Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for Petty Officer & Chief Petty Officer Posts
The Indian Navy has officially released the recruitment notification for outstanding sportspersons as Sailors under the Sports Quota Entry (Batch 02/2026). Both unmarried male and female candidates who meet the sports achievement criteria and physical standards can submit their applications offline for direct recruitment as Petty Officer (DEPO) and Chief Petty Officer (DECPO).
Key Highlights & Recruitment Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Recruiting Body | Indian Navy (Indian Navy Sports Control Board, Ministry of Defence) |
| Entry/Batch | Sports Quota Entry – 02/2026 Batch |
| Posts Offered | Direct Entry Petty Officer (DEPO) / Chief Petty Officer (DECPO) |
| Gender & Marital Status | Unmarried Males & Females |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 (Intermediate) in any stream |
| Application Mode | Offline Only (Ordinary Post) |
| Application Fee | Nil (Free) |
| Last Date to Apply (General) | October 15, 2026 |
| Last Date for Remote Areas | October 22, 2026 (North East States, J&K, Ladakh, A&N, Lakshadweep) |
| Official Website | joinindiannavy.gov.in |
Eligible Sports Disciplines
Male Disciplines
Athletics, Aquatics, Artistic Gymnastics, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Equestrian, Football, Fencing (Foil), Golf, Handball, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kayaking & Canoeing, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Squash, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting, and Wrestling.
Female Disciplines
Athletics, Aquatics, Kayaking & Canoeing, Rowing, and Sailing.
Note on Specific Disciplines:
- Shooting: Male candidates in Group ‘A’ or top 25 in Group ‘B’ as per the latest National Ranking.
- Sailing: Medalists at International/Senior Nationals in ILCA7, ILCA6, 49er, and 49er (FX) classes.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit
- Age Range: 17½ to 25 years (as on the course commencement date).
- Born Between: September 01, 2001 and February 28, 2009 (both dates inclusive).
2. Educational Qualification
- 10+2 Passed in any stream from a recognized Board/University.
3. Sports Proficiency Criteria
- Direct Entry Petty Officer (DEPO):
- Medalist at Junior/Senior level representing a State in National Competitions, OR represented the country at the International level (Individual events).
- Represented State/Country in National/International competitions at Junior/Senior level (Team events).
- Medalist in Khelo India Games & Youth Games or higher levels.
- Direct Entry Chief Petty Officer (DECPO):
- Winner of any medal in World Championship / Asian Championship / Asian Games / Commonwealth Games / World Cup, OR
- Represented India twice in Asian Games / Commonwealth Games / World Cup, OR
- Represented India in the Olympics.
Pay Scale & Benefits
- Stipend during Training: ₹14,600/- per month.
- On Successful Enrolment: Placed in Pay Level 5 (Petty Officer) or Pay Level 6 (Chief Petty Officer).
- Additional Allowances: Military Service Pay (MSP) @ ₹5,200/- per month + DA + free food, accommodation, uniform, and books.
- Insurance Cover: ₹75 Lakhs on contribution basis.
- Initial Engagement Period: 15 Years.
Selection Process & Physical Standards
1.Shortlisting of Applications:Based on sports achievements.
Applications are screened, and eligible candidates with higher sports performance credentials are issued call-up letters.
2.Sports Trials:At designated Naval Centres.
Candidates report for field trials in their respective sports disciplines.
3.Medical Examination:At INS Hamla (Mumbai) / INS India (Delhi).
Candidates qualifying the trial undergo a medical test. Minimum height: 157 cm (Male) / 152 cm (Female). Visual standard: 6/12 without glasses, 6/6 with glasses.
4.Final Select List & Offer Letter:Subject to vacancy availability.
Selected candidates receive an Offer of Enrolment along with a Police Verification Form prior to joining initial training at INS Chilka.
How to Apply Offline
- Download the Application Form: Obtain the standard A4-size prescribed application format from the official website (joinindiannavy.gov.in).
- Fill Details: Fill in all fields clearly in block letters. Sending more than one application leads to disqualification.
- Attach Documents (Self-Attested):
- Matriculation (10th) Certificate (for DOB verification) & Marksheet.
- 10+2 Certificate and Marksheet.
- Sports / NCC Certificates (issued by authorized Federations).
- Domicile Certificate.
- 1 Additional recent colored photograph (Blue background; write name and signature on the reverse side).
- 2 Self-addressed envelopes (Size 22 x 10 cm) with a ₹10 stamp affixed on one envelope.
- Envelope Superscription: Use a brown cover envelope and clearly mention on top:
“Direct Entry Petty Officer/Chief Petty Officer – 02/2026 [YOUR SPORT NAME] – [ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL]” - Postal Address: Send the completed application form ONLY via Ordinary Post (Speed Post, Registered Post, or Couriers will be rejected):
The Secretary, Indian Navy Sports Control Board,
Naval Headquarters, Ministry of Defence,
Nausena Bhawan, Room No. W-016,
Delhi Cantt, New Delhi – 110010
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