Latest Update: 25 October 2026 | Application Deadline: 11:59 PM IST
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 recruitment has been announced for 67 vacancies across Pay Levels 1 to 5 of the 7th Central Pay Commission. The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Southern Railway, Chennai, is inviting applications from Indian sportspersons who meet the prescribed educational qualifications and sports achievement requirements.
According to Employment Notice No. RRC-02/Sports/2026-27, online applications opened on 26 September 2026. The scheduled last date for registration is 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
The recruitment includes opportunities for candidates with Class 10, ITI, Class 12 and graduate-level qualifications. However, academic eligibility alone is not sufficient. Applicants must also have recognised achievements in the particular sport, event or playing position specified in the advertisement.
Selection is based on sports trials, recognised sporting achievements and educational qualifications rather than a conventional written examination.
- Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Recruitment Overview
- Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Important Dates
- Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Vacancy Details
- Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Age Limit
- Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Application Fee
- Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Salary and Pay Scale
- Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Selection Process
- How to Apply for Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026
- Documents Required for Online Application
- Important Instructions for Applicants
- Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Official Links
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. How many vacancies are available in Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026?
- 2. What is the last date to apply for Southern Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026?
- 3. Can Class 10 pass candidates apply?
- 4. Is there a written examination?
- 5. What is the age limit?
- 6. Are state-level sports certificates accepted?
- 7. What is the starting salary?
- 8. Is the application fee refundable?
- Final Words
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Recruitment Overview
The important details of the recruitment are summarised below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Southern Railway |
| Recruiting Authority | Railway Recruitment Cell, Chennai |
| Recruitment Name | Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026–27 |
| Advertisement Number | RRC-02/Sports/2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 67 |
| Recruitment Type | Sports Quota — Open Advertisement |
| Job Location | Southern Railway, as allotted |
| Educational Qualification | 10th / ITI / NAC / 12th / Graduation |
| Age Limit | 18–25 years |
| Age Reckoning Date | 1 January 2027 |
| Pay Levels | Level 1 to Level 5 |
| Initial Basic Pay | ₹18,000–₹29,200 |
| Selection Process | Sports Trials, Achievements and Educational Assessment |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | 26 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 25 October 2026 |
| Official Website | https://rrcmas.in |
Candidates should carefully examine the official notification before applying, particularly the eligibility conditions for their chosen sports discipline.
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Important Dates
The Railway Recruitment Cell has announced the registration schedule in its official advertisement.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 26 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 26 September 2026, 9:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 January 2027 |
| Sports Trial Date | To be announced |
| Document Verification | Schedule to be announced |
The original notification does not mention a separate sports trial date. Details regarding the trial venue, reporting time and other instructions will be published on the official recruitment website.
Candidates should retain their application details and regularly check the RRC Chennai recruitment page for subsequent announcements.
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Vacancy Details
A total of 67 vacancies have been advertised under three groups of pay levels.
Pay Level-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Pay Level | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Level 4 and Level 5 | 5 |
| Level 2 and Level 3 | 16 |
| Level 1 | 46 |
| Total | 67 |
The vacancies are allocated to specific sports disciplines, events, playing positions and weight categories.
Level 4 and Level 5 — 5 Posts
| Sports Discipline | Category | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics | Men | 2 |
| Athletics | Women | 2 |
| Boxing | Men | 1 |
| Total | 5 |
The athletics vacancies include long jump, decathlon, 100 metres and 400 metres. The boxing vacancy is for the specified 47–50 kg category.
Level 2 and Level 3 — 16 Posts
| Sports Discipline | Posts |
|---|---|
| Athletics | 3 |
| Basketball | 3 |
| Cricket | 4 |
| Cue Sports | 1 |
| Football | 1 |
| Volleyball | 4 |
| Total | 16 |
The notification identifies specific playing positions, such as pivot in basketball, specialist batting and bowling roles in cricket, midfielder in football, and designated positions in volleyball.
Level 1 — 46 Posts
| Sports Discipline | Posts |
|---|---|
| Athletics | 8 |
| Boxing | 8 |
| Cricket | 7 |
| Football | 7 |
| Hockey | 7 |
| Volleyball | 5 |
| Weightlifting | 4 |
| Total | 46 |
Candidates must select the exact advertised event or position.
For example, a football player with experience as a goalkeeper cannot assume eligibility for a vacancy specifically designated for a midfielder or forward.
Similarly, boxing and weightlifting applicants must check the advertised weight categories.
Southern Railway has also stated that certain unfilled Level 4/5 vacancies may be considered for filling at Level 2/3 within the same discipline, subject to the notification’s conditions.
Important: No post is exclusively reserved for a particular community under this Sports Quota advertisement.
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is determined by three main requirements:
- Educational qualification for the selected pay level.
- Age eligibility as of the prescribed date.
- Recognised sports achievements matching the advertised discipline and event.
Applicants must satisfy all applicable conditions. Meeting only one or two requirements does not establish eligibility.
Educational Qualification
| Pay Level | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Class 10 pass, ITI, equivalent qualification or NAC granted by NCVT |
| Level 2 and 3 | Class 12 or equivalent; alternatively, prescribed Matriculation plus Act Apprenticeship or approved ITI qualification for technical categories |
| Level 4 and 5 | Graduation |
Educational qualifications must be obtained from government-recognised institutions.
Candidates awaiting the results of their final examination are not eligible. The notification does not permit relaxation in the minimum educational qualification.
For candidates appointed as Clerk-cum-Typist, typing proficiency of 30 words per minute in English or 25 words per minute in Hindi must be acquired within four years of appointment, as specified in the advertisement.
Sports Qualification Requirements
The sports standards differ by pay level.
Level 4 and Level 5
Candidates generally need a recognised achievement of at least third position in specified Category B international competitions. These include qualifying World Championships, World Cups, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other competitions identified in the official notification.
Level 2 and Level 3
Several eligibility routes are available, including:
- Representing India in recognised Category B international competitions.
- Securing at least third position in qualifying Category C international championships.
- Achieving the prescribed position in recognised national championships or National Games.
- Qualifying through specified inter-university championships.
- Securing first position in a recognised Federation Cup Championship in the senior category.
Level 1
Acceptable achievements include representation in specified international competitions or qualifying performances in recognised national, junior, university and Federation Cup championships.
Under one route, a sportsperson representing a state or equivalent unit must have secured at least eighth position in a Senior National Championship, subject to the stated exclusions.
These are summaries of the eligibility routes, not a replacement for the detailed sports standards in Section 5 of the notification.
Sports Achievement Validity Period
For this recruitment, the recognised sports achievement must fall within the period beginning 1 April 2024 and ending on the notification date, 26 September 2026.
The closing day of the relevant championship is considered for determining the validity of the achievement.
The applicant must also be an active sportsperson.
Special Rules for Certain Sports
Candidates should pay attention to additional conditions applicable to particular disciplines.
Athletics: Certain performances in senior national, interstate and Asian championships may qualify under additional provisions.
Cricket: The notice contains separate rules for achievements in recognised BCCI competitions, including specified India A, Under-19, interstate and inter-zonal tournaments.
Hockey: Additional eligibility provisions apply to certain international tournament participation and senior national championship performances.
Volleyball: Certificates issued by the Volleyball Federation or its affiliated units after 25 June 2020 are subject to the restrictions stated in the notification. Certain certificates under recognised university and international federations may be considered.
Sports certificates must meet the applicable federation recognition requirements.
Candidates should verify the issuing federation, event name, championship date and achievement level before submitting an application.
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Age Limit
The prescribed age limit is 18 to 25 years as of 1 January 2027.
| Particulars | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 25 years |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 January 2027 |
| Earliest Eligible Date of Birth | 2 January 2002 |
| Latest Eligible Date of Birth | 1 January 2009 |
Both dates in the prescribed birth range are inclusive.
Is Age Relaxation Available?
No.
The official advertisement explicitly states that no relaxation in the upper or lower age limit is permitted.
Candidates should not assume that the usual age relaxation provisions available in other railway recruitment examinations apply to this notification.
The date of birth entered in the online form must match the candidate’s recognised Class 10 or equivalent certificate.
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Application Fee
The application fee depends on the candidate category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Candidates not covered by fee concessions | ₹500 |
| SC/ST candidates | ₹250 |
| Women candidates | ₹250 |
| Ex-servicemen | ₹250 |
| Persons with Disabilities | ₹250 |
| Minority community candidates | ₹250 |
| Economically Backward Class candidates | ₹250 |
Application Fee Refund
The notification provides a conditional fee refund for candidates who appear in the sports trials.
| Fee Paid | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| ₹500 | ₹400, after deduction of applicable bank charges |
| ₹250 | ₹250, after deduction of applicable bank charges |
A refund is not available merely because an applicant has submitted the form.
Candidates claiming fee concessions must provide the prescribed supporting documents.
For this recruitment, the Economically Backward Class concession applies under the notification’s specified income conditions, including annual family income below ₹50,000.
All application fees must be paid through the official online payment gateway.
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Salary and Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive pay according to the applicable 7th CPC pay matrix.
| Pay Level | Initial Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹18,000 |
| Level 2 | ₹19,900 |
| Level 3 | ₹21,700 |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
The amounts shown above are initial basic pay, not guaranteed monthly in-hand salary.
Actual monthly earnings may include applicable allowances and deductions according to railway rules and the place of posting.
The specific appointment level and location will be determined by Southern Railway, considering vacancy availability, educational qualifications, sports achievements and recruitment performance.
Candidates recruited under this notification will initially be placed at the minimum of the respective pay level.
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Selection Process
Selection is based on a practical assessment of sporting ability, recognised achievements and educational qualifications.
The notification does not prescribe a conventional written examination.
Stage 1: Sports Trial
Eligible candidates will be called for trials to assess their sporting performance and suitability.
The trial committee evaluates game skills, physical fitness and the coach’s observations.
A maximum of 40 marks can be awarded.
Candidates must secure at least 25 marks out of 40 to be declared FIT.
Applicants scoring below 25 marks are classified as NOT FIT and will not proceed to the next assessment stage.
Stage 2: Assessment of Sports Achievements
Candidates declared FIT in the trials will be assessed for recognised sports achievements.
A maximum of 50 marks is allocated to this component.
The assessment considers the applicable standards and the candidate’s qualifying achievements.
Stage 3: Educational Qualification Assessment
Educational qualifications carry a maximum of 10 marks.
Complete Selection Marking Scheme
| Selection Component | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|
| Sports Trial | 40 |
| Recognised Sports Achievements | 50 |
| Educational Qualification | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Pay Level | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| Level 4 and Level 5 | 70 |
| Level 2 and Level 3 | 65 |
| Level 1 | 60 |
Achieving the minimum marks does not guarantee selection.
Final appointment depends on merit, availability of vacancies and fulfilment of the required conditions.
Where candidates receive equal marks, the advertisement provides preference to the younger candidate for deciding merit.
Candidates recommended for appointment must also satisfy the prescribed medical standards for their allotted posts.
Service Bond and Probation
Selected sportspersons must execute a service bond for five years.
They will initially be placed on probation for two years. Unsatisfactory sporting performance during probation may lead to an extension under the notification’s conditions.
How to Apply for Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026
Eligible candidates must apply online through the recruitment link provided on the official Southern Railway RRC website.
Follow these steps:
- Open the official recruitment website at https://rrcmas.in.
- Navigate to the Open Market Recruitment section.
- Find Employment Notice RRC-02/Sports/2026-27.
- Download and read the detailed notification.
- Select the official Sports Quota registration link.
- Register using an active email address and mobile number.
- Enter your personal details and educational qualifications.
- Select the correct sports discipline, event, position and pay level.
- Upload the prescribed educational and sports achievement certificates.
- Upload your recent photograph and signature.
- Pay the applicable examination fee.
- Review the application and complete the submission process.
- Save the application confirmation and payment receipt for future reference.
Application Deadline: 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM IST.
Candidates applying for more than one sports event or pay level must follow the separate application and fee requirements described in the notification.
The recruitment portal is accessible through the official RRC Chennai recruitment page. Successful completion of individual registrations must be confirmed on the portal itself.
Documents Required for Online Application
Candidates should prepare scanned copies of the relevant documents before beginning registration.
The notification requires applicable documents such as:
- Class 10 or equivalent certificate showing date of birth.
- Educational qualification marksheets and certificates.
- Recognised sports achievement certificates.
- Caste certificates, where applicable.
- Prescribed certificates for fee concession claims.
- No Objection Certificate for serving employees, where required.
- Recent colour photograph.
- Scanned signature.
Copies of certificates must be self-attested and uploaded as instructed.
Certificates issued in languages other than Hindi or English must be accompanied by the required attested translation.
Photograph and Signature Requirements
| Document | Dimensions | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph | 3.5 × 3.5 cm | 50–100 KB |
| Signature | 3.5 × 2.5 cm | 10–40 KB |
Both must be uploaded in JPG/JPEG format at the prescribed resolution.
The photograph must be recent, with a clear front-facing image.
The signature must be in running handwriting, in Hindi or English, rather than block or capital letters.
Candidates should preserve their original certificates for sports trials and document verification.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Before submitting the form, applicants should pay attention to several recruitment-specific conditions.
1. Select the correct sports position. The selected event, playing position and weight category must correspond to the advertised requirement.
2. Check certificate recognition. A certificate from an unrecognised federation may not be accepted, even if the candidate performed well in the competition.
3. Confirm achievement dates. The notified eligibility period starts on 1 April 2024.
4. Avoid duplicate applications for the same post. Multiple applications containing altered details can lead to rejection.
5. Upload readable documents. Missing, unclear or incomplete certificates can make an otherwise eligible application invalid.
6. Prepare for short-notice trials. The recruitment authority may announce trial dates with limited advance notice. Candidates must make their own travel and stay arrangements.
7. Do not rely on recruitment agents. Southern Railway has not authorised agents to guarantee appointments.
These precautions are particularly important because the recruitment uses sports-specific eligibility conditions rather than a common written examination.
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 Official Links
| Important Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | https://www.rrcmas.in/downloads/rrc-sports-notification-2026-27.pdf |
| Online Application Portal | https://iroams.com/rrc_sr_sports2026/index.php |
| Open Market Recruitment Page | https://rrcmas.in/open-market-recruitment.html |
| Southern Railway RRC Website | https://rrcmas.in/ |
Candidates should use the links supplied by the recruiting authority and verify any subsequent updates on the official website.
For other recruitment opportunities, readers can also explore the Railway Jobs section of this website.
[Editor: Link “Railway Jobs” in the preceding sentence to your website’s existing Railway Jobs category or another genuinely relevant internal page.]
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies are available in Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026?
A total of 67 vacancies have been advertised. These include five positions in Levels 4/5, sixteen in Levels 2/3 and forty-six in Level 1.
2. What is the last date to apply for Southern Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026?
The scheduled deadline for submitting online applications is 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM IST.
3. Can Class 10 pass candidates apply?
Yes. Candidates with Class 10 or other accepted qualifications can apply for Level 1 vacancies if they also satisfy the applicable sports achievement requirements and other eligibility conditions.
4. Is there a written examination?
The notification does not prescribe a conventional written examination. Selection is based on sports trials, recognised achievements and educational qualification assessment.
5. What is the age limit?
Candidates must be between 18 and 25 years old as of 1 January 2027. No upper- or lower-age relaxation is permitted.
6. Are state-level sports certificates accepted?
A state-level certificate alone does not automatically establish eligibility. Acceptance depends on the specific championship, achievement, position, recognition and pay-level conditions mentioned in the notification.
7. What is the starting salary?
Initial basic pay ranges from ₹18,000 in Level 1 to ₹29,200 in Level 5. Actual take-home salary depends on applicable allowances and deductions.
8. Is the application fee refundable?
The notified refund is conditional upon appearing in the sports trials. Eligible candidates receive the specified amount after applicable bank charges are deducted.
Final Words
Southern Railway Sports Quota 2026 provides 67 advertised positions for eligible sportspersons across different sporting disciplines and pay levels.
Candidates should give particular attention to their recognised sports achievements, the selected playing position, educational qualifications and age eligibility.
The original application schedule ends on 25 October 2026 at 11:59 PM IST. Applicants should check the official portal for the latest registration status and subsequent trial announcements.
Reading Employment Notice RRC-02/Sports/2026-27 carefully is essential before completing the application.
Official Source: Railway Recruitment Cell, Southern Railway, Chennai.
Employment Notice: RRC-02/Sports/2026-27, dated 26 September 2026.
Last Verified: 25 October 2026 (IST).
Disclaimer: This article is published for educational and recruitment-information purposes. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Southern Railway. Candidates should refer to the official recruitment notification for binding eligibility and selection conditions.