How to Create a IRCTC Account: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Railway Travelers

How to create a IRCTC Account?

If you're planning to travel by train in India, having an IRCTC account is essential. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the official platform for booking train tickets online. Whether you're a frequent traveler or planning your first journey, this guide will walk you through how to create a IRCTC account in 2025, ensuring you can book tickets, check schedules, and manage your travel with ease.

🚆 Why You Need an IRCTC Account

Before diving into how to create a IRCTC account, let’s understand why it’s important:

Book train tickets online without visiting railway stations.
Access Tatkal and Premium Tatkal bookings.
Check PNR status, train schedules, and seat availability.
Link Aadhaar for extended booking privileges.
Avail discounts and offers on tourism packages and meals.

Creating an IRCTC account is free and takes less than 10 minutes. Let’s explore the process in detail.

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a IRCTC Account

Follow these steps to register successfully:

✅ Step 1: Visit the Official IRCTC Website

Go to www.irctc.co.in.
Click on ‘Sign Up’ located at the top-right corner of the homepage.

✅ Step 2: Fill in Your Personal Details

Username: Choose a unique username (6–35 characters).
Password: Create a strong password with letters, numbers, and special characters.
Security Question: Select one and provide an answer for account recovery.

✅ Step 3: Provide Contact Information

Mobile Number: Must be valid and linked to your Aadhaar (for future verification).
Email Address: Used for ticket confirmations and account alerts.

✅ Step 4: Enter Address Details

Full Residential Address: Include city, state, and PIN code.
Country of Residence: Foreign nationals must register via the IRCTC international portal.

✅ Step 5: Verify Mobile and Email

You’ll receive an OTP on your mobile and a verification link on your email.
Enter the OTP and click the email link to activate your account.

📱 How to Create a IRCTC Account via Mobile App

Prefer using your smartphone? Here’s how to create a IRCTC account using the IRCTC Rail Connect app:

Download the app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Tap on ‘Register’ and follow the same steps as the website.
Verify your mobile number and email to activate the account.

🔐 Tips for a Smooth Registration

To avoid errors while learning how to create a IRCTC account, keep these tips in mind:

Use a valid mobile number and email—they’re mandatory.
Choose a strong password and remember your security answer.
Avoid using special characters in your username.
Double-check your address and PIN code for accuracy.

🎁 Benefits After Creating Your IRCTC Account

Once you’ve completed how to create a IRCTC account, here’s what you unlock:

Book up to 6 tickets/month, or 12–24 tickets if Aadhaar is linked.
Access to Tatkal and Premium Tatkal quotas.
Real-time train tracking and PNR updates.
Tourism packages, hotel bookings, and meal ordering.
Priority access during festive seasons and special trains.

🧠 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it free to create an IRCTC account?
Yes, registration is completely free for individual users.

Q: Can I create multiple IRCTC accounts?
No, one account per user is recommended to avoid booking issues.

Q: What if I forget my password?
Use the ‘Forgot Password’ option and answer your security question or verify via OTP.

Q: Can foreign nationals create an IRCTC account?
Yes, but they must use the IRCTC International Portal designed for foreign users.

📌 Final Thoughts

Understanding how to create a IRCTC account is the first step toward hassle-free train travel in India. With digital booking, real-time updates, and access to exclusive services, IRCTC empowers passengers to take control of their journeys.

So whether you're booking a short trip or planning a cross-country adventure, make sure your IRCTC account is ready. It’s your gateway to the vast and vibrant Indian Railways network.