IRCTC train ticket booking: How to book Tatkal tickets without money getting blocked, step-by-step guide to follow

People book Tatkal tickets on the day before the train's departure from the originating station. The booking window opens at 10 am for AC classes (2A/3A/CC/EC/3E) and 11 am for non-AC coaches (SL/FC/2S). For example, if you want to book a Tatkal ticket for a train departing on November 1, you can book it on October 30 at the specified times.

Now imagine you need to book Tatkal train tickets for a family of five. This could cost thousands of rupees. Additionally, if you specify a particular berth, such as a lower berth, and it's not available, your money will be blocked for four to five days before being automatically refunded.

The main concern is not the refund itself, but the time it takes to receive it. To save both time and money when booking Tatkal tickets, consider using the autopay option where you can use UPI (OTM)/debit card (OTM)/credit card (OTM) to pay for the tickets using a mandate. These autopay options are available on the IRCTC iPay payment gateway.


"In UPI autopay, a temporary hold, or lien, is placed on the user's bank account for the ticket amount. When a user chooses UPI autopay, he or she authorises IRCTC to debit money only after the train ticket is confirmed. In other words, funds are reserved but not deducted until a PNR is generated. If the ticket does not get confirmed, such as happens in the case of waitlisted tickets, the lien is released and the user's money is returned to their account. This minimises financial risks since users don't stand to lose money from unsuccessful booking," says Vishal Maru, Global Processing Head, FSS.

Here's how to book Tatkal ticket using UPI, debit and credit card autopay: A step-by-step guide

Step 1: Since this is a Tatkal booking make sure to select TATKAL as the 'Quota' as seen from the below image.

Source: IRCTC Android App

Step 2: Now select the class of the train coach and then click on 'PASSENGER DETAILS'.

Source: IRCTC Android App

Step 3: Now you have two options: put in a preference for a specific type of berth (lower, side lower, etc) or let the Railways computer software decide the best berth for you. If you want to put in a specific berth choice, then first put the preference in passenger details and then in 'Reservation Choice'. In the image below we have selected 'BOOK, ONLY IF AT LEAST 1 LOWER BERTH IS ALLOCATED'. If you go ahead with this specific reservation choice, then your ticket will only be booked if this berth is available. Else it will not be booked, and any money deducted will be refunded within the standard timeline for refund.

Source: IRCTC Android App

Step 4: Next select IRCTC's i-Pay payment gateway by clicking on 'Autopay' as seen in the image below. You can pay by UPI (OTM) or 'Debit Card (OTM) or 'Credit Card (OTM)' under the autopay section of IRCTC's iPay payment gateway.

Using autopay ensures that the money is only deducted from your bank account if your specific reservation preferences are fulfilled. Otherwise, the funds remain in your bank account.

"In case if the transaction fails, mandate will be released within 30 minutes of transaction else you may reach us on support@autope.in," says IRCTC on its app.

Source: IRCTC Android App

Maru of FSS says, "The IRCTC autopay system for credit cards makes train ticket booking easier. It puts a temporary hold on the ticket amount instead of charging your card right away. When you book a ticket, the system sets aside the money, but it processes the actual payment if your ticket gets confirmed. If your ticket doesn't get confirmed, the system lifts the hold, and you don't lose any money. This means that if you book a waitlisted ticket that doesn't get confirmed, you get your money back right away. This lets you make other travel plans. All in all, this system gives travellers more options and less stress. It makes sure you pay when your tickets are confirmed while cutting down on the chance of losing money on bookings that don't work out."

1. How many tickets can be booked in tatkal
   Maximum of four passengers per PNR can be booked on Tatkal e-tickets.
2. How to book tatkal ticket in irctc website and app
   You need to select 'TATKAL' quota in the IRCTC app and website and proceed to book as usual.
3. When can i book tatkal ticket
   the Tatkal quota booking for that particular train will open at 10:00 hrs for AC class (1A/2A/3A/CC/EC/3E)and at 11:00 hrs for Non- AC class(SL/FC/2S) class.
4. How many days before tatkal ticket can be booked
   Tatkal E-ticket can be booked for selected trains one day in advance excluding date of journey from the train originating station.