Did you know that in India, on average, 12.38 lakh tickets were sold daily through IRCTC's Website and Mobile App during FY 2023-24? Established In 1999 as a subsidiary of Indian Railways, IRCTC is one of the world's largest e-ticketing systems. It operates several luxury trains like Maharajas' Express and Buddhist Circuit.
The Indian Railways has a special ticket booking option for last-minute travelers called Tatkal. This is perfect for those who need to travel on short notice. Here RTSAs are super helpful for travelers using the Tatkal system. They know all the details of booking last-minute tickets and can quickly help you get the tickets you want.
RTSAs need a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate to book tickets, as IRCTC requires. If you're an agent looking to book tickets, you can easily Buy Class 3 DSC for IRCTC to meet the legal requirements and ensure secure transactions. Thus, this makes the booking process more secure. RTSA agents help last-minute travelers find what they need quickly and easily with reliable systems.
RTSA Agent
Rail Travel Service Agent (RTSA) is a special agent certified by IRCTC to help passengers book train tickets online. These agents mainly focus on making the e-ticketing process easier for people. They serve as a link between passengers and IRCTC, ensuring safe and easy ticket booking.
RTSA agents can:• Book train tickets (general, Tatkal, premium) for passengers.
• Can use DSC for IRCTC for secure e-ticketing.
• Handle bulk bookings for large groups.
• Assist with cancellations and refunds of tickets.
• Provide customer support, helping with train schedules and availability.
RTSA Agent Eligibility
Candidates must meet certain criteria to be eligible as a Railway Ticketing Service Agent. These are:
1. Age: You must be 18 years or older to apply for an agent online.
2. Education: Minimum qualification of 10th standard or equivalent.
3. Business Registration: Must have a registered business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or company).
4. Technical Skills: Familiarity with computer operations and internet usage.
5. Financial Capability: Proof of financial stability or minimum capital investment.
6. Background Check: No criminal records.
7. Compliance: Adherence to all guidelines set by Indian Railways or the governing authority.
How to Become a RTSA Agent?
To become a Railway Ticketing Service Agent in India, follow these steps:
1. Check all the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
2. Gather required documents:
• Agreement on ₹100 stamp paper (self-attested).
• Demand draft for ₹20,000 + applicable service tax (in favor of IRCTC, payable at New Delhi).
• Registration Form (hard copy and soft copy via email).
• Class 3 DSC for RTSA agent online (in .CER format).
• Letter from the concerned Zonal Railways.
• PAN Card photocopy and scanned copy.
• Self-attested copy of the previous year's Income Tax Return.
• Scanned copy of Address Proof.
3. Get a Class 3 DSC for IRCTC from any Indian Certifying Authority, like
Capricorn CA for RTSA agent registration.
4. Submit Application to IRCTC:
• Write to IRCTC, including the letter from Zonal Railways confirming your status as an authorized RTSA.
• Attach all the required documents and the demand draft.
5. You will enter into a formal agreement with IRCTC after your application verification. This outlines the terms and conditions for using their ticket booking website.
6. After becoming an RTSA, pay the annual renewal fee of ₹5,000 + applicable service tax.
RTSA Agent Login
• Go to the official agent interface application portal.
• Enter your RTSA User ID.
• Enter your Password and type the CAPTCHA code displayed on the screen for verification.
• Tick the box and click on "
I Accept" to confirm your agreement.
• Click the “
Login” button to access your RTSA account and use the agent interface for ticket booking and other services.
Difference Between IRCTC Agent and RTSA
IRCTC Agent:• Scope of Services: Provides various services, such as ticket booking, catering, tourism packages, e-catering, and more.
• Geographic Limitation: Operates across India serving customers from any location.
• Authorization: Authorized by IRCTC provide both ticket booking and additional services like holiday packages, catering, etc.
• Digital Signature Requirement: All IRCTC agents must use DSC for booking tickets online. You can also use it for other tasks such as e-tendering.
• Services Offered: Can book general, Tatkal, and premium tickets, provide customer support, handle tourism bookings, and more.
RTSA (Rail Travel Service Agent):• Scope of Services: Primarily focused on train ticket booking services.
• Geographic Limitation: Often restricted to specific geographic areas or regions; cannot book tickets for all trains or routes.
• Authorization: Needs IRCTC authorization specifically for ticket booking purposes. They are generally more limited in providing services than IRCTC agents.
• Digital Signature Requirement: You need a Class 3 DSC for
IRCTC to access e-ticketing services securely. The DSC verifies your identity when booking tickets on the IRCTC platform.
Conclusion
DSC for IRCTC is important for secure and smooth ticket booking for Rail Travel Service Agents. By getting a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate, RTSAs make the ticketing process easier and secure. Thus, it helps last-minute travelers reach their destinations. Don't wait—Buy Capricorn DSC today and enhance your ticket-booking experience.
