After more than a year of closure, the Haj Committee of India (HCI) has announced the reopening of its Mumbai-based residential UPSC coaching centre. This time, the initiative comes with a significant policy shift — 20% of the seats will now be reserved for candidates from other minority communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), reported the New Indian Express.
Although non-Muslim aspirants were earlier given informal accommodation assistance during examination periods, this marks the first official inclusion of other communities in the institute’s selection process.
HCI CEO Shanavas C. stated, “The decision was made last year to enhance inclusivity and foster a healthy, competitive learning environment among Civil Services aspirants.”
An official notification issued on May 22 invites applications for the 2026 Civil Services Examination preparation batch. The selection process begins with an entrance test on July 13 across 21 centres nationwide, followed by an essay and personal interview round. A total of 100 candidates will be selected, with classes beginning August 11.
Of the total seats, 80 will be allocated to Muslim aspirants, while the remaining 20 will go to other minority groups and socially disadvantaged categories.
Established in 2009 and funded through donations from Haj pilgrims, the Haj House Residential Coaching Institute has trained around 1,500 students, with 25 qualifying for the Civil Services. The institute was temporarily shut down in December 2023 due to reduced student intake and delays caused by the pandemic.
Deputy CEO Sadafat Ali noted that while accommodation and coaching remain free, food will be offered at subsidised rates. “We are in the process of formalising a food subsidy policy,” he added.
The age limit for applicants is capped at 30 years, despite UPSC norms allowing up to 35 years for OBCs and 37 years for SC/STs. According to officials, this is to promote opportunities for younger aspirants.
The Minority Affairs Ministry has reportedly expressed its support for the initiative, with discussions underway to expand similar centres to other states with suitable infrastructure.
