India has announced its Hajj Policy 2027 and opened applications for prospective pilgrims, becoming one of the first countries to formalise its plans for the next pilgrimage season. The policy was released on Monday, June 22, 2026, by Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Hajj Committee of India has begun inviting applications. Pilgrims can now apply online through the Hajj Committee of India portal at hajcommittee.gov.in and through the Hajj Suvidha App. The ministry said the move is aimed at making the process more flexible, simpler and accessible.
Quota and Application Details
The quota distribution between the Hajj Committee of India and the private sector remains unchanged at 70:30. Under this split, 1,22,518 seats are allocated to the Committee and 52,507 seats to the private sector. India's total quota stood at 1,75,025 last year, and the government has indicated that efforts will be made to increase the overall allocation.
The announcement followed a Hajj Review Meeting chaired by Rijiju on June 18, 2026, where the conduct of Hajj 2026 was assessed and the roadmap for Hajj 2027 was finalised. The ministry said the early announcement and simultaneous opening of applications reflect its commitment to timely preparation and adherence to the timelines prescribed by Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia released its own Hajj 2027 roadmap earlier this month, with priority accommodation reservations for Hajj affairs offices and service providers opening on June 30. Countries that finalise registration early are better placed to secure accommodation and transport within the holy sites.
What Has Changed for 2027
The Hajj Policy 2027 builds on initiatives introduced during Hajj 2026. According to the ministry, these include sofa-cum-beds in Mina, high-speed train travel between Makkah and Madinah, hotel-style accommodation in Makkah, and the 20-day Short Hajj Package.
Among the key changes, the policy improves on-ground assistance by revising the State Hajj Inspector ratio from one inspector for every 150 pilgrims to one for every 135. The Short Hajj Package, which saw strong demand in its first year, will continue, with Kolkata added as an embarkation point.
To address the waiting list fairly, preference will be given to the top 20 per cent of final waitlisted applicants from Hajj 2026. Medical screening will be aligned with Saudi guidelines, ensuring that individuals with chronic medical conditions that make travel unsafe are not cleared to travel. This mirrors the stricter health eligibility rules Saudi authorities have introduced for the season.
Technology and Recognition
The ministry said it is pursuing artificial intelligence interventions to strengthen end-to-end pilgrim management. These include AI-assisted application and document verification, demand modelling for flight allocation, and real-time grievance tracking.
A conversational AI assistant is planned to provide round-the-clock support in Hindi, Urdu and major regional languages, guiding pilgrims through applications, payments, flights, accommodation, baggage, grievances and emergencies. Integration with the Saudi Nusuk platform is also envisaged to ensure coordination between Indian and Saudi systems.
The Indian Hajj Mission was recognised with two Labbaytum Awards by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the "Best Hajj Coordination and Communication" category for Hajj 2026. The ministry noted it was the first time India received such a distinction.
Practical Tips for Pilgrims
Prospective Indian pilgrims should apply within the prescribed timelines through the official Hajj Committee of India portal or the Hajj Suvidha App, and should avoid unofficial intermediaries. Applicants are advised to keep valid identity and passport documents ready, and to begin medical preparation early given the alignment of screening with Saudi health guidelines. Those considering the Short Hajj Package should note the addition of Kolkata as a new embarkation point. As with every season, pilgrims should verify all announcements against official government sources before making payments.