Job Description 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released an official notification inviting online applications from unmarried Indian male candidates to participate in recruitment trials for Agniveervayu (Sports) Intake 02/2026 under the Agnipath Scheme. This recruitment is specifically designed for outstanding sportsmen who wish to serve in the Indian Air Force while continuing to excel in their respective sports disciplines.  

Through this recruitment drive, eligible candidates who have demonstrated exceptional performance in sports at the national or international level will get an opportunity to join the Indian Air Force as Agniveervayu (Sports). The recruitment trials will be conducted for multiple sports disciplines such as athletics, basketball, boxing, chess, cricket, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, kabaddi, lawn tennis, shooting, squash, swimming, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, wrestling, wushu, sport climbing, MTB and other recognized sports events.  

The online application process for this recruitment will begin on 23 March 2026 and the last date to submit the application form is 29 March 2026. Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official online portal of the Indian Air Force. Only applications submitted through the online mode will be accepted.  

Candidates applying for this recruitment must fulfill the required educational qualification and sports eligibility criteria. Applicants should have passed 12th standard (Intermediate) with Physics, Mathematics and English with at least 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English from a recognized board. Candidates who have completed a three-year diploma in engineering or a two-year vocational course with relevant subjects from a recognized institute are also eligible to apply.  

In addition to educational qualifications, candidates must have notable sports achievements. They should have represented India in international competitions recognized by the International Olympic Association, or achieved at least 5th position in Junior National competitions, represented their state in national-level tournaments, or participated in recognized sports competitions such as All India Inter University or Khelo India National events.

The selection process for Agniveervayu (Sports) includes multiple stages such as document verification, physical fitness test (PFT), sports skill trials and medical examination. In the physical fitness test, candidates must complete a 1.6 km run within 7 minutes, along with 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups and 20 squats within the given time limit. Candidates who successfully qualify in the PFT will proceed to sports skill trials where their performance in their respective sports disciplines will be evaluated by experts.

After successfully clearing the sports trials, shortlisted candidates will undergo a medical examination conducted by the Air Force Medical Team according to the medical standards prescribed by the Indian Air Force. Candidates must meet specific medical criteria related to height, weight, vision, hearing, dental condition and overall physical health to be considered medically fit for service.

Selected candidates will be enrolled as Agniveervayu (Sports) in the Indian Air Force for a period of four years under the Agnipath Scheme. During this engagement period, candidates will receive military training and will also get opportunities to enhance their sports skills while representing the Indian Air Force in various competitions.

Agniveervayu personnel will receive a monthly salary starting from ₹30,000 in the first year, with annual increments in the following years. Apart from salary, they will also receive benefits such as risk allowance, travel allowance, uniform allowance, medical facilities, accommodation and other service benefits as per Indian Air Force rules. After completing the four-year service period, candidates will receive a Seva Nidhi package of approximately ₹10.04 lakh as a one-time financial benefit.

This recruitment provides a unique opportunity for talented sports persons across India to build a career in the defence sector while continuing to pursue their passion for sports. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and possess outstanding sports achievements are encouraged to apply for the Indian Air Force Agniveervayu (Sports) Intake 02/2026 recruitment before the last date.