What is Sports Reservation?
Sports reservation refers to the allocation of seats, jobs, or benefits to candidates who have represented their school, college, state, or country in recognized sports competitions. It is a form of affirmative action aimed at promoting sports and supporting sportspersons in education and employment.
Why Sports Reservation Exists
- To encourage youth participation in sports.
- To support athletes who invest significant time in training and competitions, often at the cost of academic or professional preparation.
- To ensure fair representation of talented athletes in educational institutions and government services.
Sports Reservation in Education
In Schools, Colleges, and Universities:
Many educational boards and universities provide extra marks, grace marks, or reserved seats for students with notable achievements in sports.
For example, Delhi University and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) offer admissions under the Sports Quota, where candidates are evaluated based on performance in sports trials and the validity of submitted sports certificates.
Key Criteria:
- Level of participation: District, State, National, or International.
- Participation in recognized tournaments (approved by AIU, SAI, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, etc.).
- Performance in sports trials conducted by the institution or university.
Sports Quota in Government Jobs
Many central and state government departments reserve posts for meritorious sportspersons under the sports quota.
Examples of Departments:
- Indian Railways
- Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Central Police Forces (CRPF, CISF, BSF, etc.)
- State Police Departments
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
- Some Civil Services in Group C and D categories
Eligibility Criteria:
- Representation in national or international sporting events, or
- Recognition by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) or respective sports federations, or
- Medals in All India Inter-University or School Games.
Legal Framework and Guidelines
- Governed by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) guidelines for central government jobs.
- Each state has its own sports policy outlining reservation percentages and conditions.
- All certificates must be issued or verified by competent authorities like SAI, National Federations, or approved school boards.
Reservation Percentages (May Vary by State/Institution)
| Sector | Approximate Reservation |
|---|
| Educational Institutions | 1% to 5% under Sports Quota |
| Government Jobs (Group C & D) | 5% to 10% in many states |
| Indian Railways | Dedicated sports recruitment drives |
Important Points to Remember
- Submitting fake or forged sports certificates is a punishable offense.
- Only recognized sports and events are considered valid for reservation.
- Sports trials may be conducted to assess the actual skill level of the candidate.
- In some departments, selected candidates must continue participating in sports after recruitment.
Conclusion
Sports reservation is a meaningful initiative that provides talented athletes with opportunities in both education and employment. It acknowledges the effort and time athletes invest in sports and compensates for the academic or professional compromises they often make.
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How to get a sports quota certificate?
