Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released the Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 notification for 323 posts across various sports disciplines. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official website. The recruitment offers a salary in Level-6 pay scale (₹35,400–₹1,12,400). Candidates must have a diploma in coaching or relevant sports achievements as per eligibility criteria. The selection process includes a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a Coaching Ability Test (CAT). As per the latest addendum, the application process starts from 23 March 2026 and the last date to apply is 21 April 2026. Interested applicants should check detailed eligibility, age limit, and other conditions before applying.
SAI Recruitment 2026 Assistant Coach: Check Eligibility, Age Limit, Salary & Selection Process
Table of Contents
Share on
WhatsApp
Facebook
Telegram
SHORT INFORMATION
SAI Assistant Coach 2026 - Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 16 January 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date (Original) | 01 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply (Original) | 15 February 2026 |
| Addendum Release Date | 20 March 2026 |
| Revised Application Start Date | 23 March 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Revised Last Date to Apply | 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM) |
Category & Sports wise vacancy details
| Sport | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | 13 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 26 |
| Athletics | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| Cycling | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| Gymnastics | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| Wrestling | 11 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 22 |
| Canoeing | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Judo | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Rowing | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| Shooting | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| Boxing | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
| Fencing | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| Weightlifting | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| Taekwondo | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| Archery | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| Table Tennis | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| Badminton | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
| Tennis | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Basketball | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| Volleyball | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| Hockey | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13 |
| Football | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| Handball | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Kabaddi | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Kho-Kho | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Sepak Takraw | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Wushu | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Total | 187 | 73 | 32 | 9 | 22 | 323 |
AGE LIMIT
- Maximum Age: 30 Years
- Candidates must not exceed 30 years as on the specified cut-off date.
AGE RELAXATION
- SC / ST: 5 Years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): 10 Years (as per addendum)
- SAI Contract Employees: Relaxation equal to service period
- Ex-Servicemen: As per Government of India rules
- Government Employees: Up to 5–10 Years (as applicable).
Educational Qualification
- Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or any recognized Indian or foreign university
OR
- Participation in Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, or World Championships along with a Certificate Course in Coaching
OR
- Dronacharya Awardee
OR
- Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from UGC-recognized State or Union Territory universities (as per addendum)
You may read:
Equivalent Qualification (recognized as valid eligibility)
Â
| S. No. | University | Type | Courses Offered | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior | Deemed-to-be-University (Govt., MYAS) | PG Diploma in Sports Coaching (PGDSC) | Recommended as equivalent to Diploma in Sports Coaching from NSNIS |
| 2 | National Sports University (NSU), Imphal | Central University (Govt.) | B.Sc. Sports Coaching, M.Sc. Sports Coaching | Recommended as equivalent to Graduate + Diploma in Sports Coaching from NSNIS |
| 3 | Swarnim Gujarat Sports University (SGSU), Gujarat | State Government University | B.Sc., M.Sc., PG Diploma in Sports Coaching | PG Diploma: Recommended as equivalent; B.Sc./M.Sc.: Not recommended as equivalent |
| 4 | Sports University of Haryana (SUOH) | State Government University | PG Diploma in Sports Coaching | Recommended as equivalent to Diploma in Sports Coaching from NSNIS |
| 5 | Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University (IGTAMSU), Arunachal Pradesh | State University | PG Diploma in Sports Coaching | Recommended as equivalent to Diploma in Sports Coaching from NSNIS |
Salary/ Stipend
- Pay Level: Level-6 (7th Pay Commission)
- Salary Range: Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400
- Old Pay Structure: Pay Band-II (Rs. 9,300–34,800) + Grade Pay Rs. 4,200
Allowances & Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Benefits
- Leave Benefits
- Sports Kit as per rules
SELECTION PROCESS
- Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Online written examination of 2 hours
- Total 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs)
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Subjects include:
- Sports-specific knowledge (65 marks)
- Sports Science (25 marks)
- General Awareness, Reasoning and Aptitude (10 marks)
- Shortlisting for CAT
- Candidates will be shortlisted based on CBT performance
- Shortlisting ratio is 1:3 (three times the number of vacancies)
- Stage 2: Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
- Evaluates practical coaching ability and application of knowledge
- Carries 60% weightage in the final merit
- Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks (if prescribed)
- Final Selection
- Based on combined performance in CBT and CAT
- Weightage:
- CBT – 40%
- CAT – 60%
- Important Notes
- Only CBT-qualified candidates will appear for CAT
- Absence in CAT will lead to disqualification
- No re-evaluation or re-checking is allowed.
Assistant Coach Vacancy 2026 - Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Question Type | MCQs (Objective) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 mark deducted per wrong answer |
Subject wise marks distribution
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| Sports-specific Knowledge | 65 |
| Sports Science | 25 |
| General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
HOW TO APPLY
- Visit the official website: https://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in
- On the homepage, find and click on “Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026”
- Click on the Apply Online link
- Register yourself using a valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill in the application form with correct personal, educational, and other required details
- Upload scanned documents such as photograph, signature, and relevant certificates
- Pay the application fee through online mode (if applicable)
- Carefully review all details before final submission
- Submit the application form and download/print the confirmation page for future use.
Application fee details
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 2500 |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen | Rs. 2000 |
| Women Candidates | Rs. 2000 |
Â
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Visit Now |
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Now |
| Addendum (Date extention pdf) | Download Now |
You may read:
DISCLAIMER
DAILYVACANCYS.COM is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or decisions based on this content. Candidates must check official sources before applying.
SAI Recruitment 2026 Assistant Coach: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
September 28, 2026
September 17, 2026
September 8, 2026
September 7, 2026
September 4, 2026
July 16, 2026
July 15, 2026
July 14, 2026
April 14, 2026