The Indian Navy Sports Control Board has invited applications from sportspersons for Direct Entry Petty Officer (DEPO) and Chief Petty Officer (DECPO) posts under the Sports Entry scheme. This is a unique opportunity for state, national and international level athletes to join the Indian Navy.
The Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 covers a wide range of disciplines for men and select disciplines for women, offering a stable long-term career of 15 years along with training, insurance and other service benefits.
Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 Overview
Candidates must have passed 10+2 in any stream or an equivalent examination. For DEPO (Sports Entry), candidates need to be state-level medalists at junior/senior competitions, national or international representatives, or Khelo India Games medalists with a valid sports federation certificate. For DECPO (Sports Entry), candidates need to be World/Asian Championship medalists, Asian Games medalists, Commonwealth Games/World Cup medalists, or have represented India twice at these levels, or have Olympic representation. The minimum height requirement is 157 cm for males and 152 cm for females, with vision of 6/12 (without glasses) or 6/6 (with glasses) in both eyes. Candidates must be unmarried to apply for Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026.
Selection Process
Sports Trials at designated Naval Centres based on sports achievements
Medical Examination at INS Hamla, Mumbai or INS India, Delhi
Merit List preparation based on available vacancies per discipline
Police Verification post-selection
Application Fee
No application fee has been specified in the notification.
How to Apply for Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
Download the application form from www.joinindiannavy.gov.in or prepare it in the prescribed A4 format.
Fill in the form completely, ensuring only one application is submitted.
Attach self-attested documents in sequence: Matriculation certificate, 10th mark sheet, sports/NCC certificate, domicile certificate, and 10+2 certificate/mark sheet.
Enclose two self-addressed envelopes (22×10 cm), one bearing a Rs. 10 stamp.
Attach a recent passport-size photograph with a blue background, with your name and signature on the reverse.
Send the application by Ordinary Post only to: The Secretary, Indian Navy Sports Control Board, Naval Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, Nausena Bhawan, Room No. W-016, Delhi Cantt, New Delhi – 110010.
Candidates who want to stay updated on more such openings, along with free study material and exam alerts, can check Bharat Rozgar for daily updates on central and state government recruitment.
Q1: What is the age limit for Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026?
A: Candidates must be between 17½ and 25 years of age (born between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2009).
Q2: What sports disciplines are covered for male candidates?
A: 22 disciplines including Athletics, Aquatics, Boxing, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Kabaddi, Shooting, Wrestling and more.
Q3: What is the stipend during training?
A: Candidates receive Rs. 14,600 per month as stipend during the training period.
Q4: How should the application be submitted?
A: Applications must be sent by Ordinary Post only; Speed Post, Registered Post and courier are not accepted.
Q5: What is the last date to apply for Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment 2026?
A: The general deadline is 15 October 2026, extended to 22 October 2026 for candidates from NE states, J&K, Ladakh and island territories.
Practical Tip: Send your application strictly by Ordinary Post as instructed — the notification explicitly states that Speed Post, Registered Post, courier and hand-delivered applications will be rejected, which is an unusual but critical rule many candidates overlook.
