Welcome to Sarkari Naukri. The official notification for Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026: Apply for Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) Intake 06/2026 has been announced. Below you will find comprehensive coverage of the eligibility criteria, important dates, vacancy details, and direct official application channels.
- Download Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 Notification Here
Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 Overview
This overview table summarizes the key details of the Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 for Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Indian Army / Army Sports Control Board, IHQ of MoD (Army) |
| Posts | Direct Entry Havildar (Sports) and Naib Subedar (Sports) |
| Intake | Ser No 06/2026 |
| Eligible Candidates | Unmarried Indian male and female sportspersons |
| Number of Sports Disciplines | 23 disciplines |
| Application Mode | Offline, through Registered Post only |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Matriculation |
| Age Limit | 17½ to 25 years |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 July 2026, 1700 hours |
| Official Website | www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Important Dates
Candidates applying for the Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 should keep track of the following key dates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Application Submission | From the date of advertisement |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 10 July 2026, up to 1700 hours |
Sports Disciplines Covered
The Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 covers a wide range of sports disciplines, with specific events, positions, or weight categories notified for each.
| 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 |
Sports achievements from 01 April 2024 onwards at International, Junior or Senior National Championship, Khelo India Games, Youth Games or Khelo India University Games will be considered for eligibility. Candidates with exceptional talent outside the listed events/positions may also apply. Women candidates who meet the qualifying requirements similar to male candidates are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the marital status, nationality and sports achievement conditions specified for Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts.
- Only unmarried Indian male and female candidates are eligible for enrolment.
- 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 any other Government organisation are eligible, subject to discharge with no adverse entries.
- Serving individuals must possess a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of selection trials.
Sports Achievement Criteria – Havildar
- Medalist at Junior/Senior level representing a State in National Championship, or represented the Country at International level (individual event).
- Represented a State or Country in National or International competitions at Junior/Senior level (team event).
- Medalist in Khelo India Games, Khelo India Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games.
Sports Achievement Criteria – Naib Subedar
- 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.
Age Limit
The age limit is the same for both Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts under this recruitment.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17½ years, completed on the first day of the enrolment period |
| Maximum Age | 25 years, not crossed on the last day of the enrolment period |
| Date of Birth Block | 30 September 2001 to 01 October 2008 (both dates inclusive) |
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification for both Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts is Matriculation (Class 10th) from a recognized School/Board/University.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the region-wise height, weight and chest expansion standards prescribed by the Indian Army for both male and female applicants.
Physical Standards – Male
| S.No | Region | Minimum Height (cms) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Himalayan (J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Hill, Garhwal and Kumaon) | 163 |
| 2 | Eastern Himalayan (Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, Darjeeling) | 160 |
| 3 | Western Plains (Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Western UP) | 170 |
| 4 | Eastern Plains (Eastern UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha) | 169 |
| 5 | Central Plains (MP, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Dadar Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu) | 168 |
| 6 | Southern Plains (AP, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Puducherry, A&N Islands) | 166 |
| 7 | Gorkhas | 157 |
| 8 | Ladakhis | 157 |
Weight should be proportionate to height and age as per Army Medical Standards, and candidates should be capable of a chest expansion of 5 cms.
Physical Standards – Female
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 162 cms |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age as per Army Medical Standards |
| Chest Expansion | 5 cms |
A height relaxation of 4 cms is given to female candidates belonging to the North East Region (Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam), Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Ladakhis, and Tribals of recognized tribal areas. Domicile and Caste certificates will be used to determine applicability of this relaxation. Waivers in physical standards and tests may be given for exceptional talent, for both male and female candidates.
Physical Fitness Test
| Category | Test | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1.6 Km Run | To be completed in 5 minutes 45 seconds |
| Male | 9 Feet Ditch | Need to Qualify |
| Male | Zig-Zag Balance | Need to Qualify |
| Female | 1.6 Km Run | To be completed in 8 minutes |
| Female | 10 Feet Long Jump | Need to Qualify |
| Female | 3 Feet High Jump | Need to Qualify |
Pay, Allowances and Pension
Selected candidates under this Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 receive the same pay, allowances, and post-retirement benefits as Regular Serving Personnel of the Indian Army.
- Pay and allowances as per the Army Pay Rules, 2017 and subsequent amendments.
- Pension governed by the Pension Regulations for the Army-2008, as amended from time to time.
- Other benefits including CSD facilities and medical facilities as applicable to Regular Serving Personnel.
- Insurance cover with premium deduction as per existing norms.
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM) status on release from service, along with ECHS and CSD facilities post-retirement.
- Promotion prospects exist on merit up to the rank of Subedar Major, with further opportunities for commissioned officer rank subject to qualifying examinations.
The notification does not specify exact pay-scale or salary figures; candidates may refer to the Army Pay Rules, 2017 for detailed pay matrix applicable to Havildar and Naib Subedar ranks.
Selection Process
The selection process for Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 involves shortlisting based on sports achievements, followed by trials and medical examination.
- Applications are received only through Registered or normal post.
- Shortlisting is done based on higher sports achievements of the candidate.
- Call-up letters are sent to shortlisted candidates via email, indicating date, time and place of selection trials.
- Candidates undergo Physical Fitness Test, Physical Standards Test, and Skill Test at the designated Army Centre.
- Candidates qualifying the above tests undergo medical examination at the trial site itself.
- Candidates declared Medically Temporary Unfit may avail specialist review at a Military Hospital within 21 days; no further appeal is permissible.
- Candidates declared Medically Permanent Unfit may appeal for specialist opinion within 21 days on payment of Rs. 10 by Military Receivable Order (MRO); no further appeal is permissible.
- The final selection list is prepared from candidates who qualify in all respects, depending on available vacancies in each sports discipline.
- Selected candidates must submit a Police Verification form along with the Offer of Enrolment.
Selection is provisional until candidates report to the allotted Regimental/Corps Training Centre and complete their enrolment form.
Documents Required
Candidates must attach certain documents with the application, and carry additional original documents at the time of selection trials.
Documents to Attach with Application
- Self-attested copy of Matriculation Certificate
- Self-attested copy of Aadhar Card
- Self-attested copy of Sports Certificate(s)
No variation in Date of Birth or spelling of name will be accepted between the application and certificates.
Documents Required at the Time of Selection Trials
- Education certificates with marksheets of all qualifications from Matric onward, ink-signed by the head of the institution
- School leaving certificate countersigned by EO/DEO (for open school matric candidates)
- Domicile Certificate with photograph, issued by Tehsildar/District Magistrate
- Caste Certificate with photograph, issued by Tehsildar/District Magistrate
- Religion Certificate from Tehsildar/SDM (if religion is not mentioned in the caste certificate)
- School Character Certificate issued by the School/College Principal/Headmaster
- Character Certificate with photograph issued by Village Sarpanch/Municipal Corporation within the last six months
- Unmarried Certificate with photograph issued by Village Sarpanch/Municipal Corporation within the last six months
- Discharge Certificate (original plus four self-attested photocopies) for candidates discharged from Indian Air Force/Indian Navy/other Government organisations, with no adverse entries
- NOC in original plus four attested photocopies for candidates presently serving in a Government organisation
- Own sports kit and equipment for the skill test
- Aadhaar Card for biometric authentication at the trial site
Candidates will not be permitted to appear in trials without original educational marksheets and passing certificates, except where the school/college principal provides an original ink-signed certificate confirming the documents are deposited with the institution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should take care while filling and submitting the application to avoid rejection during scrutiny or at the trial site.
- Sending the application through speed post or by hand instead of registered post — both are rejected as per the notification.
- Submitting more than one application for the same intake, which leads to automatic disqualification.
- Mismatching name, father’s name, mother’s name, or date of birth between the application and the Matriculation certificate.
- Sharing personal email ID or mobile number with others, since all communication including call letters and results are sent only to the registered contact details.
- Reporting after 0600 hours on the trial date without valid justification, which forfeits participation.
- Bringing photocopied, computerized, or photoshopped photographs instead of original developed passport-size photographs.
- Carrying a mobile phone into the Selection Trials site, where it is strictly not permitted.
How to Apply for Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
Eligible unmarried male and female sportspersons must download, fill and post the application form as per the process below.
- Download the application form from the official website www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Take a print of the application form on A4 size paper only, as per the prescribed format; non-standard forms will be rejected.
- Fill in all details in block capitals, exactly as per the Matriculation certificate, including name, father’s name, address, sports discipline, and level of participation.
- Affix a recent colour photograph and provide left thumb impression and signature as indicated on the form.
- Attach self-attested copies of Matriculation Certificate, Aadhar Card, and Sports Certificate(s).
- Send the completed application, along with all required documents, through Registered Post only to the Army Sports Control Board address given below.
- Ensure the application reaches the office before 1700 hours on 10 July 2026, as late applications will not be entertained.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Postal Address | Directorate of PT & Sports, General Staff Branch, IHQ of MoD (Army), Room No 747 ‘A’ Wing, Sena Bhawan, PO New Delhi-110011 |
| Mode of Sending Application | Registered Post only (Speed Post not accepted) |
Important Instructions
- Selection in the Indian Army is fair and transparent, based purely on merit; no bribe is required at any stage.
- Candidates must carry their Aadhaar Card for biometric authentication at the trial site.
- Entry into the Selection Trials site is permitted only on production of the Admit Card sent via [email protected]; fake admit cards will be handed over to Civil Police.
- Consumption or possession of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is a rejection criterion; zero tolerance is followed for alcoholism and substance abuse.
- Permanent body tattoos are permitted only on the inner forearm and back of the hand; offensive, obscene, or racist tattoos are prohibited.
- Sikh candidates whose religion prohibits cutting hair or shaving may retain hair, beard, and moustache as per laid-down specifications.
- No compensation is payable for death, injury, or loss during the trials; participation is voluntary, and an Indemnity Bond must be signed.
- Candidates may need to attend the Selection Trials site two to three times and must arrange their own stay.
- Use of contact lenses is not allowed during the trials.
- Certificates with overwriting, tampering of seals, or erasure/alteration will not be accepted.
Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
- Join Arattai Channel: Click Here
- Sarkari Result: Click Here
- Download Mobile App: Click Here
