Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026

Qualification: Matriculation (Class 10th) from a recognized School/Board/University with the prescribed sports achievements

Nationality and Marital Status: Only unmarried Indian male and female candidates are eligible to apply for enrolment as Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports). Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Matriculation (Class 10th) from a recognized School/Board/University. Sports Achievement Period: Sports achievements obtained on or after 01 April 2024 will be considered for eligibility. Sports Achievement Criteria for Havildar (Sports): Medalist at Junior/Senior level while representing a State in a National Championship, or represented the Country at International level in an individual event. Represented a State or Country in National or International competitions at Junior/Senior level in a team event. Medalist in Khelo India Games, Khelo India Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games. Sports Achievement Criteria for Naib Subedar (Sports): Winner of any medal in World Championship/Asian Championships. Winner of any medal in Asian Games. Winner of any medal in Commonwealth Games (CWG)/World Cup. Represented India twice in Asian Games/Commonwealth Games/World Cup. Represented India in the Olympics. Other Eligibility Conditions: Candidates discharged from the Indian Army for any reason are not eligible to appear in the selection trials. Candidates discharged from the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, or another Government organisation may apply, subject to having no adverse entries at the time of discharge. Serving individuals must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of selection trials. Women candidates meeting the prescribed qualifying requirements are eligible to apply. Candidates with exceptional sporting talent outside the listed events or positions may also apply. Sports Disciplines Listed in the Source: Athletics (Track & Field), Archery, Basketball, Boxing, Diving, Equestrian, Football, Fencing, Gymnastics (Artistic), Hockey, Handball, Judo, Kayaking & Canoeing, Kabaddi, Karate (Kumite), Rowing, Swimming, Sailing, Shooting, Taekwondo (Kyourgi), Volleyball, Wushu (Only Sanshou), Weight Lifting and Wrestling.

17½ to 25 Years | Date of Birth: 30-09-2001 to 01-10-2008 (both dates inclusive)

• Self-attested copy of Matriculation Certificate
• Self-attested copy of Aadhaar Card
• Self-attested copy of Sports Certificate(s)
• 02 recent unattested passport-size colour photographs
• Original educational certificates and marksheets from Matriculation onward
• School Leaving Certificate for open school Matric candidates, where applicable
• Domicile Certificate with photograph
• Caste Certificate with photograph, where applicable
• Religion Certificate, where required
• School Character Certificate
• Character Certificate with photograph issued within the last six months
• Unmarried Certificate with photograph issued within the last six months
• Discharge Certificate for eligible candidates discharged from Indian Air Force/Indian Navy/other Government organisations
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) for candidates serving in a Government organisation
• Aadhaar Card for biometric authentication at the trial site
• Own sports kit and equipment for the Skill Test

1. 1Application Scrutiny and Shortlisting based on higher sports achievements
2. 2Call-up Letter to shortlisted candidates through email
3. 3Physical Fitness Test
4. 4Physical Standards Test
5. 5Sports Skill Test
6. 6Medical Examination
7. 7Specialist Review/Appeal Medical Examination, where applicable
8. 8Final Selection based on qualification in all stages and available vacancies in the respective sports discipline
9. 9Police Verification
10. 10Reporting to allotted Regimental/Corps Training Centre and completion of enrolment formalities

The recruitment process is based on sports achievement shortlisting followed by physical and skill-based assessment rather than a conventional written examination pattern. Shortlisted male candidates must complete the 1.6 km run within 5 minutes 45 seconds and qualify in the 9 feet ditch and zig-zag balance tests. Female candidates must complete the 1.6 km run within 8 minutes and qualify in the 10 feet long jump and 3 feet high jump. Candidates who clear the prescribed physical and sports skill stages are required to undergo medical examination. The source does not mention any written examination.

No conventional subject-wise written examination syllabus is mentioned for this recruitment. Candidates should focus on maintaining the prescribed physical fitness standards and preparing for practical assessment in their respective sports discipline. Selection depends on shortlisting based on sports achievements, performance in the Physical Fitness Test, Physical Standards Test, Sports Skill Test, medical fitness, and the availability of vacancies in the relevant sports discipline. Candidates should carry their own sports kit and equipment for the Skill Test.

Read the complete Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 notification and check the educational, age, marital status, and sports achievement requirements before applying. Download or obtain the prescribed application form given with the official recruitment notification. Fill in all required details carefully, including personal information, educational qualification, sports discipline, event/position/weight category, and sports achievements. Affix the required recent passport-size colour photograph at the prescribed place in the application form. Attach self-attested copies of the required documents, including the Matriculation Certificate, Aadhaar Card, and relevant sports certificates. Attach 02 recent unattested passport-size colour photographs with the application. Check the completed application form carefully and ensure that all information matches the supporting certificates. Place the completed application form and required documents in the envelope as instructed in the official notification. Send the application only through Registered Post to the following address: Directorate of PT & Sports General Staff Branch IHQ of MoD (Army) Room No. 747, ‘A’ Wing, Sena Bhawan PO New Delhi – 110011 Ensure that the application reaches the prescribed address by 1700 hours on 10 July 2026. Keep copies of the completed application form, postal receipt, and all submitted documents for future reference. Shortlisted candidates should regularly check their registered email address for the call-up letter and further selection trial instructions.

Introduction The Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 has been announced for outstanding sportspersons seeking enrolment as Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) under Intake 06/2026. Eligible unmarried Indian male and female candidates who meet the prescribed educational qualification, age limit, and sports achievement standards can apply through the offline process. Applications must be sent through Registered Post only and should reach the prescribed address by 1700 hours on 10 July 2026. Candidates should carefully check all eligibility requirements before submitting the application. Vacancy Overview The recruitment is being conducted for direct entry of eligible sportspersons into the Indian Army. Particular Details Organization Indian Army / Army Sports Control Board Recruitment Name Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 Intake 06/2026 Post Name Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) Total Vacancies Not Mentioned Application Mode Offline through Registered Post only Job Location All India Last Date 10 July 2026 Official Website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in Sports Disciplines The recruitment covers various sporting disciplines, including: Athletics (Track & Field) Archery Basketball Boxing Diving Equestrian Football Fencing Gymnastics (Artistic) Hockey Handball Judo Kayaking & Canoeing Kabaddi Karate (Kumite) Rowing Swimming Sailing Shooting Taekwondo (Kyourgi) Volleyball Wushu (Sanshou) Weight Lifting Wrestling The exact number of vacancies for individual sports disciplines and posts is Not Mentioned. Eligibility Candidates must satisfy the educational, sports achievement, nationality, and marital status requirements prescribed for the recruitment. Educational Qualification Applicants must have passed: Matriculation (Class 10th) from a recognized School, Board, or University. Nationality and Marital Status Candidates must be Indian citizens. Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible. Sports Achievement Period Only eligible sports achievements obtained on or after 01 April 2024 will be considered. Sports Eligibility for Havildar (Sports) Candidates should possess the prescribed sporting achievement, which may include: Winning a medal at Junior or Senior level while representing a State in a National Championship. Representing the country at international level in an individual event. Representing a State or the country in eligible National or International competitions in a team event. Winning a medal in the Khelo India Games, Khelo India Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games. Sports Eligibility for Naib Subedar (Sports) Eligible achievements include the prescribed higher-level sporting accomplishments, such as: Winning a medal in the World Championship or Asian Championships. Winning a medal in the Asian Games. Winning a medal in the Commonwealth Games or World Cup. Representing India twice in the prescribed international competitions. Representing India in the Olympics. Candidates should verify that their sports certificates and achievements satisfy the exact conditions prescribed for the post. Age Limit The prescribed age criteria are: Minimum Age: 17½ Years Maximum Age: 25 Years Date of Birth Requirement Candidates must have been born between: 30 September 2001 and 01 October 2008 Both dates are inclusive. The source does not specify a general category-wise age relaxation structure. Salary Selected candidates will receive pay and allowances according to the applicable Indian Army rules. Component Details Pay and Allowances As per Army Pay Rules, 2017 and subsequent amendments Exact Pay Scale Not Mentioned Pension As per Pension Regulations for the Army-2008, as amended CSD Facilities As applicable Medical Facilities As applicable to regular serving personnel Insurance Cover As per existing norms Post-Retirement Benefits ECHS and CSD facilities as applicable The exact salary amount is Not Mentioned in the source. Selection Process The recruitment process begins with scrutiny of applications and shortlisting based on sports achievements. The selection stages include: Application Scrutiny Shortlisting based on higher sports achievements Issue of Call-up Letter through email Physical Fitness Test Physical Standards Test Sports Skill Test Medical Examination Specialist Review or Appeal Medical Examination, where applicable Final Selection Police Verification Reporting to the allotted Regimental or Corps Training Centre Completion of enrolment formalities Final selection is subject to qualification in all prescribed stages and availability of vacancies in the relevant sports discipline. Physical Fitness Standards Male candidates are required to: Complete the 1.6 km run within 5 minutes 45 seconds. Qualify in the 9 feet ditch. Qualify in the zig-zag balance. Female candidates are required to: Complete the 1.6 km run within 8 minutes. Qualify in the 10 feet long jump. Qualify in the 3 feet high jump. Candidates must also demonstrate practical performance in their respective sports discipline during the Sports Skill Test. Application Process Candidates should complete the offline application process carefully. Read the complete recruitment notification and verify eligibility. Obtain the prescribed application form. Fill in all personal, educational, sports, and contact details correctly. Mention the applicable sports discipline, event, position, or weight category. Attach self-attested copies of the Matriculation Certificate, Aadhaar Card, and relevant sports certificates. Attach two recent unattested passport-size colour photographs. Verify all details and supporting documents before dispatch. Send the application through Registered Post only. Preserve copies of the application and postal receipt for future reference. Application Address Directorate of PT & Sports General Staff Branch IHQ of MoD (Army) Room No. 747, ‘A’ Wing, Sena Bhawan PO New Delhi – 110011 The application must reach the prescribed address by the notified deadline. Important Dates Event Date Application Start Date Not Mentioned Last Date for Receipt of Application 10 July 2026 Closing Time 1700 Hours Selection Trial Dates Not Mentioned Call-up Letter To shortlisted candidates through email Candidates should ensure that the application reaches the Army Sports Control Board within the prescribed time. Important Information Merely submitting an application does not guarantee that a candidate will be called for selection trials. Applications will be scrutinized, and shortlisting will be based on higher sports achievements. Candidates called for trials must carry their original educational certificates, sports certificates, domicile certificate, character certificate, unmarried certificate, Aadhaar Card, and other applicable documents. Serving candidates must produce a valid No Objection Certificate from their employer. Applicants must bring their own sports kit and equipment for the Sports Skill Test. Candidates should also ensure that their Aadhaar details are correct because biometric authentication may be carried out at the trial site. Candidates previously discharged from the Indian Army for any reason are not eligible to appear in the selection trials. Eligible candidates discharged from the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, or other Government organisations may apply subject to the prescribed conditions. Conclusion The Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 offers a significant opportunity for accomplished sportspersons to join the Indian Army as Direct Entry Havildar or Naib Subedar (Sports) under Intake 06/2026. Candidates who have passed Matriculation and possess the required national or international sports achievements can apply, subject to the prescribed age and other eligibility conditions. The recruitment process focuses on sports excellence, physical fitness, practical skill, and medical fitness rather than a conventional written examination. Eligible candidates should prepare the application carefully, attach all required documents, and send it through Registered Post only so that it reaches the prescribed address by 1700 hours on 10 July 2026. Applicants should also remain prepared for the physical tests, sports skill assessment, document verification, and medical examination required for final selection.