Western Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27 has been released by the Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), Western Railway. A total of 64 sports quota vacancies are available for eligible sportspersons for the year 2026-27.
The recruitment includes posts under Level 5/4, Level 3/2 and Level 1. Candidates can apply online through the official RRC Western Railway website.
The most important thing is this: having a sports certificate is not enough. Your sport, event/position, achievement, certificate and achievement date must match the recruitment rules.
This article explains the complete recruitment in simple English so that players can check their eligibility before filling the form.
Western Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27: Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Authority | Railway Recruitment Cell, Western Railway |
| Railway Zone | Western Railway |
| Recruitment | Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27 |
| Advertisement No. | RRC/WR/01/2026 (Sports Quota) |
| Notification Date | 27 August 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 64 |
| Level 5/4 Posts | 5 |
| Level 3/2 Posts | 16 |
| Level 1 Posts | 43 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 1 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 September 2026 |
| Official Website | rrc-wr.com |
The official notification says that Western Railway has invited online applications from eligible Indian sportspersons for 64 posts under the Sports Quota for 2026-27.
Western Railway Sports Quota Vacancy 2026-27
There are 64 vacancies in total.
Level 5/4 – 5 Posts
| Sport | Event / Category | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics (Men) | 100M, 200M, 800M, Decathlon, Shot Put | 1 |
| Gymnastics (Men) | All Rounder, Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, Still Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, Horizontal Bar | 1 |
| Hockey (Women) | Striker, Midfielder, All Rounder | 1 |
| Weightlifting (Men) | 71kg, 88kg, 110kg | 1 |
| Wrestling (Men) | Freestyle: 57kg, 79kg, 86kg, 92kg | 1 |
| Total | 5 |
The notification also mentions the corresponding old weight categories for Weightlifting where applicable.
Level 3/2 – 16 Posts
| Sport | Event / Category | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics (Men) | 100M, 200M, 800M, Decathlon, Shot Put | 1 |
| Athletics (Women) | 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, 3000M Steeplechase | 1 |
| Cricket (Men) | All Rounder, Fast Bowler, Batsman | 2 |
| Cricket (Women) | Spin Bowling All-rounder, Pace Bowler | 2 |
| Diving (Men) | 1m Spring Board, 3m Spring Board, High Board | 1 |
| Diving (Women) | 1m Spring Board, 3m Spring Board, High Board | 1 |
| Football (Men) | Goal Keeper, Defender, Midfielder | 2 |
| Gymnastics (Men) | All Rounder, Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, Still Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, Horizontal Bar | 1 |
| Hockey (Women) | Striker, Midfielder, All Rounder | 1 |
| Powerlifting (Women) | 57kg, Above +84kg | 1 |
| Swimming (Men) | 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle | 1 |
| Weightlifting (Men) | 71kg, 88kg, 110kg | 1 |
| Wrestling (Men) | Freestyle: 57kg, 79kg, 86kg, 92kg | 1 |
| Total | 16 |
These Level 3/2 vacancies and events are listed in the official vacancy table.
Level 1 – 43 Posts
| Sport | Event / Category | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Athletics (Men) | 400M Hurdles, High Jump, 10000M | 2 |
| Athletics (Women) | 400M Hurdles, Pole Vault, Shot Put | 2 |
| Ball Badminton (Men) | Front Cum Center, Back Position | 4 |
| Basketball (Men) | All Rounder | 2 |
| Basketball (Women) | All Rounder | 2 |
| Boxing (Men) | 50kg, 70kg, 75kg, Above +90kg | 2 |
| Boxing (Women) | 48kg, 60kg, 70kg, Above +81kg | 2 |
| Body Building (Men) | 55kg, 70kg, 75kg, 90kg, Above +100kg | 2 |
| Cycling (Men) | Individual Time Trial, Criterium Race, Individual Road Race | 2 |
| Hockey (Men) | Defender, Midfielder, Forward | 2 |
| Handball (Men) | Right Wing, Goal Keeper | 2 |
| Handball (Women) | Right Back, Left Back | 2 |
| Kho-Kho (Men) | All Rounder | 4 |
| Kho-Kho (Women) | All Rounder | 2 |
| Powerlifting (Men) | 66kg, 74kg, 93kg, 120kg | 3 |
| Swimming (Men) | 400m Individual Medley, 200m Butterfly | 1 |
| Volleyball (Women) | Setter, Blocker, Libero, Attacker, All-Rounder | 3 |
| Water Polo (Men) | All Rounder | 2 |
| Weightlifting (Women) | 63kg, 86kg, Above +86kg | 2 |
| Total | 43 |
The Level 1 vacancy table appears across pages 2 and 3 of the official notification.
Who Can Apply for Western Railway Sports Quota Recruitment?
Before filling the application form, check these 4 things:
- Your age
- Your educational qualification
- Your sports achievement
- Your exact sport/event/position
A common mistake is to see “Sports Quota” and apply immediately. Do not do that. This recruitment has specific sports achievement rules.
Age Limit
The candidate must be:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 25 years
- Age will be calculated as on 1 January 2027
- Candidates born between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2009, both dates included, can apply.
So, check your Date of Birth before applying.
Educational Qualification
The educational requirement depends on the pay level.
Level 5/4
Candidate must have a Graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Level 3/2
Candidate must have any one of these:
- Passed 12th (+2) from a recognized board; or
- Passed Matriculation (10th) + completed Act Apprenticeship; or
- Passed Matriculation + ITI approved by NCVT/SCVT.
Level 1
Candidate must have:
- 10th Pass, or
- ITI, or
- Equivalent qualification, or
- National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT.
Important
Candidates waiting for the result of the final examination of the required qualification are not eligible.
Most Important: Sports Qualification
This is the section that candidates should read carefully.
The official notification says that only sportspersons who have achieved the required sports norms in championships/events held from 1 April 2024 up to the date of notification and who are active are eligible to apply.
That means an old sports certificate may not help you.
Also, if your sport has a specific position, event or weight category, that exact information should be mentioned correctly in the online application.
Sports Achievement Required for Level 5/4
For Level 5/4, the notification gives the following main sports standards:
Option 1
Represented India in the Olympic Games (Senior Category).
OR
Option 2
Secured at least 3rd position in any of the following:
- World Cup
- World Championships
- Asian Games
- Commonwealth Games
- Youth Olympics
- Champions Trophy in Hockey
- Thomas/Uber Cup in Badminton
The category requirements mentioned in the notification must also be satisfied.
Sports Achievement Required for Level 3/2
For Level 3/2, the sports achievement rules are broader.
A candidate may qualify through achievements such as:
- Representing India in World Cup, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Youth Olympics, Hockey Champions Trophy or Thomas/Uber Cup.
- At least 3rd position in Commonwealth Championship, Asian Championship/Asia Cup, South Asian Federation Games, USIC World Railways Championship or World University Games.
- At least 3rd position in Senior/Youth/Junior National Championships.
- At least 3rd position in National Games organized under the Indian Olympic Association.
- At least 3rd position in All India Inter University Championship.
- 1st position in Federation Cup Championships in Senior category.
Sports Achievement Required for Level 1
For Level 1, candidates may qualify through achievements such as:
- Participation in Commonwealth Championship, Asian Championship/Asia Cup, South Asian Federation Games, USIC World Railways Championship or World University Games.
- At least 3rd position in Federation Cup Championships.
- Representation of a State or equivalent unit with at least 8th position in Senior National Championships, except Marathon and Cross Country.
The exact eligibility depends on the sport and the applicable recruitment norm.
Important: Your Sports Certificate Must Be From a Recognized Event
Not every tournament certificate will be accepted.
The notification says the championships should be conducted under recognized International/National Sports Federations and should also be recognized by the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB).
National Championship certificates from a federation that was not recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports at the relevant time will not be accepted for recruitment.
The notification also says that rural meets, festival meets and similar tournaments are not counted under the specified Junior National Championship norms.
Special Rules for Some Sports
Some sports have additional rules. These can make a major difference.
Athletics
Medal-winning performance in the National Inter State Senior Athletics Championship may also be considered for Level 3/2 and below.
For Level 5/4 and below, Gold Medal performance in Open National Championship (Senior), Inter State Athletics Championship (Senior) and Asian Championship (Senior) may also be considered.
Ball Badminton
For this recruitment, sports achievements in events conducted by BBFI or its affiliated units after 17 December 2025 up to the notification date will be considered.
Body Building
Achievements in events conducted by IBBF or its affiliated units after 31 December 2021 are not considered.
However, certificates issued by recognized Associations of Indian Universities and International Federations for recognized sports achievement are permissible.
Boxing
For international championships, achievements in the Youth category on or after 25 September 2016 may be considered in place of the Junior category.
Cricket
For Level 3/2, the notification accepts specified achievements such as:
- Quarter-finalist in Senior/U-23/U-19 All India Inter-State Group Championships, except Plate Group
- Participation in Senior/U-23/U-19 All India Inter-Zonal Championship
- Participation in Senior/U-23/U-19 Challenger Trophy
Handball
Achievements in events organized by the Handball Association of India or its affiliated units on or after 5 September 2023 are not considered.
However, recognized certificates issued by Associations of Indian Universities and International Federations are permissible.
Hockey
For Men’s Hockey, participation in international tournaments involving four or more nations and being a semi-finalist in Senior National Championships may also be considered for Level 3/2.
For Women’s Hockey, at least 2nd position in international tournaments involving four or more nations may also be considered.
Volleyball
For Women’s Volleyball, achievements in events conducted by the Volleyball Federation of India or its affiliated units after 2 January 2017 are not considered.
Recognized certificates from Associations of Indian Universities and International Federations are permissible.
Powerlifting
Achievements in events conducted by the Indian Powerlifting Federation or its affiliated units after 3 October 2017 are not considered.
However, recognized certificates issued by Associations of Indian Universities and International Federations can be considered.
Weightlifting
Sports achievements from the updated bodyweight categories applicable from 1 June 2025 will be considered.
Wrestling
Certificates for events conducted by WFI or its affiliated units after 10 March 2025 up to the notification date will be considered.
Western Railway Sports Quota Selection Process
Many candidates think that having a medal means direct selection.
It does not.
The selection process includes a sports trial and a merit calculation.
First, eligible candidates are called for the trial.
A candidate must score at least 25 out of 40 marks in the trial to be treated as FIT and move to the next stage.
Candidates declared NOT FIT by the Trial Committee will not be considered further.
How Are 100 Marks Divided?
| Selection Part | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|
| Recognized Sports Achievement | 50 |
| Game Skill, Physical Fitness & Coach’s Observation | 40 |
| Educational Qualification | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
This means your sports achievement is important, but your actual performance in the trial is also very important.
Minimum Marks Required for Final Recruitment
| Pay Level | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| Level 5/4 | 70 |
| Level 3/2 | 65 |
| Level 1 | 60 |
Selection is based on merit.
If two candidates get the same marks, the younger candidate will get preference for deciding merit.
Application Fee
Rs. 500
For candidates other than the categories listed below.
Out of this amount, Rs. 400 will be refunded to eligible candidates who actually appear in the trial, after deduction of applicable bank charges.
Rs. 250
For:
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- Ex-Servicemen
- Persons with Disabilities
- Women
- Minorities
- Economically Backward Class (EBC) candidates
Eligible candidates from these categories who actually appear in the trial are eligible for refund of the fee, after deduction of bank charges.
An important point: fee concession is not the same as reservation. The notification specifically states that there is no reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD and Ex-Servicemen.
What Does EBC Mean in This Notification?
For the purpose of fee exemption, EBC means candidates whose annual family income is less than Rs. 50,000.
The required income certificate, BPL Card or Izzat MST can be used as specified in the notification.
Western Railway Sports Quota Salary / Pay Level
The notification uses the following pay levels and grade pay:
| Pay Level | Grade Pay |
|---|---|
| Level 5/4 | Rs. 2800 / Rs. 2400 |
| Level 3/2 | Rs. 2000 / Rs. 1900 |
| Level 1 | Rs. 1800 |
The notification states that initial appointment will carry the minimum pay of the applicable pay level plus other admissible allowances.
Important: The notification does not give one fixed “in-hand salary” figure. Therefore, candidates should not rely on random websites claiming a fixed monthly salary amount.
How to Apply for Western Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
Candidates have to apply online through the official RRC Western Railway website:
Official Website: https://www.rrc-wr.com
Step 1: Visit the official website
Go to the RRC Western Railway website and open the Sports Quota recruitment link.
Step 2: Read the notification
Before filling the form, check your:
- Age
- Education
- Sport
- Event/Position
- Sports achievement
- Certificate validity
Step 3: Keep your documents ready
You will need to upload the required documents and enter your personal details carefully.
Step 4: Enter Aadhaar details
The notification says candidates should have an Aadhaar card and must enter their 12-digit Aadhaar number during registration.
Candidates who have enrolled for Aadhaar but have not received the card can provide the 28-digit Aadhaar Enrolment ID as specified in the notification.
Step 5: Upload photograph and signature
Follow the exact image size requirements given in the notification.
Step 6: Pay the application fee
Fee payment must be completed online through the payment gateway.
Step 7: Submit the form
After submitting the form, save your application and registration number.
The Railway says candidates should take a printout of the application because it will be required at the selection trial.
Photograph Size for Online Form
The photograph must be:
- Colour photograph
- Size: 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm
- JPG/JPEG format
- 100 DPI
- File size: 20 KB to 70 KB
- Not older than 3 months
- Clear front view
- Without cap and sunglasses
Two extra copies of the same photograph should also be kept for later stages.
Signature Size
The scanned signature must be:
- Size: 3.5 cm × 2.5 cm
- JPG/JPEG format
- 100 DPI
- File size: 20 KB to 30 KB
- The signature should not be written in block/capital letters or disconnected letters.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep clear scanned copies of the required documents.
Main documents include:
- Educational qualification certificate/mark sheet
- Sports achievement certificate
- Date of birth proof
- Caste certificate, wherever applicable
- OBC declaration, wherever applicable
- Minority Community Declaration, wherever applicable
- EBC income certificate, where fee exemption is claimed
The sports achievement certificate should relate to the eligible period mentioned in the notification.
Very Important: Name and Date of Birth Must Match
Your:
- Name
- Father’s Name
- Date of Birth
should match the details given in your educational and sports certificates.
Any mismatch can create a serious problem during document verification and may result in cancellation of candidature.
What Documents Must Be Taken to the Trial?
Original documents are mandatory on the day of trial.
Candidates should carry the originals of:
- Date of Birth proof
- Educational qualification
- Sports achievement certificates
- Applicable category certificates
- Aadhaar/document used during registration
- Downloaded application printout
- Required photographs
Candidates must also bring their own sports kit.
The notification says no TA/DA or accommodation will be provided for the selection trials. Candidates may need to stay for 2–3 days, so they should make their own arrangements.
Can I Apply for More Than One Sport or Pay Level?
Yes, but there is an important condition.
A candidate applying for:
- more than one discipline, or
- more than one pay level
must submit separate applications with separate fees.
You should not submit multiple applications for the same discipline with different personal details. Such applications may be rejected.
Can a Player With a Higher Sports Qualification Apply for a Lower Level?
Yes.
The notification allows sportspersons having higher-level sports norms to be considered for lower-level vacancies.
However, such candidates have to give an undertaking that after joining the Railway, they will not claim a higher grade/pay level based on sports achievements obtained before joining.
What Happens If Level 5/4 Posts Remain Vacant?
There is another important rule.
If suitable candidates are not available for the 5 Level 5/4 posts, these vacancies can be downgraded to Level 3/2 and used for suitable candidates in the same advertised disciplines.
Western Railway Sports Quota Trial: One Important Rule
Only eligible and provisionally eligible candidates can attend document verification.
A candidate who does not report for document verification on the scheduled date will be treated as absent and will not be allowed to attend the trial.
So, receiving an application acknowledgement or call letter does not mean final selection.
Admission at every stage remains provisional until the eligibility conditions are satisfied.
Medical Test and Final Appointment
Even after being selected on merit, the candidate must pass the required medical fitness test.
Final appointment is also subject to verification of:
- Educational certificates
- Community/category certificates
- Character/antecedents
- Other required documents
Only medically fit candidates will be considered for appointment.
Service Bond
Selected candidates are required to submit a 5-year Service Bond at the time of appointment.
Training may also be required for the post, and during the training period the applicable stipend will be paid.
Where Will Selected Candidates Be Posted?
Candidates selected through this recruitment may be posted anywhere on Western Railway.
The notification also says that Railway employees do not have an automatic right to demand transfer to another Railway or establishment.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Your application can be rejected for reasons such as:
- Missing scanned signature
- Wrong signature format
- Missing photograph
- Unclear photograph
- Photograph with cap or goggles
- Not having the required sports qualification
- Not having the required educational qualification
- Wrong or missing date of birth
- Multiple applications with different details
- One application covering two different games/events
- Other irregularities in the application
One tiny mistake in the form can become a very large problem later. Therefore, check every detail before final submission.
Western Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 27 August 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 1 September 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 September 2026 at 6:00 PM |
Western Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27: Candidate Checklist
Before clicking the final submit button, check these:
- My age is between 18 and 25 years as on 01 January 2027.
- My education matches the required pay level.
- My sports achievement falls within the eligible period.
- My championship/event is recognized.
- My sport/event/position matches the vacancy.
- My name and date of birth match my certificates.
- My photograph meets the required size and format.
- My signature meets the required size and format.
- I have uploaded all required documents.
- I have paid the application fee.
- I have saved my registration number.
- I have printed/saved my final application.
Western Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27: Important Warning for Candidates
The Railway Recruitment Cell has clearly stated that it has not appointed any agent or coaching centre for this recruitment.
Candidates should be careful of people claiming that they can “guarantee” a Railway job.
The Railway has also warned candidates about touts, fake websites and job racketeers. Candidates should use only the official RRC Western Railway website for recruitment information.
Never pay anyone for a guaranteed Railway job.
FAQs: Western Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27
How many vacancies are there in Western Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
There are 64 vacancies in total, including 5 Level 5/4 posts, 16 Level 3/2 posts and 43 Level 1 posts.
When will the online application start?
The application process will start on 1 September 2026 at 10:00 AM.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date is 30 September 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
What is the age limit?
The candidate must be between 18 and 25 years as on 1 January 2027. Candidates born between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2009, both dates included, are eligible.
What is the qualification for Level 1?
10th Pass, ITI, equivalent qualification or NAC granted by NCVT.
What is the qualification for Level 3/2?
12th Pass, or 10th + Act Apprenticeship, or 10th + NCVT/SCVT approved ITI.
What is the qualification for Level 5/4?
Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
Is a sports certificate alone enough?
No. Your sports achievement must satisfy the specific sports norms, event/position rules and recognition requirements mentioned in the notification.
Is there a sports trial?
Yes. Eligible candidates have to appear for the selection trial. A candidate needs at least 25 out of 40 marks in the trial to be treated as FIT.
How many total marks are there in selection?
There are 100 marks in total: 50 for sports achievements, 40 for trial performance and 10 for educational qualification.
What is the minimum final qualifying mark?
70 marks for Level 5/4, 65 marks for Level 3/2 and 60 marks for Level 1.
Can I apply for more than one sport?
A separate application and separate fee are required for each discipline/event as applicable.
Is there any fee exemption?
Yes. The notification provides a lower fee of Rs. 250 for specified categories including SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, PwBD, Women, Minorities and EBC candidates, subject to the conditions in the notification.
Will the application fee be refunded?
Eligible candidates who actually appear in the trial can receive the applicable refund after deduction of bank charges, according to their category.
Do I need to send the application by post?
No. The recruitment process is online. Candidates should keep the printout and produce it when required during the trial.
Is Aadhaar required?
The notification requires Aadhaar details during registration. Candidates who have enrolled for Aadhaar but do not yet have the card can use the specified Enrolment ID.
Will Railway provide travel or accommodation for the trial?
No. The notification says TA/DA and accommodation will not be provided for the selection trials.
Can a candidate with higher sports achievement apply for a lower pay level?
Yes, subject to the conditions and undertaking mentioned in the notification.
Where should I apply?
Apply through the official RRC Western Railway website: rrc-wr.com.
Final Words for Sportspersons
This recruitment can be a good opportunity for sportspersons who want a Railway job through the Sports Quota, but do not apply only because your sport is listed.
Check these three things first:
1. Is your event/position advertised?
2. Is your sports achievement valid under the exact recruitment rules?
3. Do you have the required education and age?
If the answer to all three is yes, then prepare your documents carefully and submit the online application before 30 September 2026, 6:00 PM.
Most importantly, keep your original sports certificates safe and prepare for the trial. In this recruitment, the sports certificate gets you into the race, but your trial performance and overall merit decide how far you go.
Official Website
Railway Recruitment Cell, Western Railway:
www.rrc-wr.com
Official Notification
Candidates should read the complete official notification before applying because the Railway reserves the right to make changes in vacancies, conditions and recruitment arrangements as specified in the notification.