Indian Army has officially announced the recruitment process for the posts of Havildar and Naib Subedar, inviting applications from eligible candidates. This detailed job description covers all aspects of the recruitment, including eligibility criteria, age limits, salary structures, selection process, application procedures, important dates, and other essential information to assist prospective applicants in understanding the requirements and steps to apply successfully.
Indian Army Havildar and Naib Subedar Recruitment 2025 – Detailed Job Description
Overview of the Recruitment
The Indian Army, through the Army Sports Control Board, is conducting a recruitment drive for the selection of talented sportspersons for the posts of Direct Entry Havildar and Naib Subedar (Sports). The recruitment aims to identify outstanding athletes and sportspersons from various disciplines, providing them an opportunity to serve the nation by joining the Indian Army under the Sports Quota.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Army – Army Sports Control Board |
| Post Names | Direct Entry Havildar & Naib Subedar (Sports) |
| Serial Number | 05/2025 |
| Total Vacancies | Multiple (Depends on requirement) |
| Application Mode | Offline (By Post only) |
| Application Last Date | 15th December 2025, 1700 hours |
| Official Website | www.joinindianarmy.nic.in |
| Marital Status | Only Unmarried Candidates |
| Gender | Male & Female |
| Eligibility for Sports Quota | Participation in International/Junior or Senior National Championship / Khelo India Games / Youth Games / Khelo India University Games from 01 October 2023 or later |
Key Highlights
This recruitment drive is being organized to fill multiple vacancies across 23 different sporting disciplines, emphasizing both individual and team sports, and welcoming applications from both male and female sportspersons who meet the eligibility criteria. The process includes various stages such as physical fitness tests, skill assessments, medical examinations, and document verification. Selected candidates will undergo training and will be entitled to salary, allowances, pension benefits, and promotional opportunities as per Indian Army norms.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Army Sports Quota 2025
Educational Qualifications
Applicants must have a minimum of Matriculation (10th pass) from a recognized school/board/university. Certificates obtained via open schooling must be accompanied by an appropriate school leaving certificate, certified by the respective educational authority.
Age Limit
| Post | Age Range | Birth Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Havildar & Naib Subedar | 17½ to 25 years | Born between 31 March 2001 and 01 April 2008 (both dates inclusive) |
Sports Achievements & Selection Criteria
Candidates must have achieved notable results in recent competitions, including:
- Medalists at Junior/Senior National Championships or International levels
- Participants representing the country at international events
- Winners or medalists of Khelo India Games, Youth Games, or Khelo India University Games from October 2023 onward
- For Naib Subedar, winners of medals in World Championships, Asian Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cup, Olympics, etc., or those who have represented India multiple times in major events
Marital and Nationality Status
Only unmarried Indian citizens are eligible to apply. Unmarried certificates issued within the last six months must be submitted along with the application.
Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical standards as per Army norms, which include height, weight, chest expansion, and fitness tests tailored for different regions and genders.
Regular medical examinations will be conducted at the selection site. The standards differ for males and females, with relaxations applicable in certain cases for candidates from specific regions or tribal backgrounds.
Indian Army Sports Disciplines & Vacancy Details
The recruitment encompasses 23 sports disciplines, with specific events and categories in each, including Athletics, Boxing, Fencing, Hockey, Judo, Kayaking, Rowing, Swimming, Shooting, Volleyball, Wrestling, and more. Candidates must have participated in the specified events from October 2023 onward to qualify.
List of Sports Disciplines and Events
| S.No | Sporting Discipline | Specific Event/Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athletics (Track & Field) – Men | 100M, 200M, 110M Hurdle, 400M, 800M, 1500M, 20KM Race Walk, Decathlon, High Jump, Javelin Throw, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Hammer Throw, Pole Vault |
| 2 | Archery – Men | Compound & Recurve |
| 3 | Basketball – Men | Point Guard, Forward, Center |
| 4 | Boxing – Men | All Olympic Weight Categories |
Selection Process & Stages
The selection involves multiple stages, designed to assess both physical and sports-specific skills, along with medical fitness:
Stages of Selection
- Application Submission: Application sent via post with all required documents.
- Shortlisting: Based on sports achievements and qualifications.
- Call-Up Letter: Issued via email to shortlisted candidates.
- Physical Fitness Test: 1.6 km run, long jump, ditch, zig-zag balance, high jump.
- Physical Standards Verification: Height, weight, chest measurement.
- Skill Test: Discipline-specific tests in respective sports.
- Medical Examination: On-site evaluations by Army Medical Team.
- Final Selection: Based on overall performance, merit, and vacancies.
Candidates qualifying all assessments and medical standards will be offered enrollment in the Indian Army under sports quota.
Application Procedure
How to Apply
- Download the application form from the official website: www.joinindianarmy.nic.in.
- Print the form on A4 paper and fill in BLOCK CAPITALS, ensuring all details match your matriculation or official certificates.
- Affix a recent passport-sized color photograph, sign, and provide thumb impressions in designated areas.
- Attach self-attested copies of:
- Matriculation Certificate
- Aadhar Card
- Sports Achievement Certificates from October 2023 onward
- Unmarried Certificate
- Domicile & Caste Certificates (if applicable)
- Mail the complete application package to:
| Address | Details |
|---|---|
| Receiver | Directorate of PT & Sports, General Staff Branch, IHQ of MoD (Army), Room No 747 ‘A’ Wing, Sena Bhawan, PO New Delhi – 110 011 |
Critical Remarks
- Only one application per candidate; multiple submissions will lead to disqualification.
- Incomplete or non-standard forms will be rejected.
- Ensure correctness in personal data, especially Date of Birth and spellings.
- All documents must be properly self-attested with signatures and photographs.
- Failure to provide original documents at the time of trial will result in disqualification.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last date for application submission | 15th December 2025, 1700 hrs |
| Shortlisting of candidates | Post application closure, date to be notified |
| Issue of call-up letters | Via email to shortlisted candidates |
| Selection Trials & Medical Examination | As per call-up letter |
| Announcement of results & instructions | Subsequent to trials |
Salary, Allowances & Benefits
Pay Structure & Allowances
Selected candidates will be entitled to pay according to Army Pay Rules, which includes basic pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and other benefits applicable to existing Indian Army personnel.
Pension & Retiring Benefits
Post-retirement, ex-servicemen will receive pension benefits governed by Pension Regulations for the Army-2008, including healthcare under Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), continued CSD facilities, and insurance coverage.
Additional Benefits
- Accommodation: On-duty or HRA benefits
- CSD Facilities: Canteen access for purchases
- Medical Facilities: For self and family during service
- Promotion & Career Growth: Merit-based promotion opportunities up to Sub Major rank, with potential for commission as officers for outstanding performers
Training, Service Conditions & Opportunities
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Training | At designated Regimental Centre |
| Professional Training | In specific Army training establishments based on allocated trade |
| Probation Period | 3 years, during which sports performance is monitored |
| Promotion & Career Path | Up to Sub Major rank, with opportunities for officer entry |
| Post-Retirement | Eligibility for ex-servicemen rights, employment, healthcare, and CSD facilities |
Important Warnings & Policies
- Strict adherence to no use of drugs or substances; zero tolerance policy.
- Application and participation are voluntary; signing indemnity bonds required.
- Presence of tattoos must adhere to the prescribed policy.
- Candidates must report on time, be clean shaven (exceptions for Sikhs), and carry all original documents for verification.
- Frauds, fake certificates, or tampering will lead to legal action and disqualification.
- No mobile phones are permitted at the selection site.
Official Links & Additional Resources
- Official Notification & Application Form: Indian Army Official Website
- Download detailed PDF of the recruitment notification: Indian Army Recruitment Notification 2025 (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date for submitting applications?
The last date to submit applications is 15th December 2025, by 1700 hours.
2. What are the eligibility criteria?
Candidates must be Indian citizens, unmarried, aged between 17½ to 25 years, and have participated in relevant sports achievements from October 2023 onwards.
3. Are there any application fees?
No, there is no application fee for this recruitment cycle.
4. How do I apply for the recruitment?
Download the application form from the official Indian Army website, fill it carefully, attach required documents, and send via post to the specified address before the deadline.
5. What is the selection process?
The process includes shortlisting, physical fitness tests, discipline-specific skill assessments, medical examinations, and final merit-based selection.
For more detailed information, candidates are advised to consult the official notification and visit the Indian Army’s recruitment portal regularly for updates.