Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 invites applications from unmarried Indian male and female candidates for Direct Entry Havildar (Sports) and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts under Intake Ser No 06/2026. Outstanding sportspersons who have represented at International, Junior/Senior National Championships, Khelo India Games, Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games on or after 01 April 2024 are eligible across 23 sports disciplines (Athletics, Boxing, Hockey, Wrestling, Shooting, etc.). Application must reach Army Sports Control Board via Registered Post only before 1700 hours on 10 July 2026.
Official Notification PDF: Download Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| 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 |
| Sports Disciplines | 23 disciplines (Athletics, Archery, Basketball, Boxing, Hockey, Wrestling, Shooting, etc.) |
| Application Mode | Offline via Registered Post only (Speed Post NOT accepted) |
| Minimum Education | Matriculation (Class 10th) from recognized Board |
| Age Limit | 17½ to 25 years |
| Date of Birth Block | 30 September 2001 to 01 October 2008 (inclusive) |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 July 2026, up to 1700 hours |
| Official Website | www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Submit Application | 10 July 2026, up to 1700 hours |
Sports Disciplines (23 Disciplines + Specific Events)
| S.No | Sport | Specific Event / Position / Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athletics (Track & Field) | 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, 1500M, 110M Hurdle, 400M Hurdle, 3000M S/C, 20KM Race Walk, Decathlon, High Jump, Triple Jump, Long Jump, Javelin, Shot Put, Discus, Hammer, 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), 200M/400M (Middle), 50M/100M (Sprint), 50M/100M/200M Backstroke, Butterfly, 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/Senior National Championship, Khelo India Games, Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games will be considered. Women meeting qualifying requirements similar to males are eligible. Exceptional talent outside listed events/positions may also apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Marital Status & Nationality
- Only unmarried Indian male and female candidates eligible for enrolment
- Candidates discharged from Indian Army for any reason are NOT eligible
- Discharged from Indian Air Force/Indian Navy/other Government organisation = eligible (with discharge having no adverse entries)
- Serving individuals must possess No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer at time of selection trials
Sports Achievement Criteria – Havildar (Sports)
- Medalist at Junior/Senior level representing State in National Championship, OR represented Country at International level (individual event)
- Represented State or Country in National/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 (Sports)
- 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
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17½ years (completed on first day of enrolment period) |
| Maximum Age | 25 years (not crossed on last day of enrolment period) |
| Date of Birth Block | 30 September 2001 to 01 October 2008 (both inclusive) |
Educational Qualification
- Matriculation (Class 10th) from recognized School/Board/University (minimum for both Havildar and Naib Subedar)
Physical Standards
Male Candidates (Region-wise Height)
| Region | Minimum Height (cms) |
|---|---|
| Western Himalayan (J&K, Himachal, Punjab Hill, Garhwal, Kumaon) | 163 |
| Eastern Himalayan (Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal, 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 & age (Army Medical Standards)
- Chest Expansion: 5 cms (male)
Female Candidates
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 162 cms |
| Relaxation | 4 cms for North East Region, Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Ladakhis, Tribals (domicile + caste certificate required) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height & age |
| Chest Expansion | 5 cms |
- Waivers in physical standards/tests may be given for exceptional talent (both male & female)
Physical Fitness Test
| 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 |
Pay, Allowances & Pension
Selected candidates receive same pay, allowances, and post-retirement benefits as Regular Serving Personnel:
- Pay & allowances per Army Pay Rules, 2017 (and subsequent amendments)
- Pension per Pension Regulations for Army-2008 (as amended)
- CSD facilities, medical facilities as applicable to Regular Personnel
- Insurance cover (premium deduction per existing norms)
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM) status on release + ECHS & CSD facilities post-retirement
- Promotion prospects up to Subedar Major on merit; commissioned officer opportunities subject to qualifying exams
Exact pay-scale not specified in notification. Refer to Army Pay Rules, 2017 for detailed pay matrix applicable to Havildar & Naib Subedar ranks.
Selection Process
- Applications received only through Registered or normal post
- Shortlisting based on higher sports achievements
- Call-up letters sent via email (indicates date, time, place of trials)
- Candidates undergo:
- Physical Fitness Test
- Physical Standards Test
- Skill Test (at designated Army Centre)
- Qualifying candidates undergo medical examination at trial site
- Medically Temporary Unfit: specialist review at Military Hospital within 21 days (no further appeal)
- Medically Permanent Unfit: appeal for specialist opinion within 21 days (pay ₹10 via Military Receivable Order; no further appeal)
- Final selection list prepared from candidates qualifying in all respects (based on vacancies per discipline)
- Selected candidates submit Police Verification form with Offer of Enrolment
Selection is provisional until candidates report to allotted Regimental/Corps Training Centre and complete enrolment form.
Documents Required
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 DOB/name spelling between application and certificates accepted.
Carry at Selection Trials
- 02 recent unattested passport-size colour photographs (taken ≤1 month before advertisement date, white background, NOT computerized/photocopied/photoshopped)
- Education certificates + marksheets (all qualifications from Matric onward, ink-signed by institution head)
- School leaving certificate countersigned by EO/DEO (open school matric candidates)
- Domicile Certificate with photograph (Tehsildar/District Magistrate)
- Caste Certificate with photograph (Tehsildar/District Magistrate)
- Religion Certificate (Tehsildar/SDM, if religion not in caste certificate)
- School Character Certificate (Principal/Headmaster)
- Character Certificate with photograph (Village Sarpanch/Municipal Corporation, ≤6 months)
- Unmarried Certificate with photograph (Village Sarpanch/Municipal Corporation, ≤6 months)
- Discharge Certificate (original + 4 self-attested photocopies) for IAF/IN/other Govt discharges (no adverse entries)
- NOC in original + 4 attested photocopies for serving Govt organisation candidates
- Own sports kit and equipment for skill test
- Aadhaar Card for biometric authentication at trial site
Without original educational marksheets + passing certificates, candidates will NOT be permitted to appear (except when principal provides original ink-signed certificate confirming docs deposited at institution).
How to Apply
- Download application form from official website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Print on A4 size paper only (prescribed format; non-standard forms rejected)
- Fill all details in block capitals, exactly as per Matriculation certificate (name, father's name, address, sports discipline, participation level)
- Affix recent colour photograph + left thumb impression + signature as indicated
- Attach self-attested copies:
- Matriculation Certificate
- Aadhar Card
- Sports Certificate(s)
- Send completed application + all documents via Registered Post only to address below (Speed Post NOT accepted)
- Ensure application reaches office before 1700 hours on 10 July 2026 (late applications not entertained)
Postal Address
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Directorate of PT & Sports, General Staff Branch, IHQ of MoD (Army), Room No 747 'A' Wing, Sena Bhawan, PO New Delhi-110011 |
| Mode | Registered Post only (Speed Post not accepted) |
Important Instructions
- Selection is fair & transparent based on merit; no bribe required at any stage
- Carry Aadhaar Card for biometric authentication at trial site
- Entry permitted only on production of Admit Card (sent via [email protected]); fake admit cards = handed to Civil Police
- Zero tolerance for narcotic drugs/psychotropic substances/alcoholism/substance abuse
- Permanent body tattoos permitted only on inner forearm & back of hand; offensive/obscene/racist tattoos prohibited
- Sikh candidates (religion prohibits cutting hair/shaving) may retain hair/beard/moustache per specifications
- No compensation for death/injury/loss during trials; participation voluntary + Indemnity Bond must be signed
- Candidates may need to attend trials 2–3 times; arrange own stay
- Use of contact lenses not allowed during trials
- Certificates with overwriting/tampering/erasure/alteration = not accepted
