IRCTC login issues? Here’s how to recover your password quickly
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is the official platform for booking train tickets, managing travel plans, and exploring tourism services offered by Indian Railways. With millions of users logging in daily, the IRCTC website and mobile app are among the most used travel portals in India. However, login problems are common for many users, often due to forgotten passwords, account lockouts, or technical glitches.
If you are unable to log in to your IRCTC account, recovering your password is a quick and straightforward process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to reset your IRCTC password, along with troubleshooting tips to fix common login issues.
Why Do IRCTC Login Issues Occur?
Before jumping into the recovery steps, it’s important to understand why login failures happen. Some common reasons include:
- Forgotten password or username – The most frequent issue faced by users.
- Incorrect credentials – Typing mistakes or incorrect capitalization can lead to login errors.
- Account inactivity – If you haven’t used your IRCTC account for a long time, it may become temporarily inactive.
- Browser issues – Outdated browsers, cached data, or cookies may cause login problems.
- Account lockout – Multiple failed login attempts can temporarily lock your account.
- Technical glitches – Server downtime or heavy traffic on the IRCTC website can also result in login errors.
Understanding the reason behind the issue helps you take the right steps to resolve it quickly.
How to Recover Your IRCTC Password?
Recovering your password on the IRCTC website is simple and takes just a few minutes. Follow these steps:
1. Visit the Official IRCTC Login Page
Go to https://www.irctc.co.in on your web browser. On the home page, click the ‘Login’ option located in the top-right corner.
2. Click on ‘Forgot Password?’
On the login window, you will see the ‘Forgot Password?’ link. Click on it to proceed with the password recovery process.
3. Enter Your Username
You’ll be asked to provide your registered username. Enter it carefully and click Next.
4. Provide Your Registered Email or Mobile Number
To verify your identity, you need to enter your registered mobile number or email ID. Ensure that these details are the same as those you provided while creating your account.
5. Enter the OTP
IRCTC will send a One-Time Password (OTP) to your registered email or mobile number. Enter the OTP within the given time frame to proceed.
6. Create a New Password
Once the OTP is verified, you’ll be prompted to create a new password.
Important Tips for Password Creation:
- Use at least 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special symbols.
- Avoid using easily guessable passwords like your name, date of birth, or simple patterns like 1234.
- Keep a record of the password in a safe location to prevent future login issues.
7. Log In with Your New Password
After successfully resetting your password, return to the login page and sign in using your username and the newly created password.
Troubleshooting Other IRCTC Login Issues
Sometimes, login problems may not be related to your password. If you still can’t log in after resetting, try these quick fixes:
1. Check Browser Compatibility
Ensure you are using a modern, updated browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. IRCTC may not work well on outdated versions.
2. Clear Cache and Cookies
Accumulated cookies or cache files can cause login errors. Clear your browser history and try again.
3. Disable Auto-Fill or Password Managers
Sometimes, saved passwords in browsers or password managers may auto-fill outdated credentials. Manually entering your username and password can resolve this.
4. Reset Username
If you’ve forgotten your username, click on ‘Forgot User ID?’ on the login page. Enter your registered email ID to retrieve your username.
5. Use the IRCTC Rail Connect App
If the website is slow or facing high traffic, try using the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app for quicker access.
6. Contact IRCTC Customer Support
If all else fails, reach out to the IRCTC helpdesk.
- Email: care@irctc.co.in
- Customer Care Number: 139 (Indian Railways Helpline)
- IRCTC Portal Support: Use the online contact form under the ‘Help’ section.
Tips to Avoid Future IRCTC Login Problems
- Update Your Password Regularly: Change your password every few months to ensure account security.
- Keep Your Email and Mobile Updated: If your registered contact details are outdated, update them immediately.
- Use a Strong Password Manager: Tools like LastPass or 1Password can securely store your credentials.
- Avoid Multiple Failed Logins: Too many failed attempts may lock your account for a specific time.
- Bookmark the Official Site: Always log in through https://www.irctc.co.in to avoid phishing sites.
Final Thoughts
Facing login issues on IRCTC can be frustrating, especially when you need to book a train ticket quickly. Thankfully, the ‘Forgot Password’ option makes it easy to reset your credentials in just a few minutes. By following the steps outlined above and maintaining secure login practices, you can ensure hassle-free access to your IRCTC account.
If technical problems persist, try the IRCTC Rail Connect app or contact customer support for assistance. Always remember to keep your credentials secure and updated for a smooth booking experience.
