An IRCTC user ID is the unique username you create to log in to your IRCTC account for booking train tickets on the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app.

What is IRCTC User ID?

  • It is your login name on the IRCTC portal (like an email username, but used only on IRCTC).
  • You choose it yourself at the time of registration, and it must be unique (no two users can have the same ID).
  • You need this user ID plus your password every time you want to log in and book, cancel, or check tickets online.

Think of it as your “IRCTC identity” that IRCTC uses to link all your bookings, refunds, and queries to one account.

Basic Rules for IRCTC User ID

Different guides and partners describe slightly different ranges, but the idea is the same: short, simple, and unique.

  • Length:
    • Often mentioned as between 3–10 characters in official-style notes.
* Some third‑party guides mention 3–35 characters, but all agree it must follow IRCTC’s current rules on the signup page.
  • Characters allowed:
    • English letters (A–Z, a–z) and numbers are allowed.
* Some sources say underscore is allowed (e.g., `user_name`).
  • Once created, you generally cannot change your IRCTC user ID, so you’re advised to choose carefully and note it down.

Where is IRCTC User ID Used?

When you register as a “Normal” or “Foreign” user, “User ID” is one of the mandatory fields.

You use the user ID to:

  • Book, cancel, and modify tickets.
  • Link Aadhaar for extended booking limits and verification.
  • Raise queries and get support, where IRCTC may track issues using your user ID along with PNR or transaction ID.

If You Forgot Your IRCTC User ID

If you don’t remember “what is my IRCTC user ID”, you can recover it using your registered details. Common methods shown in recent guides and apps include:

  1. Use “Forgot User ID” on the IRCTC login page or partner app.
  2. Enter your registered email/phone and verification details.
  3. IRCTC sends your user ID to your registered email or mobile.

A popular train app tutorial shows exactly this flow: selecting IRCTC account, tapping “Forgot your IRCTC user ID”, entering details, and receiving the ID via email.

Mini FAQ (Quick Scoop Style)

Is IRCTC user ID the same as email?

No. Your user ID is a separate username you create; email is another field used for verification and communication.

Can two people have the same user ID?

No. You must keep trying different usernames until IRCTC shows it as available.

Why is it important?

Because all your tickets, cancellations, and support queries are tied to this single login identity on IRCTC.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.