Tatkal Ticket Timing – Booking a Tatkal ticket on Indian Railways can feel like a race against the clock. With thousands of people trying to secure tickets at the same time, every second counts. One question that often comes up is whether to start booking at 9:45 AM or wait until 9:55 AM. In this article, we’ll explore the best time to log in for a higher chance of getting a confirmed seat, some useful tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding Tatkal Booking Timings
Tatkal booking has specific start times depending on the class you’re booking for:
- AC classes: Booking begins at 10:00 AM.
- Non-AC classes: Booking starts at 11:00 AM.
This means that if you’re trying to secure a seat in an AC class, you’ll need to focus on getting your booking in at 10:00 AM. The actual process of booking, however, is highly competitive, with many users racing to book their tickets as soon as the window opens.
Key Points About Tatkal Timing
- AC class Tatkal bookings begin at exactly 10:00 AM.
- Sleeper class Tatkal bookings open at 11:00 AM.
- The IRCTC server gets overloaded as soon as the booking time starts, so speed is crucial.
- Internet speed and filling out the booking form quickly are vital factors for success.
- It’s recommended to be logged in and ready before the actual booking time to avoid missing your chance.
Should You Log In at 9:45 AM or 9:55 AM?
Here’s a comparison of both approaches, with their pros and cons:
Logging in at 9:45 AM
- Pros: You’ll have more time to get ready and settle in. Logging in early gives you a head start, allowing you to fill out the form without the pressure of time.
- Cons: If you’re inactive for too long, there’s a risk of the session expiring, which could cause problems when the booking window opens.
Logging in at 9:55 AM
- Pros: Logging in just before the window opens ensures your session remains fresh, so you won’t risk getting logged out for inactivity.
- Cons: You won’t have much time to correct any login issues if they arise. This approach demands sharp focus and quick action.
The Ideal Window: 9:50 AM to 9:52 AM
For the best results, logging in between 9:50 AM and 9:52 AM strikes a balance. You’ll ensure your session remains active without wasting too much time. This gives you enough time to prepare and still be ready to book as soon as 10:00 AM arrives.
Why Session Expiry is Important
One of the most common problems people face when logging in too early (like at 9:45 AM) is that their session expires just when they’re about to book. IRCTC logs out inactive sessions after a few minutes, so if you don’t interact with the site frequently after logging in, you might miss the chance to secure a ticket.
Tips for Faster Tatkal Booking
To improve your chances of getting a confirmed seat, follow these tips:
- Log in by 9:50 AM to ensure you’re ready and avoid session expiry.
- Pre-fill passenger details using the “My Profile” feature to save time during the booking process.
- Use fast payment options like UPI or linked debit/credit cards for quicker transactions.
- Practice solving CAPTCHAs to avoid delays.
- Ensure a fast internet connection. A wired broadband connection or high-speed mobile data will help load the pages faster.
- Keep your payment app and OTP apps ready for quick verification.
- If you’re using a mobile device, download the IRCTC authorized app, like Rail Connect, for smoother booking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several small but crucial mistakes that can cost you a confirmed Tatkal ticket:
- Logging in too early and letting the session expire.
- Choosing payment methods that require multiple OTP verifications, which can slow you down.
- Using a slow internet connection, especially public Wi-Fi.
- Trying to book for too many passengers. Stick to 2-3 passengers if you need the ticket urgently.
- Refreshing the IRCTC page after 10:00 AM can break your session and make you lose your spot in the queue.
Should You Log In Early (9:45 AM)?
If you’re booking tickets for a large group of people, logging in a bit earlier (around 9:45 AM) might be necessary. This gives you more time to fill out forms manually, but you’ll need to refresh sections like CAPTCHA frequently to avoid getting logged out due to inactivity.
9:45 AM vs. 9:55 AM: Which is Better?
Here’s a quick comparison of the two approaches:
| Aspect | 9:45 AM Approach | 9:55 AM Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Session Risk | High if inactive | Low if active |
| Preparation Time | More time to prepare | Less time for preparation |
| Stress Level | Low initially | High, as you need quick reflexes |
| Ideal for | Group bookings | Individual bookings |
| Login Correction Time | Ample time for fixing issues | Very little time for corrections |
| Final Booking Readiness | Depends on refresh speed | Depends on quick action |
Booking a Tatkal ticket is all about precision and timing. Logging in at 9:45 AM gives you a head start but carries the risk of session expiry. Logging in closer to 9:55 AM keeps your session fresh but requires quick reflexes and little room for error.
For most people, the best strategy is to log in between 9:50 AM and 9:52 AM, ensuring your session is active and you’re ready to hit “Book Now” at exactly 10:00 AM. Remember that even a slight delay can mean the difference between getting a confirmed ticket and ending up on the waitlist. Plan ahead, stay alert, and good luck with your Tatkal booking!
