Are you planning to travel by train in India? If so, creating an IRCTC account can simplify the ticket booking process for you. IRCTC, which stands for Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, is the official website for Indian Railways. By creating an IRCTC account, you gain access to a wide range of services, including online ticket booking, checking train schedules, and managing your bookings. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating an IRCTC account and utilizing its features.
Step 1: Access the IRCTC Website
To get started, open your web browser and visit the official IRCTC website at www.irctc.co.in. Once the website loads, you will see the option to log in if you already have an account. Since we are creating a new account, look for the “Register” or “Sign Up” button and click on it.
Step 2: Registration Process
Upon clicking the “Register” or “Sign Up” button, you will be directed to the registration page. Here, you need to provide some essential details to create your IRCTC account.
Create a User ID and Password
Choose a unique User ID and a strong password. Make sure to follow the guidelines provided by IRCTC for creating a secure password. Your User ID should be a combination of alphabets and numbers, and it must be at least five characters long.
Fill in Personal Information
Next, fill in your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, gender, and occupation. Double-check the accuracy of the details before proceeding.
Enter Security Question and Answer
Choose a security question from the dropdown menu and provide an answer. This question will be used for identity verification in case you forget your password or need to reset it.
Provide Contact Details
Enter your valid email address and mobile number. These details are crucial for account verification and communication purposes. Make sure to provide an active email address and a mobile number that is in your possession.
Step 3: Verification Process
After submitting your registration details, you need to verify your IRCTC account through two channels: email verification and mobile number verification.
Email Verification
Check your email inbox for a verification email from IRCTC. Open the email and click on the provided verification link to confirm your email address.
Mobile Number Verification
You will also receive an SMS on your registered mobile number with a verification code. Enter the verification code in the appropriate field on the IRCTC website to complete the mobile number verification process.
Step 4: Login to Your IRCTC Account
Once you have successfully verified your email address and mobile number, you can log in to your IRCTC account using the User ID and password you created during registration. Enter your credentials on the login page and click the “Sign In” or “Login” button.
Step 5: Additional Profile Settings
After logging in, you can customize your IRCTC account by accessing the profile settings. Here are a few important settings you should consider:
Add Passenger Details
To make ticket booking faster, add the details of passengers who frequently travel with you. By saving their information in your account, you can quickly select them while booking tickets.
Manage Preferences
Under the profile settings, you can manage your travel preferences, such as choosing your preferred class, seat, and meal options. These preferences will be taken into account during ticket booking.
Link Aadhaar Card
Linking your Aadhaar card to your IRCTC account can enable you to avail certain benefits and facilities provided by the Indian Railways. To link your Aadhaar card, follow the instructions provided on the IRCTC website.
Step 6: Booking Tickets
With your IRCTC account ready, you can now proceed to book train tickets online. Here’s a brief overview of the ticket booking process:
Search for Trains
On the IRCTC website, enter your source and destination stations, travel date, and other required details to search for available trains.
Select Train and Class
From the search results, choose the train and class that best suit your travel preferences. Consider factors like departure time, duration, and availability of seats.
Enter Passenger Details
Enter the passenger details for the tickets you wish to book. If you have previously saved passenger details in your account, you can select them here to save time.
Make Payment
After confirming the passenger details, proceed to the payment page. Choose a convenient payment method and complete the transaction to book your tickets.
Step 7: Manage Bookings
Your IRCTC account allows you to easily manage your bookings. Here are a few actions you can perform:
View and Cancel Bookings
Access the “Booked Tickets” section to view the details of your booked tickets. If needed, you can also cancel your tickets through your account.
Print or Download Ticket
To carry a physical copy of your ticket or to have a digital backup, you can print or download your ticket from the IRCTC website.
Step 8: IRCTC Mobile App
For added convenience, IRCTC offers a mobile application available for Android and iOS devices. Download and install the IRCTC app from the respective app store to access the features on your smartphone.
FAQs
FAQ 1: Is it necessary to create an IRCTC account to book train tickets?
Yes, creating an IRCTC account is necessary to book train tickets online through the official website or mobile app.
FAQ 2: Can I use the same account to book tickets for multiple passengers?
Yes, you can book tickets for multiple passengers using a single IRCTC account. Simply enter the details of each passenger during the booking process.
FAQ 3: What if I forget my IRCTC account password?
If you forget your IRCTC account password, you can click on the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. Follow the instructions to reset your password.
FAQ 4: How can I update my mobile number in my IRCTC account?
To update your mobile number in your IRCTC account, log in to your account and access the profile settings. Look for the option to update your contact details and enter the new mobile number.
FAQ 5: Can I book tickets through the IRCTC mobile app?
Yes, the IRCTC mobile app allows you to book train tickets, check train schedules, and manage your bookings directly from your smartphone. Download the app from the app store and log in with your IRCTC account credentials.
Muntasir is a freelance writer and blogger who covers topics related to technology, gadgets, and gaming. He has a passion for new and innovative technology and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.