List of Universities With Sports Quota in India

Till about a few years back, there was a stigma attached to extra-curricular activities, considering it as a wastage of time. But unlike earlier, parents now focus more on the holistic development of their children. They not only want their children to excel at academics but in sports activities too. They understand the positive effects it has on a child’s personality and mental development.
For students who at a very young age lose sight of their end goal and suffer from problems such as procrastination, reduced motivation, laziness, etc. participating in sports activities helps them  to reduce such behavioral problems and fosters their critical thinking, teamwork and social skills  along with many other skills.
Additionally , sports activities prove useful not just for enhanced development, but can also act as a boon during college admissions. A lot of students miss out on their favourite college because of the shortage of that “.1%” in their score. But if you are one of those students, who at a very young age realised that hobbies and passion could be turned into a profession, you must have realised the importance of extracurriculars too.
A lot of colleges encourage multi-talented students, who have participated in, and won state, or national level tournaments, and hence provide relaxation in criteria during the time of college admissions.  So if you too are one of those students, who are planning to seek admission under Sports or ECA quota, then you must read on.
Here is a list of universities that provide admissions through Sports Quota.
1. Sports Quota at the University of Delhi
From faculty to infrastructure, from fees to fests; everything about this place fascinates students to be a part of this premier university. If you are a sports person and want to have a highly ranked education, then this is the place to be. A state-level sports person can get a chance to be exposed to an international level game, after all, this university aims to choose the best!
1%- 5% seats are reserved for exceptional sportspersons, dancers, singers, debaters, artists, and actors. Students usually have participated in international, national, and state level events and tournaments. But seeking admission is  not a cake-walk, as a rigorous selection procedure is followed by the authorities. 
The two routes for admission are: 

Direct Admission without any Sports trial: A sportsperson, who has represented their country in Summer Olympic Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Championship/World Cup by International Sports Federations (ISF), Commonwealth Games by Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) 46, Asian Games by Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Asian Senior Championships by International Sports Federations (ISF), South Asian Games (SAG) by South Asia Olympic Council (SAOC), and Paralympic Games by International Paralympic Committee (IPC) get direct admission.
Admission based on Sports trial: Candidates are required to qualify a fundamental skills test, and a sports trial for team games, whereas dual and combat sports, and individual sports only have a sports trial.  

The students are required to submit a maximum of three participation/ achievement certificates of the activities and events they have participated in/ won at National/International level. For sports category, students who have achieved distinction in the last 4 years (from the date of applying) in the sports events recognized by Association of Indian Universities and Indian Olympics Association are eligible to apply.
Distribution of Marks: 25% weightage is given to the CUET score of the student, and 75% weightage is given to the certificates/trials conducted by Sports Council and Cultural Council of Delhi University.
 
List of activities included under Sports Quota:

Archery
Athletics
Badminton
Ball Badminton
Baseball
Basketball
Body Building
Boxing
Chess
Cricket
Cross country
Cycling
Fencing
Football
Gymnastics
Handball
Hockey
Judo
Kabaddi, etc.

 
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2. Sports Quota at SRM University, Tamil Nadu
One of the reputed universities of Tamil Nadu, SRM University extends sports quota to students seeking admission in various fields such as Law, Engineering, Science and Humanities, Management, and Hotel Management. The candidates need to submit participation certificates and testimonials of reaching a state,  national or international level in sports to apply under sports quota.
The candidates have to undergo a selection trial which is held at the University campus in Kattankulathur. Short-listed candidates (on the basis of their trial) have to appear before the selection committee for the verification of all their credentials.
List of trials under sports quota for both men and women:

Cricket
Ball Badminton
Tennis
Table Tennis
Basketball
Chess
Football
Athletics
Hockey
Kabaddi
Volleyball
Archery
Swimming

Note: SRM University also provides SRM Founder’s Scholarship to outstanding sportspersons of the national and international level.  

3. Sports Quota at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Jamia Millia University is not left behind in promoting a sports culture in India and churns out champion sportspersons. Candidates with an outstanding performance in sports are given a 5% relaxation in cut-offs during admissions.
Admission is available for undergraduate/postgraduate courses in all faculties except the Faculties of Engineering and Technology, Architecture and Ekistics, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Aspirants who wish to apply for the Sports quota should have played at either National, State, Regional or University level. Candidates are required to sit for the practical screening. Shortlisted candidates are then given admission for the courses they have applied for.
List of trials under the sports quota is as follows:

Athletics
Basketball
Badminton
Shooting
Cricket
Table Tennis
Wrestling
Volleyball
Football
Lawn Tennis
Boxing

 
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4. Sports Quota at Tamil Nadu Engineering Admission and Anna University
TNEA awards point to eminent sports candidates under special reservation sports quota. Points distribution is done on the basis of the medal won by the candidate in the tournament.
There is a total of 500 seats reserved for this category, of which 12 seats are with the TNEA, and the remaining 488 seats are designated for Anna University of Technologies, Government, Government-Aided, and Private Engineering colleges.
For the selection process, candidates are required to provide testimonials and attested photocopies of the certificates they have won. Their highest achievement earned in the last 5 years (from the date of applying) is counted.
Students are called for an interview round, where their certificates are verified and ranked based on their past records. Selected candidates are called for counselling after ranking.
Note: Only native candidates, i.e. those who have residential proof of Tamil Nadu, or the students who have studied in CBSE/ KVS school in Tamil Nadu, are eligible to apply for admission under sports quota.
 
5. Sports Quota at Sports Authority of India-  Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala
It is Asia’s largest sports institute and a dream institute for all sports enthusiasts. There are various programs that are offered at Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala, such as, Master’s in Sports Coaching,  diploma in Sports Coaching, PG diplomas in sports medicine, exercise physiology, sports psychology, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, and performance analysis. 
Sports Authority of India provides scholarships to outstanding students, who have participated in State, National or University level tournaments. The scholarship is awarded to students aged up to 18 years. It is valid for a period of one year, which can be renewed, provided the candidate’s performance is maintained or improves in the concerned game.
The selection criteria of the student are based on their merit and performance, wherein the candidate’s last year’s performance (from the date of applying) is evaluated. For men, 18 years is the age limit for national and state level scholarship, while for women it is 19 years. Also, 50 scholarships are available for women sportspersons under this category.
The candidates are required to undergo the written examination, followed by an interview and physical fitness test. In the written and practical examinations, the candidates are asked and checked about their proficiency in the sports they have opted for.Universities across the country are now offering Sports/ ECA quota by recognising sports talent, and taking the sports careers of their students ahead, although the number of seats may vary. If you are an eminent sports person with brilliant records, then it’s time you claim your achievement and who knows, the next sports biography might just be on you!
Note: The sports activities/trials in each university are subject to change, depending on the college requirements.
 
 
6. Sports Quota at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata
St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, one of the most prestigious colleges across India also promotes sportspersons by reserving seats for them under the Sports Quota. Candidates who have played at State / National/ International level for tournaments conducted by the State/National/ World associations and showcased sporting achievements in the last two years are eligible to apply under the Sports Quota.
Those who pass these eligibility criteria then appear for sports trial wherein they also appear for a physical fitness test. After the trial, the shortlisted candidates give the last round i.e. the interview round.
List of trials under sports quota is as follows:

Athletics (women and men)
Kabaddi (women and men)
Basketball (women and men)
Volleyball (women and men)
Badminton (women and men)
Table tennis (women and men)
Football (women and men) 
Cricket (women and men)

Conclusion: Unleashing Your Potential Through Sports Quota
This blog post has explored the exciting world of admissions through Sports Quota in India. For students who are passionate about athletics and academics alike, this path offers a unique opportunity to excel in both areas.
Universities across the country are recognizing the value of well-rounded individuals, and Sports Quota provides a platform for talented athletes to pursue their higher education goals. From prestigious institutions like Delhi University to specialized programs at Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, there are a variety of options to choose from.
The benefits extend beyond academics. Participating in sports during college fosters teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills – qualities that are highly sought after by employers.
So, if you’re a student athlete with a drive to succeed, don’t underestimate the power of Sports Quota. Research the programs offered by different universities, hone your skills, and take the first step towards a bright future in both sports and academics. Remember, with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals and potentially even inspire others with your story.
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