Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026: Comprehensive Notification

The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) has announced multiple opportunities for meritorious sportspersons to join the Indian Railways under the Sports Quota for the year 2025–26. This recruitment drive is a direct entry path for athletes who have excelled in recognized national and international competitions.
Categories:

1. Job Requirement Overview

The recruitment aims to fill vacancies in various Group C and Group D posts across different Railway Zones. Unlike general recruitment, this is purely merit-based focusing on sporting achievements. There is typically no community-based reservation (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) for these posts, though fee concessions apply.

2. Requirement Important Dates

3. Application Fee

*Minorities meaning Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Zoroastrians (Parses).

4. Age Limitation (as of 01 January 2026)

• Minimum Age: 18 Years

• Maximum Age: 25 Years

• Age Relaxation: Generally, no age relaxation is permissible for any category (SC/ST/OBC) in Sports Quota recruitment. Candidates must be born between 02-01-2001 and 01-01-2008.

5. Eligibility Category

• Level 1: 10th Pass or ITI or equivalent.

• Level 2 / 3: 12th Pass (+2 stage) or equivalent.

• Level 4 / 5: Graduation degree from a recognized university.

• Sports Norms: Must have represented the Country/State/University in recognized championships (e.g., Olympic Games, World Cup, Asian Games, Senior National Championships) between 01 April 2023 and the date of notification.

6. Detailed List of Vacancy (Snapshot)

7. Detailed Selection Stages (5-Phase Process)

Phase 1: Scrutiny of Applications

Before you are invited for trials, the RRC (Railway Recruitment Cell) screens all online/offline applications.

• Focus: Verification of Age (18–25), Education (10th/12th/Degree), and Sports Norms.

• Rejection Criteria: Applications with certificates from unrecognized federations or dated before April 1, 2023, are rejected at this stage.

Phase 2: Sports Trials & Skill Test (40 Marks)

This is the most critical "Elimination Stage." You are required to perform in front of a Selection Committee and a Coach.

• Marking: Out of 40 Marks (Game Skill: 20, Physical Fitness: 10, Coach Observation: 10).

• The "FIT" Rule: You must score at least 25 marks to be declared "FIT."

• Consequence: If you score 24 or less, you are declared "NOT FIT" and disqualified immediately, regardless of how many international medals you have.

Phase 3: Assessment of Sports Achievements (50 Marks)

Only "FIT" candidates move to this stage. A high-level committee evaluates your sports certificates provided during the application.

• Marking: Points are awarded based on the level of competition (International > National > University > State) and the color of the medal (Gold > Silver > Bronze).

Phase 4: Document Verification (DV)

Candidates who make it through the trials are called for a physical check of their original documents.

• Required Documents: * 10th Certificate (Birth proof)

  • Highest Educational Marksheets

  • Original Sports Certificates (Verified for QR codes/Signatures)

  • Caste/EWS Certificates (if fee concession was taken)

Phase 5: Medical Examination

Conducted by the Railway Medical Board. You must meet the specific medical standards (Visual acuity, hearing, and general physical endurance) required for the category of the post (Technical vs. Non-Technical).

Final Merit Score Distribution (Total: 100)

Tie-Breaking Rule

If two players have the exact same total score:

1. Higher Sports Achievements: The player with more prestigious medals wins.

2. Age: The younger candidate is preferred (to ensure a longer service life in the Railway sports team).Trials & Skill Test: Assessment of current sports performance (Physical Trial).

3. Assessment of Achievements: Evaluation of certificates and past records.

4. Document Verification: Checking original educational and sports credentials.

5. Medical Examination: Conducted by the Railway Medical Board.

8. Exam Pattern (Marks Distribution)

There is no written examination. Selection is based on a total of 100 Marks:

• Sports Trials (Performance/Fitness): 40 Marks (Min. 25 marks required to qualify).

• Sports Achievements (Past Records): 50 Marks.

• Educational Qualification: 10 Marks.

9. Previous Year Cut-Off Analysis

Minimum aggregate marks required for empanelment (out of 100): Even after qualifying the trials, you must reach a minimum total score to be considered for the final panel:

• Level 4/5 (Graduation Level): 70 Marks

• Level 2/3 (12th Level): 65 Marks

• Level 1 (10th Level): 60 Marks

10. Required Documents

• 10th/Matriculation Certificate (Proof of Age).

• Educational Qualification Certificates (12th/Degree).

• Sports Achievement Certificates (Post-April 2023).

• Caste Certificate (For fee concession purposes).

• Aadhar Card and Recent Passport Size Photographs (White Background).

11. General Conditions

• Candidates must be "Active" players.

• Trials will be held at designated Railway sports grounds.

• No TA/DA will be provided for attending trials.

• Probation period is typically 2 years.

12. How to Apply

1. Visit the official RRC website of the specific zone (e.g., rrcnr.org, rrcser.co.in).

2. Click on "Sports Quota Recruitment 2025-26" link.

3. Register with basic details and log in.

4. Fill in sports achievements and educational details.

5. Upload scanned documents (Photo, Signature, Certificates).

6. Pay the application fee and print the confirmation page.

13. Strategic Preparation & Recommended Books

Since there is no written test, preparation should focus on physical conditioning and technical skill mastery in your specific sport.

• Physical Fitness: Focus on agility, endurance, and sport-specific drills.

• Recommended Guides: * RRC Sports Quota Athletics Preparation Guide (2026 Edition) by JET Exam Publication.

  • Railway Sports Quota General Knowledge & Railway Rules (for interview context).

  • Official Rule Books of your respective Sports Federation.

14. Official Notice & Operational Links

• Official Website: indianrailways.gov.in

• How to apply: Click Here

• SECR New Registration: Click Here

• SECR Login : Click Here

• RCF - Kapurthala Application Form : Click Here

• RRC Northern Railway: rrcnr.org

• RRC South Eastern Railway: rrcser.co.in

• Official Notification: SECR | NR-D | RCFK | NWR | CR | WR | NR-C |

• Recommended Book: Click Here