How to Create an IRCTC Account Step by Step

You need an IRCTC account before you can book train tickets online. The registration process is straightforward but has a few steps that trip people up — especially the mobile and email verification. Here's the complete walkthrough.

Prerequisites

Before starting, keep these ready:

• A valid mobile number (Indian number required)


• A working email address


• Aadhaar card or any government ID (for details like name, DOB, address)


• A device with internet access (phone or computer)

Step-by-Step Registration

Step 1: Go to the IRCTC Registration Page

Open irctc.co.in in your browser. Click on "Register" or "Sign Up" on the homepage. You'll be taken to the registration form.

Alternatively, if you're using the IRCTC Rail Connect app, tap "Create Account" on the login screen.

Step 2: Choose a Username and Password

Username: Choose something you'll remember. It must be 3-35 characters, letters and numbers only. Avoid special characters. Once set, this cannot be changed, so pick carefully.

Popular format: firstname.lastname or firstnamelastname123

Password: Must include:

• At least 8 characters
• One uppercase letter
• One lowercase letter
• One number
• One special character (@, #, $, etc.)

Security question: Select a question and type your answer. This is used for password recovery, so remember it.

Step 3: Enter Personal Details

Fill in:

• First Name and Last Name (as per your ID proof)


• Date of Birth


• Gender


• Marital Status


• Nationality (Indian)


• Occupation (select from dropdown)

Use the exact name as it appears on your government ID. This name will appear on your tickets and is checked by the TTE during travel.

Step 4: Enter Address

Your residential address:

• Flat/House Number


• Street/Locality


• City/Town


• State


• PIN Code


• Country

This address is used for your profile and any postal communication. It doesn't affect booking.

Step 5: Enter Mobile Number and Email

Mobile number: Must be a valid Indian number. You'll receive an OTP for verification. Each mobile number can be linked to only one IRCTC account. Email: You'll receive a verification email. Again, one email per account. Use an email you check regularly — booking confirmations, cancellation notices, and refund updates all come here.

Step 6: Verify Mobile via OTP

After submitting the form, IRCTC sends a 6-digit OTP to your mobile number. Enter it within the time limit (usually 2-3 minutes). If you don't receive it, click "Resend OTP."

Common issues:

• OTP delayed by 1-2 minutes during peak hours (especially 8-11 AM when bookings are heavy)


• Check SMS spam filters if using a smartphone


• DND (Do Not Disturb) should not block transactional SMS, but some networks are quirky

Step 7: Verify Email

IRCTC sends a verification link to your email. Open the email and click the link. This activates your account for full functionality.

If you don't verify your email:

• You can still log in and browse


• But you may face issues during actual ticket booking


• Password reset via email won't work

Check your Spam/Junk folder if you don't see the email in your inbox.

Step 8: First Login

Go back to irctc.co.in and log in with your username and password. On first login, you may need to enter another OTP sent to your mobile.

You're now ready to book tickets.

Setting Up Your Profile (Recommended)

After logging in, complete these optional but useful steps:

Add Master Passengers

Go to "My Profile" > "Add Passengers" and add details of people you frequently book tickets for (family members, friends). This saves time during booking — you just select from the list instead of typing everything.

You can add up to 12 master passengers. For each, enter:

• Name


• Age


• Gender


• Berth preference


• ID proof type and number (optional but recommended)

Add Preferred Payment Method

Under "My Profile," you can save UPI IDs or card details for faster checkout. During Tatkal booking, every second counts, so having payment pre-configured is crucial.

Link Aadhaar (Optional)

Linking Aadhaar to your IRCTC account enables:

• Booking up to 12 tickets per month (vs 6 without Aadhaar)


• Access to Aadhaar-linked booking schemes


• Easier verification during travel

To link: Go to My Profile > Link Aadhaar. Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with OTP sent to Aadhaar-linked mobile.

Common Registration Problems

"Username already exists": Someone already took that username. Try adding numbers or modifying it. There are over 7 crore IRCTC accounts, so common names are taken. "Mobile number already registered": Each mobile can link to one account. If you've forgotten an old account, use "Forgot Username" to recover it. "OTP not received": Wait 2-3 minutes. Check SMS filters. If still not received, try the "Resend OTP" option. As a last resort, try registering at a non-peak hour (after 11 PM works best). "Email verification link not working": The link expires after a certain time. Request a new verification email from your IRCTC profile settings.

Account Limits

• Without Aadhaar linking: 6 tickets per month
• With Aadhaar linking: 12 tickets per month
• Each ticket: Up to 6 passengers per booking
• Tatkal: 2 Tatkal tickets per day per user

These limits are per account, so a family of 4 traveling together can book on any one member's account.

Keep Your Account Secure

• Don't share your login credentials
• Use a strong, unique password
• Enable email notifications for all transactions
• Check your booking history periodically for unauthorized bookings
• If you suspect misuse, change your password immediately

Your IRCTC account is your gateway to booking train tickets across India. Spend 10 minutes setting it up properly, and every future booking becomes a breeze. You can also check train availability, PNR status, and other features on indianrail.app alongside your IRCTC account.