Join the Indian Army as a Sporting Hero!
Are you a talented sportsperson dreaming of wearing the prestigious Indian Army uniform? This is your chance! The Indian Army has released the official notification for the Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2025. Applications are invited from outstanding unmarried male and female candidates for Direct Entry as Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports) under the Intake Ser No 05/2025. This is a remarkable opportunity to build a secure, long-term career in a respected government job while continuing to excel in your sport and represent the nation. Not only do you get a government job with a great salary and benefits, but you also get the honour of serving the country. The application process is completely offline, and the last date to submit your form by post is 15th December 2025.
Indian Army Sports Quota Recruitment 2025: Key Highlights
- Post Names: Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports)
- Vacancies: Not specified (Recruitment for 23+ sports disciplines)
- Salary: Pay Level 5 (Havildar) & Pay Level 6 (Naib Subedar) + Allowances
- Location: All India
- Application Mode: Offline (By Post)
- Application Dates: Now to 15th December 2025
This special recruitment drive is being conducted by the Indian Army to induct outstanding sportspersons directly into its ranks. The selection is not based on a written exam but on your performance in sports trials and your past achievements since 01 October 2023. Successful candidates will join the Army and will be part of a proud tradition of sporting excellence.
Sports Disciplines Open for Recruitment
The Army is recruiting for a wide range of sports. While the exact number of vacancies per sport is not detailed, outstanding candidates from the following disciplines (for both men and women, as applicable) are invited to apply.
| Sports Category | Examples of Events/Disciplines |
|---|---|
| Athletics | 100M, 200M, Hurdles, Jumps, Throws, Race Walk, Decathlon |
| Team Sports | Basketball, Football, Hockey, Handball, Volleyball, Kabaddi |
| Combat Sports | Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Wushu |
| Water Sports | Swimming, Diving, Kayaking & Canoeing, Sailing |
| Other Sports | Archery, Gymnastics (Artistic), Shooting, Weight Lifting |
Detailed Eligibility Criteria for Army Sports Quota
Before you apply, make sure you meet all the eligibility conditions. The criteria are strict and must be met by all candidates.
Educational Qualification
- All candidates (for both Havildar and Naib Subedar) must have passed Matriculation (10th Class) from a recognized educational board.
Age Limit
- Age: Candidates must be between 17.5 to 25 years old.
- Date of Birth Block: You must be born between 31st March 2001 and 1st April 2008 (both dates are inclusive).
Sports Achievements (Required)
This is the most important section. Your sports achievements must be from 01 October 2023 onwards.
For Direct Entry Havildar:
- Individual Event: Must be a Medalist (Junior/Senior) representing a State in a National championship OR represented India at an International level.
- Team Event: Must have represented a State or Country in National or International competitions (Junior/Senior level).
- Khelo India: Must be a Medalist in Khelo India Games, Khelo India Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games.
For Direct Entry Naib Subedar: (This is for higher-level athletes)
- Winner of any medal in World Championship or Asian Championships.
- Winner of any medal in Asian Games or Commonwealth Games (CWG) / World Cup.
- Represented India twice in Asian Games / CWG / World Cup.
- Represented India in the Olympics.
General Criteria
- Marital Status: Only unmarried Indian male and female candidates are eligible to apply.
- Medical/Physical: Candidates must meet all the physical and medical standards as per Indian Army norms.
Salary and Benefits: A Secure Future
A career in the Indian Army offers excellent financial stability and benefits, which is a key reason this is a great opportunity. As a Direct Entry sportsperson, your salary and perks will be a major advantage.
For Direct Entry Havildar, you will be placed in Pay Level 5 (as per the 7th Pay Commission), which has a pay band of ₹29,200 – ₹92,300. For the more senior post of Direct Entry Naib Subedar, you will start at Pay Level 6, with a pay band of ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400.
But this basic pay is just the beginning. You will also receive several other allowances. Dearness Allowance (DA) is paid to all government employees to cover inflation, and it increases periodically. You’ll also be entitled to House Rent Allowance (HRA) if you are not provided government accommodation, and Transport Allowance (TA) for your travel.
Other perks include comprehensive medical facilities for you and your family at Army hospitals, CSD (Canteen) facilities, and robust insurance cover. You will also be part of the National Pension System (NPS), which ensures a secure and stable life even after retirement. This complete package makes it one of the most rewarding government jobs for sportspersons in India.
Selection Process Explained: From Application to Enrolment
The selection process for the Army Sports Quota is unique and is not based on a written test. Your sporting skill and fitness are the primary criteria.
Stage 1: Shortlisting of Applications
First, the Army Sports Control Board will review all offline applications. Candidates will be shortlisted based on their higher sports achievements. Not everyone who applies will be called for the trials, so only the best candidates will move forward.
Stage 2: Selection Trials
Shortlisted candidates will receive a call-up letter via their email. You must report to the designated Army Centre on the date and time mentioned. The trials will consist of the following:
- Physical Standards Test (PST): Your height, weight, and chest will be measured. Height requirements vary by region (e.g., 170cm for Western Plains, 163cm for Western Himalayan).
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): You must qualify in all tests.
- Male: 1.6 Km Run (in 5 min 45 sec), 9-feet Ditch, and Zig-Zag Balance.
- Female: 1.6 Km Run (in 8 min), 10-feet Long Jump, and 3-feet High Jump.
- Skill Test: This is the most important part. You will have to demonstrate your proficiency, skill, and form in your specific sport to a panel of experts.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify in the PFT, PST, and Skill Test will undergo a detailed medical examination by an Army Medical Team at the trial site itself. You must be found medically fit as per Army standards to be considered for the final selection.
Stage 4: Final Merit List
A final select list will be prepared based on your performance in the skill trials, your medical fitness, and the number of vacancies available in your particular sport.
How to Apply: The Offline Application Guide
Please note: This is an offline recruitment. You cannot apply online. You must download the form, fill it, and send it by post.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying: Before you fill the form, get these documents ready:
- Self-attested copy of your Matriculation (10th) certificate (for proof of name, father’s name, and DOB).
- Self-attested copy of your Aadhar Card.
- Self-attested copies of all your Sports Achievement certificates (all achievements from 01 Oct 2023 onwards).
- Recent passport-size colour photographs (as specified in the notification).
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Download the Form: First, download the official notification PDF from the link given below. The application form is at the end of this PDF (Page 14).
- Print the Form: Take a clear printout of the application form on good quality A4 size paper.
- Fill the Form: Fill out all the details in the application form neatly and accurately in block capitals. Sign the declaration and also get your parent’s signature.
- Attach Documents: Attach the self-attested photocopies of the documents mentioned above (Matric, Aadhar, Sports Certs).
- Post the Application: Place the completed application form and all attached documents in an envelope and send it via 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-110011
- Your application must reach this address on or before 15th December 2025 (5:00 PM).
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | Already Started |
| Last Date for Submission of Application | 15th December 2025 (1700h) |
| Selection Trial Dates | To be informed via Email to shortlisted candidates |
Application Fees
There is no application fee mentioned in the official notification for this recruitment. The application is completely free of cost.
Essential Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Notification & Application Form | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit Now |
| Join our Whatsapp Channel | Join Now |
| Join our Telegram Channel | Join Now |
| Follow us on Indian App Arattai | Follow Here |
This is a fantastic opportunity for dedicated sportspersons to secure a prestigious career with the Indian Army. Your talent and hard work can now be your gateway to a life of pride, security, and continued sporting excellence. Make sure to read the official notification carefully, prepare your documents properly, and send your application form well before the last date. We wish you the very best for the selection trials!