Last date to Apply 21 April 2026
Introduction – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
The Sports Authority of India (SAI), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has officially announced a major recruitment drive for 323 Assistant Coach posts across multiple sports disciplines. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s coaching ecosystem by inducting skilled professionals who can nurture and guide emerging talent at national training centers.
The recruitment offers a stable government position with attractive pay scales, allowances, and career growth opportunities. Candidates possessing recognized diplomas or postgraduate qualifications in sports coaching are encouraged to apply. Online applications open on 23 March 2026 and will close on 21 April 2026. Aspiring coaches should carefully review eligibility criteria, important dates, and instructions before submitting their applications.
Job Overview – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Advertisement No. | F.No. 01-04001(01)/13/2024-HO – Personnel Division/230 |
| Total Vacancies | 323 posts (across multiple sports disciplines) |
| Post | Assistant Coach |
| Nature of Recruitment | Regular basis |
| Job Type & Location | Full-time, postings across SAI centers in India |
| Application Deadlines | Start: 23 March 2026 (10:00 AM) End: 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Eligibility | Diploma/PG Diploma in Sports Coaching from recognized institutions; PG Diploma from State Universities recognized by UGC also valid |
| Age Limit | 18–40 years (with relaxations as per Govt. norms, including 10 years for PwBD) |
| Salary Structure | Pay Level–6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 per month) plus allowances |
| Selection Process | Computer Based Test (CBT), skill assessment, and document verification; tie-breaker rules apply |
| Reservation Rules | As per Government of India norms, including PwBD horizontal reservation |
| Application Fee | As per notification; exclusive of bank charges and service tax |
| Documents Required | Educational certificates, age proof, disability certificate (if applicable), experience certificates, ID proof |
| Exam Centres | Across major cities in India (details in notification) |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
| Submission Mode | Online only |
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
Important Dates – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 23 March 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Application End | 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | As notified by SAI (after closing date) |
Vacancy Details – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Total Posts | Discipline |
|---|---|
| 323 | Various sports disciplines including Athletics, Hockey, Football, Wrestling, Boxing, Badminton, and more (full list in notification) |
Application Fee – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Category | Fee Details |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | As per notification (exclusive of bank charges and service tax) |
| SC/ST/PwBD | Exempted / Concessional |
| Payment Mode | Online payment via net banking, debit/credit card, UPI |
Important Links – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| Detailed Notification | Official recruitment notification PDF |
| Addendum | Latest modifications and updates |
| Official Website | Sports Authority of India job portal |
| Apply Online | Submit your application form |
Salary Structure – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level–6 of the Pay Matrix |
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 per month |
| Allowances | Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and other admissible benefits |
| Additional Benefits | Medical facilities, pension, insurance coverage, and career progression opportunities as per Government norms |
Eligibility Criteria – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 18–40 years (with relaxations as per Government norms, including 10 years for PwBD candidates) |
| Education | Diploma/PG Diploma in Sports Coaching from recognized institutions. PG Diploma awarded by State Universities recognized by UGC is also valid. |
| Experience | Prior coaching experience at national/state level is preferred. Candidates with proven track record in training athletes will be given weightage. |
| Other Criteria | Candidates must meet physical and medical standards prescribed by SAI. Undertaking regarding anti-doping compliance is mandatory. |
Category-Wise Breakdown – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Category | Number of Posts | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 132 | Open category vacancies |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 87 | Includes non‑creamy layer candidates |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 48 | Reserved as per constitutional provisions |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 24 | Reserved as per constitutional provisions |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 32 | Reserved for eligible candidates under EWS quota |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | Included Horizontally | 10 years age relaxation; horizontal reservation across categories |
| Total | 323 | Across multiple sports disciplines |
Note: Discipline‑wise distribution of posts is detailed in the official notification PDF. PwBD reservations apply horizontally across all categories.
Documents Required – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
- Educational qualification certificates (Diploma/PG Diploma in Sports Coaching)
- Age proof (Birth certificate / Matriculation certificate)
- Disability certificate (for PwBD candidates, issued by a Government authority)
- Experience certificates (if applicable, showing coaching background)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN Card, Passport, or Voter ID)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Signature in scanned format
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS, if applicable)
- No-doping undertaking (as per addendum instructions)
Note: All documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format and size during the online application process.
How to Apply – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official application portal of SAI.
- Register with basic details to generate login credentials.
- Log in and fill the application form with personal, educational, and experience details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, recent photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable) via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
- Review the form carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
- Keep a printed copy of the application form and acknowledgement slip.
Candidates should ensure accuracy of details and documents, as corrections will only be allowed during the official correction window.
Selection Procedure – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
The selection process for Assistant Coaches will be comprehensive and merit-based. It includes:
- Computer Based Test (CBT): Objective test covering sports knowledge, general awareness, and coaching methodology.
- Skill Assessment: Practical evaluation of coaching abilities, communication skills, and training techniques.
- Document Verification: Scrutiny of educational, experience, and category certificates to confirm eligibility.
- Tie-Breaker Rules: In case of equal marks, preference will be given in order of higher CBT score, older age, and alphabetical order of name.
Final selection will be subject to medical fitness and compliance with anti-doping regulations.
Exam Pattern – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
The Computer Based Test (CBT) will be conducted online and is designed to evaluate both theoretical and practical knowledge of candidates. The syllabus is indicative and tentative, covering:
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Sports-Specific Knowledge | Rules, techniques, training methods, and recent developments in respective disciplines |
| General Awareness | Current affairs, sports events, government schemes, and basic GK |
| Coaching Methodology | Principles of training, athlete management, psychology, and injury prevention |
Note: The syllabus provided is tentative and indicative. Candidates are advised to prepare broadly across the mentioned areas.
Job Location – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
Selected candidates will be posted at various SAI centers and institutions across India.
Related Posts – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
FAQs – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
1. What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit applications is 21 April 2026.
2. How many vacancies are available?
There are a total of 323 Assistant Coach posts across various sports disciplines.
3. What is the age limit?
The age limit is 18–40 years, with relaxations as per Government norms.
4. Is there age relaxation for PwBD candidates?
Yes, PwBD candidates are eligible for 10 years of age relaxation.
5. What is the salary structure?
Pay Level–6 of the Pay Matrix (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 per month) plus allowances.
6. What are the educational qualifications required?
Diploma/PG Diploma in Sports Coaching from recognized institutions. PG Diploma from State Universities recognized by UGC is also valid.
7. How can I apply online?
Visit the official portal, register, fill in details, upload documents, pay the fee if applicable, and submit the form.
8. What is the selection process?
Selection will be based on Computer Based Test (CBT), skill assessment, and document verification.
9. Will there be a tie-breaker in results?
Yes, tie-breaker criteria include higher CBT marks, older age, and alphabetical order of name.
10. Where will the job location be?
Selected candidates will be posted at various SAI centers across India.
11. Are ex-servicemen eligible?
Yes, ex-servicemen are eligible, and age concession rules apply as per the latest addendum.
12. Is there any anti-doping clause?
Yes, candidates must submit an undertaking that there is no doping-related case against them at the time of document verification.
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