Train Ticket Booking Rules Changed From January 12: What Aadhaar-Verified Travellers Should Know

From January 12, 2026, booking a train ticket on the very first day it opens for sale has begun working differently for millions of passengers across India. Indian Railways has revised its online reservation rules to give priority access to travellers who have completed Aadhaar authentication on IRCTC. The change affects how and when passengers can book tickets during the most competitive phase of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP), when demand is at its peak. For years, the opening day of reservations has been a scramble, particularly on busy routes and during festival seasons, school holidays, and long weekends. Tickets get sold very quickly, leaving many travellers on waiting lists. The new rule expands the booking window for Aadhaar-verified users, effectively giving them the entire day to complete reservations. While the policy is aimed at curbing misuse and automated bookings, it also means passengers who are not verified may find themselves at a disadvantage if they do not act in advance.

How The Ticket Reservation System Works Today

Indian Railways uses an Advance Reservation Period (ARP) system that allows travelers to book seats well ahead of time. Because demand peaks the moment a booking window opens, tickets for high-traffic routes (especially for AC and Sleeper classes) frequently sell out within minutes.

Online bookings are handled through IRCTC, while offline bookings are done at station reservation counters through the Passenger Reservation System (PRS). Aadhaar authentication has gradually been introduced to ensure bookings are made by genuine passengers and to reduce large-scale agent interference.

Also Read: How Changing Confirmed Train Tickets For Free Could Benefit Millions Of Indians

What Changed From January 12, 2026

The update applies specifically to online bookings on the first day of the Advance Reservation Period.

From January 12, 2026:

• Only Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC users will be allowed to book general reserved tickets online on the opening day of ARP.
• Verified users can book tickets from 8:00 am until midnight on that day.
• Users without Aadhaar authentication will not be able to book online on Day One and must wait until later, depending on seat availability.

Earlier, Aadhaar-verified users had access only for limited time slots, which were gradually extended. The new rule significantly widens that window.

What Does Not Change

Some aspects of train ticket booking remain unaffected:

• Tatkal booking rules stay the same, where Aadhaar authentication is already mandatory.
• PRS counter bookings at stations continue under existing ID requirements.
• The overall length of the Advance Reservation Period has not been altered.

Also Read: How To Book Tatkal Train Tickets In India Without Losing Your Seat In Two Minutes

How To Ensure Your IRCTC Account Is Aadhaar-Authenticated

Travellers who want uninterrupted access on the first day of booking should complete Aadhaar authentication well in advance. The process is straightforward:

1. Log in to your IRCTC account using the website or mobile app.
2. Go to 'My Account' and select the option for Aadhaar authentication or profile verification.
3. Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar record.
4. You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
5. Enter the OTP to confirm and submit the request.
6. Once verified, your profile will show Aadhaar authentication as completed.

Passengers should ensure their Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active before starting the process.

What This Means For Travellers

If you're a frequent train user, know that Aadhaar authentication is no longer optional if you plan to book early. Verified passengers get more flexibility, less time pressure, and a better chance at securing preferred classes. Those who delay verification may face reduced availability.

The January 12, 2026 change marks a significant shift in how first-day train ticket bookings work online. With a full-day booking window reserved for Aadhaar-verified users, advance preparation will matter more than ever. For travellers, completing verification ahead of time could be the difference between a confirmed seat and a long waitlist.