South East Central Railway SECR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 22 Posts

South East Central Railway (SECR), headquartered in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, has announced an exciting opportunity for talented sportspersons through its Sports Quota Recruitment 2026. This prestigious recruitment initiative aims to fill 22 positions across Group 'C' (21 posts) and Group 'D' (01 post) categories, offering accomplished athletes a unique chance to combine their sporting passion with a stable, rewarding career in Indian Railways. The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) of SECR invites applications from outstanding meritorious sportspersons who have demonstrated exceptional performance in recognized national and international sports competitions. Indian Railways has a long-standing tradition of nurturing sporting talent, providing athletes with employment opportunities that allow them to pursue their sporting careers while maintaining financial security. Railways sports infrastructure, coaching facilities, and support systems have produced numerous national and international champions who have brought glory to the nation. The SECR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 continues this proud legacy, seeking to identify and recruit talented athletes across various sports disciplines. ## About South East Central Railway (SECR) South East Central Railway is one of the 18 railway zones in India, with its headquarters at Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. SECR operates an extensive network across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha, playing a crucial role in the region's connectivity and economic development. The zone comprises three railway divisions: Bilaspur, Raipur, and Nagpur, managing both passenger and freight operations across thousands of kilometers. SECR is not just a transportation organization but a massive employer providing stable government jobs with comprehensive benefits including salary as per 7th Central Pay Commission, medical facilities for employees and dependents, housing and accommodation facilities, leave travel concession, pension benefits, and extensive sports and recreational facilities. For sportspersons, Railways offers the additional advantage of flexible working arrangements to accommodate training and competition schedules. ## Sports Quota Recruitment - Objectives and Philosophy The Sports Quota recruitment mechanism in Indian Railways serves multiple strategic objectives. It identifies and recruits talented athletes who can represent Railways in inter-railway, national, and international competitions, provides employment opportunities to meritorious sportspersons ensuring financial security, enables athletes to continue their sporting careers without economic hardships, creates a pool of sporting talent within Railways, and promotes sports culture and physical fitness among railway employees. Railways has produced Olympic medalists, Asian Games champions, Commonwealth Games winners, and numerous national champions across disciplines like athletics, hockey, wrestling, boxing, shooting, archery, and many others. The infrastructure support, professional coaching, and competitive environment within Railways sports ecosystem make it an ideal workplace for serious athletes. ## Vacancy Distribution and Categories The SECR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 encompasses 22 positions distributed across different pay levels and employment categories. Group 'C' positions (21 posts) are spread across Pay Levels 1, 2, 3, and 5 as per the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. Group 'D' position (01 post) falls under the applicable pay level for Group D posts. The distribution across sports disciplines and categories is designed to create a balanced sports contingent representing various games and athletic events. Candidates will be recruited against specific sports disciplines including track and field events (athletics), team sports (hockey, football, volleyball, basketball, cricket), individual sports (shooting, archery, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting), racquet sports (badminton, table tennis), and other recognized sports as per eligibility criteria in the notification. ## Eligibility Criteria - Educational Qualifications Educational requirements vary based on the pay level of the position. For Pay Level-1 positions, minimum qualification is 10th pass (Matriculation) from a recognized board. Pay Level-2 and Level-3 positions require 12th pass (10+2 stage) from a recognized board OR Matriculation plus ITI (Industrial Training Institute) qualification in relevant trade OR Matriculation plus Course completed Act Apprentice. For higher pay levels (Level-5 and above), graduation from a recognized university is mandatory. However, candidates with higher educational qualifications (Graduation, Post-Graduation) can apply for lower-level positions if they meet the sports achievement criteria. The emphasis is primarily on sporting credentials rather than just academic qualifications, though minimum educational standards must be met. ## Sports Achievements - The Core Criteria The fundamental eligibility criterion is proven excellence in sports at recognized levels. Candidates must have represented their state or country or achieved medals/positions in prestigious competitions. Acceptable sports achievements include participation or medal wins in Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, World Cups, Asian Championships, National Games, Senior National Championships, Junior National Championships, Federation Cup, and Inter-University competitions. The level of achievement determines eligibility for different pay scales. For example, Olympic, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games medal winners or participants may be eligible for higher pay levels, while National Championship medalists, state-level champions, and inter-university medalists may qualify for entry-level positions. The detailed notification specifies exact achievement criteria for each pay level and sports discipline. ## Age Limits and Relaxations The general age limit for SECR Sports Quota Recruitment is 18 to 25 years as on July 1, 2026. This means candidates must be born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2008. Age relaxations are applicable as per Government of India norms: 5 years for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, 3 years for Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) candidates, 10 years for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and additional relaxations for ex-servicemen and other categories as per prevailing rules. For sportspersons who have achieved exceptionally high standards (Olympic, Asian Games, World Championships participants/medalists), age relaxation may be more liberal, subject to specific provisions in the notification. This ensures that seasoned athletes are not excluded due to age constraints. ## Salary Structure and Pay Scales Positions under this recruitment are governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission pay structure. Pay Level-1 has a pay matrix ranging approximately from ₹18,000 to ₹56,900, Pay Level-2 ranges from ₹19,900 to ₹63,200, Pay Level-3 from ₹21,700 to ₹69,100, and Pay Level-5 from ₹29,200 to ₹92,300. These are basic pay figures; employees also receive Dearness Allowance (currently around 50% of basic pay and revised periodically), House Rent Allowance (based on city classification), Transport Allowance, and various other allowances. Additionally, railway employees enjoy non-monetary benefits like free/subsidized railway quarters (subject to availability), medical facilities through Railway Health Units and Railway Hospitals, Leave Travel Concession for employees and families, Privilege Passes for free rail travel, Educational assistance for children, and Pension and retirement benefits under the National Pension System (NPS) or applicable pension scheme. ## Selection Process - Sports Trials Selection for Sports Quota positions is primarily based on Sports Trials/Tests conducted to assess candidates' current sporting abilities and fitness levels. Unlike conventional recruitment with written exams and interviews, sports quota selection emphasizes practical demonstration of sporting prowess. The selection methodology involves verification of sports certificates and achievements submitted by candidates, physical fitness tests assessing strength, endurance, and agility, and discipline-specific sports trials where candidates demonstrate their skills in their respective sports. For track and field events, trials involve running specified distances within time limits or achieving minimum standards in field events. Team sport trials include skill assessments, practice matches, and evaluation by expert coaches. Combat sports involve sparring sessions, demonstration of techniques, and fitness assessments. The trials are conducted by panels including experienced coaches, physical education experts, and railway sports officers who evaluate candidates comprehensively. ## Application Process - Online Registration Eligible sportspersons must apply ONLINE ONLY through the official SECR recruitment portal. The step-by-step application process is as follows: **Step 1:** Visit the official SECR website at secr.indianrailways.gov.in and navigate to the Recruitment section. Locate the Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 notification and click on the "Apply Online" link. **Step 2:** New users must register by providing basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number. An OTP-based verification will be conducted. After successful registration, login credentials will be generated. **Step 3:** Login to the portal using registered credentials. Fill the online application form carefully with personal details, educational qualifications, sports achievements, category information (SC/ST/OBC/UR/PwBD), and preferred sports discipline. **Step 4:** Upload scanned copies of recent passport-size photograph (JPG format, size 10-50 KB, dimensions 200x230 pixels), signature (JPG format, size 4-30 KB, dimensions 140x60 pixels), educational certificates, sports certificates proving achievements (medals, participation certificates, state/national association certificates), and category certificate if applicable. **Step 5:** Review all entered information carefully. Make corrections if necessary. Once satisfied, submit the application form. A unique registration number will be generated. Take printout of the submitted application for future reference. Candidates must possess an Aadhaar card as it is mandatory for registration. Aadhaar details will be verified during the process. The online application portal opened on January 17, 2026, and will remain active until February 16, 2026. No offline or postal applications will be accepted under any circumstances. ## Important Documents Required Candidates must keep the following documents ready in scanned format before starting the application: High school (10th) marksheet and certificate, Intermediate (12th) marksheet and certificate if applicable, graduation marksheet and degree certificate for higher pay level posts, caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) issued by competent authority, PwBD certificate from authorized medical board if applicable, sports achievement certificates including medals, participation certificates, state/national association certificates verifying achievements, proof of age (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or Aadhaar), and recent passport-size photographs and signature in specified format. All certificates must be issued by recognized sports authorities, associations, or federations. For international competitions, certificates must be from recognized international bodies. For national championships, certificates must be from National Sports Federations (NSF) recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. State-level achievements must be certified by State Sports Associations affiliated with respective NSFs. ## Training and Career Development Once recruited, sportspersons undergo initial departmental training to familiarize them with railway working and their assigned duties. The unique advantage for athletes is that Railways provides structured support for continued sports training including access to world-class sports facilities and coaching, financial support for participation in competitions, flexibility in work schedules during training and competition periods, sponsorship for international competitions, sports science and medical support, and nutrition and fitness guidance. Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) coordinates sporting activities across Indian Railways, organizing inter-railway competitions, selecting teams for national championships, providing coaching camps, and facilitating international exposure for talented athletes. High-performing sportspersons can be deputed to Railway Sports Centers of Excellence for intensive training while remaining on the Railway payroll. ## Career Progression Opportunities Beyond sporting achievements, railway employees recruited through sports quota have excellent career progression opportunities. Promotion policies allow upward movement through departmental examinations, limited departmental competitive examinations, and seniority-based promotions. Sportspersons who achieve exceptional results (Olympic medals, World Championship medals, Asian Games medals) receive special recognition, cash awards, out-of-turn promotions, and national honors. Many sports quota recruits have risen to supervisory and managerial positions within Railways while simultaneously achieving sporting glory. The dual career path - professional railway service combined with competitive sports - makes this recruitment particularly attractive for serious athletes. ## Post-Retirement Benefits and Legacy Railway employment offers comprehensive post-retirement benefits including pension (for pre-2004 recruits) or National Pension System benefits, gratuity payments, leave encashment, medical facilities continuation for pensioners and spouses, railway concessions for post-retirement travel, and social security. For sportspersons, the stable government employment ensures financial security long after their competitive sporting careers conclude. ## Why This Recruitment Matters The SECR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 represents more than just 22 job openings; it symbolizes Indian Railways' commitment to nurturing sporting talent and providing athletes the platform to excel without financial anxiety. For talented sportspersons from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and surrounding regions, this is an opportunity to join an organization with unparalleled sports infrastructure and support systems. ## Final Instructions Candidates must apply before February 16, 2026. Incomplete applications, applications without proper sports certificates, or those received after the deadline will be summarily rejected. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for sports trials at designated locations. Candidates must bring original certificates during trials for verification. The decision of the Railway Administration on all recruitment matters will be final. This recruitment opens doors to a fulfilling career combining stable government employment with sporting excellence, making it a golden opportunity for India's aspiring athletes.