The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released the recruitment notification for 323 Assistant Coach vacancies on a regular basis for 2026. Online applications reopened on 23 March 2026 and will remain open until 21 April 2026. Candidates who are passionate about sports coaching and want to build a career in India’s national sports development system now have a valuable opportunity.
The Sports Authority of India is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India. It plays a crucial role in developing sports infrastructure, training athletes, and preparing them for international competitions such as the Olympic Games and other global tournaments.
This recruitment drive is expected to attract thousands of sports professionals, athletes, and coaching aspirants from across India. Working as an Assistant Coach under SAI offers candidates a chance to contribute directly to the growth of Indian sports while enjoying a stable government career with attractive benefits.
In this article, we will provide a complete guide to the SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026, including:
- Vacancy details
- Important dates
- Eligibility criteria
- Age limit and relaxation
- Educational qualifications
- Salary structure
- Application fee
- Selection process
- Step-by-step application guide
SAI Assistant Coach 2026 Recruitment Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach (Group ‘B’) |
| Total Vacancies | 323 across 26 disciplines |
| Registration Dates | 23 March 2026 to 21 April 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Salary / Pay Scale | Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 30 years (Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/SAI Staff) |
| Selection Stages | Computer Based Test (40%) + Coaching Ability Test (60%) |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours (100 Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks for every wrong answer |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
The SAI Assistant Coach recruitment is considered one of the most prestigious coaching jobs in India. Selected candidates get the opportunity to train national-level athletes and contribute to India’s sports achievements.
SAI Assistant Coach Vacancy 2026
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has announced 323 Assistant Coach vacancies across 26 disciplines for 2026. A 33% horizontal reservation for women is applicable across all categories.
| S.No. | Sports Discipline | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athletics | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| 2 | Shooting | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| 3 | Swimming | 13 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 26 |
| 4 | Wrestling | 11 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 22 |
| 5 | Boxing | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
| 6 | Badminton | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
| 7 | Table Tennis | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 8 | Field Hockey | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13 |
| 9 | Archery | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 10 | Basketball | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 11 | Cycling | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 12 | Football | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 13 | Gymnastics | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 14 | Fencing | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 15 | Rowing | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 16 | Taekwondo | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 17 | Weightlifting | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 18 | Volleyball | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 19 | Tennis | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 20 | Canoeing | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 21 | Handball | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 22 | Judo | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 23 | Kabaddi | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 24 | Wushu | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 25 | Sepak Takraw | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 26 | Kho-Kho | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Grand Total | 187 | 73 | 32 | 9 | 22 | 323 |
SAI Assistant Coach 2026: Important Date’s
Here are the crucial dates for the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026:
| Event | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 March 2026 |
| Online Application Opening | 23 March 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 21 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced (Expected May 2026) |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) | To be announced |
| Result Declaration (CBT) | To be announced |
| Coaching Ability Test (CAT) | To be announced |
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SAI website for updates regarding application deadlines and interview schedules.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements set by the Sports Authority of India.
Eligibility generally includes:
- Educational qualification
- Coaching certification
- Sports experience
- Age limit
Failure to meet any of these requirements may lead to rejection of the application.
Age Limit
The age limit for the Assistant Coach post generally follows government recruitment rules.
The age limit for the SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 is calculated as of the closing date of applications (21 April 2026).
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS (UR) | No Relaxation | 30 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years | 33 Years |
| SC / ST | 5 Years | 35 Years |
| SAI Contractual Employees | Period of service (Max 5 Years) | 35 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Govt. Rules | Varies |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 10 Years (General/EWS) | 40 Years |
Educational & Professional Qualification for Assistant Coach
Candidates applying for the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 must meet at least one of the three professional qualification routes listed below.
| Qualification Route | Essential Requirements |
|---|---|
| Diploma Route | Diploma or equivalent in coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala or any other recognized Indian or Foreign University. |
| Elite Athlete Route | Participation in Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, or World Championships along with a valid Certificate Course in Coaching. |
| Awardee Route | Being a recipient of the Dronacharya Award. |
SAI Assistant Coach Salary Structure 2026
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Assistant Coach position is a Group ‘B’ entry-level post. The salary follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level-6 |
| Pay Scale (Basic Pay) | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Grade Pay | ₹4,200 (Pre-revised) |
| Entry Basic Pay | ₹35,400 per month |
| Total Gross Salary | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 (Approx. including allowances) |
Allowances & Benefits
In addition to the Basic Pay, Assistant Coaches are eligible for various government allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per the current central government rates.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Depends on the city of posting (Class X, Y, or Z cities).
- Transport Allowance (TA): To cover commuting expenses.
- Medical Facilities: As per SAI/Government norms.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC): As per eligibility.
SAI Assistant Coach Application Fees 2026
As per standard government recruitment rules, candidates may need to pay an application fee.
| Category | Application Fee (Inclusive of Charges) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) / General | ₹2,500 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | ₹2,500 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | ₹2,500 |
| SC / ST | ₹2,000 |
| Women (All Categories) | ₹2,000 |
| Ex-Servicemen | ₹2,000 |
Key Payment Information
- Inclusive Costs: The mentioned fees typically include applicable bank charges and service taxes.
- Non-Refundable: Once paid, the fee will not be refunded under any circumstances.
- Last Date for Payment: The deadline to complete the online fee payment is 21 April 2026 (by 05:00 PM).
Selection Process
The selection process for the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Assistant Coach 2026 is a multi-step evaluation designed to test both your theoretical knowledge and practical coaching skills.
Step 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
This is the initial screening stage for all eligible applicants.
- Format: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours).
- Weightage: 40% of the final merit.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
- Content: Questions focus on General Intelligence, Reasoning, and Sports-specific knowledge.
Step 2: Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
Candidates are shortlisted for this practical round in a 1:3 ratio (three candidates for every one vacancy) based on their CBT scores.
- Format: Practical demonstration and technical viva-voce in your specific sports discipline.
- Weightage: 60% of the final merit (this is the most critical stage).
- Focus: It evaluates your field-side coaching techniques, ability to correct athlete form, and tactical understanding of the sport.
Step 3: Document Verification (DV)
Candidates who qualify the practical test are called to verify their original credentials.
- Checklist: You must produce original certificates for your NIS Coaching Diploma, educational degrees, category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), and identity proofs.
- Undertaking: You will also need to submit a formal statement confirming you have no pending doping-related cases.
Step 4: Medical Examination
The final step is a medical fitness assessment.
- Standard: You must meet the physical fitness standards required for Group ‘B’ entry-level government posts to ensure you can perform active coaching duties.
Final Selection
The final merit list is prepared by calculating 40% of your CBT score and adding it to 60% of your CAT score. If two candidates have the same total score, the one with the higher score in the Coaching Ability Test (CAT) is ranked higher.
How to Apply
To apply for the SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026, you must complete the process through the official Sports Authority of India portal. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official website: sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in.
- Click on the “Job Opportunities” or “Recruitment” section.
- Select the link for “Application for Assistant Coach 2026”.
- Register using a valid Email ID and Mobile Number. You will receive a Registration ID and Password.
Step 2: Filling the Application Form
- Log in with your credentials.
- Personal Details: Enter your name, father’s name, date of birth, and category.
- Educational Details: Fill in your academic qualifications and your specific NS-NIS Diploma or sports achievement details.
- Discipline Selection: Carefully choose the Sports Discipline (e.g., Athletics, Boxing) you are applying for.
Step 3: Document Upload
Upload scanned copies of the following (ensure they are within the prescribed file size):
- Recent passport-size Photograph and Signature.
- Matriculation Certificate (for age proof).
- NIS Diploma or relevant Sports Certificate.
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable.
- NOC (if currently employed in a Govt. organization).
Step 4: Application Fee Payment
Pay the fee online via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
- UR/OBC/EWS: ₹2,500
- SC/ST/Women/Ex-SM: ₹2,000
Ensure you receive a “Payment Successful” confirmation.
Step 5: Final Submission
- Review all entered information in the Preview mode.
- Click Submit to finalize your application.
- Download and Print the completed application form and payment receipt for future reference (you will need these during Document Verification).
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE | CLICK HERE |
| OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION PDF | CLICK HERE |
| APPLY ONLINE | CLICK HERE |
| WHATSAPP LINK | CLICK HERE |
| TELEGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| FACEBOOK LINK | CLICK HERE |
| INSTAGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| MORE UPDATE’S | CLICK HERE |
More Jobs Related Posts:
Bank of Baroda Recruitment 2026 – Complete Details for Wealth Management Professionals
ISRO URSC Recruitment 2026: Complete Details for Scientist/Engineer & Medical Officer Posts
IDBI Bank Specialist Officer Recruitment 2026–27: Complete Details
Redhakhol Forest Division MTS Recruitment 2026 – Complete Details
CSIR-IMMT MTS Recruitment 2026: Complete Details
Himachal Pradesh Home Guard Recruitment 2026 – Complete Guide for 700 Vacancies
SECL Apprentice Recruitment 2026–27: Complete Details
Table of Contents
Priyadarshani Palei is a Content Executive at OnlyAspirants.in, responsible for researching and publishing the latest government and private job updates. With over 2 years of experience in job research and recruitment news writing, he/she ensures that all information shared on the platform is accurate, verified, and easy to understand.
He/She completed Graduation and has a strong interest in competitive exams, career opportunities, and employment trends in India. His/Her focus is to help students and job seekers stay updated with timely notifications, eligibility details, important dates, and application procedures.
Through consistent research and dedication, he/she contributes to making OnlyAspirants.in a trusted platform for aspirants looking for reliable job updates and career guidance.
