How to Recover Your IRCTC Password in Minutes ?

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the backbone of online railway ticket bookings in India. Whether you’re booking a last-minute ticket, checking train availability, or ordering food on your journey, IRCTC’s platform plays a critical role.

But what happens when you forget your password or suddenly find yourself locked out of your account? It’s more common than you might think—and thankfully, it’s also easy to fix.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you're having trouble logging into IRCTC, along with clear steps to recover or reset your password quickly and safely.

🧩 Common IRCTC Login Problems

Before jumping into recovery steps, it’s useful to understand the typical reasons why users face IRCTC login issues:

1. Forgotten Password or Username

2. Incorrect CAPTCHA Entry

3. Account Temporarily Locked After Too Many Failed Attempts

4. IRCTC Website or App Server Issues

5. Old or Deactivated User ID

6. OTP Not Received or Delayed

7. Browser/Cache Issues or Slow Internet Connection

Most of these issues can be resolved with a few simple steps—especially password-related problems.

🔑 Step-by-Step Guide to Recover IRCTC Password

If you've forgotten your password, IRCTC offers two main ways to reset it—via registered email or mobile number.

Here’s how to do it:

✅ Step 1: Visit IRCTC’s Official Login Page

Go to https://www.irctc.co.in and click on the “Login” button in the top-right corner.

✅ Step 2: Click on “Forgot Password?”

Below the login fields, click “Forgot Password?” This will take you to the recovery interface.

✅ Step 3: Enter Your Username and CAPTCHA

Provide your IRCTC username and the CAPTCHA code shown on the screen. Click “Next.”

✅ Step 4: Choose Verification Method

You’ll be prompted to verify using OTP, which is sent to your registered mobile number or email ID.
If your registered number/email has changed, you’ll need to contact IRCTC customer support separately.

✅ Step 5: Enter OTP

Check your email/SMS for the One-Time Password (OTP) and enter it in the required field.

✅ Step 6: Set New Password

Now you’ll be asked to enter a new password. Make sure your new password meets IRCTC’s security criteria:

• Minimum 8 characters

• At least one uppercase, one lowercase, and one numeric character

• One special character like @, #, $, etc.

✅ Step 7: Confirmation

Once the new password is set, you’ll receive a confirmation message, and you can now log in with your updated credentials.

📲 Recovering Password via IRCTC Mobile App

The IRCTC Rail Connect app (available on Android and iOS) also allows password recovery.

Steps are almost identical:

1. Open the app

2. Tap on “Login”

3. Tap “Forgot Password?”

4. Enter your username and follow OTP verification steps

5. Set new password and log in

🛠️ Troubleshooting Other Common Login Issues

Even after resetting your password, if you’re still facing login problems, try these fixes:

🔹 1. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies

Sometimes, stored data creates login conflicts. Clear cookies and refresh the browser or use Incognito mode.

🔹 2. Try a Different Browser or Device

If the IRCTC site is unresponsive on Chrome, try Firefox, Edge, or the IRCTC app on your smartphone.

🔹 3. Check Internet Connection

Slow or unstable internet can cause OTP delays or login timeouts. Switch networks or restart your router.

🔹 4. Ensure Server Availability

During Tatkal hours (10 am to 12 noon), IRCTC servers face high traffic. If you can’t log in, wait a few minutes and try again.

🔹 5. Use Official IRCTC Platforms Only

Avoid third-party apps or fake websites. Only use www.irctc.co.in or the official app from the Play Store/App Store.

📞 Contacting IRCTC Customer Support

If none of the above steps work, or your registered email/phone number is outdated, contact IRCTC’s customer support team:

• Email: care@irctc.co.in

• Phone: 0755-6610661 or 0755-4090600

• Twitter: @IRCTCofficial (for quick public help)

• Online Helpdesk: Use the “Customer Support” link on the IRCTC homepage

Be sure to include your username, full name, and ID proof if requested.

🔐 Tips to Avoid Future Login Hassles

1. Update Contact Info Promptly – Always keep your registered email and phone number current.

2. Note Down Credentials Securely – Use a secure password manager if needed.

3. Avoid Multiple Failed Logins – Five incorrect attempts may lock your account temporarily.

4. Bookmark the Correct Website – Prevent phishing by saving https://www.irctc.co.in directly.

5. Enable Notifications – Stay informed about changes or unusual login attempts.

What If You Forgot Your IRCTC Username Too?

 you’ve forgotten both your password and username:

1. Go to login page → Click "Forgot User ID"

2. Enter registered email and submit.

3. You’ll receive your IRCTC user ID by email.

4. Then, follow the password reset steps.

Getting locked out of your IRCTC account can be frustrating—especially when you're in a rush to book a ticket. But with the platform’s OTP-based recovery and secure reset process, getting back in is fast and safe—as long as your contact info is updated.

Whether you’re a regular traveler or booking for the first time, keeping your login credentials secure and accessible ensures a smoother, stress-free ticketing experience.

So next time you see “Login Failed” on your screen, don’t panic—just follow the steps above, and you’ll be back on track in no time.