Forgot IRCTC User ID? How to Recover Your IRCTC Login Username

Can't remember your IRCTC username? You're not alone — millions of users face this issue, especially when they created accounts years ago or used a random user ID. Here's how to recover it quickly.

Common Error Messages

• "Invalid User ID or Password"
• "User ID does not exist"
• "No account found with the given email/mobile"
• "Your account has been locked. Please try after 30 minutes."
• "OTP not received for user ID recovery"
• "The email ID is already registered with another user"

How to Recover Your IRCTC User ID

Method 1: Recover via Registered Email

This is the fastest method if you remember which email you used:

1. Go to irctc.co.in
2. Click "Login" then click "Forgot User ID?"
3. Select "Forgot User ID" option
4. Enter your registered email address
5. Enter the captcha
6. Click "Submit"
7. Your User ID will be sent to your email — check Inbox and Spam folders
8. The email comes from care@irctc.co.in with subject "Your IRCTC User ID"

Method 2: Recover via Registered Mobile Number

1. Go to irctc.co.in/nget/profile/user-forgot
2. Select "Get User ID via SMS"
3. Enter your 10-digit mobile number registered with IRCTC
4. Enter captcha
5. Click "Submit"
6. You'll receive an SMS with your User ID within 1-2 minutes

Method 3: Using a Previous Booking PNR

If you have a PNR number from any previous booking:

1. Check your email for past IRCTC booking confirmations
2. The booking email contains your User ID in the header
3. Search your email for "IRCTC" or "e-ticket" to find old booking mails
4. The User ID is mentioned as "Booked by: [YOUR_USER_ID]"

Method 4: Check Your Browser's Saved Passwords

1. Chrome: Go to chrome://settings/passwords → Search "irctc"
2. Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Saved Logins → Search "irctc"
3. Safari: Preferences → Passwords → Search "irctc"
4. Your saved User ID and password will appear

Method 5: Contact IRCTC Support

If none of the above methods work:

1. Call: 14646 or 011-23340000
2. Email: care@irctc.co.in with:
   • Your full name
   • Registered email and mobile
   • Date of birth
   • Any previous PNR number
3. Twitter/X: Tweet to @IRCTCofficial (they respond fast)
4. Chat: Use the live chat option on care.irctc.co.in

Common Problems and Fixes

"No Account Found with This Email/Mobile"

This means either:

• You used a different email/mobile when creating the account
• Your account was deleted due to inactivity (IRCTC deactivates accounts inactive for 12+ months)

Fix: Try all your email addresses and phone numbers. If the account was deleted, create a new account.

"OTP Not Received"

• Wait at least 5 minutes — IRCTC OTPs are often delayed during peak hours
• Check if your phone has DND (Do Not Disturb) enabled — disable it
• Ensure you have network connectivity and aren't in a low-signal area
• Try again during off-peak hours (avoid 8 AM - 10 AM and 10 PM - 12 AM)

"Account Locked After Multiple Attempts"

• Wait 30 minutes and try again
• Don't keep refreshing or retrying — it extends the lock
• If still locked after 30 minutes, clear browser cookies and try

Can't Access Old Email or Mobile Number

If you no longer have access to your registered email or mobile:

1. You'll need to create a new IRCTC account
2. IRCTC doesn't allow recovery without the registered email/mobile
3. Use your current email and mobile for the new account
4. Note: Each Aadhaar can only be linked to one IRCTC account
5. If Aadhaar conflict arises, contact care@irctc.co.in to delink the old account

Tips to Avoid Losing Your IRCTC User ID Again

• Save your User ID in your phone contacts or password manager
• Use a memorable username — IRCTC allows you to choose custom IDs
• Enable browser password saving for irctc.co.in
• Link your Aadhaar — makes future recovery easier
• Keep your email and mobile updated on your IRCTC profile

Related Guides

• How to Create IRCTC Account Online
• How to Book Train Tickets on IRCTC
• How to Cancel IRCTC Ticket and Get Refund

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive the User ID via email?

Usually instant to 5 minutes. During peak booking hours (8-10 AM, Tatkal time), it may take up to 15-20 minutes. Check your spam/junk folder if you don't see it in your inbox.

Can I recover IRCTC User ID without email and mobile number?

Unfortunately, no. IRCTC requires at least one of these for verification. If you've lost access to both, you must create a new account. Contact care@irctc.co.in if your Aadhaar is linked to the old account.

Is IRCTC User ID the same as my username?

Yes, your User ID is your username that you created during registration. It's different from your name or email. It's the alphanumeric ID you use to log in.

Can I change my IRCTC User ID after recovery?

No, IRCTC does not allow changing the User ID once created. You can only change your password, email, mobile number, and other profile details. If you want a different User ID, create a new account.

My IRCTC account was deactivated. Can I reactivate it?

IRCTC deactivates accounts after prolonged inactivity. To reactivate, try logging in — some accounts auto-reactivate. If not, contact IRCTC support at 14646 or email care@irctc.co.in with your account details.

Can two people have the same IRCTC User ID?

No, each User ID is unique. If your preferred ID is taken, IRCTC will suggest alternatives. You can use a combination of your name and numbers.