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IRCTC News: IRCTC is continuously upgrading its digital platform to simplify online ticket booking for the millions of passengers who travel via Indian Railways. As part of this initiative, IRCTC has launched its new, modern beta website.

The good news is that the Railways has not yet shut down its old main website; this means users can utilize both platforms. However, the new website has been specifically designed to offer faster speeds, an improved user interface, and minimal CAPTCHA verification. Let us understand how the ticket booking process works on both websites.

Process for booking tickets on the new website
The ticket booking process on IRCTC's new website has been streamlined and simplified to just 5 or 6 steps. You do not need to create a new account for this; you can use your existing ID. To book a ticket on the new website, follow the steps below:

1. Log in: First, visit the IRCTC Beta website. Click on the 'Login' button located at the top right corner. Log in using your existing user ID and password.

2. Search for trains: Enter the station names in the 'From' (starting point) and 'To' (destination) boxes on the homepage. Next, select the date of travel and the quota (e.g., General, Tatkal), then click on 'Search Trains'.

3. Check seat availability: A key feature of the new website is that seat availability across all classes—such as Sleeper, 3AC, and 2AC—is displayed simultaneously on a single screen. After this, select your preferred train and class, and click 'Book' immediately.

4. Passenger Details: Now, click on 'Continue Booking'. Enter the passenger's name, age, gender, and berth preference (e.g., Lower, Upper, Side Lower). On this new portal, you do not need to enter a CAPTCHA repeatedly.

5. Payment and e-ticket: Finally, proceed directly to the payment page. Select your preferred payment method—such as UPI, net banking, or credit/debit card—from the available options. Once the payment is successful, your ticket will be confirmed, and the digital e-ticket will appear on the screen.

**Ticket booking process on the old website**
Booking tickets on the old IRCTC website involves a more traditional process with multiple steps. Additionally, the presence of advertisements, pop-ups, and frequent CAPTCHA requirements makes the process somewhat time-consuming.

First, open the official IRCTC website in your browser. Go to the 'Login' option on the homepage and enter your username, password, and the security code (CAPTCHA) displayed on the screen. If you do not have an account, click on 'Register' to create a new one.

After logging in, enter the name of the boarding station in the 'From' field and your destination station in the 'To' field. Next, select your travel date from the calendar, choose your preferred class (e.g., Sleeper or AC), and click on 'Search Trains'.

A list of all trains on that route will appear. Check the train timings based on your convenience, click on the relevant class (SL, 3A, etc.), and press 'Check Availability' to see the status of vacant seats. If a seat is available, click on 'Book Now' to proceed.

At this stage, enter the correct details—name, age, and gender—for all passengers. You can also select your preferred seat (e.g., lower or upper berth). If there is more than one passenger, use the 'Add Passenger' option and enter a valid mobile number to receive PNR and ticket details via SMS.

Before making the payment, a summary of your journey (train name, date, and passenger list) will be displayed on the screen. Review this carefully. If everything is correct, enter the CAPTCHA code shown below and click on 'Continue'.

Select your preferred payment method—such as UPI, net banking, or debit/credit card—to pay for the ticket. Next, select a secure payment gateway, enter your PIN or card details, and complete the transaction. Please ensure that you do not go back or refresh the page during the payment process.

Once the payment is processed, your ticket will be booked, and your electronic reservation slip will appear on the screen. Here, you will find your 10-digit PNR number and seat allocation details, which you can download or print.

If you are making a Tatkal booking or looking for tickets during peak travel hours, the new IRCTC beta website is the best option for you. Its single-screen layout and reduced CAPTCHA requirements save valuable time, significantly increasing your chances of securing a confirmed ticket.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.