East Coast Railway (ECoR) has issued the official notification for Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 to fill 05 vacancies for sportspersons under the Sports Quota (Open Advertisement) for the year 2025–26. This is a special recruitment drive to engage talented athletes directly into railway service based on sports achievements and trials, without a traditional written exam.
Vacancy Details – Sports Quota 2026
The total 05 vacancies are allocated across different sports disciplines and pay levels within the East Coast Railway zone:
| Discipline / Event | Gender | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics – 100 m run | Men | Level-2/Level-3 |
| Weight Lifting – 65 kg | Men | Level-2/Level-3 |
| Weight Lifting – 53 kg | Women | Level-2/Level-3 |
| Archery – Compound | Men | Level-1 |
| Weight Lifting – 48 kg | Women | Level-1 |
These posts are part of the Group C/D cadre and come with pay under Pay Level-1 to Level-3 of the 7th CPC.
Educational and Sports Eligibility
Educational Qualification:
- Level-2/Level-3 posts: Candidates should have passed 12th standard (+2) or equivalent. Alternatively, Matriculation + ITI holders may be considered for some Level-2/3 posts.
- Level-1 posts: Candidate must have passed 10th (Matriculation) or hold an ITI / National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT.
Sports Qualification:
Applicants must have significant sports achievements in recognized games from 01 April 2023 onwards. Achievements at national / international / federation-approved levels are required as per the official sports norms laid out in the notification.
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 18 and 25 years as on 01 July 2026. There is no age relaxation provided under this quota, even for reserved categories.
Selection Process
The selection for East Coast Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 is based on merit in sports performance and physical trials rather than a traditional written test. The selection stages include:
- Sports Trials and Evaluation: Scheduled by the Railway Selection Committee to assess practical skills, techniques, and performance in the respective sport.
- Sports Certificates and Document Verification: Candidates must present original sports achievement certificates, educational credentials, age proof, and identity documents at the time of trials.
- Physical Fitness and Skill Assessment: Coaches and experts evaluate candidates during trials for suitability and competitive performance standards.
Performance scores in sports achievement and trials determine final merit and selection.
How to Apply Offline
Candidates must apply offline through postal submission or drop-box method. The key application instructions are:
- Download Application Form & Notification: Get the official form from the East Coast Railway website (rrcbbs.org.in).
- Fill by Hand: Complete the form in English or Hindi using blue/black pen, including personal details, game discipline, and sports events.
- Photograph & Thumb Impressions: Affix one passport-size photograph on the form and attach one extra with name, date of birth, and signature on the back. Provide two left thumb impressions.
- Attach Documents: Include self-attested copies of educational certificates, sports achievement certificates, age proof, and identity proof.
- Postal Submission: Mail the application to:
Deputy Chief Personnel Officer (Rectt.), South Block, Rail Sadan, PO-Mancheswar, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar – 751017, Odisha. - Envelope Label: Write “Application against Sports Quota (Open Advertisement) recruitment for the year 2025-26” on top of the envelope.
Applications must reach the address on or before 09 February 2026 (18:00 Hrs) for most candidates, and 24 February 2026 for candidates from Andaman, Nicobar & Lakshadweep.
Posting & Training
Selected candidates are likely to be posted anywhere within the East Coast Railway zone after completing standard pre-appointment formalities, which include medical fitness examinations and, where prescribed, basic induction training.
What to Expect as a Sports Quota Appointee
- Appointment under the Sports Quota offers an opportunity for sportspersons to join central government service in Railways through sporting merit.
- Railway service provides job stability and benefits under government rules.
- Candidates may need to serve a service bond (often five years) as part of the employment agreement.
Final Overview
The East Coast Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 is a unique opportunity for talented athletes to secure a government job based on their sporting excellence. With only 05 posts across athletics, weightlifting, and archery disciplines, competition is merit-based and selection depends on performance in trials and sports achievements. Eligible candidates must apply offline before the deadline and prepare to demonstrate both sports skills and documentation at the selection stage.