Latest Government Job 2026
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
Sports Authority of India 323 Vacancies in 26 Sports Disciplines
323 Posts
Group B
Apply: Feb 1–15, 2026
All India
Important Notice: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has officially released a notification for direct recruitment of 323 Assistant Coach posts on a regular basis across 26 sports disciplines. Online applications were accepted from 23rd March 2026 to 21st April 2026. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SAI website for updates on exam dates and further notifications.
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Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for 323 Posts
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Detail |
Information |
| Organisation Name | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach |
| Total Vacancies | 323 (provisional) |
| Pay Scale | Level 6 35,400-1,12,400 (Pay Band II) |
| Post Category | Group B (Entry Level, Coaching Cadre) |
| Age Limit | Up to 30 years (as on opening date of application) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Start Date | 23rd March 2026 |
| Application End Date | 21st April 2026 |
| Number of Sports Disciplines | 26 |
| Selection Process | CBT (40%) + Coaching Ability Test / CAT (60%) |
| Women Reservation | 33% horizontal reservation for women |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
About Sports Authority of India (SAI)
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is an autonomous organization functioning under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), Government of India. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with the core mandate of developing and promoting sports across the country.
SAI's primary objective is to achieve excellence in sports and prepare Indian sportspersons for international competitions including the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. SAI operates International Standard Sports Infrastructure spread across India, including Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Training Centres, all supported by qualified coaches.
In a major initiative to strengthen its human resource base in coaching, SAI has launched a direct recruitment drive for Assistant Coaches on a regular basis across 26 sporting disciplines one of the largest coaching recruitment drives in recent years.
Sports Discipline-Wise Vacancies 323 Posts
The vacancies are provisional and may vary as per SAI requirements. A 33% horizontal reservation for women is applicable across all categories.
| S.No. |
Sports Discipline |
UR |
OBC |
SC |
ST |
EWS |
Total |
| 1 | Swimming | 13 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 26 |
| 2 | Athletics | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| 3 | Cycling | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 4 | Gymnastics | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 5 | Wrestling | 11 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 22 |
| 6 | Canoeing | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 7 | Judo | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 8 | Rowing | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 9 | Shooting | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| 10 | Boxing | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
| 11 | Fencing | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 12 | Weightlifting | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 13 | Taekwondo | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 14 | Archery | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 15 | Table Tennis | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 16 | Badminton | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
| 17 | Tennis | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 18 | Basketball | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 19 | Volleyball | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 20 | Field Hockey | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13 |
| 21 | Football | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 22 | Handball | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 23 | Kabaddi | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 24 | Kho-Kho | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 25 | Sepak Takraw | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 26 | Wushu | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| TOTAL |
187 | 73 | 32 | 9 | 22 | 323 |
* 33% horizontal reservation for women is applicable. Number of vacancies is provisional.
Age Limit & Age Relaxation
Maximum Age: 30 Years as on the opening date of submission of applications.
Age Relaxation Details
| Category |
Relaxation |
| SC/ST Candidates | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates | 3 Years |
| Departmental Candidates (Regular SAI Employees) | Up to 5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Actual Military Service Deducted |
| SAI Contractual Employees | Duration of Contractual Service (min. 1 year) |
| Govt. Organization Employees | Up to 5 Years |
| SC/ST serving as Govt. employees | Up to 10 Years |
Note: Cumulative age relaxation is allowed where multiple categories apply (e.g., SC + Contractual SAI employee can get 8 years combined). Age proof must be from Matriculation/Secondary Examination Certificate only.
Eligibility Educational / Professional Qualifications
Candidates must possess any ONE of the following essential qualifications:
Option A Coaching Diploma
Diploma or equivalent qualification in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala or any recognized Indian/Foreign University (as listed in Annexure-I of the notification).
Option B International Sports Achievement
Participation in Olympics / Paralympics / Asian Games / World Championships with a Certificate Course in Coaching.
Option C Dronacharya Awardee
Candidates who are Dronacharya Awardees are directly eligible to apply.
Recognized Equivalent Qualifications (Annexure-I)
| University |
Course |
Equivalence Status |
| LNIPE, Gwalior | PG Diploma in Sports Coaching (PGDSC) | Recognized |
| National Sports University (NSU), Imphal | B.Sc. / M.Sc. Sports Coaching | Recognized |
| SGSU, Gujarat | PG Diploma in Sports Coaching (PGDSM) | PGDSM recognized; B.Sc/M.Sc not recognized |
| Sports University of Haryana (SUOH) | PG Diploma in Sports Coaching | Recognized |
| IGTAMSU, Arunachal Pradesh | PG Diploma in Sports Coaching | Recognized |
Application Fee Details
Application fee must be paid only through online mode NEFT / RTGS / Net Banking / UPI. Fees once paid are non-refundable under any circumstances.
UR / EWS / OBC
2,500
(including bank charges & service tax)
SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen
2,000
(including bank charges & service tax)
Women Candidates
2,000
(including bank charges & service tax)
Important Links
Selection Process
SAI follows a two-stage selection process for the post of Assistant Coach. The final merit is prepared based on composite weightage.
40%
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Online written exam 100 MCQs
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative marking: ¼ mark for wrong answers
- All questions in English
60%
Stage 2: Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
- Practical coaching assessment
- 40 assessment parameters
- Evaluated by 10+ assessors
- Shortlist ratio: 3 vacancies per sport per category
CBT Exam Pattern & Syllabus Distribution
| Section |
Marks |
Topics |
| Part A Sport-Specific Knowledge | 65 | Techniques, rules, tactics, training methods for the chosen sport |
| Part B Sports Science | 25 | Physiology, Biomechanics, Psychology, Nutrition, S&C, Kinesiology, Anthropometry |
| Part C General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude | 10 | GK, logical reasoning, basic aptitude |
CAT Coaching Ability Test: 7 Domains (40 Parameters)
| Domain |
Parameters |
Focus Area |
| A. Teaching & Communication Skills | 6 | Demonstration, clarity, motivation, confidence-building |
| B. Organisation & Session Management | 5 | Planning, time management, safety, discipline |
| C. Observation, Fault Correction & Adaptability | 5 | Observation, error detection, individualised feedback |
| D. Technical & Tactical Application | 5 | Drill progression, tactical strategies, decision-making |
| E. Sports Science Application | 5 | Biomechanics, physiology, psychology, nutrition, anti-doping |
| F. Professionalism & Role Model Qualities | 3 | Ethics, attitude, safeguarding, conduct |
| G. Microcycle Planning Competence | 11 | Goal alignment, periodization, load management, recovery, monitoring |
Each parameter is rated 1–5. Raw score = 200. Final CAT score = (Average Raw ÷ 200) × 60.
How to Apply SAI Assistant Coach 2026
2
Read the notification carefully before applying. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria regarding age, qualification, and sports discipline.
3
Register and fill the Online Application Form. Keep your valid Email ID active throughout the recruitment process.
4
Upload required documents: Passport-size colour photo (max 80 KB, JPG/JPEG) and signature (max 30 KB, JPG/JPEG), plus supporting certificates.
5
Upload mandatory documents: Age proof, valid ID proof, qualification certificates, category/caste certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Ex-serviceman), SAI contractual service proof (if applicable).
6
Pay the application fee via online mode (NEFT/RTGS/Net Banking/UPI) as per your category. Fee is non-refundable.
7
Download and save the Registration Slip with unique Registration Number and Password for future reference. No hard copies need to be sent to SAI at the application stage.
Important: No applications through any other mode will be accepted. All communications including call letters will be sent to the registered email ID only. Visit the SAI website regularly for updates and corrigenda.
Salary, Pay Scale & Benefits
Pay Matrix Level 6
35,400 - 1,12,400
Pay Band II (9,300-34,800 + Grade Pay 4,200)
Allowances & Benefits
House Rent Allowance
As per Central Govt. Rules
Dearness Allowance
As per Central Govt. Rules
Transport Allowance
As per Central Govt. Rules
Medical Benefits
As per Central Govt. Rules
Sports Kit
As per SAI Rules
Leave & Promotion
Coach Sr. Coach Chief Coach
Selected candidates are entitled to promotion to the next grade in Group-A Coach Senior Coach Chief Coach High Performance Coach as per SAI Recruitment Rules.
CBT Exam Centres
The Computer Based Test (CBT) will be conducted at the following cities. The number of centres may be increased or decreased depending on the number of candidates:
Delhi
Lucknow
Chandigarh
Bhopal
Gandhinagar
Mumbai
Kolkata
Bhubaneswar
Hyderabad
Bengaluru
Thiruvananthapuram
Guwahati
Imphal
Documents Required
Mandatory at Application Stage (Upload)
- Age proof (Matriculation/Secondary Certificate)
- Valid Government-issued ID proof
- Qualification certificates
- Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
- Ex-serviceman certificate (if applicable)
- SAI contractual service proof (if claiming relaxation)
Required at Document Verification Stage
- Original caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC)
- Latest OBC certificate with Non-Creamy Layer status
- EWS certificate (issued in current financial year)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer
- All original qualification certificates
- Medical fitness certificate (post-selection)
Important Dates
| Event |
Date |
| Online Application Opens | 21st April 2026 |
| Online Application Closes | 21st April 2026 |
| CBT (Written Exam) Date | To be notified on SAI website |
| Coaching Ability Test (CAT) | To be notified after CBT results |
| Final Results / Merit List | To be notified on SAI website |
General Instructions for Candidates
Only Indian Nationals can apply for these posts.
Selected candidates are liable to be posted anywhere in India; seniority maintained on an all-India basis.
Qualifications must be from Government-recognised institutions/Universities only.
No re-evaluation or re-checking of answer scripts will be entertained for CBT.
Candidature may be cancelled at any stage if information provided is found to be false or incorrect.
Appointment is subject to medical fitness as per SAI prescribed standards.
Any dispute shall be subject to exclusive jurisdiction of courts at Delhi.
Canvassing in any form will result in disqualification of candidature.
Final notifications and updates will be published only on the SAI official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 323 vacancies across 26 sports disciplines. The number is provisional and subject to change as per SAI's requirements.
Q2. What is the age limit for SAI Assistant Coach post?
The upper age limit is 30 years as on the opening date of the application. Relaxation is available for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), SAI contractual employees, ex-servicemen, and government employees as per DoPT guidelines.
Q3. What qualification is required for SAI Assistant Coach?
Candidates must have a Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or an equivalent recognized institution, OR have represented India at Olympics/Paralympics/Asian Games/World Championships with a certificate course in coaching, OR be a Dronacharya Awardee.
Q4. What is the salary for SAI Assistant Coach?
The pay scale is Level 6 35,400 to 1,12,400 per month under Pay Band-II, plus allowances including HRA, DA, Transport Allowance, Medical Benefits, Sports Kit, and leave as per Central Government rules.
Q5. What is the selection process for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
The selection is in two stages: (1) Computer Based Test (CBT) 100 MCQs, 2 hours, carrying 40% weightage; and (2) Coaching Ability Test (CAT) practical coaching assessment across 40 parameters, carrying 60% weightage. Shortlisting for CAT is in a 3:1 ratio (vacancies) per sport per category.
Q6. Is there negative marking in the CBT exam?
Yes. There is a negative marking of ¼ (one-fourth) marks for each incorrect answer in the Computer Based Test (CBT). Unanswered questions do not carry any negative marks.
Q7. What is the application fee for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
The fee is 2,500 for UR/EWS/OBC candidates and 2,000 for SC/ST/Ex-servicemen and Women candidates. Fee is non-refundable and payable online only.
Q8. Can SAI contractual coaches apply for the Assistant Coach post?
Yes. SAI contractual employees who have completed a minimum of one year of continuous contractual service in the relevant field can apply and are entitled to age relaxation equal to the period of their contractual service with SAI.
Q9. Where will selected candidates be posted?
Selected candidates may be posted at any of SAI's Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), or Training Centres across India. Candidates should be willing to work anywhere in India. SAI reserves the right to post and transfer any selected candidate as per organisational requirements.
Q10. Is there any promotion opportunity for SAI Assistant Coaches?
Yes. The Assistant Coach is the entry-level Group 'B' post in the Coaching Cadre. Eligible candidates can be promoted to Coach Senior Coach Chief Coach High Performance Coach (Group A) as per SAI Recruitment Rules.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared based on the official SAI recruitment notification. Candidates are strongly advised to read the official notification carefully before applying. All information is subject to change as per official SAI communications. The website and application links mentioned are for reference only. Check the official SAI website regularly for the latest updates, corrigendum, and exam schedule.
