Last Updated On: 27 March 2026
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has officially released the Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Notification, inviting applications for 323 posts across various disciplines. This is a golden opportunity for passionate sports professionals to join India’s premier sports body and contribute to athlete development at the national level. Interested candidates can apply online through the official portal. In this post, you’ll find complete details on eligibility, age limit, selection process, salary, and how to apply for the SAI Assistant Coach vacancies.
Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for Assistant Coach (323 Vacancies)
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has officially released the much-awaited Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026 notification for Assistant Coach positions. With 323 vacancies across 26 major sports disciplines, this is a golden opportunity for passionate coaches and former athletes to build a stable, prestigious career in government sports administration. Working with SAI means contributing directly to India’s Olympic and international sports ecosystem, mentoring future champions at state-of-the-art training centres, and enjoying the unmatched job security, attractive salary, and growth opportunities that only Central Government posts offer.
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In an era where private coaching jobs are unstable and competitive, a regular Assistant Coach role in SAI provides lifetime security, pension benefits, medical facilities, and the chance to travel across India and abroad with national teams. Whether you hold a coaching diploma from NS-NIS Patiala or have represented India in major international events, this recruitment is your pathway to a fulfilling government job that combines your love for sports with national service. Applications are now reopened — don’t miss this chance to secure your future in sports.
Sports Authority of India Recruitment Overview Table
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach (26 Disciplines) |
| Total Vacancies | 323 Posts |
| Pay Scale | Level-6: Rs. 35,400 – 1,12,400 + DA, HRA & allowances |
| Age Limit | Maximum 30 years (relaxations applicable) |
| Educational Qualification | Diploma in Coaching (NS-NIS or equivalent) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 2,500 (UR/EWS/OBC) / Rs. 2,000 (SC/ST/ExSM/Women) |
| Selection Process | CBT (40%) + Coaching Ability Test (CAT 60%) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Reopened Application Dates | 23 March 2026 to 21 April 2026 |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
Sports Authority of India Recruitment Vacancy Details & Salary
The Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026 offers 323 Assistant Coach posts distributed across 26 sports disciplines. Category-wise breakup is as follows:
UR: 187 | OBC: 73 | SC: 32 | ST: 9 | EWS: 22 (plus 33% horizontal reservation for women across all categories).
Discipline-wise vacancies include:
- Athletics: 28
- Swimming: 26
- Shooting: 28
- Wrestling: 22
- Boxing: 19
- Badminton: 16
- Table Tennis: 14
- Field Hockey: 13
- Archery: 12
- Basketball: 12
- Football: 12
- Gymnastics: 12
- Cycling: 12
- Fencing: 11
- Taekwondo: 11
- Rowing: 11
- Tennis: 8
- Volleyball: 10
- Weightlifting: 10
- Canoeing: 7
- Handball: 6
- Judo: 6
- Kabaddi: 6
- Wushu: 6
- Sepak Takraw: 3
- Kho-Kho: 2
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Sports Authority of India Recruitment Salary Structure
Selected candidates will be placed in Pay Level-6 (Rs. 35,400 – 1,12,400) under Pay Band-II. In addition, they receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, medical benefits, leave travel concession, and sports kit as per SAI rules.
The post offers excellent promotion avenues to Coach, Senior Coach, Chief Coach, and High Performance Coach roles. Posting will be at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Training Centres across India. Candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in the country.
Sports Authority of India Recruitment Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Diploma or equivalent in Coaching from Sports Authority of India NS-NIS Patiala or any recognized Indian/Foreign University (as per Annexure-I of the notification). Recognized equivalent qualifications include PG Diploma in Sports Coaching from LNIPE Gwalior, NSU Imphal, SGSU Gujarat, etc.
Alternatively, candidates who have participated in Olympics/Paralympics/Asian Games/World Championships and hold a valid Coaching Certificate Course, or Dronacharya Awardees, are also eligible.
Age Limit (with relaxation table)
The upper age limit is 30 years as on the opening date of application. Age relaxation is admissible as per Government of India norms:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| SAI Contractual Employees | Equal to years of service (minimum 1 year) |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per DoPT rules |
| Departmental Candidates (Regular SAI) | Up to 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability | As per rules |
Cumulative relaxation is allowed (e.g., SC + Contractual). Date of birth is considered from Matriculation certificate only.
Sports Authority of India Recruitment Selection Process
The Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026 follows a transparent two-stage selection process:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) – 40% weightage
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT) – 60% weightage
Candidates qualifying CBT will be shortlisted in the ratio of 1:3 (per sport & category) for CAT. Final merit list is prepared on combined scores, followed by Document Verification and Medical Examination. There is no interview.
How to Apply for Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026?
Follow these 8 simple steps to apply online for Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026:
- Visit the official website sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in and click on the “SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026” link.
- Click on the Apply Online link (direct portal: test.cbexams.com/EDPSU/SAI/AssistantCoaches/Regstep.aspx).
- Complete One-Time Registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill the online application form with personal details, educational qualifications, sports discipline preference, and category.
- Upload scanned documents: Photo (max 80KB), Signature (max 30KB), Age proof, Educational certificates, Category certificate, and Sports achievement certificates in JPG format.
- Pay the application fee online (Rs. 2,500 for UR/EWS/OBC or Rs. 2,000 for SC/ST/ExSM/Women).
- Review all details, submit the form, and take a printout of the registration slip.
- Keep the registration number and password safe for future reference (admit card, result, etc.).
Only online applications are accepted. No offline forms will be entertained.
Important Dates
- Online Application Reopened: 23 March 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Last Date to Apply Online: 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM)
- CBT Exam Date: To be announced later
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT) Date: To be announced later
Bold reminder: Submit your application well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Important Links
Addendum PDF for SAI Assistant
Coach Recruitment 2026
Download PDF for SAI Assistant
Coach Recruitment 2026
Click to Apply for SAI Assistant
Coach Recruitment 2026
Official Website: Click here
Sports Authority of India Recruitment Exam Syllabus & Pattern
CBT Pattern (100 MCQs – 2 hours duration):
- Sports-specific knowledge: 65 marks
- Sports Science: 25 marks
- General Awareness / Reasoning / Aptitude: 10 marks Negative marking applies for wrong answers.
Coaching Ability Test (CAT) evaluates practical coaching skills across 40 parameters in 7 domains (Teaching & Communication, Session Management, Fault Correction, Technical & Tactical Application, Sports Science Application, Professionalism, and Micro-cycle Planning). Each parameter is rated 1–5 by assessors. Final CAT score is converted to 60 marks.
Detailed Syllabus (expanded for complete preparation):
Part A: Sport-Specific Knowledge (varies by discipline) Covers rules & regulations, techniques, tactics, training methods, periodization, talent identification, injury prevention, equipment, competition management, and advanced strategies for your chosen discipline (Athletics, Swimming, Boxing, etc.). Includes Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and para-athlete coaching adaptations.
Part B: Sports Science (Common for all)
- Sports Physiology: Anatomy, energy systems, VO2 max, lactate threshold, altitude training.
- Sports Medicine: Injury prevention, first aid, rehabilitation, doping control.
- Strength & Conditioning: Periodization models, resistance training, plyometrics, speed & agility drills.
- Kinesiology & Biomechanics: Motion analysis, levers, force application, software tools like Kinovea.
- Sports Psychology: Motivation, goal setting, mental toughness, visualization techniques.
- Sports Nutrition & Biochemistry: Macronutrients, hydration, supplements, energy metabolism.
- Sports Anthropometry: Body composition, somatotype, talent identification measurements.
Part C: General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude Current affairs in sports, Indian sports policy, logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and basic computer knowledge.
Preparation Tips for Job Seekers (Expert Strategies)
- Master Your Discipline First: Deep-dive into official rules, recent international trends, and video analysis of top athletes. Create your own micro-cycle plans for different age groups.
- Build Strong Sports Science Foundation: Dedicate 2–3 hours daily to physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition. Solve previous-year questions and mock tests for CBT.
- Practice Practical Coaching: Record yourself conducting 30-minute coaching sessions. Focus on clear communication, error correction, and safety protocols — CAT carries 60% weightage.
- Time Management for CBT: Attempt 100 MCQs in 2 hours with negative marking — practice full-length mocks under timed conditions.
- Document Your Achievements: Keep certified copies of diplomas, participation certificates, and awards ready for upload and verification.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the official SAI website and your registered email for admit cards and updates.
- Physical Fitness & Demo Preparation: Maintain good fitness; prepare demonstration drills for your sport as CAT involves live coaching assessment.
Follow these strategies consistently for 6–8 weeks and you will stand out among thousands of applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026? A: 323 Assistant Coach posts across 26 disciplines.
Q2. What is the salary for SAI Assistant Coach? A: Pay Level-6 (Rs. 35,400 – 1,12,400) plus all Central Government allowances.
Q3. What is the application fee and who gets relaxation? A: Rs. 2,500 for UR/EWS/OBC and Rs. 2,000 for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/Women candidates.
Q4. Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories? A: Yes — 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and additional relaxations for contractual/ex-servicemen candidates.
Q5. What is the selection process? A: CBT (40% weightage) followed by Coaching Ability Test – CAT (60% weightage).
Q6. Can final-year diploma students apply? A: No. Candidates must possess the required diploma or equivalent qualification on or before the closing date.
Q7. Is there negative marking in CBT? A: Yes, negative marking is applicable as per the official notification.
Q8. What documents are required at the time of application? A: Photo, signature, age proof, educational certificates, category certificate, and sports achievement proofs.
Q9. Can I apply for more than one discipline? A: No. Candidates must choose only one sports discipline.
Q10. When will the exam be conducted? A: CBT and CAT dates will be announced later on the official website. Keep checking regularly.
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Conclusion
The Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026 is not just another government job notification — it is a life-changing opportunity for sports enthusiasts to serve the nation while securing a stable, high-paying career. With 323 vacancies, attractive Level-6 pay, and a clear two-stage selection process, thousands of deserving candidates will finally fulfil their dream of becoming a government coach.
Act now! The window closes on 21 April 2026. Visit the official portal today, complete your application, and take the first step towards a rewarding future with SAI.
All the best — your journey to becoming an Assistant Coach in Sports Authority of India starts here!
Apply before the last date and turn your passion into a prestigious government career.
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