The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has released the Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 notification inviting applications from eligible Indian sportspersons under “Sports Quota (Open Advertisement)” for various disciplines. This recruitment aims to provide sporting talent an opportunity to join Indian Railways as regular employees while continuing their athletic pursuits. The recruitment is offline and based on sports achievements and trials conducted by the authority.
Recruitment Overview
The recruitment for sports persons in 2026 falls under Advertisement No. ECoR/Pers/SPQ(OA)/2025-26 released by the Office of the Principal Chief Personnel Officer, East Coast Railway (ECoR). The applications are submitted offline to the specified address in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Sportspersons from across India can apply as per eligibility and notification guidelines.
Vacancy Details
A total of 05 vacancies have been announced under the ECoR Sports Quota for the year 2025-26. The vacancies cover sporting disciplines across Level-1, Level-2, and Level-3 pay bands of the 7th Central Pay Commission:
- Athletics (Men) – 100 m run – 01 post (Level-2/3)
- Weightlifting (Men) – 65 kg – 01 post (Level-2/3)
- Weightlifting (Women) – 53 kg – 01 post (Level-2/3)
- Archery (Men) – Compound – 01 post (Level-1)
- Weightlifting (Women) – 48 kg – 01 post (Level-1)
Total Posts: 05
The pay levels (Level-1 / Level-2 / Level-3) determine basic pay band and allowances under the Indian Railways pay structure depending on the post.
Educational Qualification
Minimum educational qualifications depend upon the pay level of the post applied for:
- Level-1 Posts:
10th pass (Matriculation) OR ITI OR National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) awarded by NCVT. - Level-2 & Level-3 Posts:
12th pass (10+2) OR 10th + ITI/NAC as per Railway norms.
There is no relaxation in educational standards for exceptional sportspersons; candidates must meet minimum requirements for the chosen level.
Sports Eligibility & Achievement Criteria
To be considered, candidates must have recognized sporting achievements in national/state events and meet standards prescribed for sports quota recruitment. Typically sportspersons must:
- Have achieved podium finishes or national/ federation-level performances in recognized championships.
- Achievements must be obtained on or after 01 April 2023 (as per notification norms).
Only certificates from recognised national/state federations are accepted for evaluation.
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 18 and 25 years of age as on 01 July 2026. Age relaxations may apply as per government and railway norms for reserved categories.
Selection Process
The selection process for the ECoR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 includes:
- Sports Trials: Demonstration of skills, physical fitness, game ability and coach/trial panel observations.
- Certificate & Document Verification: Sports achievements and educational credentials are verified by the Recruitment Committee.
- Merit Assessment: Final selection is based on total marks awarded for sports achievements, performance in trials, and educational qualifications.
- Recognised sports achievement carries significant marks.
- Trial performance and physical fitness contribute to overall score.
- Educational qualifications earn a smaller portion of marks.
Candidates securing minimum qualifying marks proceed to final merit lists for vacancies.
Application Fee
Applicants must submit the application fee in the form of a Demand Draft (DD) or Indian Postal Order (IPO) drawn in favour of Principal Financial Adviser, East Coast Railway, payable at Bhubaneswar. The fee amount and refund rules (partially refundable if candidate appears for trials) are detailed in the official notification.
How to Apply Offline
To apply for East Coast Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026:
- Download the official application form and detailed notification PDF from the RRC ECoR official website (rrcbbs.org.in or ECoR website).
- Fill in the form carefully with personal, educational, and sports achievement details.
- Attach self-attested copies of all relevant certificates including age proof, education certificates, certificates of sports achievements, identity proof, etc.
- Prepare Demand Draft (DD) / IPO for the application fees as specified.
- Send the complete application by ordinary/speed post to:
The Dy. Chief Personnel Officer (Rectt.), 2nd Floor, South Block, Rail Sadan, PO-Mancheswar, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751017. - Alternatively, drop the application in the designated drop box at the office premises.
Applications must reach on or before 09 February 2026 (18:00 Hrs) for general candidates and 24 February 2026 (18:00 Hrs) for candidates from remote areas (Andaman, Nicobar & Lakshadweep).
Important Instructions
Candidates must ensure:
- All details in the application are correct and verifiable.
- Original documents are produced at the time of trials and verification.
- Applications received after the closing date will be rejected.
- Performance certificates must be from recognised sporting bodies to be eligible.
Following the official notification and guidelines carefully maximises the chance of selection in this competitive sports quota process.