Are you passionate about sports and coaching and looking for an exciting opportunity to serve as an Assistant Coach? The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has announced a significant recruitment drive for the year 2026, offering a total of 323 Assistant Coach positions across various sports disciplines. This comprehensive job description provides all the necessary details about the eligibility criteria, salary, selection process, application procedure, and more. Read on to understand how you can become part of SAI’s noble mission to promote sports excellence in India.
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 – Complete Job Profile
Overview of the Recruitment
The Sports Authority of India (SAI), the premier national sports body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has issued an official notification for hiring 323 Assistant Coaches in various sports disciplines. This is a golden opportunity for aspiring sports professionals to contribute to India’s sporting achievements at national and international levels.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Company | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach |
| Total Posts | 323 |
| Salary Range | Rs 35,400 to Rs 112,400 per month |
| Qualification | Diploma or equivalent in coaching, or participation in Olympics/Asian Games/World Championships with coaching certification, or Dronacharya Awardee |
| Age Limit | Maximum 30 years as on 01/02/2026 |
| Application Start Date | 01/02/2026 |
| Application Closing Date | 15/02/2026 |
| Official Website | www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
Vacancy Breakdown by Sport Discipline
Applicants can apply for vacancies in their respective sports discipline as per the following category-wise breakdown:
| Sport Discipline | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| 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 & Qualifications
Applicants must meet the specified educational and sports achievements criteria to be eligible:
Educational & Coaching Qualifications
- Diploma or equivalent in coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala, or from any recognized Indian or foreign university.
- Participation in Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, or World Championships with a coaching certificate.
- Or recognized as a Dronacharya Awardee.
Additional Considerations
Special consideration will be given to candidates who have participated at the highest levels of sports or hold coaching certifications recognized by national/international bodies.
Salary and Pay Scale
The selected assistant coaches will be appointed at Level 6 of the pay matrix, with a monthly salary in the range of Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400. The detailed pay structure is as follows:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Band | Pay Band-II |
| Grade Pay | Rs. 4200/- |
| Level | Level 6 (Rs. 35,400 – Rs. 1,12,400) |
| Allowances | As applicable under Central Government rules |
Age Limit & Relaxations
The maximum age limit for candidates is 30 years as of 01/02/2026. Age relaxations are applicable as per government norms:
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): +3 years
- Ex-servicemen & Departmental Candidates: As per prevailing norms
- Contractual Employees of SAI: Duration of service shall be considered
Application Fee Structure
The application fee varies based on the candidate’s category:
| Category | Fee (Including Bank Charges & Service Tax) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved, EWS, OBC | Rs. 2,500 |
| SC/ST/Ex-servicemen | Rs. 2,000 |
| Women Candidates | Rs. 2,000 |
Important Dates
- Start of Registration: 01 February 2026
- Closure of Registration: 15 February 2026
- Age Criteria: As of 01/02/2026
Selection Procedure
The recruitment process involves two main stages designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and coaching ability:
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
This is an online, multiple-choice examination assessing sports-specific knowledge, sports sciences, general awareness, reasoning, and aptitude.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Number of Questions: 100 MCQs
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for correct answers; negative marking of 0.25 marks for wrong answers.
- Topics Covered:
- Sports-specific knowledge (65 marks)
- Sports Science (25 marks)
- General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude (10 marks)
Stage 2: Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
Designed to assess the candidate’s practical coaching skills and capacity to relate foundational knowledge effectively. The CAT carries 60% weightage in the final merit list and includes 40 assessment parameters.
- Candidates shortlisted from the CBT will be called for the CAT in a 1:3 ratio per sport/distribution.
- Minimum qualifying marks are prescribed by SAI for the CAT.
- Failure to meet minimum standards will result in disqualification.
Merit & Final Selection
The final selection is based on a composite merit list derived from 40% weightage of the CBT score and 60% from the Coaching Ability Test. The merit list is prepared by the Selection Committee, considering overall performance.
General Guidelines & Instructions
Candidates must adhere to the following:
- Only Indian nationals are eligible.
- Possession of relevant certificates is mandatory during document verification.
- SC/ST/OBC certificates must be valid and issued by proper authorities, with the latest dates for EWS and other categories.
- Application fee must be paid as per the category.
- Candidates must upload supporting documents, including age proof, certificates, community certificates, and sport participation proof.
- Overseas and outside India applications are not accepted.
- Any false information or canvassing shall lead to disqualification.
- Appearing in the exam is at the candidate’s own cost; travel and accommodation are also borne by the applicant.
- Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India, based on organizational needs.
- SAI reserves rights for the adjustment of vacancies, change of examination centers, postponement, or cancellation of recruitment processes.
- Medical fitness as per SAI standards is mandatory for appointment.
Application Process
Applicants must apply online via the official SAI portal. No offline applications are accepted. Here are the summarized steps:
Step-by-step Application Procedure
- Visit the official SAI website: www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and sports details.
- Upload scanned copies of the necessary documents, including photograph, signature, age proof, and community certificates.
- Pay the applicable application fee online.
- Submit the application form and download the registration slip for future reference.
Important Links
Additional Resources & Contact
For mock tests, previous papers, or further updates:
- Join Telegram Channel: [Link to be added]
- Download the Mobile App for updates and notifications.
Conclusion
This recruitment drive by SAI offers a great career opportunity for qualified sports coaches and enthusiasts aiming to serve in a prestigious government organization. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, prepare thoroughly for the online examinations, and submit your application within the stipulated dates. Stay updated through the official SAI website and take a step closer to contributing to India’s sporting excellence!