Owning a home is one of the biggest dreams for any Army family—because postings, frequent moves, and early retirement make housing a long-term concern for many soldiers. To solve this problem in a structured and transparent way, the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) was created as a dedicated welfare body for the Army community.
AWHO is trusted by lakhs of Army personnel because it functions purely for welfare and follows a “No Profit, No Loss” model. In this article (ESM Corner 2025 Guide), we explain everything about AWHO in a simple FAQ format, so you can understand eligibility, schemes, documents, application process, allotment rules, and more.
👉 AWHO housing schemes in 2026: an overview
FAQs on AWHO (Army Welfare Housing Organisation)
Q1. What is AWHO?
The Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) is a welfare society created to provide affordable housing to serving and retired Army personnel and their families. It operates purely as a welfare initiative and not as a commercial builder.
Q2. When and why was AWHO formed?
Army Welfare Housing Organisation was formed in December 1978 and registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860. The purpose was to help Army personnel own houses through a transparent, planned and organised system, especially considering the unique challenges of Army life.
Q3. How does AWHO function?
AWHO works on simply “No Profit, No Loss” basis. This means:
No commercial profit motive
Cost-based pricing
Emphasis on quality construction
Transparent allotment procedures
Fairness and accountability
Q4. Who is eligible to apply under AWHO (Serving Army Personnel)?
All ranks of the Regular Army are eligible if:
They are serving on Regular Commission or Short Service Commission, OR
They have retired after minimum 5 years of service, OR
They have been boarded out due to battle casualty
Q5. Are Medical Officers eligible for AWHO housing?
Yes. Medical Officers are eligible if:
They became members of the Army Officers Benevolent Fund, and
They have not already been allotted a house by AFNHB
Q6. Can Army Postal Service (APS) personnel apply?
Yes. APS personnel are eligible if:
They have completed at least 10 years of Army service, OR
They retired directly from APS after 10 years, without reverting to parent unit
Q7. Are Territorial Army (TA) personnel eligible for Army Welfare Housing Organisation schemes?
Yes. Territorial Army personnel can apply if they have completed 10 years of total embodied service.
Q8. Are widows eligible for AWHO housing schemes?
Yes. Widows of Army personnel are eligible if:
The husband was a serving/retired Army personnel, and
The widow receives family pension from CDA (P), Allahabad (Prayagraj)
Q9. Are parents of fatal casualties eligible?
Yes. Parents of unmarried fatal battle/other casualties are eligible if:
They receive pension from CDA (P), Allahabad (Prayagraj)
Q10. Are AWHO employees eligible to apply?
Yes, but with conditions. AWHO employees are eligible if:
They have completed minimum 10 years of service in AWHO
⚠️ Note: Retired Army Welfare Housing Organisation employees are not eligible.
Q11. Which other categories are eligible under AWHO?
Apart from Army personnel, AWHO also allows applications from:
Assam Rifles and GREF personnel
Air Force, Navy and Indian Coast Guard personnel (and widows)
Other Para Military Forces
Civilians paid from Defence Service Estimates
Retired TA personnel who are pension holders
Q12. What types of housing schemes are offered by AWHO?
AWHO usually offers three types of schemes:
Spot Schemes – ready or ongoing projects
Annual Registration Schemes – yearly regular schemes
Demand Survey Schemes – launched only if sufficient demand exists
Q13. How can I get the AWHO application form?
You can obtain the form by:
Downloading from Army Welfare Housing Organisation portal
Collecting it from AWHO HQ/Project Office
Requesting it by post using postal order or DD
Q14. What documents are required for AWHO application?
Common documents include:
Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN etc.)
Service documents / retirement documents
PPO (for retired personnel)
Pension documents (for widows/parents)
Any scheme-specific forms/undertakings
Q15. How is the application submitted?
Steps generally include:
Fill the form carefully
Attach all required documents
Send by post/courier as per scheme instructions
Ensure it reaches before the last date
Q16. How is allotment done in Army Welfare Housing Organisation?
Allotment depends on:
Scheme type
Availability of dwelling units
Registration seniority (date/category)
Q17. How can applicants check waitlist status?
Applicants can:
Check the waitlist status online (where facility exists), or
Contact Army Welfare Housing Organisation HQ / concerned project office
Q18. What happens after allotment?
After allotment, the applicant must:
Pay the remaining unit cost as per schedule
Deposit maintenance charges
Complete legal documentation
Q19. Does AWHO provide home loan assistance?
Yes. Army Welfare Housing Organisation supports applicants with:
Home loan documentation
Bank coordination
Registration guidance
Q20. When is possession of the house given?
Possession is granted only after:
Full payment is completed
Documentation is completed
Maintenance charges are deposited
Applicants should inspect the dwelling unit and report defects within the permitted time.
Q21. Are special facilities available for disabled applicants?
Yes. Requests such as:
Ground floor allotment
Lift facility
may be considered subject to availability and valid medical proof.
Q22. Is sale deed and registration compulsory? Who pays stamp duty?
Yes, execution of the Sale Deed is mandatory.
Stamp duty and registration charges are paid by the allottee as per applicable State rules.
Q23. Does AWHO allow transfer or mutual exchange of units?
Yes. AWHO permits:
Transfer of dwelling units
Mutual exchange between applicants
In many cases, original seniority is retained as per rules.
Q24. Can an applicant withdraw? What about refund?
Yes. Applicants can withdraw:
Before or after booking letter
Refunds are issued after deducting administrative charges as per applicable rules.
Q25. What online facilities are available to applicants?
Depending on scheme/project, applicants may be able to:
View payment schedule
Track instalments
Check waitlist/allotment status
Q26. What payment modes are accepted?
Payments are generally accepted via:
Cheque / Demand Draft
Online transfer (NEFT / RTGS)
Q27. Are there restrictions on applying to schemes?
Usually:
Only one scheme at a time is allowed
In demand survey schemes, multiple applications may be allowed but only one allotment is permitted
Q28. Is PMAY subsidy applicable in AWHO schemes?
Some applicants may be eligible for PMAY subsidy, subject to income limits and government conditions. This depends on the scheme and prevailing PMAY rules.
Q29. Why is AWHO trusted by Army families?
Army Welfare Housing Organisation is trusted because:
It is a welfare body created for the Army community
It follows transparent procedures
It avoids commercial profit
It ensures long-term security and stability for Army families
Conclusion
The Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) is one of the most valuable welfare initiatives for the Indian Army community. It provides a structured, transparent, and reliable path for serving soldiers, veterans, widows, and other eligible categories to own a home.
If you understand the eligibility rules, scheme types, documentation process, and allotment system, you can plan your application confidently and avoid common mistakes. For an Army family, a house through AWHO is not just property—it is security, dignity, and stability after service.
