Surge in Applicants Leads to Two-Wave Computer Assisted Test for Hajj Officials

More than 75,000 people have applied for the selection of the Hajj Organising Officers (PPIH) for Saudi Arabia 1448 H/2027 AD. Due to this high level of interest, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has arranged for the Computer Assisted Test (CAT) to be conducted in two waves, as the administrative verification process for participants is still ongoing.

This two-wave arrangement is part of an adjustment to the selection stages to ensure that the verification process remains meticulous, while allowing participants who have met the requirements and are within the quota to proceed to the CAT stage immediately.

The Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organising, Puji Raharjo, stated that dividing the CAT implementation into two waves was done to maintain the precision of the selection process amidst the high number of applicants.

“The number of applicants is very large. Therefore, we have arranged the CAT implementation into two waves so that the selection process can continue, while administrative verification can also be carried out carefully,” Puji said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday (4/9/2026).

According to Puji, the division into waves does not change the standards or selection provisions. Every participant must still meet the requirements and fall within the 3N quota to participate in the CAT.

“No standards have been reduced. Every participant still undergoes the same process and regulations. What we are maintaining is ensuring that all stages proceed in an orderly, careful, and fair manner,” he added.