India has unveiled its Haj Policy for 2027, opening the application process for pilgrims and confirming that the country's quota is expected to remain among the largest in the world. The policy was announced on 22 June 2026 by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju presenting the framework that will govern next year's pilgrimage.
According to official statements, applications opened the same day through the Haj Committee of India portal and the Haj Suvidha mobile app, giving prospective pilgrims a fully digital route to register.
Quota and allocation
India's Haj quota for 2027 is expected to stand at 175,025 pilgrims, the same figure allotted for the previous season. The allocation is fixed under a bilateral agreement signed between India and Saudi Arabia, which is renewed each year ahead of the pilgrimage.
The quota is divided in a 70:30 ratio. The Haj Committee of India is set to manage the larger share of about 122,518 seats, while private tour operators are expected to handle roughly 52,507. The Government of India has said it will press for an increase in the overall allocation during negotiations with Saudi authorities.
How pilgrims apply
The Ministry confirmed that applications could be submitted online from 22 June, with the window closing at 11:59 pm on 20 July 2026. Pilgrims were able to register through the Haj Committee of India website and the Haj Suvidha App, which also provides guidance, document uploads and status tracking.
The digital-first approach reflects a wider shift across major pilgrim-sending nations toward app-based registration, reducing paperwork and helping authorities manage large volumes of applicants.
What is new for 2027
The 2027 policy carries forward several measures introduced in recent years. These include continuation of the Short Haj Package, which offers a shorter stay in Saudi Arabia for pilgrims who prefer a more compact itinerary. The Ministry also highlighted enhanced on-ground support, strengthened medical screening and greater use of technology.
Among the technology measures is AI-enabled assistance offered in multiple Indian languages, intended to help pilgrims who may not be comfortable in Arabic or English. Officials said the aim is to make guidance, navigation and support more accessible during the journey.
Who can apply
The policy retains categories introduced in recent years to widen access. These include a provision allowing women to travel for Haj without a male guardian, known as the Ladies Without Mehram category, provided they travel in a group. Where applications exceed the available seats in a given state, allocation is decided through a computerised draw of lots, a system designed to keep the process fair and transparent.
Applicants are required to hold a valid machine-readable passport and to meet health and documentation requirements set by the Haj Committee of India before their names are confirmed.
Part of a wider 2027 preparation drive
India's announcement comes as pilgrim-sending countries across the world begin early preparations for the 1448 AH Haj season. Saudi Arabia has already opened priority reservations for accommodation and introduced reforms aimed at unifying pilgrim services under structured packages.
Neighbouring Pakistan has also opened its own registration for 2027 and is in talks with Riyadh over its quota. The early timelines give pilgrims more months to arrange finances, documents and vaccinations before travel.
Practical tips for prospective pilgrims
Pilgrims planning for 2027 should keep their passports valid well beyond the expected travel dates and ensure personal details match across all documents. It is wise to begin saving early, as costs can shift with currency movements and Saudi service charges.
Health preparation matters too. Applicants should confirm required vaccinations in good time and undergo a general medical check, particularly elderly pilgrims or those with existing conditions. Finally, applicants are advised to rely only on official channels such as the Haj Committee of India portal and the Haj Suvidha App, and to be cautious of unofficial agents promising guaranteed places.