How to aadhaar authentication of irctc user profile

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: Aadhaar authentication for your IRCTC user profile is a mandatory step for booking train tickets. It involves linking your Aadhaar number to your IRCTC account, which can be done through the IRCTC website or mobile app by navigating to the 'Profile' section and selecting 'Aadhaar KYC'.

Key Facts

Aadhaar authentication is mandatory for booking tickets on IRCTC.
It helps in verifying your identity and prevents misuse of accounts.
The process can be completed online via the IRCTC website or app.
You will need your Aadhaar number and the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Successful authentication allows you to book up to 12 tickets per month, compared to 6 for unauthenticated users.

What is IRCTC Aadhaar Authentication?

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the official platform for booking train tickets in India. To enhance security, prevent fraudulent activities, and comply with government regulations, IRCTC mandates Aadhaar authentication for its users. Aadhaar is a unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all residents. Linking your Aadhaar to your IRCTC profile verifies your identity, making your account more secure and enabling a higher quota for ticket bookings.

Why is Aadhaar Authentication Required?

The primary reasons for mandating Aadhaar authentication on IRCTC are:

Identity Verification: It confirms that the person booking tickets is a genuine individual, reducing the chances of fake bookings and ticket touting.
Security Enhancement: By linking your Aadhaar, you add an extra layer of security to your IRCTC account, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to access or misuse it.
Increased Booking Quota: Authenticated users are allowed to book a higher number of tickets per month. Non-authenticated users are limited to booking only 6 tickets per month, whereas authenticated users can book up to 12 tickets per month. This is particularly beneficial for frequent travelers.
Compliance with Regulations: The Indian government promotes the use of Aadhaar for various services to streamline processes and improve transparency.

How to Authenticate Aadhaar with IRCTC?

The process of authenticating your Aadhaar with your IRCTC profile is straightforward and can be completed online. Here are the steps:

Using the IRCTC Website:

Login to IRCTC: Visit the official IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in) and log in using your username and password.
Navigate to 'My Account': Once logged in, click on 'My Account' in the top menu bar.
Select 'Profile': From the dropdown menu, select 'Profile'.
Choose 'Aadhaar KYC': Within the Profile section, you will find an option for 'Aadhaar KYC'. Click on it.
Enter Aadhaar Number: You will be prompted to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
Send OTP: Click on the 'Send OTP' button. An One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar.
Enter OTP: Enter the received OTP in the designated field and click 'Verify OTP'.
Confirmation: Upon successful verification, your Aadhaar will be linked to your IRCTC profile, and a confirmation message will be displayed.

Using the IRCTC Mobile App:

The process on the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app is very similar:

Open the App and Login: Launch the IRCTC Rail Connect app and log in with your credentials.
Go to 'My Profile': Tap on the 'My Profile' option, usually found in the menu.
Find 'Aadhaar Authentication': Look for the 'Aadhaar Authentication' or 'Aadhaar KYC' section.
Enter Aadhaar Details: Input your Aadhaar number.
Verify with OTP: Request an OTP, receive it on your registered mobile, and enter it to complete the verification.

What if My Mobile Number is Not Registered with Aadhaar?

If the mobile number registered with your Aadhaar is not the same as the one linked to your IRCTC account, or if it's not updated with UIDAI, you will not receive the OTP. In such cases, you need to update your mobile number with UIDAI first. You can do this by visiting an Aadhaar Enrolment Centre or through the UIDAI's online portal (if eligible for remote update). Once your mobile number is updated with UIDAI, you can proceed with the Aadhaar authentication on IRCTC.

Benefits of Aadhaar Authentication

Beyond the mandatory requirement and increased booking limits, Aadhaar authentication offers several benefits:

Reduced Touts and Black Marketing: It helps curb the practice of ticket touting by linking tickets to verified individuals.
Simplified Process: Once authenticated, you don't need to repeat the process for basic verification purposes.
Trust and Reliability: It builds trust in the booking system by ensuring a higher level of user verification.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Some users might face issues during the authentication process:

OTP Not Received: Ensure your mobile number is correctly registered with both IRCTC and Aadhaar. Check your network signal.
Incorrect Details: Double-check that you are entering the correct Aadhaar number and OTP.
System Glitches: Occasionally, IRCTC's servers might be overloaded. Try the process again after some time.

If problems persist, contacting IRCTC customer support is recommended.

Conclusion

Aadhaar authentication is a crucial step for all IRCTC users who wish to book train tickets seamlessly and with a higher quota. It ensures a secure and reliable ticketing system for millions of travelers across India. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily link your Aadhaar to your IRCTC profile and enjoy the benefits of a verified account.