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The Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 invites applications from outstanding unmarried Indian male and female sportspersons for Direct Entry Havildar (Sports) and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts. Candidates with Matriculation and significant sports achievements can apply offline by 10 July 2026.
Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
ProJobAlert.com | |
|---|---|
| Indian Army Sports Quota Havildar & Naib Subedar Recruitment 2026 Advertisement No.:- Intake Ser No 06/2026 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Indian Army / Army Sports Control Board, IHQ of MoD (Army) |
| Post Name | Direct Entry Havildar (Sports) & Naib Subedar (Sports) |
| Total Vacancies | To be Notified |
| Job Location | All India |
| Start Date to Apply | Active Now |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 July 2026 |
| Qualification | Matriculation (10th Pass) |
| Age Limit | 17½ to 25 Years |
| Selection Process | Sports Achievement Shortlisting, Physical Tests, Skill Test, Medical Exam |
| Salary | As per Army Pay Rules, 2017 |
| Application Mode | Offline (Registered Post Only) |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| 👉 Download Application Form | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: Released
- Application Start: Active Now
- Last Date : 10 July 2026 (1700 hours)
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 17½ Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
- Date of Birth Block: 30 September 2001 to 01 October 2008 (both dates inclusive)
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Matriculation (10th Class) from a recognized School/Board/University.
Full Eligibility
To be eligible for the Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific marital status, nationality, educational, and sports achievement criteria for both Havildar and Naib Subedar posts.
| Criteria | Direct Entry Havildar (Sports) | Direct Entry Naib Subedar (Sports) |
|---|---|---|
| Marital Status | Unmarried Indian Male & Female Candidates | |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen | |
| Educational Qualification | Matriculation (10th Pass) from a recognized Board/University | |
| Sports Achievements |
Medalist at Junior/Senior National Championship (State level, individual event). Represented State or Country in National/International competitions (Junior/Senior level, team event). Medalist in Khelo India Games, Youth Games, or University Games. |
Winner of any medal in World Championship/Asian Championships. Winner of any medal in Asian Games. Winner of any medal in CWG/World Cup. Represented India twice in Asian Games/Commonwealth Games/World Cup. Represented India in the Olympics. |
| Discharge Status | Not discharged from Indian Army for any reason. Eligible if discharged from IAF/Indian Navy/other Govt. organizations with no adverse entries. | |
| Serving Candidates | Must possess a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer at selection trials. | |
Physical Test Criteria
Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards including height, weight, and chest expansion, along with qualifying the physical fitness tests as per Indian Army medical standards for both male and female applicants.
| Region | Minimum Height (cms) |
|---|---|
| Western Himalayan (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Hill, Garhwal, Kumaon) | 163 |
| Eastern Himalayan (Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, Darjeeling) | 160 |
| Western Plains (Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Western UP) | 170 |
| Eastern Plains (Eastern UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha) | 169 |
| Central Plains (MP, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Dadar Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu) | 168 |
| Southern Plains (AP, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Puducherry, A&N Islands) | 166 |
| Gorkhas | 157 |
| Ladakhis | 157 |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age as per Army Medical Standards |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cms |
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 162 cms (4 cms relaxation for North East Region, Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Ladakhis, Tribals) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age as per Army Medical Standards |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cms |
| Category | Test | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1.6 Km Run | 5 minutes 45 seconds |
| Male | 9 Feet Ditch | Need to Qualify |
| Male | Zig-Zag Balance | Need to Qualify |
| Female | 1.6 Km Run | 8 minutes |
| Female | 10 Feet Long Jump | Need to Qualify |
| Female | 3 Feet High Jump | Need to Qualify |
Salary
Selected candidates for Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts will receive pay, allowances, and pension benefits consistent with Regular Serving Personnel of the Indian Army, as per the Army Pay Rules, 2017.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay & Allowances | As per Army Pay Rules, 2017 and subsequent amendments. |
| Pension | Governed by Pension Regulations for the Army-2008. |
| Other Benefits | CSD facilities, medical facilities, and insurance cover as applicable to Regular Serving Personnel. |
| Promotion Prospects | Up to the rank of Subedar Major, with opportunities for commissioned officer rank. |
| Post-Retirement Benefits | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) status, ECHS, and CSD facilities. |
- The exact pay scale for Havildar and Naib Subedar ranks can be referred from the Army Pay Rules, 2017.
- Candidates will be liable for service in any part of the world and assigned any duty in organizational interest.
- A probationary period of 3 years applies, with discharge possible if sports performance is unsatisfactory.
Selection Process
The Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 selection process involves shortlisting based on sports achievements, followed by rigorous physical and skill tests, and a comprehensive medical examination.
- Application Submission: Applications are accepted only through Registered Post.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their higher sports achievements.
- Call-up Letters: Sent via email to shortlisted candidates, detailing date, time, and place for selection trials.
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Candidates undergo a PFT at the designated Army Centre.
- Physical Standards Test (PST): Verification of height, weight, and chest standards.
- Skill Test: Evaluation of sports-specific skills at the trial site. Candidates must bring their own sports kit.
- Medical Examination: Conducted at the trial site for those who qualify PFT, PST, and Skill Test.
- Medical Review: Medically Temporary Unfit candidates can avail specialist review at a Military Hospital within 21 days.
- Final Selection: Prepared from candidates qualifying all stages, based on available vacancies in each sports discipline.
- Police Verification: Selected candidates must submit a Police Verification form with the Offer of Enrolment.
Exam Pattern
For the Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026, there is no written examination. The "exam pattern" primarily focuses on evaluating candidates' physical fitness, physical standards, and sports-specific skills through trials.
| Assessment Stage | Details | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Fitness Test (PFT) | 1.6 Km Run, 9 Feet Ditch (Male), Zig-Zag Balance (Male), 10 Feet Long Jump (Female), 3 Feet High Jump (Female) | Qualifying in nature |
| Physical Standards Test (PST) | Measurement of Height, Weight, and Chest Expansion as per Army Medical Standards | Meeting prescribed standards |
| Skill Test | Demonstration of proficiency in the declared sports discipline (e.g., Athletics, Boxing, Hockey, Wrestling, Shooting) | Evaluation of sports talent and performance |
| Medical Examination | Comprehensive medical check-up by Army Medical Team at the trial site | Declaration of Medically Fit/Unfit |
- Candidates must report at the Selection Trials Site by 0600 hours on their scheduled dates.
- Use of performance-enhancing drugs is strictly prohibited and will lead to disqualification.
- Candidates must carry their Aadhaar Card for biometric authentication.
- Original educational mark sheets and passing certificates are mandatory for trials.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
The Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 does not specify a fixed number of vacancies per post or category. Instead, it invites applications across 23 diverse sports disciplines, with selection depending on the requirement in each specific sport.
| S.No | Sporting Discipline | Specific Event / Position / Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athletics (Track & Field) | 100M, 200M, 110M Hurdle, 400M, 800M, 1500M, 20KM Race Walk, Decathlon, 400M Hurdle, 3000M S/C, High Jump, Triple Jump, Long Jump, Javelin Throw, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Hammer Throw, Pole Vault |
| 2 | Archery | Compound & Recurve |
| 3 | Basketball | Point Guard, Forward, Power Forward, Centre |
| 4 | Boxing | All Olympic Weight Categories |
| 5 | Diving | Spring Board & High Board |
| 6 | Equestrian | Olympic & Asian Games events |
| 7 | Football | Attacking Mid Fielder, Defensive Mid Fielder, Goal Keeper, Defender Centre Back, Defender Wing Back |
| 8 | Fencing | Epee, Foil, Sabre |
| 9 | Gymnastics (Artistic) | All Rounder |
| 10 | Hockey | Striker, Mid Fielder, Defender (Drag Flicker) |
| 11 | Handball | Pivot, Right Back, Right Wing, Centre Back |
| 12 | Judo | -66 Kg & -81 Kg |
| 13 | Kayaking & Canoeing | K-1 and C-1 |
| 14 | Kabaddi | Left Raider, All Rounder, Left & Right Corner, Left & Right Cover |
| 15 | Karate (Kumite) | -60 Kg, 75 Kg, -84 Kg |
| 16 | Rowing | All Olympic & Asian Games Class |
| 17 | Swimming | 400M/800M/1500M Freestyle (Long distance), 200M/400M Freestyle (Middle distance), 50M/100M Freestyle (Sprint), 50M/100M/200M Backstroke, Butterfly and Breaststroke |
| 18 | Sailing | Olympic & Asian Games Class |
| 19 | Shooting | 50M Rifle 3P, 10M Air Rifle, 10M Air Pistol, 25M Rapid Fire Pistol, Trap & Skeet |
| 20 | Taekwondo (Kyourgi) | Under 87 Kg |
| 21 | Volleyball | Setter, Blocker, Attacker |
| 22 | Wushu (Only Sanshou) | 48 Kg, 70 Kg, 90 Kg |
| 23 | Weight Lifting | All Olympic Weight Categories |
| 24 | Wrestling | All Olympic Weight Categories |
Job Profile & Responsibility
As a Direct Entry Havildar or Naib Subedar (Sports) in the Indian Army, your primary role involves serving the nation as a soldier while simultaneously representing the Army in various sports competitions. You will undergo military training and professional sports training, maintaining high levels of physical fitness and skill in your chosen discipline. Responsibilities include active participation in military duties, upholding Army discipline, and striving for excellence in sports to bring laurels to the organization.
| Aspect | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Military Duty | Perform all assigned military duties, maintain discipline, and adhere to Army protocols. |
| Sports Performance | Continuously train and enhance skills in the specific sports discipline. Represent the Indian Army in national and international competitions. |
| Physical Fitness | Maintain peak physical condition as required for both military service and sports. |
| Training & Development | Undergo initial military training at Regimental Centres and professional sports training. |
| Mentorship | Potentially mentor junior sportspersons and contribute to the Army's sports programs. |
- The job requires a dual commitment to military service and sports excellence.
- Personnel are expected to uphold the values and ethos of the Indian Army.
- Opportunities for promotion and career progression are available based on merit and performance.
How To Apply
Eligible unmarried Indian male and female sportspersons must apply for the Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 by downloading the application form from the official website and submitting it via Registered Post only before the deadline.
- Download Form: Visit the official website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in and download the application form.
- Print Application: Take a printout of the application form on A4 size paper only, ensuring it matches the prescribed format.
- Fill Details: Complete all required fields in block capitals, ensuring accuracy as per your Matriculation certificate (Name, Father's Name, Address, Sports Discipline, Level of Participation).
- Affix Photograph & Sign: Affix a recent colour photograph, provide your left thumb impression, and sign where indicated on the form.
- Attach Documents: Enclose self-attested copies of your Matriculation Certificate, Aadhaar Card, and Sports Certificate(s).
- Send via Registered Post: Dispatch the filled application form along with all required documents through Registered Post only to the address below. Speed Post is not accepted.
- Postal Address: Directorate of PT & Sports, General Staff Branch, IHQ of MoD (Army), Room No 747 'A' Wing, Sena Bhawan, PO New Delhi-110011.
- Deadline: Ensure your application reaches the office by 1700 hours on 10 July 2026. Late applications will be rejected.
Important Links
| Download Application Form | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Defence Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What are the posts available in Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026?
The recruitment is for Direct Entry Havildar (Sports) and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts under Intake Ser No 06/2026.
What is the last date to apply for this recruitment?
The last date to submit the application form via Registered Post is 10 July 2026, up to 1700 hours.
What is the age limit for Indian Army Sports Quota posts?
Candidates must be between 17½ and 25 years of age. The date of birth block is 30 September 2001 to 01 October 2008 (both dates inclusive).
What is the minimum educational qualification required?
The minimum educational qualification for both Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts is Matriculation (10th Pass) from a recognized Board/University.
What is the application mode for Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment?
Applications must be submitted offline through Registered Post only. Speed Post or by hand submissions will not be accepted.
Are female candidates eligible to apply for these sports quota posts?
Yes, unmarried Indian female candidates who meet the specified eligibility criteria, similar to male candidates, are eligible to apply.
What kind of sports achievements are considered for eligibility?
Achievements from 01 April 2024 onwards at International, Junior or Senior National Championships, Khelo India Games, Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games are considered. Specific criteria vary for Havildar and Naib Subedar posts.
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