The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has officially announced its recruitment drive for the Sports Quota for the year 2026-27. This initiative aims to fill a total of 56 positions across various sporting disciplines. Interested candidates can submit their applications starting from July 25, 2026, until August 24, 2026. It is crucial for applicants to thoroughly review the official notification to understand the eligibility criteria, age restrictions, vacancy details, selection procedure, and salary structure.
The recruitment announcement is encapsulated within Notification No. 04/2026. NFR is looking to fill vacancies at Level-1, Level-2, and Level-3 according to the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, which corresponds to various pay grades. Candidates meeting specified educational and age requirements are eligible to apply.
Those interested in this opportunity can download the official recruitment notification PDF and apply online through the links provided below:
Northeast Frontier Railway Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27 Overview
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) |
| Notification No. | 04/2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Recruitment against Sports Quota through Open Advertisement |
| Recruitment Year | 2026-27 |
| Total Vacancies | 56 |
| Pay Levels | Level-1, Level-2, Level-3 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Start Date | July 25, 2026 |
| Application Last Date | August 24, 2026 |
| Selection Process | Sports Trial + Interview |
| Job Location | Northeast Frontier Railway (Alipurduar, Katihar, Rangiya, Lumding, Tinsukia Divisions / Headquarter) |
| Official Website | www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in |
Important Dates for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opening Date | July 25, 2026 |
| Online Application Closing Date | August 24, 2026 |
| Sports Achievement Reckoning Period From | April 1, 2024 |
| Age Reckoning Date | January 1, 2027 |
| Trial and Interview Dates | To be announced on the official website |
Detailed Vacancy Structure
NFR has opened up 56 vacancies, categorized without community-based reservations. The distribution is according to pay level, sport discipline, gender, and specific positions as detailed below:
Level-2/3 (Grade Pay 1900/2000) - 21 Posts
| S. No. | Event | Category | Position | No. of Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Archery | Woman | Compound | 1 |
| 2 | Athletics | Man | Decathlon | 1 |
| 3 | Athletics | Man | Long Distance (5000m/10000m/Cross Country) | 1 |
| 4 | Basketball | Man | Post Player | 1 |
| 5 | Basketball | Man | All Rounder | 1 |
| 6 | Basketball | Woman | All Rounder | 2 |
| 7 | Badminton | Man | Single | 1 |
| 8 | Badminton | Woman | Single | 1 |
| 9 | Boxing | Man | 90+ Super Heavy | 1 |
| 10 | Boxing | Woman | 60+ - 65 kg | 1 |
| 11 | Boxing | Woman | 80+ kg | 1 |
| 12 | Boxing | Woman | 57-60 kg | 1 |
| 13 | Cricket | Man | All Rounder | 1 |
| 14 | Cricket | Man | Batsman | 1 |
| 15 | Cricket | Woman | Pace Bowler | 1 |
| 16 | Table Tennis | Woman | Single | 1 |
| 17 | Volleyball | Man | Setter | 1 |
| 18 | Weightlifting | Woman | +86 kg | 1 |
| 19 | Weightlifting | Man | 71 kg | 1 |
| 20 | Weightlifting | Man | 60 kg | 1 |
Level-1 (Grade Pay 1800) - 35 Posts
| S. No. | Event | Category | Position | No. of Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Archery | Woman | Recurve | 2 |
| 22 | Athletics | Man | High Jump | 1 |
| 23 | Badminton | Woman | Single | 1 |
| 24 | Basketball | Man | All Rounder | 2 |
| 25 | Basketball | Woman | All Rounder | 1 |
| 26 | Basketball | Woman | Post Player | 1 |
| 27 | Boxing | Man | 50+-55 kg | 1 |
| 28 | Boxing | Man | 60-65 kg | 1 |
| 29 | Cricket | Man | Left Arm Spinner/Leg Spinner | 1 |
| 30 | Cricket | Man | All Rounder | 1 |
| 31 | Cricket | Woman | Left Arm Spinner | 1 |
| 32 | Cricket | Woman | Batswoman | 1 |
| 33 | Football | Man | Right Wing | 1 |
| 34 | Football | Man | Striker | 1 |
| 35 | Football | Man | Defensive Mid Fielder | 1 |
| 36 | Football | Man | Left Back | 1 |
| 37 | Golf | Man | Single | 2 |
| 38 | Kabaddi | Man | Left Corner | 1 |
| 39 | Kabaddi | Man | Left Cover | 1 |
| 40 | Kabaddi | Man | Right Corner | 1 |
| 41 | Kabaddi | Man | Right Cover | 1 |
| 42 | Kabaddi | Man | All Rounder | 1 |
| 43 | Kabaddi | Man | Raider | 2 |
| 44 | Power Lifting | Man | 74 kg | 1 |
| 45 | Power Lifting | Man | 105 kg | 1 |
| 46 | Power Lifting | Man | 120+ kg | 1 |
| 47 | Power Lifting | Woman | 69 kg | 1 |
| 48 | Volleyball | Man | All Rounder | 1 |
| 49 | Volleyball | Man | Libero | 1 |
| 50 | Weightlifting | Man | 94 kg | 1 |
| 51 | Weightlifting | Man | +110 kg | 1 |
Zone and Division-wise Distribution
| Pay Level | Zonal Headquarter | Divisions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level-2/3 (GP 1900/2000) | 16 + 5 (downgraded from Level-4/5) | - | 21 |
| Level-1 (GP 1800) | 10 | 25 (5 each for Alipurduar, Katihar, Rangiya, Lumding, Tinsukia) | 35 |
| Total | 31 | 25 | 56 |
Selected individuals will be assigned to the Alipurduar, Katihar, Rangiya, Lumding, or Tinsukia Divisions, or to the NF Railway Headquarters, depending on the availability of vacancies and sports requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27
Applicants must be Indian citizens and must meet the educational qualifications, age limit, and sports achievement standards outlined for their specific pay level and event.
Educational Qualification
| Pay Level | Minimum Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Level 3 or 2 | Completed Class 12th (+2 stage) or its equivalent from a recognized Government Board/Council/Institution |
| Level 1 | Completed Class 10th (Matriculation) or ITI or its equivalent, or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) awarded by NCVT |
For Technician-III positions filled under the Sports Quota, the minimum qualification required is a Class 10th pass. The training period lasts for three years unless the candidate possesses a relevant ITI qualification, in which case it is shortened to six months.
Age Limit
Applicants for both Level 3/2 and Level 1 roles must be aged between 18 and 25 years as of January 1, 2027. The official notification does not clarify age relaxation for reserved categories; interested candidates should consult the official documentation or website for updates.
Minimum Sports Norms
Applicants must be competitive players with achievements recorded within the last two financial years, considering only accomplishments in recognized events held after April 1, 2024.
| Pay Level | Minimum Sports Norms |
|---|---|
| Level 3/2 | Represented the nation in Category-B events, OR finished in the top 3 in Category-C events/Senior-Youth-Junior National Championships/National Games/All India Inter University Championships, OR secured 1st position in the Federation Cup (Senior) |
| Level 1 | Represented the nation in Category-C events, OR finished in the top 3 in the Federation Cup (Senior), OR represented a state with a minimum of 8th position in Senior National Championships (excluding marathon/cross-country) |
Sport-specific norms (for disciplines such as Archery, Athletics, Badminton/Table Tennis, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Football, Golf, Power Lifting, Volleyball, and Weightlifting) are elaborated upon in the official notification. Candidates should verify the specific criteria relevant to their respective events prior to applying.
Salary Structure for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment
The notification outlines positions under Level-1, Level-2, and Level-3 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, which correlates to the previous Grade Pay of Rs. 1800, 1900, and 2000. However, exact monthly salary details are not provided; candidates are encouraged to consult the applicable Railway Pay Matrix for comprehensive pay information.
Application Fee for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General/Others | Rs. 500/- |
| SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, Women, Minority, and Economically Backward Class (EBC) | Rs. 250/- |
Candidates participating in the selection trial may receive a partial refund of the application fee (less banking and other charges). Bank details should be provided in the online application to facilitate this refund.
Minority candidates, for fee exemption purposes, include individuals from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Zoroastrian (Parsis), and Jain communities. EBC refers to candidates whose total family income is below Rs. 50,000/- annually.
Reservation Policy
There is no caste-based reservation in this recruitment process. However, SC, ST, and OBC-NCL candidates are required to submit the appropriate caste certificates (as outlined in Annexure-C and Annexure-D). EWS candidates must also provide an EWS certificate (Annexure-E) for record-keeping, as necessary.
Selection Procedure for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
The selection process involves creating a merit list totaling 100 marks, derived from a combination of Sports Trials and Interviews.
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Trial (game skill, physical fitness, coach's observations) | 40 Marks |
| Interview - Sports Achievement Assessment | 50 Marks |
| Interview - Educational Qualification | 10 Marks |
| Total | 100 Marks |
Candidates who score 25 or more out of 40 in the Trial are deemed "FIT" and will proceed to the Interview stage; those scoring below this threshold will be deemed "NOT FIT" and will not be considered further.
Interviews typically take place on the same day as the trials, or the following day at the latest. For educational qualifications, a score of 6 marks is awarded for meeting the minimum qualification; higher qualifications garner additional marks. The minimum qualifying scores set are 65 for both Level-3 and Level-2 positions, and 60 for Level-1 roles. In cases of tied scores, preference will be given to younger candidates.
Required Documents for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
- Scanned copy of educational qualification mark sheet/pass certificate
- Certificate validating recognized sports achievements occurring on or after April 1, 2024
- Proof of date of birth
- Caste certificate for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates (per Annexure-C/D), if applicable
- Income certificate for EBC candidates claiming fee exemption (Annexure-B)
- Self-declaration for Minority Community candidates availing fee exemption (Annexure-A)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) for candidates currently employed in government/PSU/banking services
- Recent color passport-sized photograph (3.5cm x 4.5cm, 30-70 KB, JPG/JPEG, 100 DPI)
- Scanned signature (3.5cm x 2.5cm, 20-50 KB, JPG/JPEG, 100 DPI)
Candidates are also required to bring all original documents, the call letter, and four additional passport-sized photographs during the trial and document verification stages.
Application Process for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27
- Visit the official Northeast Frontier Railway website: www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in
- Go to the "Recruitment against Sports Quota" section and find Notification No. 04/2026.
- Register with a valid mobile number and email ID, as all communications will be conducted through these channels.
- Fill out the online application form with personal, educational, and sports achievement information.
- Upload the necessary documents, photograph, and signature as per the specified size and format.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Review all entered information carefully and submit the application by August 24, 2026.
- Save a copy or printout of the submitted application for future reference; do not mail a physical copy.
Important Instructions for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026
- Only online applications will be accepted; applications or certificates submitted via post will not be entertained.
- Candidates will only be considered for the specific event/position/game for which they have verified sports credentials.
- Candidates possessing higher achievement standards for elevated grade pay posts may also apply for lower grade pay positions related to the same or similar events.
- No travel allowance (TA), daily allowance (DA), or accommodation will be provided for trial appearances; candidates are responsible for their own kit and lodging arrangements, if necessary.
- New hires must undergo a probation period of two years and sign a Service Bond committing to serve a minimum of five years in Indian Railways.
- Selected candidates must pass the medical examination prescribed for the position.
- Candidates currently in government roles, PSUs, or recognized banking institutions are required to submit a No Objection Certificate.
- NFR has not authorized any agents or coaching centers; candidates are cautioned against fraudsters and job racketeers.
- Applications that do not meet the listed criteria are subject to immediate rejection.
- Any legal disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Administrative Tribunal in Guwahati.
Candidates who have completed Class 12th may wish to explore additional government job opportunities tailored for their qualifications. Furthermore, applicants can also look into Sports Quota Recruitment notifications from other Railway zones, while those situated in the Northeast can find government job opportunities within Assam and Guwahati.
NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27 FAQs
What is the last date to apply for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
The deadline for online application submission is August 24, 2026. Applications opened on July 25, 2026.
How many vacancies are there in NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
A total of 56 vacancies are available across Level-1, Level-2, and Level-3 positions within 13 different sports disciplines.
What is the age limit for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
Candidates must be aged between 18 and 25 years as of January 1, 2027, for both Level-1 and Level-2/3 positions.
What is the educational qualification required for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
Candidates need to have passed Class 12th for Level-2/3 roles and Class 10th or possess an ITI or National Apprenticeship Certificate for Level-1 roles.
What is the application fee for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
The application fee is Rs. 500 for General candidates and Rs. 250 for SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, Women, Minority, and EBC candidates, with a partial refund available for those participating in the trial.
How can I apply online for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
Candidates should apply through the official website at www.nfr.indianrailways.gov.in in the Recruitment against Sports Quota section.
What is the selection process for NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
The selection process involves a Sports Trial (40 marks) followed by an Interview (60 marks), summing to a total of 100 marks. Minimum qualifying marks are 65 for Level-2/3 and 60 for Level-1 candidates.
Is there any caste-based reservation in NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
No caste-based reservations are available in this recruitment; however, SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS candidates are still required to submit the necessary certificates.
Where will selected candidates be posted in NFR Sports Quota Recruitment 2026-27?
Chosen candidates may be assigned to the Alipurduar, Katihar, Rangiya, Lumding, or Tinsukia Divisions, or the NF Railway Headquarter in Maligaon, Guwahati.