Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 323 Posts
Sports Authority of India has released a major recruitment notification for Assistant Coach posts across multiple sports disciplines.
This is a golden opportunity for qualified coaches to secure a prestigious government job with attractive pay, job security, and national-level exposure.
Complete and accurate details are explained below in a simple and clear manner to help candidates apply confidently.
Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Organisation | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach |
| Total Posts | 323 |
| Salary | Level 6 Pay Matrix – Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400 + Allowances |
| Qualification | Diploma / Equivalent Coaching Qualification or International Sports Participation or Dronacharya Award |
| Age Limit | Maximum 30 Years (Relaxation applicable) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 01 February 2026 |
| Last Date | 15 February 2026 |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
Why Apply for SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026?
- Permanent central government job under Sports Authority of India
- Excellent salary structure under Level-6 Pay Matrix
- Opportunity to work with national-level athletes
- Job stability, promotions, and long-term career growth
- Posting across prestigious sports centres in India
- Direct involvement in athlete development and national sports programs
SAI Assistant Coach Vacancy Details – Sport Wise Distribution
| Swimming | 26 |
| Athletics | 28 |
| Cycling | 12 |
| Gymnastics | 12 |
| Wrestling | 22 |
| Canoeing | 7 |
| Judo | 6 |
| Rowing | 11 |
| Shooting | 28 |
| Boxing | 19 |
| Fencing | 11 |
| Weightlifting | 10 |
| Taekwondo | 11 |
| Archery | 12 |
| Table Tennis | 14 |
| Badminton | 16 |
| Tennis | 8 |
| Basketball | 12 |
| Volleyball | 10 |
| Field Hockey | 13 |
| Football | 12 |
| Handball | 6 |
| Kabaddi | 6 |
| Kho-Kho | 2 |
| Sepak Takraw | 3 |
| Wushu | 6 |
Eligibility Criteria Explained in Detail
Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions as on the cut-off date.
Failure to meet any criterion will lead to rejection at any stage.
- Nationality: Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Educational Qualification:
Candidates must possess at least one of the following:- Diploma or equivalent qualification in coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or any recognized Indian or foreign university/institute.
- Participation in Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games or World Championship along with a valid Certificate Course in Coaching.
- Dronacharya Award holders are directly eligible.
All qualifications must be obtained from government-recognized institutions.
- Age Limit (as on 01-02-2026):
Maximum age: 30 years. - Age Relaxation:
- SC / ST – 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) – 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen – As per Government rules
- Departmental candidates – As per norms
- Contractual employees of SAI – Equivalent to service period
Salary Structure & Career Growth
Selected candidates will be appointed under Level-6 of the Pay Matrix.
In addition to basic pay, multiple allowances are applicable.
- Pay Level: Level 6
- Pay Scale: Rs. 35,400 – Rs. 1,12,400
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per Government rates
- HRA / Transport Allowance: As applicable
- Medical and leave benefits as per rules
- Promotion opportunities based on performance and experience
Selection Process – Complete Breakdown
The recruitment process consists of two mandatory stages.
Final selection is strictly merit-based.
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Total Questions: 100 MCQs
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: 1/4 mark per wrong answer
- Sports-specific Knowledge: 65 Marks
- Sports Science: 25 Marks
- General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude: 10 Marks
Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
- Weightage: 60% in final merit
- Total assessment parameters: 40
- Focus on coaching skills, athlete development, communication, ethics
- Minimum qualifying standards mandatory
Final Merit Calculation
- CBT Weightage: 40%
- CAT Weightage: 60%
- Merit list prepared sport-wise and category-wise
Application Fee
| UR / EWS / OBC | Rs. 2500 |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen | Rs. 2000 |
| Women Candidates | Rs. 2000 |
How to Apply Online – Step by Step Guide
- Visit the official website: https://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in
- Open Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 notification
- Register using a valid email ID
- Fill personal, educational and sports details carefully
- Upload photograph and signature as per size guidelines
- Upload mandatory documents
- Pay application fee online
- Submit the application before 15 February 2026
- Download and save registration slip for future use
Required Documents
- Proof of Date of Birth
- Valid Government ID
- Coaching qualification certificates
- Sports participation certificates (if applicable)
- Caste / EWS certificates for reservation
- Service certificate for SAI contractual employees
Exam Centres
Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and Imphal.
FAQs
Q1: Who can apply for SAI Assistant Coach?
Ans: Eligible Indian citizens meeting qualification and age criteria.
Q2: What is the last date to apply?
Ans: 15 February 2026.
Q3: Is coaching qualification mandatory?
Ans: Yes, as specified.
Q4: Is there negative marking in CBT?
Ans: Yes.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |