At a Glance — HCoI Hajj Application

Applications open: October–November each year. Portal: hajcommittee.gov.in and Haj Suvidha App. Advance deposit: ₹81,000 (refunded if not selected). India’s Hajj quota: 1,75,025 pilgrims (70% HCoI, 30% Private Tour Operators). Priority categories: first-time applicants, previous year’s waitlist, LWM (Ladies Without Mahram) groups, and elderly pilgrims aged 70+. If demand exceeds quota, the computerised Qurrah ballot selects applicants randomly within each priority category.

Section 1

When Do Hajj Applications Open in India Each Year?

Hajj applications from India open every October or November and close in December or January, giving a 6–8 week application window. The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) announces the exact opening and closing dates on hajcommittee.gov.in immediately after receiving the official Saudi Arabia Hajj quota allocation for the year. No applications are accepted after the closing date under any circumstances — not even 1 day late.

October–November
Application window opens
HCoI publishes the Hajj Application Form (HAF) on hajcommittee.gov.in and the Haj Suvidha App. Prospective pilgrims create accounts, fill details, upload documents, and pay the ₹81,000 advance deposit online.
December–January
Application window closes + State Haj Committee submission
Online portal closes. Applicants submit printed acknowledgements with original documents to their State Haj Committee office. States including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal set earlier state-level deadlines — confirm your state’s deadline separately.
February–March
Qurrah (computerised ballot) result announced
HCoI conducts the Qurrah and publishes the selected applicants list on hajcommittee.gov.in. Selected pilgrims receive SMS notification. Unselected applicants receive an advance deposit refund within 30 working days.
March–April
Medical examination + vaccination
Selected pilgrims undergo mandatory medical screening (Form HMF-1) and receive 3 mandatory vaccinations: Meningococcal ACYW135, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), and Influenza. HCoI organises state-level medical camps at district hospitals.
April–May
Balance payment + visa processing
Selected pilgrims pay the remaining package balance (total cost minus ₹81,000 deposit) within 30 days. HCoI processes the Saudi Hajj visa through the Saudi Ministry of Hajj. Passports are submitted to State Haj Committee offices for visa stamping.
May–June
Departure from 21 embarkation cities
Pilgrims depart from their chosen embarkation city — including Mumbai, Delhi, Kozhikode, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Srinagar — in batches across 3–4 weeks before Hajj dates.
2027 Application Dates (Expected)

Hajj 2027 applications are expected to open November 2026 and close January 2027. Hajj 1449 AH falls approximately 26 May – 30 May 2027 (exact dates subject to moon sighting). Check hajcommittee.gov.in from 8 October 2026 for the official announcement. No advance notice is given beyond what is published on the portal.

Section 2

Who Is Eligible to Apply for Hajj from India Through HCoI?

5 eligibility conditions apply to all HCoI Hajj applications from India. Failing any single condition disqualifies the application and forfeits the processing fee. Verify all 5 conditions before paying the advance deposit.

# Eligibility Condition Detail Status
1 Indian Muslim citizen Must hold Indian citizenship and profess Islam. Non-Indian nationals and non-Muslim applicants are ineligible. Mandatory
2 Valid Indian passport Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the Hajj return date (approximately November 2027). ECR (Emigration Check Required) passports are accepted. The surname/last name field must not be blank. Mandatory
3 Once-in-5-years rule Applicants who performed Hajj through HCoI in the past 5 years are ineligible. The strict once-in-lifetime rule applies to the subsidised quota category. Check your Hajj history on hajcommittee.gov.in before applying. Mandatory
4 Mahram requirement (women under 45) Women under 45 must be accompanied by a mahram — a husband, father, adult son, or brother. Both submit linked applications. Women aged 45 and above may apply under the LWM (Ladies Without Mahram) category with a group of minimum 4 women from the same state. Women only
5 Medical fitness Pilgrims with 6 barred medical conditions — active tuberculosis, uncontrolled diabetes, advanced kidney failure requiring dialysis, severe cardiac failure (Class III/IV), active malignancy under treatment, and advanced dementia — are medically disqualified by the Saudi Ministry of Health. Health screening

Who Is Exempt from the Once-in-5-Years Rule?

3 categories are exempt from the once-in-5-years restriction: a mahram accompanying his wife or mother, a male companion accompanying an elderly pilgrim aged 70+, and a female companion in an LWM group. The mahram applicant in these cases is classified as a “repeater as Mehram” — a separate application category that requires prior approval from the State Haj Committee. The repeater must pay an additional surcharge (approximately ₹50,000–₹80,000) as they occupy a seat that would otherwise go to a first-time applicant.

Section 3

How Do You Apply for Hajj from India Online — Step by Step?

The HCoI Hajj application is 100% digital in 2026–2027, completed in 7 steps on hajcommittee.gov.in or the Haj Suvidha App (available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store). Physical document submission to the State Haj Committee office is still required after completing the online steps. Allow 90–120 minutes to complete the online application correctly, with all documents scanned and ready before starting.

1
Confirm eligibility and gather documents before opening the portal
Confirm all 5 eligibility conditions are met. Scan 6 documents in advance: passport (all pages), passport-size photograph (white background, 35mm × 45mm), Aadhaar card front and back, bank passbook front page or cancelled cheque, address proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or utility bill), and mahram relationship proof if applicable (marriage certificate or birth certificate). Upload scanned documents — not camera photographs. Camera photographs are rejected by the portal’s document validator.
2
Create an applicant account on hajcommittee.gov.in
Visit hajcommittee.gov.in and click “Hajj Application” for the current year. Click “New Registration”. Enter your Aadhaar number and registered mobile number. An OTP is sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile. Enter the OTP to create your account. Use the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar — OTPs do not go to alternate numbers.
3
Fill the Hajj Application Form (HAF) with passport-exact details
Enter your full name, date of birth, passport number, and address exactly as printed on your passport — including spelling, spaces, and capitalisation. Any discrepancy between HAF and passport causes visa rejection in Riyadh. Select your package type: Regular Package (full-duration Hajj) or Short Haj Package (15–17 days). Select your preferred embarkation city from the 21 HCoI departure points.
4
Upload all 6 required documents in the correct file format
Upload each document in JPG or PDF format, maximum 500KB per file. The portal rejects files above the size limit without notification — compress images before uploading. For group applications (mahram + woman, or LWM group), link all applicants using the “Group Application” feature before individual submission. Linked applications must be submitted together — separate submissions break the group link.
5
Pay the ₹81,000 advance deposit and ₹400 processing fee
Pay through net banking, UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), or debit card. The ₹400 processing fee is non-refundable. The ₹81,000 advance deposit is fully refunded within 30 working days if you are not selected in the Qurrah ballot. Save the payment confirmation page as a PDF — the portal does not resend receipts. Credit cards are not accepted on most state portals.
6
Download the application acknowledgement and submit to your State Haj Committee
Download and print the application acknowledgement (Form-A). Submit the printed form with original documents (not photocopies) to your State Haj Committee office within the state deadline. Key offices: Maharashtra — Mumbai; Uttar Pradesh — Lucknow; Tamil Nadu — Chennai; Kerala — Malappuram; West Bengal — Kolkata. Physical submission is mandatory — online-only applications without State Haj Committee submission are invalidated.
7
Check Qurrah result in February–March on hajcommittee.gov.in
Log in to hajcommittee.gov.in using your application number and registered mobile. Selected applicants receive SMS notification and proceed to medical examination, vaccination, and balance payment. Unselected applicants receive a full ₹81,000 deposit refund to the bank account provided during application. First-time applicants who are unselected automatically receive priority in the following year’s ballot without reapplying.
Section 4

What Documents Are Required for Hajj Application from India?

6 documents are required for the HCoI Hajj application, all uploaded digitally during the online process plus submitted as originals to the State Haj Committee. Missing or unclear documents are the most common reason for application rejection. Prepare all 6 before starting the portal — the portal has a session timeout of 30 minutes.

📜
Valid Indian Passport — front page and last page
Minimum 6 months validity beyond the Hajj return date (approximately November 2027). Machine-readable passport required — older handwritten passports are not accepted. The surname/last name field must not be blank. Upload a flat scan of both the front biographical page and the last page (which shows any address endorsements).
Mandatory
📷
Passport-size photograph — white background, recent
Dimensions: 35mm × 45mm. White background only — coloured or textured backgrounds are rejected. Face must cover 70–80% of the frame. Photograph must be taken within 6 months of application. No sunglasses, headgear (except for religious reasons for women), or heavy filters.
Mandatory
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Aadhaar card — front and back
Used for identity verification and OTP-based account creation. Both sides of the Aadhaar card must be uploaded in a single file or as 2 separate images. The Aadhaar number must match the mobile number used for account registration.
Mandatory
🏢
Bank account details — passbook front page or cancelled cheque
Required for advance deposit refund if not selected in the Qurrah. Upload the front page of your passbook (showing bank name, account number, IFSC code, and your name) or a cancelled cheque with your name printed on it. The bank account must be in the applicant’s own name.
Mandatory
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Address proof — Aadhaar, Voter ID, or utility bill
Accepted documents: Aadhaar card (if address is printed), Voter ID card, current utility bill (electricity, water, or gas, not more than 3 months old), or ration card. The address on the proof must match the state and embarkation city selected in the application.
Mandatory
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Mahram relationship proof (women under 45 only)
Accepted documents: Nikah-nama (marriage certificate) for wife applicants, birth certificate for daughter or son applicants, or court-notarised relationship affidavit. The mahram must apply separately and link his application to the woman’s application during Step 3. Both applications must match in surname and embarkation city.
Women under 45
Passport Validity Is the Most Common Rejection Reason

Passport validity below 6 months from the Hajj return date is the single most common reason Indian Hajj applications are rejected — both by HCoI and by the Saudi embassy. For Hajj 2027 (return approximately October 2027), your passport must be valid until at least April 2028. Tatkal passport renewal takes 3–7 working days at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra. Apply for renewal at least 8 weeks before the HCoI application deadline.

Section 5

How Does the HCoI Qurrah Computerised Ballot Work?

The Qurrah is a state-wise computerised random selection system that HCoI runs when total valid applications exceed India’s allocated Hajj seats. All valid, complete applications enter a state-level pool. The system allocates seats proportionally across India’s 28 states and 8 union territories based on Muslim population, then selects applicants randomly within each state pool, with 4 priority categories processed before the general random draw.

What Happens to Applicants Not Selected in the Qurrah?

Unselected applicants receive 3 automatic outcomes: a full ₹81,000 deposit refund within 30 working days, priority status in the following year’s Qurrah, and a waitlist number in years when cancelled seats are redistributed. The refund goes to the bank account provided during application — contact your State Haj Committee if no refund arrives within 45 days. First-time applicants who are unselected automatically receive first-priority status the following year, significantly improving selection chances in year 2.

Qurrah Selection Logic — Step by Step

Step 1: All valid applications are validated (documents complete, eligibility confirmed, deposit paid).

Step 2: Applications are sorted into 4 priority buckets in order: LWM (Ladies Without Mahram) groups, elderly pilgrims aged 70+, previous year’s waitlisted applicants, and first-time applicants (never performed Hajj).

Step 3: Priority applicants are selected first within their state quota. Remaining seats go to the general random draw from all other valid applications.

Step 4: Results are published on hajcommittee.gov.in and sent by SMS to selected applicants’ registered mobile numbers.

How to Improve Your Ballot Chances

Apply early in the window — the Qurrah is random within the pool, but early applications receive more processing time for document verification. Apply in the LWM or elderly companion category if eligible — these receive first-priority selection before the general random draw. Unselected applicants from the previous year’s ballot receive priority in the next year’s draw — apply every year until selected rather than skipping years.

Section 6

What Are the 4 Hajj Application Priority Categories in India?

HCoI recognises 4 priority categories that receive preferential ballot selection before the general random draw: LWM groups, elderly pilgrims aged 70+, previous year’s waitlisted applicants, and repeater-as-Mehram applicants. Each category has specific eligibility conditions and application procedures that differ from the standard process.

1
LWM — Ladies Without Mahram
Women aged 45 and above who travel as an organised HCoI-supervised group of minimum 4 women from the same state. The LWM category receives first-priority selection in the Qurrah before all other categories. Each woman applies individually; the State Haj Committee links LWM applications from the same group. The group must travel together for the entire Hajj trip.
2
Elderly Pilgrims Aged 70+
Pilgrims aged 70 years and above at the time of departure receive priority selection and may bring 1 companion (a qualified male mahram) under the elderly companion category. The companion counts against the state quota but is exempt from the once-in-5-years rule for this purpose. The elderly pilgrim must undergo additional medical screening confirming fitness for Hajj physical demands.
3
Previous Year’s Waitlisted Applicants
Applicants who applied the previous year and were not selected in the Qurrah receive priority status automatically — no separate action required. Their previous year’s application data is carried forward. They must re-apply and pay the advance deposit again for the new year. Priority carries over for 1 year only; if not selected in year 2, the applicant re-enters the general pool in year 3.
4
Repeater as Mehram (Companion)
A Muslim male who has previously performed Hajj and is required as the mahram for his wife, mother, or female relative under 45, or as the companion for an elderly pilgrim aged 70+. The repeater pays a surcharge of approximately ₹50,000–₹80,000 above the standard package cost. The repeater’s seat is separate from the general quota and does not affect other applicants’ chances.
Section 7

What Is the Difference Between HCoI Hajj and Private Tour Operator Hajj?

2 routes exist for Indian Muslims to perform Hajj — both covered fully in the Hajj 2027 Complete Guide for Indian Pilgrims: Dates, Rites, HCoI & PTO: the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) government route and the Private Tour Operator (PTO) route. HCoI allocates 70% of India’s 1,75,025 Hajj quota; PTOs hold the remaining 30% (approximately 52,507 seats). The 2 routes differ fundamentally in cost, selection method, hotel quality, and service level.

Factor HCoI (Government) Private Tour Operator (PTO)
Seat allocation method Computerised Qurrah ballot — random selection Direct booking — first-come, first-served; no ballot
Package cost per person ₹4,50,000–₹5,50,000 (2026 rates; 2027 TBC) ₹5,50,000–₹10,00,000+ depending on hotel category
Makkah hotel distance from Haram 1–3km (Aziziyah and Misfalah zones; shuttle buses provided) 100m–800m for standard PTO; Haram-view for premium PTO
Madinah hotel 600m–1km from Masjid al-Nabawi 200m–500m for standard; within 100m for premium
Room sharing 4–6 persons per room (quad to sextuple sharing) Double or triple sharing; single available at premium
Meals Full board included (all meals in Saudi Arabia) Varies by PTO tier; most include breakfast and dinner
Group composition Mixed state-wide groups (300–500 per batch) Operator’s own group (50–300); regional/community groups common
Personalised service Government-appointed group leader; general support Operator-appointed guide; higher individual attention
Maktab category Assigned by HCoI — pilgrim has no choice PTO selects Maktab — inquire which zone before booking
Who should choose this route Budget-conscious pilgrims comfortable in large group settings; first-time Hajj applicants Pilgrims who value proximity to Haram, failed HCoI ballot, or want community/language-specific group
Licence verification Managed by HCoI — government-guaranteed Verify PTO licence on pto.haj.gov.in before paying any deposit

How Do You Verify a Private Hajj Tour Operator’s Licence?

Verify every Private Tour Operator’s Hajj licence — see How to Verify a Hajj & Umrah Operator’s Licence — on the HGO portal at pto.haj.gov.in before paying any booking deposit. Search the operator’s name or registration number. A valid licence shows the operator’s name, state, registration number, and quota allocation for the current year. Operators without a current-year listing on pto.haj.gov.in are either unlicensed or have had their licence suspended — do not book with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hajj Application India — Common Questions Answered

Questions about applying for Hajj from India
What is the advance deposit amount for HCoI Hajj application?
The HCoI Hajj advance deposit was ₹81,000 per applicant for Hajj 2026. The 2027 amount is announced when the application window opens (expected November 2026) and typically remains in the same range. The deposit is fully refundable if you are not selected in the Qurrah ballot — refund arrives within 30 working days to the bank account provided during application. The ₹400 application processing fee is non-refundable regardless of selection outcome.
Yes — Umrah is not a prerequisite for Hajj application from India through HCoI. Umrah and Hajj are separate religious obligations with separate visa and booking processes. Many Indian pilgrims perform Hajj as their first journey to Saudi Arabia without having previously performed Umrah. The HCoI application has no Umrah history requirement.
The Haj Suvidha App is the HCoI’s official mobile application, available on Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS), providing the same application process as hajcommittee.gov.in on a smartphone interface. The app additionally offers real-time application status tracking, SMS notifications for ballot results, medical camp schedules by state, and post-selection Hajj orientation materials. Both the portal and the app use the same database — applications started on the portal can be completed on the app and vice versa.
The HCoI operates a once-in-5-years rule: you may apply again 5 years after your last HCoI Hajj. A stricter once-in-lifetime rule applies to the HCoI’s subsidised government quota, under which a pilgrim who has performed Hajj through the subsidised channel is permanently ineligible for the subsidised category (though they may still apply through the non-subsidised PTO route). Confirm which category your previous Hajj was under by checking your record on hajcommittee.gov.in.
A passport that expires before the Hajj return date (approximately October–November 2027) disqualifies the application and forfeits the ₹400 processing fee. The ₹81,000 advance deposit is refunded because the disqualification is a document issue, not a fraud. Renew your passport before applying — Tatkal renewal at any Passport Seva Kendra takes 3–7 working days. If your passport expires after applying but before departure, inform your State Haj Committee immediately — they can update the passport number in the system before visa submission.
The HCoI Hajj 2027 package cost is expected to be ₹4,50,000–₹5,50,000 per person, based on the 2026 cost of ₹4,47,500 (Economy, Aziziyah zone) to ₹5,22,000 (central Makkah zone). The final 2027 cost depends on Saudi service charges, airfare, Indian Rupee to Saudi Riyal exchange rate, and the cost of new Haj City facility services in Makkah. HCoI announces the exact cost when the application window opens in October–November 2026. Private Tour Operator packages range from ₹5,50,000 to ₹10,00,000+ per person.
Related Guides

What Should You Read After the HCoI Application?

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Hajj Planning
Hajj Application India 2027: HCoI Online Apply, Quota, Cost & Deadlines
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Hajj Maktab Category Explained: What Indian Pilgrims Must Know Before Booking
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Health Guide
Hajj Vaccinations for Indian Pilgrims
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Regulatory Guide
Hajj Passport Requirements for Indian Pilgrims