Indian Railways opens 23 sports quota posts at RCF Kapurthala: disciplines, eligibility, and dates
Indian Railways has opened its doors for competitive athletes again. Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala has notified 23 vacancies under the sports quota for 2025–26 through Employment Notification No. 01/SPQ/2025-26. If you’ve been competing at the state or national level and want a stable government job without giving up your sport, this intake is worth your attention.
The recruitment spans Level-1 and Level-2 (Technician III and equivalent) posts. RCF will accept offline applications from August 30 to September 29, 2025. The notification was published on September 5, 2025.
Here’s the sport-wise breakup announced by RCF:
- Hockey (Men): 2
- Hockey (Women): 4
- Wrestling (Women): 2
- Football (Men): 3
- Basketball (Men): 3
- Athletics (Men): 2
- Athletics (Women): 2
- Swimming (Women – Freestyle): 2
- Weightlifting (Men) – Greco Roman: 2
- Wrestling (Men) – Freestyle: 1
These positions are earmarked for sportspersons with proven achievements. The intake reflects RCF’s continued push to strengthen its teams in national railway meets while offering athletes a career track inside the Railways.
Salary will be as per 7th CPC for Level-1 and Level-2 posts, with standard Railway allowances and benefits. That includes medical coverage, leave, contributory pension (as per NPS), and eligibility for railway passes and accommodation as per rules.
Who can apply, how to apply, and how selection will work
Education: Candidates must have passed Matriculation (Class 10) and hold an ITI certificate. Since posts are spread across Level-1 and Level-2, the exact educational fit will depend on the position offered after selection.
Age: 18 to 25 years as on July 1, 2026. Relaxations apply to reserved categories as per Government of India rules. Candidates should keep valid proof of date of birth and category ready for verification.
Sports merit: RCF will evaluate applicants on recognized performance in relevant tournaments. Typically, the Indian Railways accepts achievements in international, national, inter-university, and senior/state competitions ratified by the concerned federations. Candidates should line up original certificates (and attested copies) for the best performances—finals, medals, standings, and participation at the required level.
Key dates to remember:
- Application start: August 30, 2025
- Notification date: September 5, 2025
- Last date to apply: September 29, 2025
Application mode: Offline. Candidates need to download the form from the official RCF site, fill it carefully, and send it with all required enclosures to the office of the General Manager (Personnel), Recruitment Cell, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala – 144602. Write the notification number and “Sports Quota 2025–26” clearly on the envelope to avoid mix-ups.
Selection stages: RCF has outlined a three-part process—sports skill assessment (trials), a written test, and an interview. The final merit will combine sports achievements, on-ground performance in the trials, and scores in the tests.
- Sports trials: Practical evaluation in the chosen discipline—skills, fitness, game sense, and position-specific abilities.
- Written test: Objective questions on general awareness and basic aptitude relevant to the job level.
- Interview and document check: Interaction to assess fit, plus verification of identity, education, age, and sports certificates.
Vacancies by sport: what RCF is likely to test
- Hockey (Men/Women): Ball control, passing, speed endurance, match play, penalty corner roles.
- Wrestling (Men – Freestyle; Men – Greco Roman; Women): Weight class compliance, technique, throws/holds, bout strategy.
- Football (Men): Positional play, passing accuracy, stamina, and tactical understanding.
- Basketball (Men): Shooting, ball handling, defensive reads, vertical leap, and teamwork.
- Athletics (Men/Women): Track or field event-specific timings/marks; reaction, form, and consistency.
- Swimming (Women – Freestyle): Sprint and mid-distance splits, turns, underwater phases, and stroke efficiency.
- Weightlifting (Men – Greco Roman listed under weight category in notice): If assessed under weightlifting, expect snatch/clean & jerk form, strength, and technique; otherwise, follow wrestling Greco Roman criteria as listed.
Documents checklist for the application:
- Filled application form with signature and photo.
- Matriculation certificate and ITI certificate (mark sheets and final certificates).
- Sports certificates detailing level (international/national/state/university), event, year, venue, and position.
- Government ID (Aadhaar/passport/other valid ID) and proof of address.
- Date of birth proof (if not clear on matric certificate).
- Caste/Category/EWS/ESM certificate, if applicable, in prescribed format.
- Two to four recent passport size photographs (as specified in the form).
How to avoid common mistakes:
- Match your sport and event exactly with the notified discipline. Cross-discipline claims usually don’t count.
- Submit clear, legible copies. If certificates are in a regional language, attach an English translation.
- Number the enclosures and keep a copy of the entire application for your records.
- Use reliable post/courier well before the deadline. Late applications are not entertained.
What the job offers beyond salary: Railways is among the few employers that supports active competition. Selected athletes are typically released for camps and championships, get access to departmental tournaments, and can grow into coaching or administrative roles later in their career. Performance in Railway and national meets can also fast-track recognition within the system.
Who should apply: Players with consistent showings at national or state level in the listed sports. If you’ve recently medaled at a senior state championship, featured in national inter-state meets, or played university nationals, this intake aligns with your profile. Junior achievers who have transitioned to senior level can also be strong contenders if they meet the benchmarks.
Quick recap:
- Employer: Rail Coach Factory (Kapurthala), Indian Railways
- Notification: 01/SPQ/2025-26
- Total posts: 23 under sports quota
- Levels: 7th CPC Level-1 and Level-2
- Eligibility: Class 10 + ITI; Age 18–25 years (as on July 1, 2026)
- Apply: Offline, Aug 30 to Sept 29, 2025
- Selection: Sports trials + written test + interview
One more tip: arrange your sports certificates chronologically with a brief index sheet on top—event, year, level, and result. It helps the board quickly understand your profile during scrutiny.
If you’ve been waiting to balance sport and a government career, the RCF Sports Quota Recruitment 2025 packs both into one shot. Build your file, mark the dates, and get those trials right.
