Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2025
The Indian Army invites applications from outstanding unmarried Indian male and female sportspersons for recruitment trials as Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) under the Sports Quota Entry for Intake 04/2025. This is a prestigious opportunity for talented athletes to serve the nation while continuing to pursue their sporting careers.
The selection process is fair, transparent, and based purely on merit. This article provides essential information for candidates regarding eligibility, sports disciplines, application procedures, and other critical details.
Quick Overview / Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | The Indian Army |
| Entry Type | Direct Entry Havildar & Naib Subedar (Sports) |
| Intake | 04/2025 |
| Eligibility | Unmarried Indian Male & Female Outstanding Sportspersons |
| Application Mode | Offline (Submission of printed application form by post) |
| Application Start | From the date of advertisement publication |
| Application End | 15 June 2025 (1700h) |
| Selection Basis | Sports Achievements & Performance in Recruitment Trials |
| Official Address | Directorate of PT & Sports, General Staff Branch, IHQ of MoD (Army), Room No 747 ‘A’ Wing, Sena Bhawan, PO New Delhi -110 011 |
Eligibility Criteria (Intake 04/2025)
Candidates must carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying for the TA Recruitment 2025:
- Nationality: Unmarried Indian male and female citizens.
- Age Limit (for both Havildar & Naib Subedar):
- 17 ½ to 25 years. Candidates must have completed 17 ½ years on the first day of the enrolment period and must not have crossed 25 years on the last day of the enrolment period.
- Date of Birth Block: Candidates born between 30 September 2000 and 01 October 2007 (both dates inclusive) are eligible.
- Educational Qualification (for both Havildar & Naib Subedar):
- Minimum: Matriculation (10th Pass).
- Physical and Medical Standards: As per Indian Army service norms. Medical examination will be conducted at the trial site.
- Sports Achievements (Crucial for Eligibility):
- Must have participated at International / Junior or Senior National Championship / Khelo India Games / Youth Games / Khelo India University Games from 01 April 2023 onwards. Achievements prior to this date will not be considered for eligibility.
- For Direct Entry Havildar:
- Individual Event: Medalist at Junior/Senior level representing State in National competitions OR represented Country at International level.
- Team Event: Represented a State or Country in National or International competitions at Junior/Senior level.
- Khelo India: Medalist in Khelo India Games & Khelo India Youth Games & Khelo India University Games.
- For Direct Entry Naib Subedar:
- Winner of any medal in World Championship / Asian Championships.
- Winner of any medal in Asian Games.
- Winner of any medal in CWG (Commonwealth Games) / World Cup.
- Represented India twice in Asian Games / Commonwealth Games / World Cup.
- Represented India in Olympics.
- Women Candidates: Women who meet the equivalent sports achievements and other criteria similar to male candidates may apply.
Sports Disciplines Covered
Applications are invited for a wide range of sports disciplines including (but not limited to):
| S. No. | Sporting Discipline | Gender | Specific Event(s) / Position(s) / Category(ies) |
| (a) | Athletics (Track & Field) | Men | 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 |
| (b) | Archery | Men | Compound & Recurve |
| (c) | Basketball | Men | Post player, Forward & Point Guard |
| (d) | Boxing | Men | All Weight Category |
| (e) | Diving | Men | Spring Board & High Board |
| (f) | Football | Men | Striker, Mid Fielder |
| (g) | Fencing | Men | Epee, Foil & Sabre |
| (h) | Gymnastics (Artistic) | Men | All Rounder |
| (j) | Hockey | Men | Forward & Mid Fielder |
| (k) | Handball | Men | Left Back, Right Back & Centre Back, Pivot (PP) & Goal Keeper |
| (l) | Judo | Men | 90 Kg, 100 Kg |
| (m) | Kayaking & Canoeing | Men | Canoe (Sprint) |
| (n) | Kabaddi | Men | Left & Right Raider and Left & Right Cover and Left & Right Corner |
| (o) | Swimming | Men | All Swimming events |
| (p) | Sailing | Men | Olympic & Asian Games Class |
| (q) | Shooting | Men | 50M Rifle 3P, 10M Air Rifle, 10M Air Pistol, 25M Rapid Fire Pistol, Trap & Skeet |
| (r) | Triathlon | Men | Triathlon |
| (s) | Volleyball | Men | Middle Blocker, Opposite Hitter & Setter |
| (t) | Wushu | Men | 48 Kg, 75 Kg & 90 Kg |
| (u) | Weight Lifting | Men | All New Weight Category |
| (v) | Wrestling | Men | All Weight Category |
| (w) | Winter Games | Men | Alpine & Nordic |
Note:
- Exceptional talent apart from the above-mentioned event/position/category may also apply.
- Sports achievements from 01 April 2023 onwards at International/ Junior or Senior National Championship/ Khelo India Games/ Youth Games/ Khelo India University Games will be considered for eligibility.
- Women candidates who meet equivalent criteria in their respective sports may also apply.
Application Process
- Application Form: Candidates must take a printout of the application form available at the end of the official advertisement. The form should be on A4 size paper only.
- Submission: The application form, completed in all respects (signature, thumb impression, affixed photograph), along with self-attested copies of all educational and sports achievement documents, must be submitted by post to the following address:Directorate of PT & Sports
General Staff Branch
IHQ of MoD (Army)
Room No 747 ‘A’ Wing, Sena Bhawan
PO New Delhi -110 011 - Deadline: Applications must reach the above address by 1700h on 15 June 2025.
- Important:
- Submit only one application.
- Incomplete applications or non-standard forms will be rejected.
- Do not send original documents with the initial application. Originals are required at the time of selection trials.
Selection Procedure
The selection process for TA Recruitment 2025 under Sports Quota is merit-based and transparent:
- Shortlisting: Based on higher sports achievements.
- Call-up Letters: Eligible shortlisted candidates will be sent call-up letters via email, indicating the date, time, and place for selection trials.
- Recruitment Trials: Deserving candidates will be called to appear for trials at designated Army Centres. The trials will include:
- Physical Fitness Test
- Physical Standards Test
- Skill Test (in the respective sport)
- Medical Examination (conducted at the trial site itself)
- Final Selection: The offer of enrolment will be forwarded only to selected candidates, strictly determined by requirements in particular sports disciplines and the availability of vacancies.
Documents Required During Sports Trials (Originals & Photocopies)
Candidates must bring the following documents when attending the sports trials:
- Photographs: Twenty (20) copies of unattested recent passport-size color photographs (not older than one month, white background, proper haircut, clean shave – except Sikh candidates). Computerized/photoshopped photos are not accepted.
- Educational Certificates: Marks sheets and certificates of all educational qualifications (Matric/Intermediate, etc.) from recognized School/College/Board/University. Provisional/online certificates must be certified by the head of the institution.
- Domicile Certificate: With photograph, issued by Tehsildar/District Magistrate.
- Caste Certificate: With photograph, issued by Tehsildar/District Magistrate.
- Religion Certificate: Issued by Tehsildar/SDM (if religion is not mentioned in the caste certificate).
- School Character Certificate: Issued by the School/College Principal/Headmaster where last studied.
- 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.
- Documents for Serving/Discharged Personnel (if applicable): Original Discharge Certificate (with no adverse entries) and/or NOC from the current employer.
- Sports Kit: Candidates must bring their own sports gear and equipment for fitness and skill tests.
- Aadhar Card: As proof of identity (must match details in other documents).
Pay, Allowances, Pension & Other Benefits
- Pay and Allowances: Same as applicable to existing Regular Serving Personnel of the Indian Army (as per Army Pay Rules, 2017 and amendments).
- Pension: Governed by Pension Regulations for the Army -2008 (as amended).
- Other Benefits: CSD, medical facilities, etc., as applicable to Regular Serving Personnel.
- Insurance Cover: Applicable as per existing norms.
- Post-Retirement Benefits: Entitled to ESM status on completion of the initial term of engagement, with associated benefits like ESM quota in Government jobs. ECHS facility will be governed by extant rules.
Training and Initial Engagement
- Initial Training: Conducted at a designated Regimental Centre.
- Professional Training: In the allotted trade at various Army Training Establishments.
- Probationary Period: All selected sportspersons will be on probation for 3 years. Liable for discharge if sports performance does not meet expected levels.
- Discharge as Unsuitable: Havildar & Naib Subedar are liable to be discharged if found unsuitable at any time during training due to unsatisfactory performance.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Authenticity: Recruitment is fair and transparent. Do not fall prey to touts or agents. No bribe is required at any stage.
- Application Integrity: Ensure all information and documents are genuine. Submitting false documents is a criminal offense.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates are advised to undergo a preliminary medical check-up (especially for flat foot, poor vision, deformities) before attending trials. Ensure ears are free of wax. No contact lenses are permitted.
- Performance Enhancing Drugs: Strictly banned. Any candidate found using or possessing them will be debarred.
- Stay During Trials: Candidates should be prepared to stay for the entire duration of selection trials and medical examination at their own expense.
- Contact Details: Personnel e-mail ID and Mobile Number are mandatory. All communication will be through these.
- Aadhar Card: Must be carried for biometric authentication.
- Clean Shaven: Candidates should be clean-shaven (except Sikh candidates).
Contact Information
- In case of any difficulty, potential candidates may contact IHQ of MoD (Army) at 011-23019078.
- Admit Cards (if shortlisted) will be sent online through the official email: redsports.01@gov.in.
Conclusion
The Indian Army’s Sports Quota Recruitment offers an excellent pathway for talented sportspersons to serve the nation while continuing their passion for sports. This direct entry scheme for Havildar and Naib Subedar positions requires dedication, high levels of sports achievement, and adherence to the Army’s standards of fitness and discipline.
Interested candidates must carefully review the full official advertisement for detailed eligibility, specific sports event requirements, and the application format. Ensure your application, complete with all necessary documents, reaches the Army Sports Control Board by the deadline of 15th June 2025.
