The Indian Navy, the maritime force of the Ministry of Defence, is enrolling outstanding sportspersons as sailors in the ranks of Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer under its Sports Quota Entry. The recruitment covers disciplines such as athletics, aquatics, football, hockey and kabaddi, with separate events for male and female candidates, and offers enlisted personnel a naval career that runs alongside a competitive sporting life.
Indian Navy Recruitment 2026 - Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer Posts
Posted 29 Sept 2026Updated 29 Sept 2026
Total Vacancies
—
Last Date
15 Oct
Closed
Apply Mode
Offline
Permanent
Status
Application Closed
Recruitment status
Applications closed on 15 Oct 2026
- Notification21 Sept
- Applications Open
- Applications Closed15 Oct
About Indian Navy Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer Recruitment 2026
Job Overview
- Organization
- Indian Navy
- Post Name
- Direct Entry Petty Officer (Sports Entry) and Chief Petty Officer (Sports Entry)
- Job Location
- All India
- Who Can Apply
- Candidates from anywhere in India
- Job Type
- Permanent
- Age Limit
- 17.5–25 years
- Gender
- All
- Nationality
- Indian
- Credentials Required
- Sports proficiency certificate from the respective sports authority (Federation) must accompany the recommendation for final selection
- Tenure
- Initial engagement of 15 years, subject to successful completion of training
Vacancy Breakdown
Direct Entry Petty Officer (Sports Entry)
Chief Petty Officer (Sports Entry)
Total0
| Post Name | Total |
|---|---|
| Direct Entry Petty Officer (Sports Entry) | |
| Chief Petty Officer (Sports Entry) | |
| Grand Total | 0 |
Eligibility Details
Requirements differ by post — open a post to see its own.
Direct Entry Petty Officer (Sports Entry)
- Qualification
- 10+2 qualified in any stream or equivalent examination
- Sports Proficiency
- Should be a medalist at Junior or Senior level representing a State in National competitions, or have represented the country at International level in an individual event; or should have represented a State or country in National or International competitions at Junior or Senior level in a team event; or should be a medalist in Khelo India Games and Youth Games or above. A certificate from the respective sports authority (Federation) must accompany the recommendation for final selection.
- Probation
- Three years; must further improve performance and be able to at least represent the Service team in National Championships.
Chief Petty Officer (Sports Entry)
- Qualification
- 10+2 qualified in any stream or equivalent examination
- Sports Proficiency
- Winner of any medal in World Championship or Asian Championship; or winner of any medal in Asian Games; or winner of any medal in Commonwealth Games or World Cup; or represented India twice in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games or World Cup; or represented India in the Olympics.
- Probation
- Three years; must have represented the Services team at least twice in three years in National Championship team events, or at least twice in three years in individual events, or won any medal at least once in a National Championship in three years.
Age Limit
17½ to 25 years as on the date of commencement of the course; candidates should have been born between 01 September 2001 and 28 February 2009 (both dates inclusive).
Physical Standards
All candidates
Gender: Male
Height: 157 cm
All candidates
Gender: Female
Height: 152 cm
| Category | Gender | Height |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates | Male | 157 cm |
| All candidates | Female | 152 cm |
Selection Process
- 1Sports Trials
Deserving candidates are called to appear for trials at designated Naval Centres; short-listing is based on higher sports achievements.
- 2Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying the trials undergo medical examination at INS Hamla, Mumbai or INS India, Delhi.
- 3Select List
Select list is prepared from candidates who qualify in all respects, depending on the available vacancies in the particular sports discipline.
Salary Structure
Direct Entry Petty Officer (Sports Entry)
Pay: Pay Level 5 for Petty Officers, plus Military Service Pay of Rs. 5,200 per month and DA as applicable
Chief Petty Officer (Sports Entry)
Pay: Pay Level 6 for Chief Petty Officers, plus Military Service Pay of Rs. 5,200 per month and DA as applicable
| Post | Pay |
|---|---|
| Direct Entry Petty Officer (Sports Entry) | Pay Level 5 for Petty Officers, plus Military Service Pay of Rs. 5,200 per month and DA as applicable |
| Chief Petty Officer (Sports Entry) | Pay Level 6 for Chief Petty Officers, plus Military Service Pay of Rs. 5,200 per month and DA as applicable |
How to Apply
- 1Download the prescribed application form from the official Indian Navy website or prepare it on A4-size paper as per the given format
- 2Fill in the application form completely; only one application form is to be forwarded for the entry
- 3Write the type of entry, sports discipline and achievements clearly on top of a brown envelope, for example 'Direct Entry Petty Officer/Chief Petty Officer - 02/2026 KABADDI - NATIONAL LEVEL'
- 4Punch and tie the self-attested documents to the application in sequence: matriculation certificate, 10th mark sheet, NCC or sports certificate if applicable, domicile certificate and 10+2 certificate with mark sheet
- 5Attach two self-addressed envelopes of 22 x 10 cm with a Rs. 10 stamp affixed on one envelope
- 6Attach one recent coloured passport-size photograph with name and signature on the reverse; the background must be blue and computer-generated photographs will not be accepted
- 7Send the application only by ordinary post to The Secretary, Indian Navy Sports Control Board, Naval Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, Nausena Bhawan, Room No. W-016, Delhi Cantt, New Delhi - 110010
Documents to Carry / Upload
•Self-attested copies of matriculation certificate (for date of birth verification)
•10th mark sheet
•NCC or sports certificate (if applicable)
•Domicile certificate
•10+2 certificate along with mark sheet
•Two self-addressed envelopes of 22 x 10 cm with a Rs. 10 stamp affixed on one
•One recent coloured passport-size photograph with name and signature on the reverse (blue background)
Important Details
- Applications are accepted only by ordinary post; those sent by speed post, registered post or courier are rejected, and applications submitted by hand at NHQ, MoD are not accepted.
- Only one application per entry is allowed and candidates who send more than one application for the same entry are disqualified.
- Selected candidates are on probation for three years, and DEPO/DECPO entries may be discharged if sports performance does not improve to expected levels.
- Candidates declared medically unfit by any Armed Forces Hospital in a previous recruitment for the same entry in the Navy are advised not to apply.
- The candidature of selected candidates is valid for the current batch only, and no enquiry is entertained regarding recruitment or enrolment after six months.
Sports Disciplines
- Male: Athletics, Aquatics, Artistic Gymnastics, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Equestrian, Football, Fencing (Foil), Golf, Handball, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kayaking & Canoeing, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Squash, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling
- Female: Athletics, Aquatics, Kayaking & Canoeing, Rowing & Sailing
- Shooting: only male athletes in Group 'A' and the top 25 athletes in Group 'B' as per the latest National Ranking are eligible to apply
- Sailing: only medalists at International or Senior Nationals in the ILCA7, ILCA6, 49er and 49er (FX) classes of boat are eligible to apply
Visual Standards
Without Glasses
Better Eye: 6/12
Worse Eye: 6/12
With Glasses
Better Eye: 6/6
Worse Eye: 6/6
| Condition | Better Eye | Worse Eye |
|---|---|---|
| Without Glasses | 6/12 | 6/12 |
| With Glasses | 6/6 | 6/6 |
Probation and Discharge
Meritorious sportspersons enrolled as Direct Entry Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer are on probation for three years. Sailors are liable to be discharged as unsuitable due to unsatisfactory performance at any time during training, and DEPO/DECPO entries are liable to be discharged if sports performance does not improve to expected levels in the probationary period of three years.
Perquisites and Benefits
- Free books, reading material, uniform, food and accommodation during the entire training period and thereafter
- Medical treatment, Leave Travel Concession for self and dependants, Group Housing Benefits and insurance cover
- Insurance cover (on contribution) of Rs. 75 lakh for all sailors
- Annual and Casual Leave as per current regulations, plus children education and house rent allowances
- Post-retirement benefits include pension, gratuity and leave encashment
Medical Examination Review
Candidates declared Medically Temporary Unfit can avail a specialist review at the specified Military Hospital within a maximum period of 21 days, with no further review or appeal permissible. Candidates declared Medically Permanent Unfit can appeal for a specialist opinion at a Military Hospital within 21 days on payment of Rs. 40 by Military Receivable Order (MRO) on Government Treasury. A medical fitness certificate other than the designated Military Hospital's specialist opinion will not be considered.
Promotion Prospects
Promotion prospects exist up to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, equivalent to Subedar Major. Opportunities for promotion to Commissioned Officer also exist for those who perform well, qualify the prescribed examinations or selection process and meet the eligibility conditions stipulated from time to time.
Contact
Phone: 011-28702429
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a candidate apply for more than one post or entry?
No. Only one application form is to be forwarded for the entry, and candidates who send more than one application for the same entry will be disqualified.
Will applications sent by speed post or courier be accepted?
No. Applications are accepted only by ordinary post; those received through speed post, registered post or courier are rejected.
What is the probation period for selected candidates?
Selected Direct Entry Petty Officers and Chief Petty Officers are on probation for three years and must meet the prescribed sports performance criteria during that period.
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