Are you passionate about sports and interested in shaping the athletic talent of Tamil Nadu? The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has announced a prestigious recruitment drive to fill 34 Coach positions, including both regular and para coaches. This comprehensive job opportunity is designed for individuals with a background in sports, coaching qualifications, and a desire to contribute to Tamil Nadu’s sporting excellence. This detailed job description provides all necessary information regarding eligibility, application procedures, selection process, salary structure, and important dates, ensuring you are well-prepared to apply and succeed.
SDAT Coach Recruitment 2026 – Complete Job Overview
The SDAT Coach Recruitment 2026 aims to select qualified candidates for the following positions:
| Advertisement Details |
Company Name: Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) Post Names: Coach (Regular) & Coach – Para Total Vacancies: 34 (30 Regular Coaches + 4 Para Coaches) Advertisement Number: Notification No. 544573/HR1A/2025 Salary Scale: Level 12 (Rs.35,600 – 1,30,800) Official Website: https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/ Application Start Date: 05 January 2026 Last Date to Apply: 25 January 2026 (till 5:00 PM) |
|---|
Vacancy Distribution and Category-wise Breakup
Overall Vacancy Summary
| Position | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Coach (Regular) | 30 |
| Coach – Para (Differently Abled Coaches) | 4 |
Distribution of Regular Coach Vacancies by Category
| Category | Number of Vacancies | Details |
|---|---|---|
| General Turn (GT) | 4 | |
| GT (W) – Women | 2 | |
| GT (PSTM) – Tamil Medium | 1 | |
| Backward Class (OBCM) | 4 | |
| BC (W) – Women | 1 | |
| BC (W) (PSTM) | 1 | |
| BC (M) – Muslim | 3 (including 1 backlog) | |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 3 (including 2 backlog) | |
| SC (PSTM) | 1 | |
| SC (W) (PSTM) | 1 | |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 1 (including backlog) | |
| Most Backward Class/Denotified Communities (MBC/DC) | 1 | |
| MBC/DC (PSTM) | 1 | |
| Other Backward Classes (OBCM) | 2 |
Para Coaches (Differently Abled Coaches)
| Type of Vacancy | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Backlog | 3 |
| Current Rotation | 1 |
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess the following qualifications:
- Regular Coaches: Any Bachelor’s Degree of not less than 3 years duration from a UGC-recognized university or institution.
- Professional Qualification:
- One year Diploma/Certificate in Sports Coaching (minimum 10 months duration) issued by the National Institute of Sports (NIS), Sports Authority of India, OR
- PG Diploma in Sports Coaching from Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, OR
- PG Diploma from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior.
- Sports Representation: Candidates must have represented Tamil Nadu at national levels (School, Junior, or Senior) or at university level in the discipline applied for.
Para Coaches (Differently Abled) Qualifications
- Educational Qualification: Any Bachelor’s Degree of not less than 3 years from UGC-recognized university.
- Sports Representation: Must have represented Tamil Nadu in recognized Games/Championships conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and affiliated federations.
- Disability Certificate: Candidates with Benchmark Disability must submit a certificate as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017.
Order of Education
Qualifying qualifications should be obtained in this order:
10th + HSC or equivalent / Diploma + UG Degree.
Age Limits and Relaxations
| Post Type | Minimum Age | Maximum Age (as of 01.07.2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Coaches (All categories) | 21 years |
|
| Coach – Para (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 21 years | 55 years |
Salary and Allowances
The selected candidates will receive a salary in Level 12 of the Tamil Nadu government scale, which ranges from Rs. 35,600 to Rs. 1,30,800. Pay and allowances are governed by Tamil Nadu government rules and SDAT regulations.
Application Fee and Important Dates
The recruitment process does not specify any application fee; hence, candidates can apply free of cost.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 05 January 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 05 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 January 2026 (until 5:00 PM) |
| Crucial Date for Age Calculation | 01 July 2026 |
Selection Process & Examination Scheme
Overview
The selection process involves three levels of assessment for regular and para coaches, with a combined total of 100 marks. The process includes qualifying written tests, sports knowledge, and practical assessments.
Selection Components for Regular Coaches
| Level | Component | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | Total marks in Professional Qualification | 25 |
| Medals in discipline | 15 | |
| Coaching Experience | 10 | |
| Total Level I | 50 | |
| Level II | Tamil Language Test (qualifying, min 40%) | 10 |
| Sports General Awareness (MCQ) | 25 | |
| Total Level II | 35 | |
| Level III | Discipline-specific Performance & Viva | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Selection Components for Para Coaches (Differently Abled)
| Level | Component | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | Medals in discipline | 30 |
| Coaching Experience | 20 | |
| Total Level I | 50 | |
| Level II | Tamil Language Test (qualifying, min 40%) | 10 |
| Sports General Awareness (MCQ) | 25 | |
| Total Level II | 35 | |
| Level III | Discipline-specific Performance & Viva | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Examination Details
- The Tamil Language Test at Level II is qualifying, with a minimum score of 40%.
- Sports general awareness MCQ covers current sports affairs, anti-doping, rights of persons with disabilities, sports medicine, and related topics.
- Level III involves practical assessment and viva voce on various technical and strategic aspects of coaching.
- Merit is based on total score with tie-breakers decided by scores in Level III, then Level I, and finally by age (older candidate preferred).
Additional Information & Important Instructions
Applicants must ensure all data provided in the application is accurate and verifiable. Any attempt to provide incorrect information may lead to disqualification. Only Indian nationals are eligible, and candidates need to produce valid documents during verification. Selected candidates will undergo a two-year probation period as per government policies. The appointment is contingent upon physical fitness and background verification.
Application Procedure
- Visit the official SDAT website: https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill the online application form carefully, providing accurate personal and academic details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents: photograph, educational certificates, sports achievements, community certificate, disability certificate (if applicable), and experience certificates.
- Submit the application before the deadline: 25 January 2026, 5:00 PM.
Important Links
Contact & Support
For further assistance, candidates should regularly check the official SDAT website and notifications. Support and updates will be communicated via email and the official portal. Keep your contact details updated to receive timely alerts.
Embark on your journey to contribute to Tamil Nadu’s sports excellence by applying for the SDAT Coach Recruitment 2026! Prepare well, gather the necessary documents, and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria to seize this fantastic opportunity.