If you plan to book train tickets online, this update from IRCTC is important. The train ticket booking window for Aadhar-authenticated IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) users will now be open till midnight.

“w.e.f 12 January 2026, only Aadhaar-authenticated users shall be allowed to book general reserved tickets on the opening day of Advance Reservation Period (ARP)," IRCTC said in a statement.

Previously, the Aadhaar-authenticated users could book reserved tickets only between 8 am and 12 pm on the opening day of the booking window. It was later extended from 4 pm to 4 pm.

However, there will be no change in the procedure of booking tickets across the computerised PRS counters.

The IRCTC on January 5 changed the rules for booking tickets online, stating that passengers without a verified Aadhaar card may face issues and struggle to get a confirmed ticket.

Under the new rules, users who have completed Aadhaar verification can book tickets up to 60 days in advance. If Aadhaar is not verified, you will not be able to book tickets during this period.

“Aadhaar verification of users is an important step which has been taken to make the system more robust. Cutting-edge technology is also being used to identify and prevent unscrupulous users trying to misuse the e-ticketing system," the Ministry of Railways said in a statemAccordingthe the g to railways, the move aims to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach genuine passengers and prevent misuse by touts or other unscrupulous elements.