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The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released an official notification inviting applications for the post of Assistant Coach in various sports disciplines on a regular basis. This recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for experienced sportspersons and qualified coaches who wish to build a prestigious career in the Indian sports ecosystem and contribute to the development of athletes at the national level.
SAI plays a vital role in identifying, training, and nurturing sporting talent across India. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, international-level coaching programs, and nationwide training centers, SAI is at the forefront of India’s sports development mission. The Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 aims to strengthen the human resource base of coaching professionals across multiple disciplines.
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
The Sports Authority of India is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), Government of India. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, SAI works with the primary objective of achieving excellence in sports and preparing Indian athletes for international competitions such as the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Championships.To meet its growing requirements, SAI has initiated direct recruitment for Assistant Coaches in Level-6 posts under the Pay Matrix. Selected candidates will be posted across Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Training Centres located throughout the country.
This recruitment not only offers job stability and an attractive salary, but also provides an opportunity to work closely with elite athletes and contribute directly to India’s sporting success.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach (Group B, Permanent Basis) |
| Total Vacancies | 323 Posts across 26 disciplines |
| Registration Dates | 01 February 2026 – 15 February 2026 |
| Pay Scale | Level 6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) |
| Initial Emoluments | Approx. ₹55,000 – ₹60,000 per month |
| Upper Age Limit | 30 Years (as of Feb 1, 2026) |
| Selection Stages | Computer Based Test (40%) + Coaching Ability Test (60%) |
| Application Portal | SAI Careers Portal |
SAI Assistant Coach Vacancy Details 2026
As per the official notification, a total of 323 vacancies have been announced for the post of Assistant Coach across various sports disciplines.
| 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 | Volleyball | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 18 | Weightlifting | 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 |
| TOTAL | 187 | 73 | 32 | 9 | 22 | 323 |
Important Dates (Tentative)
Candidates must keep track of important dates related to the recruitment process.
| Event | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Date | 16 January 2026 |
| Opening Date of Online Application | 01 February 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Closing Date of Online Application | 15 February 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 15 February 2026 |
| Age Calculation Cut-off Date | 01 February 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be announced soon |
| Final Result | To be notified |
Eligibility Criteria for SAI Assistant Coach
Before applying, candidates must ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions prescribed by SAI. Applications of ineligible candidates are liable to be rejected at any stage.
Nationality
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
Age Limit for SAI Assistant Coach
- Maximum Age Limit: 30 years
- Age will be calculated as per the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.
Age Relaxations:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC – (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years.
- Ex-Servicemen and Departmental Candidates: As per prevailing Government of India norms.
- Contractual Employees of SAI: equivalent to the duration of service in SAI. Cumulative Relaxation with Cap.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess the prescribed educational and coaching qualifications relevant to the sport they are applying for.
Essential Qualifications (Any One):
- Diploma in Coaching from Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), Patiala or its regional centers
OR - Diploma / Degree in Coaching from any SAI-recognized institution
OR - Participation in Olympic Games / World Championships / Asian Games / Commonwealth Games with relevant experience
OR - Dronacharya Awardee or International Medalist with suitable coaching exposure
Salary / Stipend
The post of Assistant Coach comes with an attractive salary package under the 7th Pay Commission.
| Pay Component | Value/Range |
|---|---|
| Pay Matrix Level | Level -6 |
| Basic Pay Scale | ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 |
| Entry Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance as per Govt. norms |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (General) / EWS / OBC | ₹2,500 |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen | ₹2,000 |
| Women (All Categories) | ₹2,000 |
Selection Process for SAI Assistant Coach
Computer Based Test (CBT):
- Subjects Covered: Sports-specific knowledge (65 marks), Sports Science (25 marks), and General Awareness, Reasoning, and Aptitude (10 marks).
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty of 1/4th (0.25) marks for every incorrect answer.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted for the next stage in a 1:3 ratio (three candidates for every vacancy in each sport and category).
Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
- Shortlisted candidates undergo practical evaluation on multiple parameters to assess their hands-on coaching proficiency.
- This stage carries the highest weightage (60%) toward the final merit list.
Final Merit List:
- The final selection is based on a composite merit list prepared by the Selection Committee, combining the weighted scores from both the CBT and CAT.
How to Apply for SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
Candidates must apply online only through the official website of the Sports Authority of India.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the official SAI website.
- Navigate to the Careers / Recruitment section.
- Click on SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 notification.
- Carefully read the instructions and eligibility criteria.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the online application form with personal, educational, and sports details.
- Upload required documents such as:
Photograph
Signature
Educational certificates
Coaching diploma / experience proof - Review the application form thoroughly.
- Submit the application and download a copy for future reference.
Important Documents Required
- Proof of Date of Birth
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- Coaching Diploma / Degree
- Sports Achievement Certificates
- Experience Certificates
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Preparation Tips for SAI Assistant Coach Aspirants
- Strengthen your technical knowledge of your sports discipline.
- Be ready to demonstrate practical coaching skills.
- Stay updated with latest training methodologies.
- Focus on athlete development, fitness, and performance analysis.
- Keep all documents organized and verified in advance.
| APPLY ONLINE NOW | CLICK HERE |
| OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION PDF | CLICK HERE |
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