To log in to IRCTC, open the official website irctc.co.in or the IRCTC Rail Connect app, tap Login, enter your user ID and password, solve the captcha if one appears, and submit. If you forgot either detail, use Forgot Password or Forgot User ID on the same screen, and verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
New in 2026: a beta of the redesigned website went live on 15 July 2026 at irctc.co.in/eticket with fewer captchas, and Aadhaar authentication now matters for Tatkal booking.
- What changed in 2026 (beta site and Aadhaar)
- How to log in on the IRCTC website
- How to log in on the Rail Connect app
- Forgot password: how to reset it
- Forgot user ID: how to recover it
- Login errors: cause and fix
- OTP not received
- Captcha problems
- Locked or blocked account
- Aadhaar authentication
- Keep your account safe
- Who to contact
- After you log in
- Frequently asked questions
Most IRCTC login trouble comes down to six things: a wrong password, a mistyped captcha, an OTP that never arrives, a locked account, a busy server or an outdated page. This guide covers each of them in plain language, with the exact steps for the website and the app, and it is updated for the changes IRCTC has made in 2026. If you do not have an account yet, start with our IRCTC registration guide and come back here to log in.
What changed in 2026: the beta website and Aadhaar
The new beta website
On 15 July 2026 the Ministry of Railways launched a beta version of the redesigned IRCTC website, reachable at irctc.co.in/eticket, with a link on the existing homepage. According to the official press release and news reports, the beta aims for:
- Fewer captchas and fewer pop-ups and flashing graphics.
- Seat availability for all classes on one screen.
- Fewer checkout steps.
- Saved passenger details for repeat bookings.
The press release does not explain how login works on the beta. A news report describes the usual route: click Login at the top right and sign in with your user ID and password. It is a beta and the final portal was described as arriving "in the coming weeks", so check the official site for the current status.
Do I need a new account? Nothing in the official announcement says so. Your existing user ID and password are the first thing to try. If something looks different when you log in, make sure you are on irctc.co.in and not a look-alike site.
Aadhaar authentication
Aadhaar authentication became mandatory for Tatkal bookings from 1 July 2025, and later reports extended it to the opening minutes of general reserved bookings. It is not a condition for logging in, but it can stop you from booking when the window opens, so see the Aadhaar section below.
How to log in on the IRCTC website
- Open the official site. Type irctc.co.in into your browser yourself, or use the beta link on the homepage. Avoid links from ads, messages or unknown sites.
- Tap or click Login. It sits at the top right of the homepage.
- Enter your user ID and password. Type them carefully; the password is case-sensitive.
- Complete the captcha if one is shown. Captchas are case-sensitive, and the new beta is meant to show fewer of them.
- Click Sign In. After login your name appears at the top right.
- Verify if asked. If IRCTC asks for an OTP, enter the one sent to your registered mobile number.
Tip: save your user ID somewhere safe. It cannot be changed, and it is the detail people forget most often.
How to log in on the IRCTC Rail Connect app
- Install IRCTC Rail Connect from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Check that the publisher is IRCTC.
- Open the app and tap Login.
- Enter the same user ID and password you use on the website.
- Complete any captcha or OTP step.
- Optionally enable the app's quick-login or biometric option, if it is offered on your phone.
If the app misbehaves, update it, restart your phone, or try the website in a desktop browser. For a comparison of the app options, see our IRCTC and UTS app guide.
Forgot IRCTC password: how to reset it
IRCTC offers two ways to reset a password. Which one you see depends on how your account was set up.
Method 1: Reset with mobile OTP
- On the login screen choose Forgot Password.
- Enter your user ID and the captcha, then proceed.
- Enter your registered mobile number. An OTP is sent to it.
- Enter the OTP, then type and confirm a new password.
- Complete the final captcha and submit.
Method 2: Reset with the security question
- Choose Forgot Password and enter your user ID.
- Answer the security question you chose at registration.
- If your answer is correct, instructions to reset the password are emailed to you.
- Follow the email link and set a new password.
Password rules: guides report 8 to 15 characters with upper-case and lower-case letters, a number and a special character. Follow the hints on the screen, because the exact rule can change.
If you cannot receive the OTP or email, your registered mobile or email may be out of date. See the OTP section below, and then contact IRCTC support to update your details.
Forgot IRCTC user ID: how to recover it
- On the login screen choose Forgot User ID.
- Enter the details it asks for. Guides describe your registered email or mobile number, your date of birth and the captcha.
- Submit. Your user ID is sent to you.
Do not register a second account just because you lost the first. IRCTC allows one account per mobile number and per email address according to guides, so a new registration will usually fail. Recovering the old account is faster. If you do need a fresh start, see our IRCTC sign-up guide.
IRCTC login errors: cause and fix
Match the message you see to the table below. Exact wording on the site can change, so look for the meaning.
| What you see | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Invalid user ID or password | Typo, caps lock, wrong ID, old password | Retype slowly, check caps lock, then use Forgot Password or Forgot User ID. |
| Invalid captcha | Captcha is case-sensitive or hard to read | Refresh the captcha, zoom in, retype it, or try audio captcha if offered. |
| OTP not received | Number off, DND, weak signal or number changed | Wait two minutes, check network and DND, request once more. |
| Account locked or too many attempts | Repeated wrong passwords | Wait for the lock to clear (guides say around 30 minutes) or reset the password. |
| Session expired or page does not load | Idle tab, cache, heavy traffic | Refresh, clear cache, open a new private window or switch device. |
| Login button does nothing | Browser extension, cookies or old page | Disable extensions, clear cookies, try another browser. |
| User ID does not exist | Wrong ID, or you registered under another email | Try Forgot User ID with your mobile number or email. |
| Account inactive or blocked | Flagged or deactivated by IRCTC | Contact IRCTC support. Reports say about 2.5 crore suspicious IDs were deactivated in 2026. |
IRCTC OTP not received: what to do
- Check your phone. Is the number on the account active, switched on and in coverage?
- Look at DND settings. Some DND filters block service messages.
- Wait two to three minutes before you request another OTP, since repeated requests can delay delivery.
- Check spam if the OTP is sent by email.
- Try another network or Wi-Fi. A weak signal delays SMS.
- If the number is no longer yours, use the email route if available, or contact support to update your registered details.
IRCTC captcha problems
The captcha is the single most complained-about part of IRCTC login, which is partly why the beta website promises fewer of them. If you are stuck:
- Remember that it is case-sensitive.
- Reload the image if it is blurred.
- Use a desktop browser if the phone browser keeps failing.
- Try the audio option if the screen offers one.
- Turn off ad blockers and page translators that may distort the image.
Locked, blocked or deactivated account
After several wrong attempts you may be locked out for a while. Some guides say five wrong attempts lead to a lock of about 30 minutes, but this is not widely published, so treat it as a guide. Resetting your password is the quickest fix. If the message says your account is blocked or inactive, no amount of retrying helps, so contact IRCTC support with your user ID and registered details. Press reports in June 2026 said about 2.5 crore suspicious user IDs had been deactivated, so a long-unused or duplicate account is more likely to be flagged.
Aadhaar authentication on IRCTC
Aadhaar authentication is not required to log in, but it affects when you can book.
- Tatkal: Aadhaar authentication has been mandatory for Tatkal bookings since 1 July 2025. See our Tatkal booking guide.
- General booking: reports say that from 1 October 2025 only Aadhaar-authenticated users could book in the first 15 minutes of a general window, and that a February 2026 report extended the idea to first-day bookings. Check the latest rule on the official site.
- Counter bookings are reported to be unaffected.
How to authenticate
- Log in to your IRCTC account on the website or app.
- Open My Profile.
- Choose Aadhaar Authentication.
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Enter the OTP sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
Make sure the name and date of birth on your IRCTC profile match your Aadhaar. If the app fails, try the website.
Keep your IRCTC account safe
- Use only the official site and app. Check that the address is irctc.co.in.
- Never share your OTP or password, even with someone who claims to be from IRCTC.
- Use a strong, unique password that you do not use elsewhere.
- Keep your mobile number and email current in My Profile, because they are your recovery route.
- Log out on shared computers.
- Be careful with third-party apps and "agents". See our IRCTC alternatives guide for how legitimate booking apps differ from login-stealing sites.
Scam alert: fake IRCTC pages and messages that ask you to "verify your account" or enter an OTP to avoid suspension are a common trick. IRCTC will not ask for your OTP by phone or chat.
Who to contact for login help
| Channel | Details (verify on the official contact page) |
|---|---|
| IRCTC helpline | 14646, plus 0755-6610661 and 0755-4090600, as listed by third-party guides |
| care@irctc.co.in | |
| Railway enquiry | 139 |
| On the site | The Contact Us and Help sections at irctc.co.in |
Have your user ID, registered mobile number and registered email ready, and describe the exact error. Our IRCTC customer care page explains more.
After you log in: what next?
- Book a ticket: IRCTC ticket booking guide, plus booking tips and tricks.
- Check when to book: the booking date checker, and the Tatkal guide.
- Check your status: PNR status and live train status, plus seat availability.
- Change plans: cancel a ticket and refunds.
- Booking from outside India: IRCTC booking from abroad.
Frequently asked questions about IRCTC login
How do I log in to IRCTC?
Open the official IRCTC website at irctc.co.in or the IRCTC Rail Connect app, tap Login, enter your user ID and password, type the captcha if it is shown, and submit. If you do not have an account yet, register first with a mobile number and email, both verified by OTP.
What should I do if I forgot my IRCTC password?
Choose Forgot Password on the login page, enter your user ID and the captcha, and verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. Some accounts also offer a security-question route that sends a reset link to your email. Then set a new password that follows the rules shown on screen.
How can I recover a forgotten IRCTC user ID?
Use the Forgot User ID option on the login page and enter the details it asks for, usually your registered email or mobile number and your date of birth, plus the captcha. The user ID is then shown or sent to you. Your user ID cannot be changed later, so note it down.
Why is my IRCTC login not working?
The usual causes are a wrong user ID or password, a case-sensitive captcha typed wrongly, a locked account after repeated failures, an OTP that has not arrived, an old cached page or heavy traffic at peak booking time. Work through the error table in this guide, starting with the exact message you see.
Why am I not getting the IRCTC OTP?
OTPs fail mainly because the registered mobile number is switched off, out of coverage or on a DND setting, or because the number on the account is no longer yours. Wait a couple of minutes before requesting another, check your spam folder for email OTPs, and avoid pressing Resend repeatedly.
Is the new IRCTC website live and do I need a new account?
A beta of the redesigned website went live on 15 July 2026 at irctc.co.in/eticket, with a link on the existing homepage. Reports describe the same username and password login, but IRCTC has not described an account change. Treat your existing account as valid and check the official site for the latest rollout status.
Is Aadhaar authentication mandatory for IRCTC login?
Not for logging in. However, Aadhaar authentication has been required for Tatkal bookings since 1 July 2025, and reports say it also applies to the first minutes of general booking windows. Link it from My Profile after you log in, using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
Can I have more than one IRCTC account?
Guides report that IRCTC allows one account per mobile number and per email address, so registering again with the same details usually fails. If you cannot remember your account, use the Forgot User ID option instead of creating a duplicate. Check the official terms for the current rules.
How long does an IRCTC account stay locked after wrong passwords?
Some guides report a temporary lock after about five consecutive wrong attempts that clears after roughly 30 minutes, or sooner if you reset your password. IRCTC does not publish this prominently, so treat the numbers as approximate and use Forgot Password if you cannot wait.
Can I change my IRCTC user ID?
No. A user ID is fixed once you create it, according to guides. You can change your password, and you can update profile details such as your mobile number and email from My Profile after logging in. If you need a different user ID, you would have to contact IRCTC support.
Is it safe to log in to IRCTC from a third-party app or site?
Log in only through the official irctc.co.in website or the IRCTC Rail Connect app. Third-party sites that ask for your IRCTC password are a risk, and apps that book through their own login are separate services. Never share your OTP or password. See our alternatives guide for how booking apps differ.
What is the IRCTC customer care number for login problems?
Third-party guides list the IRCTC helpline as 14646, with additional numbers 0755-6610661 and 0755-4090600 and the email care@irctc.co.in. Railway enquiries use 139. Numbers change, so confirm them on the official IRCTC contact page before you call or write.
Final thoughts
Most IRCTC login problems are fixable in a minute once you know which of the six causes you are facing. Keep your user ID, mobile number and email up to date, use only the official site and app, and watch for further changes as the redesigned portal rolls out.
Dear Sir,
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