IRCTC Captcha Not Loading? Fix Blank Captcha Error (2026)

One of the most frustrating IRCTC errors is when the captcha image doesn't load on the login page. You see a blank box or a broken image icon where the captcha should appear, making it impossible to log in and book tickets. Here's how to fix it.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with Indian Railways or IRCTC.

Why IRCTC Captcha Doesn't Load

The IRCTC captcha fails to display due to several reasons:

• Browser cache conflict — old cached files interfere with loading
• Ad blockers — block the captcha image request
• Slow internet — captcha image times out before loading
• Browser extensions — privacy tools block captcha scripts
• Server overload — IRCTC servers can't serve captcha images during peak hours
• Outdated browser — older browsers may not support IRCTC's captcha system

Fix 1: Refresh the Captcha Image

The simplest fix — most people miss this:

1. Look for the refresh icon (🔄) next to the captcha box on the IRCTC login page
2. Click it 2-3 times to request a new captcha image
3. Wait 3-5 seconds for the new image to load
4. If the image still doesn't appear, try the next fix

Fix 2: Hard Refresh the Page

A normal refresh loads cached content. A hard refresh forces a fresh load:

• Windows: Ctrl + Shift + R or Ctrl + F5
• Mac: Cmd + Shift + R
• Mobile Chrome: Long-press the refresh button → "Hard Reload"

Fix 3: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

This is the most effective fix for persistent captcha issues:

Chrome:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (or Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac)
2. Set time range to "All time"
3. Check: Cookies, Cached images and files
4. Click Clear data
5. Close Chrome completely and reopen
6. Go to irctc.co.in

Firefox:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete
2. Select Everything
3. Check: Cookies and Cache
4. Click Clear Now

Safari (iPhone):

1. Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data

Fix 4: Disable Ad Blockers and Extensions

Ad blockers frequently block IRCTC captcha images:

1. Disable your ad blocker for irctc.co.in
2. In Chrome: Click Extensions icon (puzzle piece) → Disable all
3. In uBlock Origin: Click the icon → Click the power button to disable for this site
4. Reload the IRCTC page

Common extensions that block captcha:

• uBlock Origin
• AdBlock Plus
• Privacy Badger
• Ghostery
• NoScript

Fix 5: Try Incognito/Private Mode

Incognito mode runs without extensions or cached data:

• Chrome: Ctrl + Shift + N
• Firefox: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Safari: Cmd + Shift + N
• Edge: Ctrl + Shift + N

Open IRCTC in incognito and try logging in. If the captcha loads, an extension or cache was the problem.

Fix 6: Use a Different Browser

If captcha doesn't load in Chrome, try:

1. Firefox — handles IRCTC well
2. Microsoft Edge — different rendering engine
3. Brave — disable Brave Shields for irctc.co.in
4. Opera — built-in VPN can help if ISP is the issue

Fix 7: Switch Internet Connection

Sometimes your internet provider's DNS blocks or delays captcha image delivery:

1. Switch from WiFi to mobile data (or vice versa)
2. Change DNS to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
3. If using a VPN, disable it — VPNs often break IRCTC captcha
4. Try a different WiFi network if available

How to Change DNS (Windows):

1. Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings
2. Right-click your connection → Properties
3. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4" → Properties
4. Set DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Fix 8: Use the IRCTC Mobile App

If captcha won't load on the website at all, bypass it:

1. Download IRCTC Rail Connect from Play Store/App Store
2. The app uses a different authentication method
3. Login with your credentials — often uses OTP instead of captcha
4. Book your tickets through the app

Fix 9: Enable JavaScript

IRCTC captcha requires JavaScript to render:

Chrome:

1. Settings → Privacy and Security → Site Settings → JavaScript
2. Ensure it's set to "Sites can use JavaScript"
3. Check that irctc.co.in isn't in the blocked list

Fix 10: Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect system date/time can cause SSL and captcha failures:

1. Windows: Right-click clock → Adjust date/time → Enable "Set time automatically"
2. Mac: System Preferences → Date & Time → Set automatically
3. Phone: Settings → Date & Time → Automatic

Tips for IRCTC Captcha Success

• The captcha is case-sensitive — enter exactly as shown
• Type the captcha quickly — it expires after about 60 seconds
• If captcha has ambiguous characters (0 vs O, 1 vs l), try the refresh button
• During Tatkal hours, captcha server is overloaded — try at off-peak times
• Keep only one IRCTC tab open — multiple tabs can conflict

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is IRCTC captcha showing blank?

IRCTC captcha shows blank due to browser cache issues, ad blockers blocking the image, or server overload. Clear your cache, disable extensions, and try incognito mode.

How do I refresh IRCTC captcha?

Click the refresh icon (circular arrow) next to the captcha box on the IRCTC login page. You can also press Ctrl+Shift+R to hard-refresh the entire page.

Does IRCTC captcha work on mobile?

Yes, IRCTC captcha works on mobile browsers. If it doesn't load, try clearing your browser cache or use the IRCTC Rail Connect app which often uses OTP instead of captcha.

Why does IRCTC captcha expire so quickly?

IRCTC captcha expires in about 60 seconds for security. Type it quickly after it loads. If it expires, click the refresh icon to get a new one.

Can I bypass IRCTC captcha?

You cannot bypass the captcha, but you can avoid it by using the IRCTC Rail Connect app, which uses OTP-based login instead of captcha in most cases.

Why does IRCTC captcha not load during Tatkal time?

During Tatkal booking hours (10-11 AM), millions of users hit the server simultaneously. The captcha image server gets overloaded. Try refreshing multiple times or use the app.

Is IRCTC captcha case-sensitive?

Yes, IRCTC captcha is case-sensitive. Enter uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as shown in the image. If characters are unclear, click refresh for a new captcha.