SER Sports Quota Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 54 Posts (Open Advertisement 2026-27)

SER Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 Overview

The table below answers the key questions about this recruitment: who is recruiting, which posts are available, how many vacancies are notified, who can apply, the dates and the application mode.

SER Sports Quota Vacancy 2026

SER Sports Quota Vacancy 2026-27 is notified discipline-wise and position-wise in three pay categories. Each Level-4/5 post can be in any of the level-4/5 posts in any of the Units of South Eastern Railway; the same applies to the level-2/3 posts. Level-1 posts are in any Unit of South Eastern Railway in terms of Annexure-A of RBE No 79/2026, which the notification says is available in the public domain.

SER Sports Quota Post Details

Vacancies for Level-4/5 (GP Rs. 2400/2800)

Vacancies for Level-2/3 (GP Rs. 1900/2000)

Vacancies for Level-1 (GP Rs. 1800)

SER Sports Quota Reservation

The notification states that no post is reserved for SC/ST/OBC/EWS communities. Candidates with the required performance or achievement in the particular sports discipline will be selected on the basis of overall merit irrespective of their communities. Candidates may still upload the community they belong to. This is stated to be strictly required under chapter 13 of the brochure published by the Government of India (Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, New Delhi). The caste certificate must be issued by the Competent Authority, not below the rank of Tehsildar, for SC/ST/OBC communities. OBC candidates must also upload an OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate in the Central Government format, issued not earlier than 1 year before by the competent authority.

SER Sports Quota Important Dates

The SER Sports Quota last date is 30/11/2026 up to 23.59 Hrs. The notification advises candidates to apply well before the closing date, as heavy load on the website in the last days may cause log-in or submission problems, and RRC does not accept responsibility for this.

SER Sports Quota Eligibility Criteria 2026

Eligibility rests on three conditions in the notification: nationality and age, educational qualification, and recognised sports achievement. Applicants must be Indian nationals. The sports achievement must have been earned on or after 01.04.2024. No relaxation in minimum educational qualification is permissible.

SER Sports Quota Age Limit

SER Sports Quota Qualification

Candidates must hold the required academic qualification when applying. Those who are appearing at and/or awaiting results of final examinations are not eligible. The qualification must be from a recognized institution.

• For Group-C appointment against Sports Quota in Technician-III, the minimum educational qualification is 10th pass. The training period for such Sports Quota appointees will be regulated by RBE No. 92/2024, as per the educational qualification of the selected candidates.
• No relaxation in minimum educational qualification shall be permissible.
• Candidates must submit photocopies of relevant documents in support of their educational qualification while filling up the application form. The original educational qualification certificate must be produced on the day of Trials.

Sports Norms for Level-4/5 and Level-2/3

The minimum sports norms for recruitment are given below, as printed in the notification.

Additional Sports Achievement Norms for Certain Disciplines (Level-4/5 and Level-2/3)

• Athletics (Men): A Gold Medal winner in the Open National Championship (Senior), Inter State Athletics Championships (Senior) and Asian Championships (Senior) may be considered for recruitment in Pay Level 4/5 (7th CPC). A medal-winning performance in the National Inter State Senior Athletics Championship may also be considered for Pay Level 2 (7th CPC).
• Chess (Men): For Grade Pay Rs. 2400/2800 (Level-4/5), the minimum sports norm is the Grand Master title in Chess (printed as “Grand Mater Title in Chess” in the notification).
• Table Tennis (Women): Sportspersons may be considered on the basis of their current Annual All India Rankings. For Pay Level 4/5 (7th PC), the norm is Seniors, Singles, current Annual All India Ranking up to 8th Position.
• Hockey (Women): For posts with Grade Pay Rs. 1900/2000/- in Pay Band Rs. 5200-20200/-, at least 2nd Position in International Tournaments of four or more nations may also be considered.
• Hockey (Men): For posts with Grade Pay Rs. 1900/2000 (printed as “1900/200”) in Pay Band Rs. 5200-20200, participation in International Tournaments (Senior or Junior) of four or more nations (printed as “four more nations”) may also be considered.
• Hockey (Semifinalist norm): A semifinalist in Senior National Championships may be considered for Grade Pay 1900/2000/- in Pay Band 5200-20200/-. Events recognized by ‘Hockey India’ are considered for the purpose of recruitment in the discipline.
• Archery (Men/Women): A medal-winning performance (at least 3rd position) in the All India Inter University Championship and achievements in international events as per para 3.2 are considered. Participation and medal-winning performance in events organized by the Archery Association of India will be considered.
• Rifle Shooting (Women): National Shooting Championship Competition (for all age groups). Only individual performance is considered for recruitment.

Important Conditions on Sports Achievements

1. The applicant must have earned the achievements mentioned above on or after 01.04.2024.
2. The concluding day of the Championship/Event alone is taken into consideration.
3. All Championships/Events must have been conducted under the aegis of International/National Sports Federations/Associations duly recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) at the time of that Championship.
4. No recruitment shall be made on the basis of certificates issued for National Championships conducted by any federation that was not recognized by MoYAS at the time of that championship.
5. The updated list of recognized NSFs is published on the Ministry’s website from time to time.

Sports Norms for Level-1

• (a) Represented the Country in any of the Championships/events in the Commonwealth Championship (Junior/Senior Category) / Asian Championship / Asia Cup (Junior/Senior Category) / South Asian Federations (SAF) Games (Senior Category) / USIC (World Railways) Championship (Senior Category) / World University Games; OR
• (b) At least 3rd Position in Federation Cup Championships (Senior Category); OR
• (c) Represented a State equivalent Unit, excepted in Marathon and Cross Country with at least 8th position in Senior National Championship only.

Cricket (Men) – Level-1 (GP-1800)

In Cricket, at National Level, the following achievements in 4 days / One day limited overs / Twenty-20 Cricket Championships (except Vizzy Trophy) organized under the aegis of BCCI may also be considered for Level-1 posts. The notification prints these norms in a table with the pay level GP-1800 (Level-1):

• Representation in Main Indian Seniors Team in 2 Test Matches / Limited Overs One Day International Matches / Twenty-20 Matches.
• Representation of India-A and India U-19 Team in 2 Test Matches / 2 Limited Overs One Day International Matches / 2 Twenty-20 Overs Matches.
• (i) Quarter finalist in Senior/U-23/U-19 All India Inter State Group Championships (except plate group); OR (ii) Participation in Senior/U-23/U-19 All India Inter-zonal Championship; OR (iii) Participation in Senior/U-23/U-19 Challenger Trophy.
• Pre-Quarter finalist in Senior/U-23/U-19 All India Inter State Championships (except plate group).

The notification does not make clear in its text layout which of these lines are paired as separate rows of the table; candidates should check the original PDF for the exact table layout.

Volleyball (Men/Women)

Certificates of sports achievements in events conducted by the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) or its affiliated units during the period up to 28/10/2025 and after 21/04/2026 shall not be considered for recruitment. Certificates of achievements/medals obtained in the National Volleyball Championship conducted under the aegis of VFI while the VFI (Interim Body) was under valid Government recognition, i.e. from 29.10.2025 up to 21.04.2026, are valid. Certificates issued by the Association of Indian Universities and the International Federations for recognized sports achievements in Volleyball are valid.

Golf (Men)

For posts with Grade Pay Rs. 1800 in Pay Band Rs. 5,200-20,200, a sportsperson having an I.G.U. ranking up to 100, subject to a single handicap, i.e. less than 10 (in order of Merit/Amateur Merit list), is also eligible. Only the current Annual All India Ranking is considered.

Body Building (Men)

Sports achievements in events conducted by the Indian Body Builders Federation or its affiliated units shall not be considered for recruitment, vide RBE No. 75/2024 dated 08.08.2024. Certificates issued by the Association of Indian Universities and the International Federations for recognized sports achievements in Body Building (Men) are valid. The notification adds that the highest ranking in the year of recruitment may be considered.

Higher-Grade Norms and Lower Grades

Sportspersons fulfilling the minimum sports norms for recruitment in higher grades are eligible for recruitment in lower grades also. They will be eligible for promotion/re-appointment in higher grades only on the basis of sports achievement acquired after joining Railways. (Authorities: RBE 189/2010, 128/2019, 03/2023 and 26/2023.)

Junior National Championships Recognized by RSPB

These Junior National Championships are recognized by the RSPB for determining eligibility under para 3.2.

The serial numbers above are as printed in the notification, which skips number 13.

SER Sports Quota Application Fee

The examination fee is Rs. 500/- for UR/OBC candidates and Rs. 250/- for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/Persons, Women, Minorities and Economic Backward Classes. The fee must be paid online through Internet Banking or Debit or Credit Cards, and service charges for payment are borne by the candidates. Fees in Cash, Cheque, Money Order, Central Recruitment Fee Stamps or Demand Draft are not accepted, and the application will be rejected.

• The refund is made to eligible candidates who actually appear in the Trial, after deducting applicable bank charges.
• Candidates must confirm whether they want the refund in the account from which the payment was made, or provide a beneficiary account (beneficiary name, account number, name of bank and IFSC code).
• The fee clause lists “Ex. Servicemen/Persons” while the refund clauses list “Ex. Servicemen/Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)”, as printed in the notification.

SER Sports Quota Salary

The notification does not state a monthly salary amount. It lists the posts by 7th CPC pay level with the following Grade Pay and Pay Band details.

SER Sports Quota Selection Process

Selection will be based upon performance in sports Trials followed by Certificate (Sports and Educational) Verification by a duly constituted Recruitment Committee of the railway. The venue and date for Trials and Certificate Verification will be intimated to eligible candidates in due course.

Distribution of Marks

Minimum Qualifying Marks

• The recruitment process is based purely on merit as per the vacancies notified in a particular discipline. Canvassing in any form will attract disqualification.
• If more than one sportsperson scores the same marks in a discipline, preference is given to the younger candidate.
• The Railway Administration reserves the right to fix any date, change the place or postpone Trials at its convenience, and Trials can also be cancelled due to unforeseen exigencies; no claim will be accepted.

How to Apply for SER Sports Quota Recruitment 2026

Eligible candidates must apply online through the RRC/SER website (www.rrcser.co.in). Before starting, ensure that your name spelling, father’s name spelling, community details, educational qualification and date of birth match the entries in the Matriculation or equivalent certificate. If there is a significant difference, the candidature will be cancelled from the day the discrepancy is noticed, and no claim will be entertained.

1. Visit the RRC-SER website (www.rrcser.co.in). The step text in the notification prints the address as “www.rrecer.co.in”, which appears to be a typographical error; the other parts of the notification give www.rrcser.co.in.
2. Click on the “Online/E-Application for Sports Quota(OA) / 2026-27” link, then click “New Registration”.
3. Fill in personal information: Name, Father’s name, Date of Birth, Community, E-mail address and Mobile number. An E-mail/SMS with the registration number and password will be received on the registered E-mail ID/Mobile number.
4. Log in with the registration number and password, and complete the registration step by step.
5. Give bank account details for refund: indicate whether the refund should go to the account used for payment, or provide beneficiary name, account number, bank name and IFSC code. Candidates who confirm refund to the payment account need not fill these details.
6. Provide the details of a valid photo identity card and upload it.
7. Upload the scanned photograph, signature and LTI, and self-attested certificates in proof of date of birth, educational/technical qualifications, caste (SC/ST/OBC/EBC/EWS), income certificate, self declarations for OBC and minority candidates, and sports achievements.
8. Pay the fee using a credit card, debit card or internet banking.
9. A Unique Registration Number is generated on submission. Note it down for later stages and correspondence.
10. No change is entertained after final submission of the online application. Take two printouts of the properly filled application form; the hard copy should be the same as submitted online.

• Use your own mobile number and valid, active personal e-mail ID throughout the recruitment. RRC sends all recruitment communication only through SMS and E-mail, and does not entertain requests to change mobile number or e-mail address at any stage.
• For difficulty in filling the online form, call the Help Line Number and E-mail ID mentioned on the RRC/SER website. The numbers are not given in the notification.
• Applications received directly at RRC will not be entertained.

SER Sports Quota Apply Online

The online application opens on 31/10/2026 and closes on 30/11/2026 (23.59 Hrs). The notification gives the website www.rrcser.co.in for applying and downloading the notification; a direct application link is not given in the PDF. Use the link titled “Online/E-Application for Sports Quota(OA) / 2026-27” on the website once the window opens.

Documents to Upload

Photograph

• Colour passport-size photograph with white/light colour background, 3.5 cm x 3.5 cm, not older than three months from the date of application.
• JPG/JPEG format scanned at 100 DPI; file size up to 70 KB.
• Must match the candidate’s appearance on the days of Trial, document verification and medical test. Clear front view, without cap and sunglasses; no glare or reflections on glasses if worn, with eyes clearly visible.
• Photos on all documents should be identical in all stages. Keep at least 06 (Six) copies of the same photograph.

Signature and LTI

• Sign and put LTI on white paper with black ink within a box of 50 mm x 20 mm or 140 x 60 pixels. JPG/JPEG format scanned at 100 dpi; file size between 10 KB and 40 KB.
• The signature and LTI must be of the applicant only, otherwise it is treated as impersonation/fraud.
• Signatures on all documents must be identical in all stages (Trial, Document Verification, Medical examination etc.); different styles may result in cancellation of candidature.
• The signature should be in Hindi or English and must not be in capital or disjointed letters.

Other Documents (PDF Format Only)

1. Self-attested copy of a valid photo identity card issued by a government body/authority (Aadhar card/PAN card/Driving License/Voter ID Card). Carry it at all stages along with the e-call letter.
2. Self-attested certificate in proof of educational qualification issued by Board/Council/University as per para 3.5.
3. Only sports achievement certificates for Championships concluded on or after 01.04.2024 to date from a recognized Sports Association of Indian University must be uploaded.
4. Self-attested certificate in proof of age (Matriculation/10th certificate) as per para 3.1.
5. Self-attested certificates in proof of all recognized sports achievements as per paras 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4.
6. SC and ST candidates: self-attested community certificate from the Competent Authority as per Annexure-I.
7. OBC-NCL candidates: self-attested community certificate from the Competent Authority as per Annexure-II, and a self declaration as per Annexure-IIA that the candidate does not belong to the Creamy Layer.
8. EBC candidates: self-attested Income Certificate from the Competent Authority in the format of Annexure-III.
9. EWS candidates: self-attested EWS certificate from the Competent Authority as per Annexure-IV.
10. Minority candidates: a declaration for waiver of examination fees as per Annexure-V.
11. Ex-Servicemen: Discharge certificate and pension-related documents (copy of PPO).
12. Certificates in languages other than English or Hindi must be accompanied by an attested translation in English/Hindi.

Candidates must bring original documents of Date of Birth, Educational Qualification, Sports Achievements and Identification proof on the day of Trial; without them they will not be allowed to appear. Two copies of all documents uploaded with the application form must be self-attested.

Invalid Applications

The notification says applications with any of the following will be summarily rejected. The list is illustrative, not exhaustive.

1. Applications sent manually and not registered online.
2. More than one application registered by the same candidate.
3. Applications received after the closing date.
4. Application without paying, or paying less than, the prescribed examination fee.
5. Applications that are incomplete, faulty or ineligible in any manner.
6. Application without date, unsigned, or signed in block/capital/disjointed letters.
7. Application without proper scanned photograph, signature, LTI and other enclosures.
8. No photo identity card or proper certificates for date of birth, educational qualification, recognized sports achievement, caste/community etc. Certificates not obtained from the appropriate authority are liable to be rejected.
9. Candidate not possessing the prescribed educational qualifications and minimum sporting achievements at the time of submitting the application.
10. Over age, or date of birth not filled or wrongly filled.
11. Photograph not uploaded, black and white photo, photo with cap or sunglasses, disfigured, small size, full body, only one side view of the face or unrecognizable photo.
12. Any other irregularities considered invalid by RRC/SER, or any compulsory enclosure not attached.
13. Any column left blank.
14. Discipline not mentioned in the application.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• Selected candidates are likely to be posted anywhere on South Eastern Railway after completing pre-appointment formalities, including training wherever prescribed.
• Check eligibility before applying. The Railway Administration may reject any application not fulfilling the criteria at any stage, and a wrongly appointed candidate can be summarily removed from service even after appointment.
• Serving employees must attach a ‘No-Objection Certificate’ from the employer.
• Candidates debarred from RRB/RRC exams need not apply unless the debarment period is over by the closing date of this notification.
• Candidates seeking fee exemption as Economically Backward Classes must get Annexure-III filled and certified by the proper authority. Minority candidates must submit a self declaration as per Annexure-V and a Minority Community declaration affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper of Rs. 10/- sworn before an Executive Magistrate.
• Names of successful candidates will be published separately. Candidature is provisional until departmental verification of qualifications and certificates, which is mandatory for appointment.
• The list of eligible/ineligible candidates and dates will be published on the RRC/SER website. The E-Call Letter/Admit Card download link will be made available on the RRC website in due course. Bring the original photo identity card and the e-call letter at all stages (trials, document verification etc.).
• Visit the RRC/SER website regularly. The Railway administration is not responsible if candidates fail to check notices.
• SC/ST candidates are eligible for free rail travel in second class for attending Sports Trials.
• Selected candidates must pass the requisite medical fitness standards before appointment.
• Selected candidates must submit a ‘Service Bond’ requiring them to serve 5 years with the railway.
• For appointment as Clerk-cum-Typist in Group-C railway service, candidates must acquire typing proficiency of 30 w.p.m. in English or 25 w.p.m. in Hindi within four years from the date of appointment; until then, appointment is provisional.
• The decision of South Eastern Railway in all matters relating to this recruitment is final. No intimation of rejection other than uploading the list on the website will be sent to ineligible candidates.
• For any legal dispute, the jurisdiction is the Central Administrative Tribunal, Calcutta.
• No TA/DA/Accommodation is given for appearing in the selection trial. Candidates must bring their own kit and may need to stay 2-3 days during the selection at their own arrangement.

Annexures in the Notification

The annexure pages in the PDF carry some stray headings, such as a Centralized Employment Notice No. RRC-01/2019 version of the EBC proforma and an “Annexure - VIII” label, that do not match the SER notification text. Candidates should use the formats as instructed on the RRC/SER website.