The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released an official notification inviting applications for the recruitment of Assistant Coaches in various sports disciplines on a regular basis. This is a golden opportunity for candidates passionate about sports coaching and aspiring to work with one of India’s premier sports organizations.
According to the official notification, SAI aims to strengthen its coaching ecosystem and enhance India’s performance at international sporting events. Eligible candidates can apply online within the specified dates and be part of India’s growing sports excellence framework.
Overview of SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
The recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 323 Assistant Coach vacancies across multiple sports disciplines. These positions fall under Level 6 pay scale (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400), making it an attractive government job opportunity in the sports sector.
SAI operates under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and plays a crucial role in training athletes and promoting sports infrastructure nationwide.
Total Vacancies and Sports Disciplines
A total of 323 vacancies have been announced across various sports, including:
- Athletics
- Swimming
- Wrestling
- Boxing
- Shooting
- Football
- Hockey
- Badminton
- Archery
- Volleyball
- Gymnastics
- Cycling
- Table Tennis
- Kabaddi
- Basketball
These vacancies are distributed across categories such as UR, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS, along with 33% reservation for women candidates.
The wide range of sports disciplines ensures opportunities for coaches from diverse sporting backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- Maximum age: 30 years (as on application opening date)
- Age relaxation applicable as per government norms:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- Additional relaxation for SAI contractual employees and ex-servicemen
Educational Qualification
Candidates must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:
- Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS or a recognized institution
- Participation in international events (Olympics, Asian Games, etc.) with coaching certification
- Dronacharya Awardee
These qualifications ensure that only skilled and experienced individuals are recruited for coaching roles.
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates will receive:
- Pay Scale: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
- Allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical benefits
- Leave benefits
Additionally, Assistant Coaches are eligible for promotions to higher roles such as Coach, Senior Coach, Chief Coach, and High-Performance Coach.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of two stages:
1. Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 2 hours
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Negative marking applicable
- Topics include:
- Sports-specific knowledge (65 marks)
- Sports science (25 marks)
- General awareness & reasoning (10 marks)
2. Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
- Carries 60% weightage in final selection
- Evaluates practical coaching skills and athlete management
The final merit list is prepared based on combined performance in both stages.
Application Process
Candidates must apply online only through the official SAI website. No offline applications will be accepted.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 1 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 15 February 2026
Required Documents
- Proof of age
- Government-issued ID
- Educational qualification certificates
- Category certificates (if applicable)
- Photograph and signature
Application Fee
The application fee varies by category:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹2500
- SC/ST/Ex-servicemen/Women: ₹2000
Fees must be paid online and are non-refundable.
Exam Centers
The CBT will be conducted in major cities across India, including:
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Chandigarh
- Lucknow
- Guwahati
The number of centers may vary depending on applications received.
Job Location and Posting
Selected candidates can be posted anywhere in India, including:
- Regional Centres
- National Centres of Excellence
- Training Centres
SAI maintains an all-India transfer policy, and candidates must be willing to work at any location.
Career Growth Opportunities
The Assistant Coach role is an entry-level Group B position with excellent career progression:
- Assistant Coach
- Coach
- Senior Coach
- Chief Coach
- High Performance Coach
This structured growth path makes it a highly desirable career in sports administration and coaching.
Why Apply for SAI Assistant Coach Jobs?
Here are some key benefits:
- Government job security
- Opportunity to work with national athletes
- Exposure to international-level sports training
- Attractive salary and allowances
- Career growth in sports coaching
This recruitment is ideal for candidates who are passionate about sports and want to contribute to India’s success in global competitions.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Only Indian citizens can apply
- Ensure eligibility before applying
- Provide accurate information to avoid disqualification
- Regularly check the official website for updates
- Carry original documents during verification
Any false information or failure to meet eligibility criteria may result in cancellation of candidature.
The SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for individuals aiming to build a career in sports coaching. With 323 vacancies across multiple disciplines, competitive salaries, and strong career growth prospects, this recruitment drive is expected to attract a large number of applicants.
Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification, prepare thoroughly for the selection process, and submit their applications before the deadline.
Official Notification PDF
For complete details, download the official notification here:
👉 Detailed Notifications Here
