Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings: Indian Railways has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the timings for Tatkal ticket bookings will change starting April 15. The misleading posts had caused confusion among passengers, especially those who depend on last-minute bookings for travel. Many had feared missing out on Tatkal tickets due to the alleged change in timings. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) issued a statement clarifying that there will be no change in the booking timings for Tatkal or Premium Tatkal tickets."Some posts are circulating on social media mentioning different timings for Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets," said an IRCTC statement. "No such change in timings is currently proposed for Tatkal or Premium Tatkal booking for AC or non-AC classes. The permitted booking timings for agents also remain unchanged."
Tatkal E-tickets can be booked one day in advance, excluding the date of journey from the originating station. The booking for AC classes (2A, 3A, CC, EC, 3E) opens at 10:00 IST, while the booking for non-AC classes (SL, FC, 2S) opens at 11:00 IST. Tatkal tickets are available in all classes, except First AC. The option to book Tatkal tickets is available through the IRCTC website and mobile app. Tatkal tickets offer a last-minute booking opportunity with a limited number of seats at a slightly higher fare. For Tatkal bookings, passengers are required to pay extra charges in addition to the basic fare. The Tatkal charges are 10 percent of the basic fare for second class and 30 percent for all other classes, subject to minimum and maximum charges.
Regarding cancellations, no refund is granted for confirmed Tatkal tickets. However, for contingent cancellations and waitlisted Tatkal ticket cancellations, charges will be deducted in accordance with the existing Railway rules.