The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released a major recruitment notification inviting online applications for the position of Assistant Coach across various sports disciplines on a regular basis. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 323 vacancies and offers a significant opportunity for sports professionals, coaches, and qualified candidates interested in contributing to national sports development.
📌 Recruitment Overview
- Organization: Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- Post Name: Assistant Coach
- Total Vacancies: 323 Posts
- Job Type: Regular Employment
- Application Mode: Online
- Official Website: sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in
🗓️ Important Dates
- Start Date to Apply: 01 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 15 February 2026
💼 Vacancy & Sports Disciplines
The vacancies are spread across 26 sports disciplines, including but not limited to:
Athletics, Swimming, Wrestling, Boxing, Football, Hockey, Table Tennis, Badminton, Shooting, Judo, Kabaddi, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Weightlifting and more.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must satisfy any one of the following:
- Diploma or equivalent in coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or a recognized Indian/Foreign university.
- Participation in Olympics/Paralympics/Asian Games/World Championship accompanied by a certificate course in coaching.
- Dronacharya Awardees in the relevant sport discipline.
Age Limit
- Maximum age: 30 years as on the date of application start.
- Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories as per Government of India norms.
💰 Salary & Benefits
Selected Assistant Coaches will receive a monthly remuneration in Level 6 Pay Scale – ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 (plus allowances) under Government of India pay rules.
🧾 Application Fee
- General / EWS / OBC: ₹2,500 (including bank charges & taxes)
- SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Women: ₹2,000 (non-refundable)
📝 Selection Process
The selection will be done through a two-stage process:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) – Objective written examination.
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT) – Focused on sport-specific coaching skills.
Candidates qualifying in the CBT will be shortlisted for the CAT, and the final merit list will be prepared based on performance in both stages.
📍 Job Location
Selected candidates may be posted across various SAI centers and national camps all over India.
📌 How to Apply
- Visit the official SAI website: sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in.
- Click on the “Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026” recruitment link.
- Complete the online registration with required personal and professional details.
- Upload scanned documents, certificates, and photograph/signature as per specifications.
- Pay the applicable application fee online.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
The SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for aspiring and experienced sports coaches seeking a Government of India role in sports training and development. With a good pay scale and a formal selection process, it offers a pathway to contribute meaningfully to India’s sports ecosystem.
