, and millions of passengers use it every day.
Tatkal Tickets Booking Timings in Indian Railways
IRCTC allows Tatkal booking opens one day before the date of travel. In 2025, the tatkal ticket booking time is still categorized based on the class of travel.
- For AC Coaches(1AC, 2AC, 3AC & Chair Car): 10:00 AM on the day before the journey.
- For Non-AC Classes(Sleeper): 11:00 AM on the day before the journey.
To get confirmed tatkal tickets you can also use IRCTC automation tools to save passenger details, boost booking process, and increase your chances of securing a confirmed Tatkal ticket.
Read Also- Booking Your Train Ticket Online? Here’s what you should know
Key Rules for Tatkal Ticket Booking
The Indian Railways has set some rules for booking Tatkal tickets to ensure that this facility is available to those who truly need it.
- Booking Time – Tatkal tickets can be booked exactly one day before the travel date.
- ID Proof Required – You must provide your photo ID proof number while booking a Tatkal ticket. You must also carry the same ID proof with you during your journey.
- Limited Seats – The number of Tatkal quota seats on any train is limited.
- Maximum Ticket Limit – A maximum of 4 tickets can be booked under one PNR for Tatkal travel.
- Booking Speed – Before booking on the IRCTC website, ensure that you are logged in on your mobile/laptop and that your internet connection is stable and fast.
- No Guarantee of Confirmation – If the Tatkal seats are full and your seat is not confirmed, you may receive a waiting list ticket.
- Refund Policy – Like regular tickets, Tatkal tickets are non-refundable.
Read Also- Tips to Book Confirm Tatkal Ticket on IRCTC
Tatkal Ticket Charges
Tatkal ticket charges in Indian Railway are a percentage of the basic fare (10% for non-AC and 30% for AC classes) with min and max caps that vary by class, ranging from ₹10- ₹15 for Second Class (Sitting) to ₹400 – ₹500 for AC 2 Tier and Executive classes.
These charges are added to the base fare for last-minute travel, but no refund is given for confirmed Tatkal tickets.
| Class of Travel | Tatkal Charges |
|---|---|
| Second (Sitting) | 10% of basic fare; Min ₹10 – Max ₹15 |
| Sleeper Class (SL) | 10% of basic fare; Min ₹100 – Max ₹200 |
| AC Chair Car (CC) | 30% of basic fare; Min ₹125 – Max ₹225 |
| AC 3 Tier (3AC) | 30% of basic fare; Min ₹300 – Max ₹400 |
| AC 2 Tier (2AC) | 30% of basic fare; Min ₹400 – Max ₹500 |
| Executive Class (EC) / 1AC | 30% of basic fare; Min ₹400 – Max ₹500 |
FAQ Related to Indian Railway Tatkal Timings
Q1: Can I book Tatkal tickets at midnight?
No, Tatkal ticket booking is not available at midnight. If you are booking an AC class Tatkal ticket, it opens at 10 AM, and for Sleeper class, it opens at 11 AM.
Q2: What is the difference between Premium Tatkal and Tatkal?
Tatkal ticket charges are fixed whereas Premium Tatkal tickets have dynamic fare pricing for various classes.
Q3: Can I get a refund if I cancel a Tatkal ticket?
No, you will not get a refund for a confirmed Tatkal ticket if you cancel it yourself, as there is no refund policy for confirmed Tatkal bookings. However, you will receive a refund for a waitlisted Tatkal ticket if it remains waitlisted after the final chart preparation, though clerkage charges will be deducted.
Q4: Is a Tatkal ticket available for all trains?
No, tatkal tickets are not available for all trains, but they are available for most reserved Indian Railways trains except for the Unreserved/General Class (UR/GEN) and, sometimes, First AC class.