Punjab Revolutionizes Sports Policy: New Merit System for Jobs and Admissions

March 17, 2026

CHANDIGARH, PUNJAB — In a landmark decision to bolster the state’s sporting culture, the Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has approved a transformative sports policy. Moving away from traditional selection methods, the state will now implement a rigorous 75-25 weightage formula for recruitment and educational admissions, ensuring that athletic excellence is the primary driver for a player’s career.

The New 75:25 Merit Formula

Under the newly approved guidelines, the “performance-first” approach will redefine how athletes are evaluated for government positions and college seats. The merit list will be calculated based on:

• 75% Weightage: Awarded to the candidate’s achievements and grading in sports.

• 25% Weightage: Based on the marks obtained in the relevant entrance examination or academic test.

This shift ensures that a sportsperson’s years of sweat and toil on the field are given three times more importance than a single theoretical exam, effectively removing barriers for talented players who may not excel in traditional testing environments.

Job Allocation Based on Grading

The policy introduces a streamlined “Grade-to-Post” system. The Punjab Sports Department will issue Gradation Certificates (Grades A to D) based on the level of competition (Olympic, National, or State) and the medal won.

• Grade A & B: Medalists at the International and National levels will be eligible for Group A and B gazetted posts.

• Grade C & D: State-level performers and participants in recognized tournaments will be prioritized for Group C and D recruitment.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved a 3% horizontal reservation for sportspersons in all departments, specifically targeting a boost in recruitment within the Education and Home departments.

Transparency in Admissions

Following recent judicial scrutiny regarding “midstream” policy changes, the 2026 policy provides a clear, predefined framework for admissions into professional courses like MBBS, BDS, and Engineering. The policy mandates that the criteria be fixed at the start of the session, preventing any arbitrary changes to the “rules of the game” once the admission process begins. For the 2026 session, sports achievements from Classes XI and XII will remain the primary window for evaluation for undergraduate courses.

Support for “Martyr” Families and Athletes

The policy isn’t just about jobs; it’s about comprehensive welfare. The Cabinet also approved:

1. Financial Security: A revised pension scheme for the siblings of deceased government employees who were athletes.

2. Infrastructure: The establishment of specialized sports wings in the upcoming world-class university at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

3. Elite Monitoring: Direct induction for “Elite” athletes who win medals in international forums like the Asian Games or Olympics into senior administrative roles.

By aligning sports merit with professional growth, Punjab aims to reclaim its status as the “Sports Nursery of India,” providing a secure future for those who bring glory to the tricolor.