India has announced its Haj Policy for 2027 and opened applications to prospective pilgrims, becoming one of the first major sending countries to formalise its plans for the next pilgrimage cycle. The Ministry of Minority Affairs released the policy on 22 June 2026, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju confirming that the Haj Committee of India would begin accepting applications the same day.
According to the Ministry, the early rollout reflects an emphasis on timely preparation and adherence to the timelines set by Saudi Arabia. The announcement followed a Haj Review Meeting chaired by the minister on 18 June 2026, at which officials assessed the conduct of Haj 2026 and finalised the roadmap for 2027.
How and where to apply
Prospective pilgrims can apply online through the Haj Committee of India portal at hajcommittee.gov.in and through the Haj Suvidha App. The Ministry said the digital-first process is intended to make applications simpler, more flexible and more accessible, particularly for first-time and elderly applicants.
The distribution of the quota between the Haj Committee of India and the private sector is expected to remain unchanged at a ratio of 70:30. That allocates 1,22,518 seats to the Haj Committee of India and 52,507 seats to the private sector. India's overall quota stood at 1,75,025 in the previous year, and the government has said it will press Saudi authorities to increase the allocation for 2027.
To manage the long waiting list fairly, the policy gives preference to the top 20 per cent of the final waitlisted applicants from Haj 2026. Pilgrims are urged to apply within the prescribed timelines to avoid missing out.
What has changed for 2027
The 2027 policy carries forward several pilgrim-centred measures introduced in 2026, including sofa-cum-beds in Mina, travel by high-speed train between Makkah and Madinah, hotel-style accommodation in Makkah and the 20-day Short Haj Package. The Short Haj Package, which drew strong demand in its first year, is being retained, with Kolkata added as a new embarkation point in response to regional demand.
On-ground support is also being strengthened. The State Haj Inspector ratio improves from one inspector for every 150 pilgrims to one for every 135, giving pilgrims more direct assistance during their stay. The Ministry noted that the Indian Haj Mission received two Labbaytum Awards from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the "Best Haj Coordination and Communication" category for Haj 2026, a recognition it received for the first time.
Health screening aligned with Saudi rules
The policy aligns medical screening more closely with Saudi medical guidelines. The Ministry said checks have been strengthened to ensure that individuals with serious chronic medical conditions are not cleared to travel, citing the health and safety of pilgrims. Prospective applicants with existing conditions should consult their doctors early and prepare for thorough medical assessment before departure.
A push toward AI-assisted services
The Ministry outlined a set of artificial intelligence measures planned for phased introduction. These include AI-assisted verification of applications and documents, demand modelling for flight allocation across embarkation points, and real-time grievance tracking and escalation.
A central element is a conversational AI assistant designed to offer round-the-clock support in Hindi, Urdu and major regional languages. The Ministry said it will help pilgrims complete application forms, obtain information on payments, flights, accommodation and baggage, and raise grievances or seek emergency help through simple voice or text. Integration with Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform is also planned, so that services across the two systems can work together and pilgrims receive consistent, real-time information throughout their journey.
Practical tips for applicants
Pilgrims planning to apply for Haj 2027 from India should keep a few points in mind. Apply only through the official Haj Committee of India portal or the Haj Suvidha App, and avoid unofficial intermediaries who may charge extra. Keep identity documents, passport details and recent photographs ready before starting the online form to reduce errors that can lead to rejection.
Applicants should begin medical preparations early, given the tightened health screening, and disclose any chronic conditions honestly. Those near the top of the 2026 waiting list should note the preference rule and apply promptly. Finally, pilgrims should watch official channels for the closing date and for confirmation of the final quota, which depends on the agreement still to be signed with Saudi Arabia.