Beat the Tatkal chaos and book like a pro with this IRCTC guide
We’re all excited, the festive season is finally here. What makes it even more special is the thought of going back home, being with our families, and taking a much-needed break from our everyday routines. The joy of celebrating Diwali with loved ones, away from laptop screens and city chaos, is truly unmatched.
As someone living away from my hometown, I know that the biggest joy is the journey back home. But let’s be honest, that joy can turn into stress when we don’t get a confirmed train ticket. Every year, it’s the same story: fares shoot up, tickets go into long waiting lists, and things start to feel out of control.
But don’t worry, there’s still hope, and there’s still time.
There are only 10 days left, and yes, many of us are still struggling to get a ticket. Long queues outside ticket counters, high Tatkal prices, and agent fees only make things harder. And if you’ve never booked a ticket online before, it can feel overwhelming.
So let me help you.
Let’s take this one step at a time.
With just an IRCTC ID and a little guidance, you can:
Even if it’s last-minute, you still have a good chance, especially with Tatkal and smart planning.
So don’t lose heart. With a little help, you’ll be on your way home to celebrate Diwali with your family.
Ready to book?
Check out the step-by-step IRCTC booking guide to help you get started.
Go to the IRCTC website
Enter your username and password
Enter your origin, destination, date of travel, and preferred class
Optionally, select “Flexible with Date” if your travel dates are flexible
Click “Find Trains” or “Search” to view available trains on your selected route
Click on the train’s class (e.g., Sleeper, 3AC) to view:
Seat availability
Ticket fare
Once you find a suitable train and class, click “Book Now”
Fill in details like:
Name
Age
Gender
Berth preference (Lower, Middle, Upper, Side)
Use your Master List to autofill passenger details quickly
Select a payment method from:
IRCTC e-wallet
Net Banking
UPI
Credit/Debit Card
Using the IRCTC wallet can help you complete the payment faster
After successful payment, you will:
Receive your e-ticket via email and SMS
Be able to access it anytime in the “Booked Ticket History” section on the IRCTC website
Tatkal bookings open 1 day prior to the train’s departure from its origin station:
10:00 AM: For AC classes (1A, 2A, 3A).
11:00 AM: For Non-AC classes (Sleeper, 2S).
Log in a few minutes before the Tatkal window opens.
Be ready to act quickly — tickets sell out in seconds.
IRCTC does not refund money for confirmed Tatkal tickets upon cancellation.
Book only if you’re sure of your travel.
(With Inputs)
Aishwarya is a journalism graduate with over three years of experience thriving in the buzzing corporate media world. She’s got a knack for decoding business news, tracking the twists and turns of the stock market, covering the masala of the entertainment world, and sometimes her stories come with just the right sprinkle of political commentary. She has worked with several organizations, interned at ZEE and gained professional skills at TV9 and News24, And now is learning and writing at NewsX, she’s no stranger to the newsroom hustle. Her storytelling style is fast-paced, creative, and perfectly tailored to connect with both the platform and its audience. Moto: Approaching every story from the reader’s point of view, backing up her insights with solid facts.
Always bold with her opinions, she also never misses the chance to weave in expert voices, keeping things balanced and insightful. In short, Aishwarya brings a fresh, sharp, and fact-driven voice to every story she touches.
Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong revealed on Friday that he was one of the “tens…
Who Is Avadhut Sathe? SEBI Bans Trading Guru, Impounds ₹546 Crore Over Unregistered Advisory
SEBI bans Avadhut Sathe and ASTAPL for unregistered investment advisory, impounds ₹546.16 crore, citing misleading…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Vladimir Putin that “India is not neutral, India is on…
