The Hajj Committee of India has finalized its selection process for the Hajj 2026 pilgrimage. With the application deadline having passed, the committee has completed the digital randomized selection process known as “Qurrah” and released the provisional lists of selected pilgrims. This year’s pilgrimage is marked by several new policies, including a shorter duration package and the introduction of a new embarkation point.
Application and Selection Process
The online application window for Hajj 2026 officially closed on August 7, 2025, after an extension from the original deadline of July 31. The “Qurrah” or randomized digital selection process was held on August 13 at the Haj House in Mumbai and was live-streamed on the Haj Committee’s official website.
For states where the number of applicants was less than or equal to the quota, all applicants were provisionally selected. The digital selection was specifically conducted for 11 states that saw a significantly higher number of applicants than their allocated quota. For instance, while all applicants from Rajasthan were selected, states like Gujarat had a large number of applications against a limited quota, necessitating the draw.
The total quota for Hajj 2026 is 175,025 pilgrims, with 70% allocated to the Haj Committee of India and the remaining 30% for private Hajj Group Organizers.
Key Guidelines and New Policies
A number of new guidelines have been introduced to enhance the pilgrimage experience for Hajj 2026.
- Short Duration Hajj: In a first, the Haj Committee is offering a special 20-day Hajj package for working professionals. A maximum of 10,000 pilgrims will be selected for this option, with a separate selection draw to be conducted if the number of applicants exceeds this cap. The cost for this package is expected to be similar to the traditional, longer-duration Hajj, with the main difference being a reduced stay in Saudi Arabia.
- Priority for Senior Citizens: Pilgrims aged 65 and above have been given priority in the selection process. A companion is mandatory for all pilgrims in this age bracket, and the companion must be between 18 and 60 years old. For “Ladies Without Mehram” (LWM) pilgrims who are 65 or older, a female companion between 45 and 60 is a must.
- “Once in a Lifetime” Rule: The existing policy of performing Hajj through the Haj Committee of India only once in a lifetime remains in effect.
Embarkation Points and Payments
A total of 18 embarkation points have been designated across the country to facilitate pilgrim travel. This year, Vijayawada has been added to the list, providing a new option for pilgrims from the region. While some news reports initially stated that Vijayawada would not be an embarkation point, the latest updates confirm its inclusion.
Provisionally selected pilgrims have been given a deadline of August 20, 2025, to pay the first installment of their Hajj fee, amounting to ₹1,52,300. Failure to make this payment by the deadline will result in the cancellation of their application. Subsequent installments will be announced at a later date.
How to Check Your Status
Pilgrims can check the status of their application, including whether they have been provisionally selected or placed on the waiting list, through the official Haj Committee of India website.
- The list of provisionally selected and waitlisted pilgrims has been published on the website.
- To check your status, you will need your cover number.
- Applicants were also notified of their status via SMS to their registered mobile number.
You can check the lists directly on the Haj Committee’s website at: www.hajcommittee.gov.in