The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released the Assistant Coach Recruitment Notification 2026 for 323 regular vacancies across multiple sports disciplines. Eligible Indian citizens can apply online through the official SAI website within the prescribed dates. This recruitment aims to strengthen India’s coaching ecosystem by appointing qualified coaches at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Training Centres across the country.
Overview of SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach |
| Total Vacancies | 323 |
| Job Type | Regular (Group ‘B’) |
| Pay Level | Level-6 |
| Pay Scale | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Posting | Anywhere in India |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
Sports-Wise Vacancy Details (Total: 323)
| S. No. | Sports Discipline | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swimming | 26 |
| 2 | Athletics | 28 |
| 3 | Cycling | 12 |
| 4 | Gymnastics | 12 |
| 5 | Wrestling | 22 |
| 6 | Canoeing | 7 |
| 7 | Judo | 6 |
| 8 | Rowing | 11 |
| 9 | Shooting | 28 |
| 10 | Boxing | 19 |
| 11 | Fencing | 11 |
| 12 | Weightlifting | 10 |
| 13 | Taekwondo | 11 |
| 14 | Archery | 12 |
| 15 | Table Tennis | 14 |
| 16 | Badminton | 16 |
| 17 | Tennis | 8 |
| 18 | Basketball | 12 |
| 19 | Volleyball | 10 |
| 20 | Field Hockey | 13 |
| 21 | Football | 12 |
| 22 | Handball | 6 |
| 23 | Kabaddi | 6 |
| 24 | Kho-Kho | 2 |
| 25 | Sepak Takraw | 3 |
| 26 | Wushu | 6 |
| Total | 323 |
Note: 33% horizontal reservation for women is applicable. Vacancies are provisional and may change as per SAI requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 30 years
- Cut-off Date: As on opening date of online application
Educational / Professional Qualification
Candidates must fulfill any one of the following:
- Diploma or equivalent in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala or any recognized Indian/Foreign University
- Participation in Olympics / Paralympics / Asian Games / World Championships with Certificate Course in Coaching
- Dronacharya Awardee
Age Relaxation (As per Govt. Rules)
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Departmental Candidates (SAI) | Up to 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per GoI norms |
| SAI Contractual Employees | Equal to years of service |
| SC/ST Govt Employees | Up to 10 years |
Cumulative age relaxation is allowed where applicable.
Pay Scale & Benefits
- Pay Level: Level-6
- Salary: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
- Allowances: DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Medical Benefits, Leave, etc.
- Career Growth: Promotion up to Coach, Senior Coach, Chief Coach, and High-Performance Coach
Selection Process
The selection will be conducted in two stages:
1. Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 100 MCQs
- Negative Marking: ¼ mark per wrong answer
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Sports-Specific Knowledge | 65 |
| Sports Science | 25 |
| General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
2. Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
- Weightage: 60%
- CBT Weightage: 40%
- Shortlisting Ratio: 1:3 (Vacancies : Candidates)
Final merit list will be prepared based on combined scores of CBT and CAT.
Online Application Process
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 01 February 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 15 February 2026 |
Steps to Apply:
- Visit official SAI website
- Register with valid email ID
- Fill online application form
- Upload required documents
- Pay application fee
- Submit and download registration slip
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS | ₹2500 |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen | ₹2000 |
| Women Candidates | ₹2000 |
Documents Required
- Proof of Date of Birth
- Government-issued ID
- Educational & Coaching Certificates
- Category / Reservation Certificate (if applicable)
- SAI Contract Service Certificate (if applicable)
Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Important Links
Official Notification PDF: Click here
Official Website: Click here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: A total of 323 vacancies have been announced.
A: The maximum age limit is 30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories.
A: The pay scale is ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 (Level-6) plus allowances.
A: This is a regular (permanent) Group ‘B’ post.
A: Selection is based on CBT (40%) + Coaching Ability Test (60%).
