The Hamraaz Web Portal is the Indian Army’s official online platform for active-duty personnel to access their service and pay-related records. Developed by the technical team of the Army’s Adjutant General’s (AG) Branch (MP-8), it serves as a one-stop portal for soldiers to view personal details, payslips, tax forms, and other administrative information. In essence, it was created to facilitate communication and administration within the Army, making it easy for personnel to retrieve salary statements, Form 16 (income tax documents), leave records, promotion orders, and similar data online. By digitalizing these services, it significantly simplifies routine tasks and “makes their work and daily life very easy” for soldiers.

The portal’s origin lies in the Adjutant General’s MP-8 branch, which handles personnel administration. As described in Army sources, it was built to “facilitate communication for the service of soldiers,” enabling them to access various service-related information (pay, Form 16, pay calculator, etc.) through the web. In short, Hamraaz Web is essentially an Army intranet portal (hosted at a government domain) that provides secure, centralized access to personal military pay and records.

From App to Web: Discontinuation of the Hamraaz Mobile App

Originally, it also existed as a mobile app (for Android) to allow soldiers to access these services on-the-go. However, that app was officially discontinued on 31 March 2023. The Indian Army has repeatedly cautioned its personnel not to download any Hamraaz app from unofficial sources. According to an official notice, “as of March 31, 2023, the Mobile App has been discontinued. Users are advised against downloading the app from any source and should refrain from sharing their bank and PAN card details”. In other words, there is no legitimate Hamraaz mobile app available. The only authorized way to use it’s services now is via the secure web portal. In practical terms, this means all Army personnel must use a web browser (on a computer or mobile device) to access it – the mobile app has been shut down.

Compared to the old app, the web portal offers the same core features in a browser environment. The discontinuation of the app was largely due to security and policy reasons. Official guidance emphasizes that any app claiming to be Hamraaz (on the Play Store or elsewhere) is a fake and should not be trusted. In summary, the Web portal has fully replaced the mobile app, and the Army urges personnel to use only the official website.

Using Hamraaz Web: Step-by-Step Guide

Once registered, a soldier can log in to the Web portal from any internet-connected computer or device. The basic workflow is as follows:

• Sign Up (Registration). If you are a first-time user, go to the official portal (e.g. https://hamraazmp8.gov.in or https://web.hamraazmp8.gov.in) and click the Sign Up or New User link. You will need to provide personal details such as your PAN card number, Date of Enrolment (DOE) in the Army, and Army Employment ID (found on your pay slip). After entering these and the on-screen captcha, verify your identity (via email or OTP), agree to the terms, and set a secure password. The portal requires a strong password (including letters, numbers, and a special character) and you will choose a security question for future password recovery.
• Login. After signing up, or if already registered, you log in through the Personal Login page. Use your PAN card number as the User ID, enter the password you set, and type the captcha shown on-screen. Then click Submit/Login. If your credentials are correct, you will reach the dashboard. (Make sure you log in only at the official URLs – see below.)
• Password Recovery (if needed). If you forget your password, the portal offers a “Forgot Password” option. You enter your PAN and captcha, then verify via your chosen security question or receive an OTP on your registered mobile/email. This lets you reset the password.
• Accessing Payslips and Form-16. Once logged in, navigating the menu is straightforward. The dashboard provides a Payslip/Form-16 section or link. To download a payslip (or annual Form-16), select that menu option and choose the period (month or year) you need. The system will generate a PDF file of the pay slip or Form-16. (Note: these PDF documents are usually password-protected for security. In practice, the password is often the first four letters of the soldier’s PAN followed by their date of birth in DDMMYY format.) After downloading, open the PDF with that password to view or print your payslip.
• Other Services. The portal menu also includes sections for additional services (see next section). For example, you can go to Leave Encashment to apply or view encashment of unused leave, or Part II Order Details to see your promotion and posting orders. Each service has simple on-screen prompts. For most tasks, you simply select the appropriate link, enter required details (such as dates), and the portal displays the results or downloads a file.

Throughout this process, it’s important to be on a secure network (avoid public Wi-Fi) and to log out when finished. The portal is designed to be self-explanatory once you are logged in, but help or FAQs may be available on the site if needed. In practice, many users find a simple checklist of steps helpful:

1. Go to official site: Open https://web.hamraazmp8.gov.in (or hamraazmp8.gov.in) on a secure browser.
2. Click Personal Login: Select the Personal Login option from the menu.
3. Enter credentials: Type your PAN number (in uppercase) as UserID, enter your password and the captcha code.
4. Submit to log in: Press Submit/Login. You should reach your personal dashboard.
5. Navigate to required service: From the dashboard menu, choose e.g. Payslip/Form-16 to view salary statements. Select the relevant month/year and download the PDF.
6. View your document: Open the downloaded PDF with the appropriate password (often PAN+DOB).

For unregistered users, the Sign Up link on the main page will guide through the registration steps. If at any point you forget your password, use the Forgot Password option to reset it via your security question or OTP. These step-by-step processes ensure soldiers can independently retrieve their records anytime.

Key Features of Hamraaz Web

The Hamraaz portal offers a variety of features geared toward personnel administration and welfare. Among its principal features are:

• PaySlip and Form-16 Download: Soldiers can download monthly salary slips and annual Form-16 (income tax statement) PDFs directly from the portal. This replaces paper payslips and eliminates the need to visit a pay office.
• Leave Encashment: The portal provides a tool to apply for and calculate encashment of unutilized leave. Users can submit leave encashment requests online and view the status of any pending or processed encashments.
• Part II Order Details: The system contains each soldier’s service record (Part II orders), including postings, promotions, awards and other administrative orders. This section lets users view or print their official service history records.
• Grievance Redressal: Soldiers can file complaints or grievances through the portal and track their resolution status. This provides an official channel for redress within the Army’s administrative system.
• Fund Withdrawal and PPO Status: The portal shows the status of any provident fund withdrawals or pension-related (PPO) requests. Users can see updates on their applications under Fund Withdrawal Status and PPO Details.
• Profile Management: Through My Profile, a soldier can view and update personal contact information (e.g. registered email and mobile via OTP). Account settings also allow changing the login password.
• Inbox and Notifications: The portal has an Inbox for official communications and announcements from higher headquarters. Important news, scholarship announcements, welfare schemes, and circulars (such as those shown on the home page) are accessible here to keep personnel informed.
• Pay Calculator: A Pay Calculator tool (linked from the portal) helps JCOs and ORs work out the best pay fixation option upon promotion or MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression). Users can input their pre-promotion pay and other details to estimate revised salary.

These features make it a comprehensive portal for financial and administrative tasks. In short, it includes almost everything a soldier needs for personal service matters – from payslips and tax forms to grievances and pension info. Access to all these services is neatly organized under the portal’s menu once logged in.

Advantages of Hamraaz Web

The Web portal offers several clear benefits:

• Convenience and Speed: Soldiers can instantly access their pay and service details 24/7 from anywhere, without visiting a unit pay office. This saves time and effort, making routine tasks much quicker.
• Transparency: Since the information comes directly from official Army records, it reduces errors or delays. Soldiers can independently verify their salaries and tax details online, promoting greater transparency.
• Consolidation of Services: It centralizes multiple administrative services (salary, leave, pensions, grievances) in one platform. Personnel no longer have to use disparate systems for different needs.
• Up-to-Date Information: The portal is regularly updated by Army HQ. It not only provides personal data but also posts news, circulars, and educational/welfare links (as seen on the home page), helping soldiers stay informed about Army-wide initiatives.
• Security and Authenticity: Because it is run by the Army’s MP-8 branch and hosted on a government domain, the data is secure and official. Soldiers can be confident the information is accurate and backed by the Army.

Overall, it improves efficiency and morale by giving soldiers direct control over their records and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks. As one source notes, it “helps them to easily access their information and services online, which makes their work and daily life very easy”.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its strengths, Hamraaz Web has some limitations:

• Active Personnel Only: It is intended for serving soldiers only. Retired personnel cannot use this portal; they have separate arrangements (such as the ARPAN portal for pensioners). Thus, only active-duty users can register and log in.
• Internet and Network Requirements: Accessing this website requires an internet connection. Moreover, to prevent unauthorized access, it is generally restricted to official networks. As one guide warns, trying to log in from a civilian (non-government) network or an unsupported browser often triggers an “Access Denied” error. (Army guidance explicitly says to use a “government approved network” and avoid VPNs when using Hamraaz.) In practice, soldiers usually connect from military LANs, but if that’s not possible, they need to ensure their network is allowed.
• No Mobile App: With the official app discontinued, there is no dedicated smartphone app. Soldiers must use a web browser on their phone or computer. While the website is mobile-responsive, some may find it less convenient than a purpose-built app, especially in low-connectivity areas.
• User Issues: Some users may face login problems (forgotten passwords, captcha issues) or browser compatibility issues. For example, if popup blockers prevent downloading PDFs, they must adjust settings. Also, if the registered mobile or email isn’t current, OTPs for password reset might fail. These are mostly minor technical issues that can be resolved, but they are potential hurdles.

In summary, it is powerful but relies on internet access and correct usage. Soldiers must follow official guidelines (use approved networks, keep their info up to date) to avoid common errors.

Identifying the Official Portal and Avoiding Phishing

Because it deals with sensitive data (salary, PAN, bank details), it is critical to use only the official Hamraaz Web portal. The authentic portal URLs are:

• https://hamraazmp8.gov.in
• https://web.hamraazmp8.gov.in

These domains end with “*.gov.in”, indicating a government site. Any other website or link (even if it says “Hamraaz”) is unauthorized. Army notices emphasize: “Only use the authorised link: https://hamraazmp8.gov.in”. Similarly, users are warned to always check the address bar for the exact spelling and domain. The portal’s login page itself reiterates that only the above links are legitimate.

Beware of look-alike sites or malicious apps. Fake Hamraaz apps and websites have appeared, often injecting malware or stealing personal data. For example, security researchers have found trojanized versions of the app circulating online. Always remember that the official mobile app does not exist anymore – any app claiming to be Hamraaz is fraudulent. The Army explicitly advises: “Do not download the Hamraaz mobile app — it was officially discontinued”.

In practice, to avoid phishing:

• Check the URL: Only log in at hamraazmp8.gov.in (or the “web.” subdomain). Do not enter credentials on any other site or via email links.
• Use bookmarks: After verifying the official link once, bookmark it in your browser to avoid typos or malicious redirects.
• Ignore third-party apps: Do not download Hamraaz from Google Play, unauthorized app stores, or random websites.
• Verify security certificates: The official site uses HTTPS; ensure the browser shows a padlock.
• Watch out for emails/messages: The Army will not ask you to login to Hamraaz via an emailed link or to submit personal data through an email. Official communications will direct you to the site or use other secure channels.

By following these guidelines, users can be sure they are using the real portal. Remember: “Only use the official links… Avoid any fake apps claiming to replicate its functionality”.

Security Measures and Best Practices

When using Hamraaz Web, soldiers should follow good cybersecurity practices to keep their information safe:

• Use Secure Networks: Always log in from a secure, private connection. Avoid public Wi-Fi or untrusted networks. The Army advises to use government-approved networks and not to use VPNs or proxies, which can block access.
• Device Hygiene: Keep your computer or mobile device’s operating system and browser up to date with the latest security patches. The portal’s login instructions themselves stress regularly updating device software and apps.
• Authorized Link: Double-check the URL before logging in. The official portal (hamraazmp8.gov.in) is the only safe address.
• Strong Passwords: Set a strong password as required (mix of letters, numbers, and symbols). Do not reuse a password on other sites. The sign-up process enforces a complex password pattern.
• Logout After Use: Always log out and close the browser when finished, especially on shared or public machines. This prevents others from accessing your account after you.
• Beware of Phishing: Do not enter your details on suspicious emails or pop-ups. Only enter PAN and password on the Hamraaz login page itself.
• Protect Personal Data: Never share your PAN, bank account, or other sensitive details on any platform other than the official Hamraaz portal. The Army explicitly warns against sharing such details on any fake app or site.
• Captcha and OTP: Use the on-screen captcha during login and the OTP/email verification for password reset as provided. These add layers of security to your login session.
• Device Settings: As a further precaution, disable unnecessary services (like Bluetooth or file sharing) when accessing the portal, and ensure a screen lock or PIN protects your device.

Following these security best practices will help ensure that your Hamraaz Web account stays safe. The portal itself recommends measures like keeping location, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off on your device while using the site, and restarting your device weekly.

Recent Updates and Notices

The most significant recent announcement regarding Hamraaz is the discontinuation of its mobile app in March 2023. Since then, all users must rely on the web portal. There have also been periodic advisories against fake apps and clones, reflecting a broader cybersecurity alert for defense personnel. (For example, analysts noted in early 2022 that malicious versions of Hamraaz had been circulated online, prompting the Army’s warnings.)

On the portal itself, updates are posted regularly on the home page (in English and Hindi). These include notices about welfare schemes (scholarships, education concessions), helpline numbers, and policy announcements. While these are not “features” of Hamraaz per se, they indicate that the site serves as a central bulletin board for Army-related information. Users should periodically check the home page or inbox for any such announcements.

As of 2025, no new mobile app has been launched; the strategy remains to maintain it as a secure web service. Personnel affairs branches continue to stress that the portal is the authoritative source for pay and service details. Any future enhancements (such as improved user interface or additional modules) would likely be announced via Army channels, but the core structure – based on MP-8’s administration – remains in place.

Conclusion

The Hamraaz Web portal is the official digital gateway for Indian Army soldiers to manage and view their pay and service data. Born from the Adjutant General’s branch initiative, it replaces older paper-based systems and now (since early 2023) fully replaces the former mobile app. By logging in with their PAN and password, soldiers can download payslips, file grievances, update records, and more – all in one secure place. While it offers clear advantages in convenience and transparency, users must exercise caution: only use the official hamraazmp8.gov.in site, follow security best practices (secure network, updated device, strong password), and ignore any fake apps or websites. In summary, Hamraaz Web is a valuable Army e-governance tool, and understanding its proper use and safeguards is key for all personnel who rely on it.