IRCTC: Tips, tricks to book confirmed Tatkal tickets online
What's the story
For last-minute passenger reservations, the Indian Railways provides the online "Tatkal" ticket booking service.
On the IRCTC platform, Tatkal bookings open at 10:00am for AC classes and 11:00am for non-AC classes on the previous day of the actual journey date.
However, these tickets are booked on a first-come-first-served basis.
So, here are some tips to help you book confirmed Tatkal tickets.
#1,2
Use multiple login credentials; enter passenger details in advance
Use multiple credentials: One simple trick is to use multiple browsers/different computers simultaneously and try to book a Tatkal ticket using different login credentials, as this will increase your chances of getting a ticket.
Enter passenger details beforehand: Always fill in the passenger details prior to the opening of Tatkal ticket bookings. This will help save time and increase chances of getting the ticket.
#3,4
Keep IDs ready; choose 2AC over 3AC
IDs: Keep important IDs like PAN cards or driving licenses required for reservation ready at your end to avoid wasting time looking for them at the time of booking.
Choose 2AC over 3AC: 3AC tickets tend to get exhausted much quicker than 2AC, so always prefer Tatkal tickets in 2AC in order to save time and better your chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
#5,6
Avoid Tatkal-exhausted trains; go for net banking/UPI
Avoid Tatkal-exhausted trains: Do not waste your time trying to book tickets for trains for which Tatkal tickets have already been exhausted.
Pay via net banking or UPI: Entering lengthy debit/credit card details can lead to a waste of time. It is advisable to stick to net banking or UPI as your payment method for Tatkal bookings, as they are faster modes of payment.