India has announced its Haj Policy for 2027, setting out how the country's pilgrims will be allocated seats, screened and served for the coming season. The Ministry of Minority Affairs unveiled the policy on 22 June 2026, and applications from India opened the same day through the Haj Committee of India portal and the Haj Suvidha app.

India sends one of the largest national contingents to the annual pilgrimage, so its policy shapes the plans of hundreds of thousands of families each year.

Quota and allocation

The policy keeps the allocation of seats in a 70:30 ratio between the Haj Committee of India and private tour operators. The proposed framework includes 122,518 seats for the Haj Committee of India and 52,507 seats for private tour operators, against a total of 175,025 pilgrims.

The split is designed to balance the government-run channel, which many pilgrims use for its lower cost and structured support, with private operators who offer a range of package options. Final numbers depend on the bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia, which regulates logistics, accommodation, transport and health requirements for foreign pilgrims.

Services and travel arrangements

The Haj Policy 2027 continues several pilgrim-centred measures introduced the previous year. These include sofa-cum-beds in Mina, high-speed train travel between Makkah and Madinah, hotel-style accommodation in Makkah and a 20-day Short Haj Package for those who prefer a shorter trip.

On-ground support has also been strengthened. The State Haj Inspector ratio has been revised from one inspector for every 150 pilgrims to one for every 135, giving travellers more assistance and coordination during the pilgrimage.

Medical screening and digital systems

Medical screening for Haj 2027 will follow Saudi medical guidelines, with stricter checks for chronic conditions before travel clearance is issued. The tightening reflects Saudi Arabia's own emphasis on health readiness, given the physical demands of the pilgrimage and the crowds involved.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs also plans to lean more heavily on technology. Artificial intelligence-based systems are set to support application processing, document verification, demand forecasting for flight allocation and real-time grievance tracking. The policy includes planned integration with Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform, the Kingdom's digital gateway for pilgrimage permits and bookings.

Part of a wider regional picture

India's announcement came amid a flurry of preparations across the region. Pakistan approved its Private Hajj Policy for 2027 to 2030 in June 2026, Saudi Arabia announced the Hajj 2027 schedule in Jeddah in late May, and Bangladesh is scheduled to sign its bilateral Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia in November 2026.

Together, the moves show how early the planning cycle now begins, with countries locking in quotas, services and technology many months before the pilgrimage itself.

Practical tips for Indian pilgrims

  • Apply through official channels. Use the Haj Committee of India portal or the Haj Suvidha app, and be wary of unofficial agents making unrealistic promises.
  • Complete medical checks early. With stricter screening for chronic conditions, arrange your health assessment in good time to avoid delays in clearance.
  • Keep your passport valid. Ensure your travel documents remain valid well beyond the pilgrimage dates.
  • Prepare for a digital process. Registration, verification and grievances are increasingly handled online, so keep your documents scanned and your contact details up to date.