Leh: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved 4 per cent horizontal reservation for outstanding sportspersons in direct recruitment to Group C (non-gazetted) posts under the Union Territory administration of Ladakh.
Following the approval, the administration has notified the Union Territory of Ladakh Outstanding Sportspersons (Horizontal Reservation in Direct Recruitment to Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted Posts) Rules, 2026, providing a framework for extending reservation benefits to eligible sportspersons who meet prescribed recruitment criteria.
According to the administration, the reservation will apply horizontally across all vertical reservation categories and cover direct recruitment to Group C posts, except those specifically excluded through notification.
Eligible candidates include those who have represented a state or the country in recognised national or international competitions, medal winners in senior and junior national championships, Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India Winter Games, Khelo India Para Games and Khelo India University Games. Sportspersons who have represented universities in recognised inter-university competitions and eligible chess players have also been included under the rules.
The administration said the rules have been framed under Clause 5.6 of the Ladakh Sports Policy, 2026, approved on August 1.
A separate Sports Merit List will be prepared for eligible candidates, with merit determined on the basis of sporting achievements. International medal-winning performances will carry the highest weightage, followed by achievements in Senior National Championships, National Games, Junior National Championships, Inter-University competitions and Khelo India events.
The rules provide that at every level, medal winners will be ranked above candidates who only represented their teams without securing a medal or position. Where a candidate possesses multiple sporting achievements, only the highest achievement will be considered for determining merit.
To verify claims, the Department of Youth Services and Sports will constitute a three-member committee to examine the authenticity, recognition status and validity of certificates, competitions and sporting achievements submitted by candidates.
According to the administration, the initiative is aimed at providing greater career opportunities to sportspersons and encouraging youth participation in sports through institutional support mechanisms.
