Sports Authority of India (SAI), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, has invited applications for 323 regular posts of Assistant Coach across 26 sports disciplines. These are permanent government jobs with postings at various SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Training Centres spread across India.
The recruitment offers a stable career in sports coaching with a Level-6 pay scale (₹35,400 – 1,12,400) plus DA, HRA and other allowances. Online applications, which were reopened, are open from 23 March 2026 (10:00 AM) to 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM). This is a golden opportunity for qualified coaches, ex-international athletes and Dronacharya awardees to join India’s premier sports organisation regularly.
Quick Overview – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
- Organization: Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- Post / Trade Name(s): Assistant Coach + 26 sports disciplines
- Total Vacancies: 323
- Job Location / Exam Centre: All India – major postings/centres in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and other SAI centres across India
- Job Type / Nature: Regular – Permanent Government Job
- Approx. Pay Scale: Level-6 (₹35,400 – 1,12,400) + DA, HRA & allowances
- Apply / Register Between: 23 March 2026 to 21 April 2026
- Official Portal: SAI Official
SAI सहायक कोच रिक्ति 2026
खेल प्राधिकरण प्राधिकरण (SAI) ने पूरे भारत में 26 खेल अनुशासनों में असिस्टेंट कोच की 323 स्थायी सरकारी नौकरियों के लिए आवेदन आमंत्रित किए हैं। यह भर्ती लेवल-6 (₹35,400-1,12,400) वेतनमान पर है जिसमें DA, HRA और अन्य भत्ते शामिल हैं। पोस्टिंग दिल्ली, बेंगलुरु, मुंबई, कोलकाता, हैदराबाद, लखनऊ, भोपाल और देश भर के SAI केंद्रों पर होगी। योग्य उम्मीदवारों को डिप्लोमा इन कोचिंग, अंतरराष्ट्रीय भागीदारी या द्रोणाचार्य पुरस्कार के आधार पर चयनित किया जाएगा। CBT (40%) + CAT (60%) के माध्यम से चयन होगा। आवेदन की अंतिम तिथि 21 अप्रैल 2026 है। यह उन युवा कोचों, पूर्व खिलाड़ियों और खेल प्रेमियों के लिए बेहतरीन अवसर है जो भारत के खेल विकास में योगदान देना चाहते हैं। (भारत सरकार की नियमित भर्ती होने के कारण पेंशन, मेडिकल और अन्य लाभ भी उपलब्ध हैं।)
Important Dates – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 16 January 2026 |
| Online/Offline/Walk-in Start | 23 March 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply / Register | 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | Not Mentioned |
| Admit Card / Call Letter Release | To be notified |
| Exam / Interview / Test Date | To be notified |
| Result / Merit List (Tentative) | To be notified |
Exam Cities / Centres
Exam centres are available in the following cities:
Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Imphal.
Source: Official notification, dated 16 January 2026
Can I request a change in exam centre?
No. Exam centres are allotted based on SAI administrative convenience and your application location. Once printed on your Admit Card, the allotment is final.
About the Sports Authority of India & the Role’s Importance
Sports Authority of India – Overview
Sports Authority of India (SAI) is the apex national sports body responsible for training elite athletes, managing national coaching infrastructure and implementing flagship programmes like Khelo India and TOPS.
Why is this Assistant Coach recruitment attractive?
- Stable, regular government job with Level-6 pay and full Central Government benefits
- Opportunity to coach at the national level and work with elite athletes
- Pan-India postings with exposure to international-level training facilities
Analyst’s Take – Is This Assistant Coach Job for You?
Competition Level: High
Best For: Qualified coaches, ex-international athletes, Dronacharya awardees and current SAI contractual staff
This is a pure merit-based regular recruitment with CBT + practical CAT, so candidates with strong sports-specific knowledge and proven coaching ability have a clear edge. Since it is a permanent government post, you get job security, pension and all benefits – unlike contractual roles. Postings are across India, so be ready for transfers. Practical tip: Update all your participation certificates and coaching diplomas; the CAT carries 60% weightage and judges real coaching skills on the field.
Recruitment / Exam Snapshot – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment / Exam Name | SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 |
| Conducting Organization | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Category / Class | Group B |
| Type / Industry | Sports & Youth Affairs |
| Post / Trade / Exam Name(s) | Assistant Coach (26 disciplines) |
| Total Vacancies | 323 |
| Location / Coverage | All India – major postings/centres in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and other SAI centres |
| Advertisement / Notice No. | Not specified |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
| Notification PDF | Download |
Assistant Coach – Complete Post-wise Recruitment Guide 2026
Use this table to find your desired post and check Qualification, Vacancies, Pay Scale, and Age Limit in one view.
| Post Name | Vacancies | Essential Qualification | Desirable | Age Limit (UR) | Pay Scale | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Coach – Swimming | 26 | Diploma/Equivalent in Coaching OR International participation + Cert Course OR Dronacharya Awardee | — | 30 years | Level-6 (₹35,400-1,12,400) | 33% women’s horizontal reservation |
| Assistant Coach – Athletics | 28 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Cycling | 12 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Gymnastics | 12 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Wrestling | 22 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Canoeing | 7 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Judo | 6 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Rowing | 11 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Shooting | 28 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Boxing | 19 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Fencing | 11 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Weightlifting | 10 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Taekwondo | 11 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Archery | 12 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Table Tennis | 14 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Badminton | 16 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Tennis | 8 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Basketball | 12 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Volleyball | 10 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Field Hockey | 13 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Football | 12 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Handball | 6 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Kabaddi | 6 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Kho-Kho | 2 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Sepak Takraw | 3 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
| Assistant Coach – Wushu | 6 | Same as above | — | 30 years | Level-6 | Same |
Key Eligibility Rules (Summary)
- Qualification Cut-Off Date: Opening date of application
- Age Cut-Off Date: Opening date of application (16.01.2026 for calculation in addendum)
- Experience: Only post-qualification experience counts
- Domicile: No state domicile required (All India)
- Category Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years age relaxation
- OBC: 3 years of age relaxation
- PwBD: 10 years of age relaxation
- Higher Qualification Disqualification: Not mentioned
Category-wise Vacancies (Reservation Break-up)
| Category | Vacancies | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 187 | ~58% |
| OBC | 73 | ~23% |
| SC | 32 | ~10% |
| ST | 9 | ~3% |
| EWS | 22 | ~7% |
| TOTAL | 323 | 100% |
Sports Authority of India Eligibility 2026 – Education, Age & Domicile
1. Nationality, Domicile & Basic Requirements
- Must be a citizen of India
- Domicile requirement (if any): None
- Valid ID proof: Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, etc.
2. Educational Qualification (Post-wise / Trade-wise)
| S. No. | Post / Trade Name | Essential Qualification | Desirable / Additional | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Coach (All Disciplines) | Diploma/Equivalent in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or recognised University OR International participation (Olympics/Asian Games/World Championship) + Certificate Course in Coaching OR Dronacharya Awardee | — | As per Annexure I of the notification |
Key Rules:
- Cut-off date for educational qualification: Opening date of application
- Candidates whose results are awaited on the cut-off date are NOT eligible
- Minimum marks requirement (if specified): Not mentioned
- Mode of study: Full-time / recognised
3. Age Limit (as on the opening date of the application)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | — | 30 years | — |
| OBC (NCL) | — | 30 years | 3 years |
| SC / ST | — | 30 years | 5 years |
| EWS | — | 30 years | — |
| PwBD | — | 30 years | 10 years |
Example: A 28-year-old General category candidate with a date of birth before the cut-off will be eligible as per the above age criteria.
4. Additional Eligibility (If Applicable)
- Language Proficiency: English/Hindi knowledge sufficient
- Physical Fitness & Medical Standards: Must be medically fit as per SAI standards
5. Higher Qualification / Experience Rules (If Applicable)
- Higher qualification disqualification: Not mentioned
- Maximum years of post-qualification experience allowed: Not applicable (relaxation for SAI contractual staff)
6. Reservation & PwBD Suitability (Summary)
- Reservation for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS/PwBD as per Government of India norms.
- PwBD suitability: LV, D/HH, OA/OL/BA/BL, etc. as per latest addendum.
Pay Scale & Benefits – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
Simplified Monthly Salary Slip (Indicative In-Hand)
| Component | Estimated Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) – current % | ₹12,000+ (approx.) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) – city dependent | ₹9,000–13,500 |
| Gross Salary | ₹58,000 – 65,000 |
| Net Salary / In-Hand (Starting) | ₹52,000 – 58,000 |
Figures are indicative based on current rates.
Detailed Pay Scale Table
| Post / Trade Name | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹) | Approx. In-Hand (Higher City) | Approx. In-Hand (Other Location) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Coach (All) | Level-6 | 35,400 | ₹55,000+/month | ₹50,000+/month |
Additional Benefits – Permanent / Regular Government Job
- Pension: NPS + Old Pension Scheme benefits as applicable
- Medical: CGHS / SAI medical facilities
- Leave: All Central Government leaves
- Housing / HRA: As per city classification
- Travel: TA/DA on official duties
- Special Allowances: Sports kit and coaching allowances
Selection Journey – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
Stages Overview
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) Mode: Online Summary: 100 MCQs (Sports-specific 65, Sports Science 25, GA/Reasoning 10), 2 hours, 1/4th negative marking
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT) Mode: Practical / Field Summary: 60% weightage, 40 parameters assessed by an expert panel
- Document Verification + Medical Fitness Mode: Offline Summary: Final merit on CBT 40% + CAT 60%
Exam Pattern & Syllabus – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Paper / Section | Subjects Included | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBT | Sports-specific + Sports Science + GA/Reasoning | 100 | 100 | 2 hours | 1/4th |
Syllabus Highlights
- Sports-specific: Rules, techniques, training methods, history (discipline-wise)
- Sports Science: Physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, injury prevention
- General Awareness / GK: Current sports events, reasoning & aptitude
Negative Marking Rules
1/4th mark deducted for every wrong answer.
Application Fee – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Category | Application Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | 2,500 | Non-refundable |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen / Women | 2,000 | Non-refundable |
Payment Mode: Online (Net Banking / UPI / Card)
Documents Required – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
At the time of the online application
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Educational / coaching diploma certificates
- Proof of participation/awards (if applicable)
- Category certificate (if claiming reservation)
At Document Verification / Joining
- All original certificates + photocopies
- Proof of date of birth
- Medical fitness certificate
- Anti-doping undertaking (as per addendum)
Probation, Bond & Service Conditions
- Posting Liability: Anywhere in India as per SAI requirement; no right against transfer
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
Do not get rejected for avoidable issues. Before submitting, check:
- Photo & Signature Specs: Wrong size/format
- Certificates & Proofs: Missing participation certificates or coaching diplomas
- Registration / Council / Portal Requirements: Incomplete fee payment or wrong category claim
- Discipline & Fair Means: Using unfair means or impersonation can lead to cancellation of candidature, long-term debarment and legal action.
General Instructions & Important Rules
- One application per candidate only.
- All claims (age relaxation, category, qualification) must be supported by valid documents at DV stage.
How to Apply – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Online Application on SAI Portal
- Visit www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in
- Go to the Recruitment / Careers section
- Click on “Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026”
- Register / login using a valid email & mobile
- Fill personal, educational and sports details
- Upload the required documents in the specified format
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit and download the confirmation page
Contact & Helpline – SAI Recruitment
All communication will be through the official website only. Check your registered email regularly.
Important Links – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Visit Portal |
| Notification PDF | Download |
| Apply Online / Form | Apply Here |
| Result / Merit List Page | Will be updated on the official website |
FAQs – SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply for the SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
21 April 2026 (05:00 PM).
What is the age limit and relaxation for the SAI Assistant Coach?
Maximum 30 years for the General category. SC/ST get 5 years, OBC 3 years, PwBD 10 years relaxation.
Is there an exam, or is selection merit-based?
Selection involves CBT (written) followed by Coaching Ability Test (practical), document verification and medical.
What is the pay scale for an SAI Assistant Coach?
Level-6 (₹35,400 – 1,12,400) + DA, HRA and other allowances.
Can final-year students apply?
No, you must possess the required diploma/certificate on the cut-off date.
Is knowledge of English compulsory?
Working knowledge of English/Hindi is sufficient.
Is this job only for certain state residents?
No, it is open to all Indian citizens (pan-India).
Where will I be posted?
Postings will be at any SAI centre across India as per administrative requirements.
Final Checklist – Is This the Right Job for You?
- You meet the age and educational criteria as of the opening date.
- You are comfortable with a pan-India transferable regular government job.
- You can arrange all required sports participation/coaching certificates.
- You are prepared for the CAT practical test (60% weightage).
- You understand the posting pattern and are willing to serve anywhere in India.
