Survey flags six dark pattern practices on IRCTC ticketing platform

A comprehensive consumer survey has mapped practices on the IRCTC platform against established dark pattern guidelines, uncovering six distinct categories of potentially manipulative design elements that steer users toward specific actions.

The investigation, conducted by LocalCircles, evaluated user experiences against standards defined by the California Consumer Privacy Act's dark pattern framework. The findings reveal a systemic pattern of interface design choices that push passengers toward actions they may not have consciously intended, ranging from pre-selected add-ons to confusing navigation pathways.

Approximately 70 percent of respondents reported encountering forced actions during their booking experience on the platform. These include features that complicate ticket cancellations, obscure refund information, or bundle optional services in ways that require active steps to remove rather than to add.

The six identified dark pattern categories span multiple booking stages, suggesting the practices are embedded throughout the user journey rather than isolated incidents. Consumer advocates have flagged concerns about the accessibility and transparency of the railway booking process, particularly given IRCTC's position as the primary digital ticketing channel for Indian Railways.

The findings come amid growing global scrutiny of dark patterns in digital services and renewed focus on consumer protection in India's regulatory framework. Industry observers suggest the survey underscores the need for clearer design standards and user protection guidelines for essential service platforms.