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Tatkal tickets are a lifesaver for passengers who need last-minute travel arrangements. However, understanding how many Tatkal seats are available on a train can be challenging. With the right tools and resources, passengers can check train seat availability, train timing, and make quick bookings. In this blog, we will guide you on how to check Tatkal seat availability efficiently.

What is Tatkal Booking?

Tatkal is a special reservation system designed for passengers who need to book train tickets on short notice. It allows travelers to secure seats a day before the journey, with bookings opening at specific times based on the train timing and class.

Tatkal Seat Availability in a Train

The number of Tatkal seats available on a train depends on various factors, including:

1. Train type: Express, Superfast, or Special trains have different quotas.
2. Class of travel: AC, Sleeper, and General classes have separate Tatkal quotas.
3. Route popularity: High-demand routes have limited Tatkal availability.
4. Total reserved quota: A portion of the train's total seats is allocated for Tatkal booking.

How to Check Tatkal Seat Availability?

Passengers can check the number of available Tatkal seats through various train enquiry platforms, including RailMitra. Here's how:

1. Visit the RailMitra website or app.
2. Enter the train details, including train number, date of travel, and class of travel.
3. Click on the 'Tatkal Seat Availability' option.
4. The system will display real-time train seat availability under the Tatkal quota.

Tatkal Booking Timings

Since Tatkal bookings follow a strict schedule, knowing the train timing for Tatkal reservations is crucial:

• AC Classes: Booking starts at 10:00 AM one day before the journey.
• Sleeper Class: Booking opens at 11:00 AM one day prior to travel.

Tips to Secure Tatkal Seats Quickly

• Log in to the booking portal a few minutes before Tatkal booking opens.
• Keep passenger details ready to avoid delays.
• Choose alternative trains or classes if your preferred option is unavailable.
• Use fast payment options to complete the transaction quickly.

What is the Benefit of Checking Seat Availability?

Checking train seat availability in advance offers several advantages:

• Better Planning: Knowing seat availability helps passengers plan their journey without last-minute stress.
• Higher Chances of Booking: Booking early increases the likelihood of getting a confirmed ticket instead of being waitlisted.
• Alternative Options: If the preferred train is unavailable, passengers can explore alternative routes or trains.
• Cost Efficiency: Early bookings may provide better fare options compared to last-minute reservations.

Common Mistakes in Tatkal Seat Booking

Booking Tatkal tickets can be a race against time. With limited availability and high demand, many passengers end up facing issues while securing their tickets. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, it's easy to make mistakes in the rush. Here's a guide to the most common mistakes people make while booking Tatkal tickets and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Being Prepared Before the Booking Window Opens.

One of the most common mistakes is not being fully prepared when the Tatkal booking window opens. Tatkal tickets are released at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes. If you're not logged in and ready by the time the clock strikes, you risk losing the chance to book a seat.

How to Avoid It: Log in to your IRCTC account at least 10-15 minutes before the booking window opens. Have your details like the train number, travel date, and passenger information ready. This will save precious seconds.

2. Failing to Use Autofill for Faster Entry

Typing out all passenger details, train information, and payment details during the booking process can eat into your time, especially when you're competing against others.

How to Avoid It: Use the autofill option on your browser or the IRCTC mobile app. It will automatically fill in the required details like name, age, gender, and address, reducing the time you spend on manual entry.

3. Ignoring Seat Availability and Waitlist

Many passengers get excited when they find a Tatkal seat and rush to book it, only to realize they're on the waitlist, or the seat is unavailable.

How to Avoid It: Before proceeding to payment, double-check the seat availability. If you're waitlisted, assess your options carefully. Sometimes, it's better to look for an alternate train or route that offers more availability.

4. Booking Multiple Tickets for the Same Train

People often try booking multiple Tatkal tickets in one go, thinking they'll secure seats for a group of travelers. However, the system only allows one ticket per transaction under the Tatkal scheme.

How to Avoid It: Book individual tickets for each passenger separately, following the rules of the IRCTC system. Trying to book multiple tickets in one transaction can result in delays or even errors in booking.

5. Not Checking Payment Details

Payment errors are more common than you might think. Tatkal tickets are often canceled or not confirmed because of issues like incorrect bank details or problems with the payment gateway.

How to Avoid It: Always ensure that your payment gateway is functioning properly, and check your bank details before finalizing the payment. It's advisable to use payment methods that you're familiar with to reduce the chances of errors.

6. Booking Tatkal Tickets During Peak Hours

Booking during peak travel seasons, holidays, or weekends increases competition for limited Tatkal tickets. Many end up frustrated when they can't secure a seat.

How to Avoid It: If possible, avoid booking during peak hours or try to book your tickets well in advance. Consider traveling during off-peak seasons when demand for Tatkal tickets is lower.

7. Not Having a Backup Plan

There's always a possibility that you might not get the Tatkal seat, especially if the train is highly in-demand. Many people get caught without a backup plan.

How to Avoid It: Always have an alternative plan in case you fail to secure a Tatkal ticket. Look for other trains, routes, or even consider booking a Premium Tatkal ticket if available.

Why Use RailMitra for Tatkal Seat Availability Checks?

RailMitra offers several features that make checking Tatkal seat availability and booking easier:

1. Real-time Updates: Get live train seat availability updates for Tatkal quotas.
2. User-friendly Interface: Easily search for trains, check train timing, and plan trips efficiently.
3. PNR Status Checking: Know your ticket confirmation chances instantly.
4. Alternative Train Suggestions: If Tatkal seats are unavailable, RailMitra suggests other trains with available seats.
5. Food Delivery in Trains: Passengers can order fresh meals from RailMitra while traveling.

Note: Along with seat availability you can also check train schedule on RailMitra. 

Conclusion

Tatkal ticket availability depends on several factors, including train type, class, and demand. By using reliable train enquiry platforms like RailMitra, passengers can check train seat availability and book their tickets without hassle. Staying updated on train timing and following the right booking strategies can significantly increase your chances of securing a Tatkal seat for your journey.