The Indian Navy Sports Control Board, Naval Headquarters, Ministry of Defence has released the Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 notification for Sailor Sports Entry – 02/2026 Batch.
Outstanding sportspersons can apply for Direct Entry Petty Officer (DEPO) and Chief Petty Officer (DECPO) Sports Entry in various sports disciplines. Eligible unmarried male and female candidates must have passed 10+2 and should be 17½ to 25 years of age.
SPORTS EXPERIENCE / ACHIEVEMENT IMPORTANT: This recruitment is specifically for outstanding sportspersons. Candidates must meet the prescribed sports achievement criteria, such as representing a State/Country or winning medals at recognised national or international competitions, depending on the entry.
Applications must be sent only by Ordinary Post in the prescribed A4-size format. The general last date is 15 October 2026, while candidates from specified remote regions get time up to 22 October 2026.
Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
| Organisation | Indian Navy / Indian Navy Sports Control Board |
| Post Names | Direct Entry Petty Officer (Sports Entry) / Chief Petty Officer (Sports Entry) |
| Batch | Sports Entry – 02/2026 |
| Age Limit | 17½–25 Years |
| Qualification | 10+2 Pass in Any Stream |
| Application Fee | Not Specified |
| Application Mode | Offline – Ordinary Post Only |
| Salary | ₹14,600 Stipend During Training; Pay Level 5/6 After Training |
| Experience | Sports Achievement / Experience is Mandatory |
| Eligibility | Unmarried Male & Female Outstanding Sportspersons |
| Initial Engagement | 15 Years, subject to training completion |
| Job Location | Indian Navy / Naval Establishments Across India |
Sports Disciplines
Male candidates: Athletics, Aquatics, Artistic Gymnastics, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Equestrian, Football, Fencing, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kayaking & Canoeing, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Squash, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.
Female candidates: Athletics, Aquatics, Kayaking & Canoeing, Rowing & Sailing.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Start | Notification/application available for submission |
| Last Date – General Candidates | 15 October 2026 |
| Last Date – North East, J&K, Ladakh, A&N, Lakshadweep & Minicoy | 22 October 2026 |
| Sports Trials | Date, time and venue will be communicated through call-up letters |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination in any stream.
Age Limit
Candidates should be 17½ to 25 years of age as on the date of commencement of the course. Candidates should have been born between 01 September 2001 and 28 February 2009, both dates inclusive.
Sports Qualification
Candidates must have recognised sports achievements as prescribed for the entry.
For Direct Entry Petty Officer, eligibility may include representing a State/Country in recognised national or international competitions or winning medals in recognised games such as Khelo India Games/Youth Games.
For Direct Entry Chief Petty Officer, higher-level achievements are prescribed, including medals at World/Asian Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games/World Cup or participation in the Olympics, as specified in the notification.
IMPORTANT: Sports achievement is a key eligibility requirement. Candidates should check the exact sports certificate and achievement criteria before sending the application.
Physical Standards
| Standard | Male | Female |
| Minimum Height | 157 cm | 152 cm |
Candidates must also satisfy the prescribed medical and visual standards.
Other Conditions
- Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
- Candidate must be unmarried.
- The required original sports, educational and other certificates must be produced during trials.
- Shortlisting is based on the level of sports achievement and the requirements/vacancies of the particular discipline.
Pay & Benefits
During initial training, selected candidates receive a ₹14,600 monthly stipend.
After successful completion of training:
- Petty Officer – Pay Level 5
- Chief Petty Officer – Pay Level 6
- Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹5,200 per month, plus applicable DA.
- Insurance cover of up to ₹75 lakh, as specified.
- Food, accommodation, uniforms and training-related facilities are provided as per Navy rules.
- Other applicable benefits include medical facilities, leave, LTC and post-retirement benefits.
Selection Process
The selection process generally includes:
- Shortlisting based on sports achievements
- Sports Trials at designated Naval Centres
- Medical Examination
- Selection List
- Police Verification
- Offer of Enrolment
- Initial Training at INS Chilka
The final selection depends on the candidate’s performance, eligibility, sports discipline requirements and available vacancies.
How to Apply for Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
Candidates have to apply offline through Ordinary Post only.
- Download the prescribed application format from the official Indian Navy website.
- Fill the application form carefully.
- Clearly mention the entry, sports discipline and sports achievements on the envelope.
- Attach self-attested copies of the required certificates and mark sheets.
- Attach the prescribed self-addressed envelopes and recent passport-size photograph.
- Send the application only through Ordinary Post to:
The Secretary,
Indian Navy Sports Control Board,
Naval Headquarters, Ministry of Defence,
Nausena Bhawan, Room No. W-016,
Delhi Cantt, New Delhi – 110010.
- Ensure that the application reaches the destination by 15 October 2026 for general candidates or 22 October 2026 for eligible candidates from the specified regions.
Important: Applications sent through Speed Post, Registered Post or Courier will not be accepted.
Official Apply / Application Form
Candidates should download the prescribed application format and recruitment instructions from the official Indian Navy recruitment website before preparing their application.
Indian Navy Official Recruitment Website – Application Details
Important Links
| Link | Details |
| Apply / Application Form | Download Application Format & Apply Instructions – Indian Navy Sports Entry |
| Details PDF | Download Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF |
| Official Website | Indian Navy Official Website |
Official Details PDF
Candidates should read the complete notification PDF before applying. It contains the detailed sports-wise eligibility, achievement requirements, age criteria, medical standards, application format, postal address and selection conditions.
Important Application Note
There is no online application submission for this recruitment. Candidates must use the prescribed form and send it by Ordinary Post only within the applicable deadline.
Related Recruitment 2026
FAQs – Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is the Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026?
It is Sports Entry recruitment for outstanding sportspersons as Direct Entry Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer for the 02/2026 Batch.
Q2. What is the qualification?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 in any stream.
Q3. What is the age limit?
The age limit is 17½ to 25 years, subject to the prescribed date and conditions.
Q4. Is sports experience important?
Yes. Sports achievement is essential. Candidates must meet the prescribed national/international or recognised sports achievement criteria for the relevant entry.
Q5. Can female candidates apply?
Yes, eligible unmarried female sportspersons can apply in the sports disciplines specified for female candidates.
Q6. What is the last date to apply?
The general last date is 15 October 2026. Candidates from specified North East states, J&K, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Minicoy regions can apply up to 22 October 2026.
Q7. How should the application be sent?
The application must be sent only by Ordinary Post to the Indian Navy Sports Control Board, New Delhi.
Q8. What is the training location?
Initial training is conducted at INS Chilka, followed by professional training at designated Naval Training Establishments.