India has released its Haj Policy 2027, weaving artificial intelligence into pilgrim support while tightening the rules on eligibility, medical fitness and supervision. The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs announced the policy on 22 June 2026, and the Haj Committee of India opened applications the same day through its portal at hajcommittee.gov.in and the Haj Suvidha App.

The policy governs how one of the world largest contingents of pilgrims prepares for the journey to Makkah. According to the Ministry, the reforms aim to reduce errors in applications, cut dependence on intermediaries and improve safety for elderly and first-time pilgrims.

AI Support at Every Stage

The headline change is the use of artificial intelligence across the pilgrim journey. The Ministry is building a conversational AI assistant that will offer round-the-clock help in Hindi, Urdu and major regional languages through simple voice or text.

According to the Ministry, the assistant is designed to guide pilgrims from filling and submitting the application form to obtaining details on payments, flights, accommodation and baggage, and on to raising grievances and seeking emergency help. Officials say this should reduce form rejections and make accurate information easier to reach for older and first-time travellers.

The wider AI effort includes AI-assisted application and document verification, demand modelling to optimise flight allocation across embarkation points, and real-time grievance tracking and escalation. The Ministry also expects the system to link with Saudi Arabia Nusuk platform for better coordination during the pilgrimage.

Quota and Eligibility

The distribution of seats remains unchanged. The total Indian quota is split in a 70:30 ratio between the Haj Committee of India and private Haj Group Organisers, which works out to 1,22,518 seats for the Committee and 52,507 for the private sector. The Ministry said it would press Saudi authorities to raise the overall figure, which stood at 1,75,025 last year.

The eligibility rules carry several conditions. Those who have already performed Haj through the Committee are generally not allowed to apply again. Because the pilgrimage is physically demanding, with walking of up to 25 km a day in harsh heat, applicants with benchmark disabilities must be accompanied by an able-bodied relative or spouse.

Age-based rules apply as follows:

  • Pilgrims aged 65 or above must travel with a companion aged 18 to 65.
  • Ladies Without Mehram aged 65 or above must have a female companion aged 45 to 60.
  • Women aged 45 or above who have no male Mehram, and whose school of thought permits it, may travel in groups of four or more women.

Stronger Supervision and Medical Screening

The policy improves the supervision ratio, moving from one State Haj Inspector for every 150 pilgrims to one for every 135. The stated aim is closer on-the-ground support during the journey.

Medical screening has also been strengthened. A two-step health check is now mandatory: the first at the application stage, and the second for selected pilgrims at the embarkation stage. Severe cardiac, respiratory, liver or kidney disease, active cancer and certain infectious diseases such as open tuberculosis render an applicant ineligible.

On vaccinations, every selected pilgrim must hold a certificate for a single dose of the meningococcal meningitis vaccine. The oral polio vaccine is mandatory six weeks before departure, with a further dose given on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Each pilgrim also receives a Health and Training card from their State or Union Territory Haj Committee.

Short Haj Package and Embarkation Points

The Short Haj Package, a shorter 20-day option introduced last year, continues for up to 10,000 pilgrims and now adds Kolkata as an embarkation point to meet regional demand. India operates 19 embarkation points in total, from Srinagar and Delhi to Chennai, Cochin and Guwahati, and applicants must list two preferences.

Where applications exceed the quota, selection is made through a computerised draw of lots known as Qurrah, with priority given first to pilgrims aged 65 and above, then to women without Mehram aged 45 to 65, then to waitlisted and fresh applicants.

Practical Tips for Applicants

  • Apply only through the official Haj Committee of India portal or the Haj Suvidha App to avoid fraud and errors.
  • Complete the first medical check early, as fitness is now assessed twice.
  • Arrange the meningococcal and oral polio vaccinations well ahead of the deadlines.
  • Familiarise yourself with the Haj Suvidha App for training content, flight details and emergency SOS support.
  • Elderly pilgrims and women without a Mehram should confirm their companion arrangements before applying.