Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026: Direct Entry Havildar & Naib Subedar (Sports) – Apply Offline
The Indian Army has released the Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 (Intake 06/2026) notification inviting applications from unmarried male and female sportspersons for Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) posts. Candidates with outstanding achievements in International, National Championships, Khelo India Games, Khelo India Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games can apply offline before 10 July 2026 (5:00 PM).
Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Army |
| Recruitment | Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 |
| Intake | 06/2026 |
| Posts | Havildar (Sports), Naib Subedar (Sports) |
| Application Mode | Offline (Registered Post Only) |
| Qualification | Matriculation (10th Pass) |
| Eligible Candidates | Unmarried Male & Female Sportspersons |
| Age Limit | 17½ to 25 Years |
| Last Date | 10 July 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Official Website | https://joinindianarmy.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | July 2026 |
| Offline Application Starts | Started |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 July 2026 (5:00 PM) |
Vacancy Details
The notification invites applications for:
- Direct Entry Havildar (Sports)
- Direct Entry Naib Subedar (Sports)
The number of vacancies will be decided based on sports discipline and organizational requirements.
Sports Disciplines
Applications are invited from outstanding players in:
- Athletics
- Archery
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Diving
- Equestrian
- Football
- Fencing
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Handball
- Judo
- Kayaking & Canoeing
- Kabaddi
- Karate
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Sailing
- Shooting
- Taekwondo
- Volleyball
- Wushu
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Sports achievements from 01 April 2024 onwards will be considered.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
- Matriculation (10th Pass) from a recognized board.
Sports Eligibility
Havildar (Sports)
Candidates should have:
- Represented India internationally, OR
- Won medals in Junior/Senior National Championships, OR
- Medalist in Khelo India Games, Youth Games, or University Games.
Naib Subedar (Sports)
Candidates should have:
- Medal in World Championship/Asian Championship,
- Medal in Asian Games,
- Medal in Commonwealth Games/World Cup,
- Represented India twice in Asian Games/Commonwealth Games/World Cup,
- OR represented India in the Olympic Games.
Age Limit
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 17½ Years |
| Maximum | 25 Years |
Date of Birth: Between 30 September 2001 and 01 October 2008 (both inclusive).
Physical Standards
Male Candidates
| Region | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Southern States (AP, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Puducherry) | 166 cm |
| Eastern Plains | 169 cm |
| Western Plains | 170 cm |
| Central Plains | 168 cm |
| Western Himalayan | 163 cm |
| Eastern Himalayan | 160 cm |
| Gorkhas | 157 cm |
| Ladakh | 157 cm |
Female Candidates
- Height: 162 cm
- Weight: As per Army standards
- Chest Expansion: 5 cm
Height relaxation is available for eligible North-East candidates, Gorkhas, Garhwalis, Ladakhis, and recognized tribal candidates.
Physical Fitness Test
Male
- 1.6 Km Run – 5 min 45 sec
- 9 Feet Ditch – Qualify
- Zig-Zag Balance – Qualify
Female
- 1.6 Km Run – 8 Minutes
- Long Jump – 10 Feet
- High Jump – 3 Feet
Salary & Benefits
Selected candidates will receive:
- Salary as per Army Pay Rules, 2017
- Military Allowances
- Medical Facilities
- CSD Benefits
- Pension Benefits (as applicable)
- ECHS Facilities
- Promotion up to Subedar Major
- Opportunity to become a Commissioned Officer based on merit
Selection Process
Selection includes:
- Shortlisting based on Sports Achievements
- Selection Trials
- Physical Fitness Test
- Physical Standards Test
- Skill Test
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Documents Required
Applicants should attach:
- Matriculation Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Sports Certificates
- Passport Size Photograph
- Character Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Unmarried Certificate
- NOC (if employed)
- Other required certificates mentioned in the notification.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should:
- Visit https://joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Download the application form.
- Fill the form carefully.
- Attach self-attested documents.
- Send the application only through Registered Post.
Postal Address
Directorate of PT & Sports
General Staff Branch
IHQ of MoD (Army)
Room No. 747 ‘A’ Wing
Sena Bhawan
PO New Delhi – 110011
Note: Applications sent through Speed Post, Courier, Email, or Hand Delivery will not be accepted.
Important Instructions
- Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
- Only one application should be submitted.
- Carry original documents during trials.
- Aadhaar is mandatory for biometric verification.
- Mobile phones are prohibited at the trial venue.
- Applications must reach the Army Sports Control Board before 10 July 2026, 5:00 PM.
Important Links
- Official Website: https://joinindianarmy.nic.in
- Official Notification: Available on the official website
- Application Form: Download from the official website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply?
10 July 2026 (5:00 PM).
Q2. Who can apply?
Unmarried Indian male and female sportspersons with eligible sports achievements.
Q3. What is the minimum qualification?
Matriculation (10th Pass).
Q4. What is the age limit?
17½ to 25 years.
Q5. Is there any application fee?
No application fee has been mentioned in the official notification.
Q6. How should the application be submitted?
Only through Registered Post to the Army Sports Control Board.
