IRCTC Registration 2026: Create New Account Step-by-Step

Step 1: Go to IRCTC Registration Page

Go to irctc.co.in. Click 'Register' (top-right corner). You will be taken to the New User Registration form. IRCTC registration is free — there is no charge to create an account.

Step 2: Fill Personal and Login Details

Fill in the required fields: User ID (3–10 characters, letters and numbers, no spaces — this is your permanent login name, choose carefully), Password (8–15 characters, must include at least 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special character), First Name and Last Name (as per ID proof), Date of Birth, Occupation, Aadhaar Number (optional but recommended — increases monthly booking limit from 6 to 12 tickets), Gender, Marital Status, Country (India), Nationality (Indian).

Step 3: Fill Contact Details

Enter: Mobile Number (10-digit, Indian number — an OTP will be sent here), Email Address (valid — ticket confirmations and password resets go here), Resident Address (State, City, PIN). Double-check your mobile number and email — these are critical for OTP and ticket delivery.

Step 4: Verify OTP and Complete Registration

Click 'Submit Registration'. IRCTC will send an OTP to your mobile number. Enter the OTP within 10 minutes. Your account is now active. Log in immediately to verify your email address (IRCTC may send a verification link). You can start booking tickets right away after email verification.

Common Questions

Is IRCTC registration free?

Yes — creating an IRCTC account is completely free. There is no registration fee or annual charge.

What documents do I need for IRCTC registration?

No documents are required to submit during registration. You just need a valid mobile number, email address, and basic personal details. Aadhaar number is optional but recommended (increases monthly ticket limit).

Can I have two IRCTC accounts?

IRCTC allows only one account per mobile number and one account per email address. Having multiple accounts violates IRCTC terms and can result in all accounts being blocked.

What is the IRCTC User ID limit?

User ID must be 3–10 characters, only letters and numbers (no spaces or special characters). Once chosen, User ID cannot be changed — pick carefully.

Why is IRCTC showing 'User ID already exists'?

Someone has already registered with that User ID. Try adding numbers or slight variations — e.g., if 'rajesh' is taken, try 'rajesh2' or 'rajesh_del'. User IDs are permanent and cannot be reused after deletion.

How long does IRCTC registration take to activate?

Activation is usually immediate after OTP verification. Your account is ready to book tickets within minutes of completing registration.

What is the monthly ticket booking limit on IRCTC?

Default limit: 6 tickets per month. With Aadhaar-linked account: 12 tickets per month. Each ticket allows up to 6 passengers.

Can I register for IRCTC without Aadhaar?

Yes — Aadhaar is optional during registration. Without Aadhaar, your monthly booking limit is 6 tickets. With Aadhaar linked, the limit doubles to 12.

Useful Links

Check your ticket directly, track train running status, or read related railway guides.