IRCTC Registration - Signup Tutorial to Create New Account

By SaveDelete October 14, 2017 Updated: December 27, 2025

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) continues to be India's premier online railway booking platform in 2025, serving millions of passengers who prefer the convenience of digital ticket booking over traditional counter purchases. With enhanced security features, streamlined processes, and improved user experience, creating an IRCTC account has become more straightforward than ever before.

Whether you're a frequent traveler or booking your first train ticket online, having an IRCTC account is essential for accessing India's extensive railway network digitally. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the complete registration process, highlighting the latest updates and features available in 2025.

Why Register for IRCTC in 2025?

The benefits of having an IRCTC account extend far beyond simple ticket booking. In 2025, registered users enjoy access to premium features including priority booking during high-demand periods, exclusive discounts on select routes, and integration with digital payment platforms for seamless transactions. The platform now supports multiple languages and offers enhanced mobile responsiveness for users across diverse demographics.

Additionally, IRCTC has introduced loyalty programs and reward points systems that benefit regular travelers. These features, combined with real-time train tracking and automated refund processing, make registration a valuable investment for anyone planning to travel by train in India.

IRCTC Registration Requirements for 2025

Before beginning the registration process, ensure you have the following information readily available:

Valid Email Address: Must be active and accessible for OTP verification
Mobile Number: Indian mobile number for SMS verification (international numbers accepted for NRI users)
Personal Information: Full name as per government ID, date of birth, and nationality
Address Details: Complete residential address including state, city, and pincode
Payment Method: For NRI users who need to pay the registration fee

Step-by-Step IRCTC Registration Process

Step 1: Visit the Official IRCTC Website

Navigate to irctc.co.in using your preferred web browser. Always verify you're on the authentic IRCTC website by checking the URL and looking for the secure connection indicator (padlock icon). Avoid clicking on suspicious links or advertisements that might redirect to fraudulent websites. Once on the homepage, locate and click the "Register" button, typically positioned in the top-right corner of the page.

Step 2: Enter Account Information

On the registration form, you'll need to create your account credentials:

Username: Choose a unique username between 3-35 characters. Remember that usernames are case-sensitive and must contain only alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers). Avoid using special characters or spaces. Select something memorable as you'll use this for all future logins.
Password: Create a strong password combining uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The password should be at least 8 characters long for optimal security.
Confirm Password: Re-enter your password to ensure accuracy

Step 3: Fill Personal Information

Provide accurate personal details as they will be used for ticket booking and verification:

Full Name: Enter your complete name as it appears on government-issued identification
Date of Birth: Select your birth date using the calendar picker
Nationality: Choose your nationality from the dropdown menu
Occupation: Select your profession from the available options
Gender: Specify your gender
Email Address: Provide a valid email address for account verification and communication
Mobile Number: Enter your active mobile number for SMS notifications and OTP verification

Step 4: Add Address Details

Complete your address information accurately:

Country: Select India or your country of residence
State: Choose your state from the dropdown list
City: Enter your city name
Pincode: Provide your area's postal code
Address: Enter your complete residential address

Step 5: Review and Register

Before submitting your registration, carefully review all entered information for accuracy. Pay special attention to your email address and mobile number, as these will be used for verification. Check the terms and conditions checkbox, then click the "Register" button. A confirmation popup will appear asking you to verify your details one final time.

Step 6: OTP Verification

IRCTC will send One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to both your registered email address and mobile number. Check your email inbox and SMS messages for these verification codes. Enter both OTPs in the respective fields on the verification page within the specified time limit (usually 10 minutes). If you don't receive the OTPs, use the "Resend" option after waiting for the cooldown period.

Step 7: Login with New Credentials

Once verification is complete, you'll receive a confirmation message indicating successful registration. You can now log in to your IRCTC account using your chosen username and password. Upon first login, you may be prompted to set up security questions for additional account protection.

Mobile App Registration Option

For users who prefer mobile applications, IRCTC offers the official "IRCTC Rail Connect" app available on both Google Play Store for Android devices and Apple App Store for iOS devices. The mobile registration process follows similar steps but is optimized for touchscreen interfaces and offers additional features like biometric login options where supported.

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The mobile app provides the same registration functionality with the added convenience of automatic form filling for returning users and integrated camera features for document uploads if required in the future.

Registration Fees and Charges

User Type	Registration Fee	Additional Charges	Payment Methods
Indian Citizens	Free	None	N/A
NRI (Non-Resident Indians)	₹100 + GST	GST as applicable	Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking
International Users	₹100 + GST	Currency conversion charges may apply	International Credit/Debit Cards

Important Tips for Successful Registration

Security Best Practices

Choose Strong Security Questions: Select security questions with answers that are memorable to you but difficult for others to guess. Avoid using easily discoverable information like your pet's name or favorite color that might be found on social media.

Password Security: Create a unique password specifically for your IRCTC account. Avoid reusing passwords from other accounts, and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

Accuracy and Verification

Double-Check All Details: Carefully review every piece of information before submitting your registration. Incorrect details can lead to booking complications and may require contacting customer support to resolve.

Website Authenticity: Always ensure you're on the genuine IRCTC website by checking the URL (irctc.co.in) and looking for security indicators. Be cautious of phishing websites that may look similar but have slightly different URLs.

Communication Preferences

Email Accessibility: Use an email address that you check regularly, as IRCTC sends important updates, booking confirmations, and promotional offers via email.

Mobile Number Verification: Ensure your mobile number is active and capable of receiving SMS messages, as this is crucial for OTP verification and booking notifications.

Troubleshooting Common Registration Issues

Username Already Exists

If your desired username is already taken, try variations by adding numbers or abbreviations. Remember that usernames are case-sensitive, so "UserName" and "username" are different. However, stick to alphanumeric characters only.

OTP Not Received

If you don't receive OTP messages, check your spam/junk email folder and ensure your mobile has good network coverage. Wait for the specified time before requesting a new OTP, as too many requests can temporarily block the service.

Technical Errors

During peak hours or high-traffic periods, the IRCTC website may experience slowdowns. If you encounter technical errors, wait a few minutes and try again. Clear your browser cache and cookies if problems persist.

Post-Registration Setup

After successful registration, consider setting up additional security features available in your account settings. Enable email notifications for login attempts, set up backup contact information, and familiarize yourself with the booking interface.

Take time to explore the various features available in your IRCTC account, including the ability to save frequent travel routes, manage passenger information for quick booking, and access your booking history.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is IRCTC registration free for all users in 2025?

IRCTC registration is completely free for Indian citizens. However, NRI (Non-Resident Indian) users and international users are required to pay a registration fee of ₹100 plus applicable GST. This fee helps maintain the platform and provides additional services for overseas users.

2. Can I change my username after registration?

No, usernames cannot be changed once your IRCTC account is created. Choose your username carefully during registration as it will be permanent. If you need a different username, you would have to create a new account with a different email address.

3. How long does the registration process take?

The complete IRCTC registration process typically takes 5-10 minutes, including OTP verification. However, during peak hours or if there are technical issues, it might take longer. Ensure you have all required information ready before starting to expedite the process.

4. What should I do if I forget my password immediately after registration?

If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You'll need to provide your username and registered email address. IRCTC will send password reset instructions to your email. Follow the link in the email to create a new password.

5. Can I use the same email address for multiple IRCTC accounts?

No, each email address can only be associated with one IRCTC account. If you try to register with an email address that's already in use, the system will display an error message. Use a different email address if you need to create another account.

6. Is it safe to register on IRCTC using public Wi-Fi?

While IRCTC uses secure connections (HTTPS), it's recommended to avoid registering or logging in using public Wi-Fi networks. Public networks can be vulnerable to security threats. Use your mobile data or a trusted private network for account registration and sensitive transactions.

7. Can I register for IRCTC if I don't have an Indian mobile number?

International users and NRIs can register using international mobile numbers, but they must pay the registration fee of ₹100 plus GST. The system accepts mobile numbers from most countries, but ensure your number can receive SMS messages for OTP verification.

8. What happens if I enter incorrect information during registration?

If you enter incorrect information, you may face issues when booking tickets, especially if the name doesn't match your ID proof. Minor corrections can sometimes be made through customer support, but major changes might require creating a new account. Always double-check your information before submitting.

9. How many tickets can I book with a new IRCTC account?

New IRCTC accounts can book up to 6 tickets per month initially. This limit may be increased based on your booking history and account verification status. The monthly limit resets on the 1st of each month.

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10. Can I delete my IRCTC account if I no longer need it?

IRCTC accounts cannot be deleted by users directly. However, inactive accounts may be automatically deactivated after extended periods of non-use. If you have specific concerns about your account, contact IRCTC customer support for assistance with account-related queries.