The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Ministry of Home Affairs, has released Advertisement No. R.II-21/2026-Sports dated 17 September 2026 for recruitment of meritorious sportspersons to the posts of Head Constable (General Duty) and Constable (General Duty) under Sports Quota-2026.
A total of 521 tentative vacancies are available: 182 Head Constable/GD posts and 339 Constable/GD posts. Applications will be accepted online only through the CRPF recruitment portal.
The recruitment is specifically for eligible sportspersons who meet the prescribed sports-achievement conditions. The selection stages mentioned in the notification include identity/document verification, Physical Standard Test (PST), Sports Trial Test and Detailed Medical Examination/Review Medical Examination.
Important: This article is based primarily on the uploaded CRPF recruitment notification. Where the notification contains an apparent date inconsistency, it is specifically highlighted instead of silently changing the information.
CRPF Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |
| Advertisement No. | R.II-21/2026-Sports |
| Posts | Head Constable (GD) & Constable (GD) |
| Total Vacancies | 521 |
| Head Constable (GD) | 182 |
| Constable (GD) | 339 |
| Age Limit | 18 to 23 years as on 01 August 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 for HC/GD; Matriculation for CT/GD |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | 12 October 2026, 09:00 AM |
| Last Date | 11 November 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Correction Window | 12 November to 14 November 2026 |
| Application Fee | ₹100 for specified male UR/OBC/EWS candidates; exemptions as per notification |
| Selection Process | Document Verification → PST → Sports Trial → Medical Examination |
| Pay Level | Level 4 for HC/GD; Level 3 for CT/GD |
| Website | https://rect.crpf.gov.in |
The vacancy and application details are stated in the recruitment notice, while the current CRPF recruitment portal is the official application/update source.
CRPF Sports Quota Vacancy 2026
CRPF has notified 521 tentative vacancies under Sports Quota-2026.
| Post | Male | Female | Total | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Constable (GD) | 150 | 32 | 182 | Level 4 |
| Constable (GD) | 258 | 81 | 339 | Level 3 |
| Grand Total | 408 | 113 | 521 | — |
The notification states that these vacancies are tentative and may increase or decrease during the recruitment process.
Sports-Wise Vacancy Details
The notification covers 22 sports disciplines with event-wise and male/female/post-wise vacancy distribution.
| S.No. | Sports Discipline | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aquatics (Swimming, Diving, Water Polo) | 60 |
| 2 | Archery | 3 |
| 3 | Athletics | 101 |
| 4 | Badminton | 5 |
| 5 | Basketball | 16 |
| 6 | Body Building | 11 |
| 7 | Boxing | 20 |
| 8 | Football | 22 |
| 9 | Gymnastics | 12 |
| 10 | Handball | 12 |
| 11 | Hockey | 15 |
| 12 | Judo | 16 |
| 13 | Kabaddi | 27 |
| 14 | Karate | 17 |
| 15 | Shooting | 53 |
| 16 | Taekwondo | 14 |
| 17 | Volleyball | 20 |
| 18 | Water Sports | 20 |
| 19 | Weightlifting | 19 |
| 20 | Wushu | 20 |
| 21 | Wrestling | 26 |
| 22 | Yoga (Yogasana) | 12 |
| Total | 521 | |
These discipline totals are derived directly from the event-wise tables in the notification, whose detailed pages cover Aquatics through Gymnastics, Handball through Shooting, and Taekwondo through Yoga/Wrestling.
Important: Candidates should check the exact event/weight-category vacancy applicable to their sports discipline in the notification before applying.
CRPF Sports Quota Eligibility 2026
This recruitment is not a general recruitment for all candidates. The notification specifically requires prescribed sports achievements/participation in addition to the educational and age requirements.
1. Head Constable (General Duty)
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
- 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized Board/University recognized by the Central or State Government.
- Equivalent Army qualification is accepted in the case of eligible Ex-Army personnel.
- The prescribed educational qualification must be possessed by 11 November 2026.
- Candidates awaiting the required qualification/result are not eligible under the notification’s conditions.
2. Constable (General Duty)
Candidates must have:
- Matriculation or equivalent from a recognized Board.
- Equivalent qualification requirements apply as specified in the notification.
- The prescribed qualification must be possessed by 11 November 2026.
CRPF Sports Qualification – Who Can Apply?
This is one of the most important sections of this recruitment.
For HC/GD, the notification includes sportspersons who have, among other prescribed achievements:
- Represented India in recognized international competitions/meets with required sports clearance.
- Represented a State/UT in specified National Games/Championships and achieved medal/position up to 3rd place.
- Secured 1st or 2nd position in individual Inter-University competitions, with specified conditions for team events.
- Won Gold or Silver in specified Junior National-level competitions.
For CT/GD, the notification provides separate sports-achievement routes involving State representation in Senior/Junior National competitions, State School teams in national school games, Khelo India University/Youth/Winter Games, and Inter-University tournaments, subject to the prescribed conditions.
Sports Achievement Period
The notification’s selection section states that eligible players must have represented or won medals in the specified competitions during 30 September 2024 to 30 September 2026.
Very Important Date Note
There is an apparent drafting/date inconsistency in the PDF:
- Advertisement date: 17 September 2026
- Para 6 refers to the publication date as 30/09/2026
- The selection section later clearly states the achievement period as 30/09/2024 to 30/09/2026.
Because this is an official-notification inconsistency, candidates should verify any clarification/corrigendum on the CRPF recruitment portal before relying on the disputed wording. The current official CRPF recruitment portal is the appropriate place for updates.
CRPF Sports Quota Age Limit 2026
The eligibility table gives an age limit of 18 to 23 years as on 01 August 2026.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 23 Years |
| Age Cut-off Date | 01 August 2026 |
| HC/GD DOB Range in Eligibility Table | 02 August 2003 to 01 August 2008 |
The notification separately provides age relaxation for specified categories.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | 5 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 8 years total |
| SC/ST | 10 years total |
| Ex-Servicemen (UR) | 8 years after deduction of military service |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC) | 11 years after deduction of military service |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 13 years after deduction of military service |
Important: The age-relaxation section of the PDF contains a printed January DOB range that does not match the 01 August 2026 cut-off and the DOB range in the main eligibility table. This should be treated as a notification discrepancy and checked against any official corrigendum/update before application.
CRPF Sports Quota Salary 2026
The notification gives the following pay scales under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix:
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Head Constable (GD) – Sportsperson | Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| Constable (GD) – Sportsperson | Level 3 | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 |
The posts also carry Dearness Allowance, HRA and other admissible allowances as per Government orders/CRPF rules. The notification also refers to the applicable contributory pension scheme.
CRPF Sports Quota Application Fee 2026
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Male UR/OBC/EWS | ₹100 |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| SC Candidates | Exempted |
| ST Candidates | Exempted |
| Ex-Servicemen | Exempted |
The fee must be paid through the CRPF recruitment website. The notification states that fee paid through another mode will result in rejection and that the fee is non-refundable/non-adjustable.
CRPF Sports Quota Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 17 September 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 12 October 2026 at 09:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | 11 November 2026 at 11:59 PM |
| Application Correction | 12 November to 14 November 2026 |
| Sports Achievement Period stated in selection section | 30 September 2024 to 30 September 2026 |
The application dates and correction window are given on the first pages of the advertisement and in the application instructions.
CRPF Sports Quota Selection Process 2026
The recruitment process is substantially different from a conventional written-examination recruitment.
The notification lists these stages:
Identity Verification → Document Verification → Physical Standard Test (PST) → Sports Trial Test → Medical Examination/DME/RME → Merit List
Is there a Written Exam?
The notification’s stated selection stages do not list a written examination. Instead, candidates proceed through document scrutiny, PST, sports trial and medical stages, with sports-achievement marks used for the merit list.
1. Identity Verification
Before documentation, candidates undergo identity verification, including biometric capture. The notification states that biometric identification may also be taken at different stages of recruitment.
2. Document Verification
Candidates must produce original documents relating to:
- Age
- Educational qualification
- Caste/category
- Sports achievements
- Domicile
- Age/height relaxation, where applicable
- Other documents prescribed by CRPF
Original documents are checked by the Recruitment Board, and self-attested copies may be retained after verification.
Candidates who cannot produce the prescribed original documents can be eliminated from the recruitment process.
3. Physical Standard Test (PST)
Height
The standard height mentioned in the notification is:
| Candidate | Height |
|---|---|
| Male | 170 cm |
| Female | 157 cm |
Certain categories receive prescribed height relaxations. The notification gives different standards for ST candidates, candidates from specified regions/categories, North-Eastern States and GTA, among others.
Chest – Male Candidates
| Standard | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Un-expanded Chest | 80 cm |
| Minimum Expansion | 5 cm |
Relaxed chest standards are available for specified categories, subject to the required certificate.
4. Sports Trial Test
Candidates who qualify the PST proceed to the Sports Trial Test for their respective sports discipline.
Important points:
- The trial is conducted by the designated Board of Officers.
- A candidate who fails the Sports Trial Test is not considered for recruitment.
- No marks are awarded for the Sports Trial Test.
- Sports certificate/achievement marks determine the final merit.
- Candidates appearing for the trial may be subjected to a Dope Test.
- Videography and photography are conducted during the sports trial.
- Appeal for re-conduct of the Sports Trial Test will not be entertained.
This makes it especially important for applicants to understand that merely reaching the trial stage does not itself create merit marks.
Sports Achievement Marks
The notification provides marks based on the level of sporting achievement.
| Competition | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Participation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | 100 | 96 | 92 | 80 |
| World Championship / World Cup | 90 | 86 | 82 | 70 |
| Asian Games / Commonwealth Games | 80 | 76 | 72 | 60 |
| Asian Championship/Cup / Commonwealth Championship | 70 | 66 | 62 | 50 |
| Youth Olympic Games | 60 | 56 | 52 | 40 |
| Youth/Junior World Championship / World Cup | 55 | 51 | 47 | 35 |
| Youth/Junior Asian Championship & Commonwealth Championship | 50 | 46 | 42 | 30 |
| SAF Games & specified International Competition | 40 | 36 | 32 | 26 |
| National Games / Senior National – Individual Medal | 30 | 26 | 22 | 12 |
| National Games / Senior National – Team Event | 26 | 22 | 18 | 8 |
| Youth/Junior National / Inter-University / Khelo India – Individual | 20 | 16 | 12 | 6 |
| Youth/Junior National / Inter-University / Khelo India – Team | 16 | 12 | 8 | 4 |
The notification specifies that only the one highest applicable medal/position or participation level producing the maximum marks is considered. Multiple medals in the same competition do not result in all of them being added.
CRPF Merit List 2026
The merit list is based on marks obtained from eligible sports certificates/achievements.
The notification specifies tie-breaking in the following manner:
- Higher marks from the sports achievement.
- Where relevant, higher achievement in a National competition.
- Older candidate gets priority if the tie continues.
- If the tie still remains, alphabetical order of the candidate’s name in English is used.
Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the relevant recruitment stages are subject to CRPF medical examination.
The notification refers to the applicable CAPF medical guidelines and states that candidates are assessed by Medical Boards constituted by CRPF.
Some medical requirements mentioned in the notification include:
- Prescribed eyesight standards.
- Colour blindness is not eligible.
- Knock knees, flat feet, varicose veins and squint are among the conditions mentioned.
- Candidates must meet the applicable medical standards.
- Tattoo-related conditions are also specified in the notification.
Candidates should read the medical requirements carefully rather than relying only on general assumptions about CAPF medical standards.
Posting / Job Location
The posts carry All India liability.
The notification states that selected candidates may be required to serve anywhere in India or abroad and will be governed by the CRPF Act, 1949 and Rules, 1955.
Therefore, candidates should understand the service-location condition before submitting an application.
Service Bond
The notification states that selected candidates must furnish an undertaking/bond to serve the Force for a minimum period of three years, with the specified bond amount of ₹1,00,000.
Candidates should read the bond conditions and prescribed annexure carefully before applying.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready, wherever applicable:
- Matriculation/10th certificate
- Educational qualification certificate
- Sports achievement/merit certificate
- Domicile certificate
- SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS certificate
- Age-relaxation certificate, if applicable
- Height/chest relaxation certificate, if applicable
- Government employee NOC, if applicable
- Four recent passport-size photographs
- Other documents prescribed by CRPF
The notification specifically requires original documents for verification and states that certificates must be in the prescribed format where a specific format is given.
Government Employees – Important NOC Rule
Candidates already serving in Government service must provide the prescribed No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of document verification.
The notification states that failure to submit the required NOC can result in rejection.
How to Apply for CRPF Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
Applications are accepted online only.
Step 1
Visit the official CRPF recruitment portal https://rect.crpf.gov.in.
Step 2
Create your candidate profile/registration as instructed.
Step 3
Select the applicable post and sports discipline.
Step 4
Enter personal, educational, category and sports-achievement details carefully.
Step 5
Upload the required sports certificate/document supporting the applicable achievement.
The notification specifically warns that the required sports certificate/document must be uploaded before applying; otherwise, the application can be rejected during scrutiny.
Step 6
Upload the other required documents/images as instructed.
Step 7
Pay the applicable application fee online.
Step 8
Review the complete application before final submission.
Step 9
Save/print the submitted application and payment details for future reference.
Online application: 12 October 2026, 09:00 AM to 11 November 2026, 11:59 PM.
Who Meets the Key Conditions to Apply?
A candidate should independently verify all of the following before submitting the form:
- Age falls within the prescribed limit or valid relaxation.
- Required educational qualification is already possessed by the specified date.
- Required sports achievement/participation falls within the permitted period.
- Sports discipline/event matches the advertised vacancy.
- Required sports certificate is available in the prescribed form.
- Height/chest requirements are satisfied or valid relaxation can be claimed.
- Required category certificates are available where applicable.
- Candidate can meet the medical standards.
- Candidate understands the All India/abroad service liability.
- Government employees have the required NOC.
- Application can be submitted within the prescribed dates.
Who Should Avoid Applying for a Particular Post?
This is an objective eligibility self-check, not a recommendation.
A candidate should not submit an application for a particular post if, for example:
- The required educational qualification is not possessed by 11 November 2026.
- The candidate does not have the prescribed sports achievement/participation.
- The sports certificate cannot be produced in original.
- The relevant sports achievement falls outside the applicable period.
- The candidate does not meet the prescribed physical standards and cannot claim an applicable relaxation.
- Required category/relaxation documents are unavailable.
- The candidate cannot satisfy the applicable medical requirements.
- A Government employee cannot provide the required NOC.
The notification explicitly states that candidates who do not possess the required qualification or certificates should not apply.
Important Points Candidates Should Check Before Applying
1. Vacancies are tentative
The 521 vacancies may increase or decrease during the recruitment process.
2. Sports certificate is extremely important
The relevant sports certificate/document must be uploaded as instructed.
3. No offline application
Only online applications through the CRPF recruitment portal are accepted.
4. Sports trial is qualifying
The notification says that no marks are awarded for the Sports Trial Test; sports achievement marks determine merit.
5. Dope testing may occur
Candidates appearing for the Sports Trial may be subjected to a Dope Test.
6. All India/abroad service liability
Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India or abroad.
7. Check the event-level vacancy
The total number of vacancies for a sport does not mean that every event inside that sport has the same vacancy.
8. Check the date discrepancies
The notification contains apparent inconsistencies around the publication date used in the sports-achievement clause and the DOB range in the age-relaxation section. Candidates should check the CRPF portal for any corrigendum before applying.
The CRPF recruitment portal is the official source for recruitment notices and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are available in CRPF Sports Quota Recruitment 2026?
Ans: A total of 521 tentative vacancies are notified, including 182 Head Constable (GD) and 339 Constable (GD) posts.
Q2. What are the posts available under CRPF Sports Quota 2026?
Ans: The recruitment is for Head Constable (General Duty) and Constable (General Duty) under Sports Quota-2026.
Q3. What is the age limit for CRPF Sports Quota Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The notification specifies 18 to 23 years as on 01 August 2026, subject to applicable age relaxation.
Q4. What is the educational qualification for Head Constable GD?
Ans: Candidates need 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized Board/University, subject to the conditions mentioned in the notification.
Q5. What is the educational qualification for Constable GD?
Ans: Candidates need Matriculation or equivalent from a recognized board, subject to the conditions of the notification.
Q6. Is a written examination required?
Ans: The notification’s stated recruitment stages are identity verification, documentation, PST, Sports Trial Test and medical examination. It does not list a written examination as a selection stage.
Q7. What is the application fee?
Ans: The prescribed fee is ₹100 for male UR/OBC/EWS candidates applying for HC/GD or CT/GD under the Sports Quota. Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST and Ex-Servicemen categories are exempted as specified in the notification.
Q8. When will CRPF Sports Quota applications start?
Ans: Online applications are scheduled to start on 12 October 2026 at 09:00 AM.
Q9. What is the last date to apply for CRPF Sports Quota 2026?
Ans: The last date is 11 November 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Q10. What is the CRPF Sports Quota salary?
Ans: Head Constable (GD) is in Level 4, ₹25,500–₹81,100, while Constable (GD) is in Level 3, ₹21,700–₹69,100, along with applicable allowances.
Q11. How many sports disciplines are included?
Ans: The notification covers 22 sports disciplines, with detailed event-wise vacancies.
Q12. Is the Sports Trial Test counted for merit marks?
Ans: The notification states that no marks are awarded for the Sports Trial Test and that sports certificate/achievement marks determine the final merit list.
Q13. Can candidates be posted outside their home state?
Ans: Yes. The posts carry All India liability, and selected candidates may be required to serve anywhere in India or abroad.
Q14. What happens if a candidate cannot produce the original sports certificate?
Ans: Candidates unable to produce prescribed original certificates/documents can be eliminated from the recruitment process.
Final Words
CRPF Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 is a specialized recruitment drive for meritorious sportspersons for 521 Head Constable (GD) and Constable (GD) vacancies across 22 sports disciplines. The most important parts of the notification are not only the age and educational qualifications but also the specific sports-achievement criteria, certificate requirements, PST standards, Sports Trial Test and sports-achievement marking system.
Candidates should verify their exact sport/event, achievement period, certificate, age, physical standards and category documents before submitting the application. The application window is scheduled from 12 October 2026 to 11 November 2026, and applications are accepted online through the CRPF recruitment portal.
Because the uploaded notification contains a couple of apparent date inconsistencies, candidates should also check the official CRPF portal for any corrigendum or clarification before submitting the form.
Official Recruitment Links
CRPF Sports Quota Recruitment 2026 – Official Links
Use the official CRPF recruitment portal for application, recruitment updates, corrigenda and other official notices.
