Are you planning a holiday? You do not have to buy the ticket before you apply for a visa. You can include a dummy ticket with your submission because it has all the information needed for a visa application. It will show the flight details (dates, places, and times) and sometimes even a booking reference number because the ticket hasn't been purchased yet. It isn't linked to a confirmed flight seat, though. And presto! For about INR 800/$10, you may get a dummy ticket visa in 10 minutes.