Like the Army, the Indian Navy recruits national-level sportspersons through a dedicated sports quota for sailor and officer cadre positions. The Navy places additional emphasis on swimming proficiency since all naval personnel must meet minimum swimming standards. Recognised sports for Navy quota include Volleyball, Badminton, Football, Athletics, Boxing, Wrestling, Basketball, Swimming, Rowing, and Water Polo. The written test is easier than Army and focuses on general awareness and basic sports knowledge rather than specialised topics.

All Indian Navy recruits including those joining through sports quota must clear a basic swimming test as part of the selection process. Typically candidates must swim 50 metres without external aids within a specified time. More advanced swimming proficiency may be required for certain naval trade postings. Candidates who cannot swim at all are generally not selected regardless of their sports achievement in other disciplines. Those weak in swimming should begin training well before applying for Navy sports quota recruitment.

The Indian Navy has strong institutional programmes in Volleyball, Sailing, Rowing, Swimming, Football, Badminton, Athletics, Boxing, and Wrestling. Navy teams compete in Inter-Services Championships and national-level competitions. Navy sports quota recruitment focuses on disciplines where naval teams compete at the national level. Water sports like Sailing, Kayaking, and Water Polo receive additional priority given the maritime nature of the service. Cricket and Hockey are also supported through Navy sports establishments in Mumbai and Kochi.

Sports quota recruits join as Sailors at the Seaman 2 or MR (Matric Recruit) level. Excellent sportspersons can earn sports allowances, get dedicated training time, and represent the Navy at competitions. Outstanding performers may be given time off for national training camps and international competitions. Promotion follows the standard Navy career path, and athletic performance can positively influence annual confidential reports. Some exceptional sportspersons receive officer commissions through the Sports Roster scheme after serving as sailors.

The Navy sports quota written test covers basic General Studies including current affairs (sports news, national events), Indian geography and history, civics and Indian Constitution, basic science, and mathematics at the 10th standard level. The Sports section tests knowledge of Indian sports achievements including Olympic, Commonwealth, and Asian Games medals, rules of major games, and famous Indian sportspersons. The test is straightforward and candidates who have studied up to 12th standard and follow sports news regularly should find it manageable.