Mumbai: The Haj Committee of India has announced the revival of training courses for civil services examinations at the Haj House Residential Coaching Institute (HHRCI), Mumbai.

On May 22, the HCI issued a notification inviting applications from candidates for free residential coaching for the Civil Services Examination 2026 (Preliminary-cum-Mains).

The centre for coaching and training facilities for students from minority communities aspiring to join the Indian Administrative Service and allied services was started in 2009 and helped 25 of students to clear the Union Public Service Commission exams that selects the officers. However, the HCI did not issue notifications for a new batch after 2023.

Members of the Muslim community petitioned the government to restart the centre. On April 21, Amin Patel, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Mumbadevi, wrote to the Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, to restart the Allied Services Coaching and Guidance Centre. He said that the centre had motivated young people from the minority community to become active in national life.

Reacting to the notification, Patel said, "It was wrong to close down the centre. We welcome the decision to restart it. It will be good for the Muslim community and for the country. The decision will bring a lot of good."

Trainees will be selected after entrance exams and an interview. The exams will be held in July at 21 centres across the country. A total of 100 candidates will be selected, out of which 80% seats are reserved for Muslim minorities and 20% other minorities including SC/ST and OBC candidates. Online applications will be accepted till June 21. Classes are expected to commence from August 11.