🚅 IndianTrainSchedule

IRCTC Login, Registration, Booking — Step by Step

By Site Admin • Apr 29, 2026

IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is India's primary platform for booking train tickets. This step-by-step guide covers everything from creating an account to completing your first booking — with tips to make the process smooth and fast.

Step 1: Visit IRCTC Website

Go to www.irctc.co.in or download the IRCTC Rail Connect app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. The website and app both offer the same booking functionality, but the app is generally faster for mobile users.

Step 2: Register for a New Account

Click "Register" and fill in:

  • Username (unique, used for login)
  • Password (must include uppercase, lowercase, number, and special character)
  • Contact details (name, mobile number, email)
  • Security questions

After submitting, a verification OTP is sent to your mobile. Enter the OTP to activate your account. You can also register via Google/Facebook on the app.

Step 3: Log In to IRCTC

After registration, log in at irctc.co.in using your username and password. A CAPTCHA is shown — type the characters shown in the image. The Rail Connect app allows biometric login (fingerprint/face) after the first login, making it much faster.

Step 4: Search for Your Train

On the dashboard, enter:

  • From Station — type the station name or code
  • To Station — type the station name or code
  • Date of Journey
  • Quota — General (GN), Tatkal (TQ), Ladies, etc.
  • Class — ALL, SL, 3A, 2A, 1A, CC, EC

Click "Find Trains." A list of trains appears with availability for each class and fare.

Tip: Use IndianTrainSchedule first to find the best train for your route, then use IRCTC for the actual booking.

Step 5: Select Train and Class

Click on the availability indicator for your preferred class. It shows CNF (Confirmed), WL (Waiting List), or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation). If the class is available, click "Book Now."

Step 6: Add Passenger Details

Fill in details for each passenger:

  • Name (must match government ID)
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Berth preference (lower, middle, upper, side lower, side upper)
  • Concession code (for senior citizens, students, etc.)

You can save passenger details for future bookings to speed up the process.

Step 7: Pay for Your Ticket

IRCTC accepts multiple payment methods:

  • UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM)
  • Debit Card / Credit Card
  • Net Banking
  • IRCTC eWallet (pre-load money for faster checkout)

Complete the payment within 5 minutes — IRCTC sessions time out quickly. The IRCTC eWallet is fastest for Tatkal bookings.

Step 8: Download Your Ticket

After successful payment, your ticket is sent to your registered email and the app. You can also download the ERS (Electronic Reservation Slip) from the IRCTC website under "My Bookings." The ERS on your phone is accepted by TTE (Train Ticket Examiner) as a valid ticket.

Important Tips

  • A maximum of 6 tickets can be booked per month per IRCTC user ID
  • Keep an ID proof matching the passenger name while traveling
  • Booking history and e-ticket are accessible under "My Bookings"
  • Cancellation can be done from the same section with auto-refund to source

Conclusion

IRCTC registration and booking is straightforward once you know the steps. Set up your account now, add your saved passengers, and link your UPI for fast payments. Combine IRCTC with IndianTrainSchedule for the best train travel planning experience in India.

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