Indian Navy has invited applications for recruitment to the post of Sailors under Sports Quota Entry 02/2026 Batch. The recruitment is meant for brilliant sportspersons fulfilling the laid down educational and sports achievement criteria. The last date to apply for general candidates is 15th October 2026, whereas candidates belonging to specified remote regions have been given extended deadline up to 22nd October 2026.
Indian Navy Sailor Notification 2026 Out
Unlike regular Agniveer recruitment, this is a Sports Quota entry, where candidates are shortlisted primarily on the basis of their sporting achievements before being called for trials and medical examination. The entry includes Direct Entry Petty Officer (Sports Entry) and Direct Entry Chief Petty Officer (Sports Entry). Candidates can download the notification from the official Indian Navy recruitment portal.
Indian Navy Sailor Recruitment 2026: Key Details
Candidates from Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Lahaul and Spiti district and Pangi sub-division of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep get the extended deadline of 22 October 2026
| Particular | Details |
| Conducting Organisation | Indian Navy |
| Recruitment |
Sailors – Sports Quota Entry |
| Batch | 02/2026 |
| Posts |
Direct Entry Petty Officer, Direct Entry Chief Petty Officer |
| Gender | |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Qualification | |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Last Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Extended Last Date |
22 October 2026 for specified remote areas |
| Selection |
Sports Achievement, Selection Trials, Medical Examination |
| Training | INS Chilka |
| Official Website |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification/Employment News | September 26, 2026 |
| Application Process | Ongoing |
| Last Date for General Candidates | 10/2026 |
| Last Date for Specified Remote Areas | October 22, 2026 |
| Selection Trials |
To be communicated to shortlisted candidates |
| Medical Examination |
After qualifying selection trials |
Indian Navy Sailor Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates should check these four things before preparing their application. Meeting only the educational qualification does not make a candidate eligible.
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination in any stream from a recognised board/institution.
2. Marital Status
The recruitment is open to unmarried male and female candidates, subject to the conditions prescribed in the notification.
3. Age Limit
Candidates should be between 17½ and 25 years of age as on the commencement of the course. The prescribed date-of-birth range is 1 September 2001 to 28 February 2009, both dates inclusive.
4. Sports Achievement
This is the most important additional eligibility requirement.
Indian Navy Sports Quota 2026: Eligible Sports
The recruitment covers a broad range of sports.
Sports for Male Candidates
- Athletics
- Aquatics
- Artistic Gymnastics
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Equestrian
- Football
- Fencing
- Golf
- Handball
- Hockey
- Kabaddi
- Kayaking and Canoeing
- Rowing
- Sailing
- Shooting
- Squash
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Sports for Female Candidates
- Athletics
- Aquatics
- Kayaking and Canoeing
- Rowing and Sailing
Sports Achievement Required for Indian Navy Sailor Recruitment
The Navy has prescribed different sports achievement standards for the two direct-entry positions.
Direct Entry Petty Officer (Sports Entry)
Candidates may qualify through specified achievements such as:
- Representing the country at international level.
- Representing a State or country in recognised national/international competitions.
- Winning medals at prescribed Junior/Senior National-level competitions.
- Achievements in recognised Khelo India competitions and other events mentioned in the notification.
Direct Entry Chief Petty Officer (Sports Entry)
The sports achievement requirements are higher for this entry. Eligible achievements include prescribed performances at events such as:
- World Championships
- Asian Championships
- Asian Games
- Commonwealth Games
- World Cups
- Olympic Games
Indian Navy Sailor Recruitment 2026: How to Apply
Candidates can follow the application process steps that have been provided below:
- Visit the official Indian Navy website and download the prescribed Sports Quota application form.
- Print the application form on A4-size paper.
- Fill in the details in block letters.
- Enter personal, educational and sports achievement details carefully.
- Attach self-attested copies of the required documents.
- Check the sports certificates and achievement details before dispatch.
- Place the completed form and documents in the prescribed envelope.
- Mention the required post, Sports Quota 02/2026 and game discipline on the envelope.
- Send the application through Ordinary Post only.
The Secretary
Indian Navy Sports Control Board
Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy)
New Delhi – 110011
Indian Navy Sailor Selection Process 2026
Candidates are not selected through the usual written examination. Instead, the recruitment broadly follows this path:
- Stage 1: Shortlisting
- Stage 2: Selection Trials
- Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Stage 4: Final Selection
Documents Required for Indian Navy Sports Quota Recruitment
Candidates should attach the documents prescribed in the notification. These include:
- Class 10 marksheet/certificate
- Class 12 marksheet/certificate
- Date of birth proof
- Sports achievement certificates
- Identity proof
- Domicile-related documents, wherever required
- Police verification certificate, as prescribed
- Recent passport-size photographs
Indian Navy Sailor Salary 2026
Selected candidates receive training support and pay according to the applicable rank and service rules. During initial training, selected candidates will receive monthly stipend of ₹14,800. Selected personnel are also entitled to Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹5,200 per month, along with applicable allowances.
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
| Direct Entry Petty Officer | Level 5 | |
| Chief Petty Officer | Level 6 |