UPSSSC Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for 108 Assistant Coach, Groundsman and other posts. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online through the official Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) website. Check the vacancy details, important dates, eligibility, age limit, application fee, selection process and how to apply online for UPSSSC Recruitment 2026.
Introduction to UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026
The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission has rolled out one of the most awaited sports-sector recruitment drives of 2026 under Advertisement No. 22-Exam/2026. This major notification opens 108 permanent and temporary posts ranging from Deputy Sports Officer (Up Kreedadhikari) and Assistant Coach across multiple disciplines to Lifeguard and Groundsman positions in the Sports Directorate of Uttar Pradesh. For thousands of young aspirants who cleared the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test 2025, this recruitment represents a golden gateway into a stable government career that combines passion for sports with long-term job security, attractive pay scales under the 7th Pay Commission, and the pride of serving the state’s sports development ecosystem.
Government jobs under UPSSSC have always been synonymous with financial stability, regular promotions, pension benefits, and social respect. In the current economic climate, securing a Group C position in the Sports Directorate offers not only a competitive monthly salary starting from Level-3 up to Level-6 but also opportunities for continuous professional growth through coaching, ground management, and administrative roles. Candidates who possess the required academic qualifications, practical sports experience, and a valid PET-2025 scorecard must act swiftly because the online application window remains open for a limited period only. Missing this chance could mean waiting several more years for a similar vacancy cycle. The structural benefits of these posts include fixed working hours, medical facilities, housing allowances where applicable, and the satisfaction of contributing directly to the promotion of sports excellence across Uttar Pradesh. Aspiring applicants are therefore urged to carefully study every eligibility clause, gather the necessary documents, and complete the application process well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical hurdles.
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Overview Table of UPSSSC Recruitment 2026
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) |
| Department | Sports Directorate (Khel Nideshalaya), Uttar Pradesh |
| Advertisement No. | 22-Exam/2026 (Sports Directorate Main Examination PET-2025/22) |
| Post Names | Deputy Sports Officer / Up Kreedadhikari, Assistant Coach (various sports), Lifeguard / Jeevan Rakshak, Groundsman |
| Total Vacancies | 108 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online only through official portal |
| Online Registration Dates | 14 October 2026 to 04 November 2026 |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting on PET-2025 normalized score, Written Main Examination, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Official Website | upsssc.gov.in |
Post-wise Vacancy Details for UPSSSC Sports Directorate 2026
The 108 vacancies have been carefully distributed across four major categories to meet the operational requirements of the Sports Directorate. The largest share has been allocated to administrative and coaching roles, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening sports infrastructure and talent development at the grassroots and competitive levels. Candidates must note that some posts carry the additional label of “Special Selection,” which generally indicates temporary or project-based appointments while still offering the same pay scale and selection standards.
According to the official distribution, the Deputy Sports Officer (also referred to as Up Kreedadhikari or Sub Sports Officer) accounts for 50 posts. Out of these, 44 fall under the regular category and 6 under Special Selection. These officers will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising sports activities at district and divisional levels. The Assistant Coach cadre comprises approximately 39 posts spread across multiple sports disciplines. The highest concentration is in Swimming with 25 posts (24 regular + 1 Special Selection), followed by Hockey with 2 posts, and single vacancies in Cricket, Football, Shooting, Weightlifting, Fencing, Wrestling, Table Tennis, Handball, Wushu, and Lawn Tennis. These coaches will work directly with athletes, design training modules, and prepare teams for state and national competitions.
The Lifeguard (Jeevan Rakshak) category offers 18 posts (15 regular + 3 Special Selection). These personnel ensure safety at swimming pools, water sports venues, and training centers across the state. Finally, the Groundsman posts total 3 (2 regular + 1 Special Selection). Groundsmen are essential for the preparation, maintenance, and marking of sports fields, courts, and indoor facilities. Category-wise reservation across all 108 posts approximately stands at Unreserved 46, Scheduled Caste 24, Scheduled Tribe 1, Other Backward Class 29, and Economically Weaker Section 8. Exact horizontal reservations for Persons with Disabilities, Ex-Servicemen, and women will be applied as per the Uttar Pradesh government roster rules mentioned in the detailed notification. Candidates belonging to reserved categories must possess valid certificates issued by competent authorities of Uttar Pradesh to claim benefits.
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UPSSSC Assistant Coach Eligibility Criteria for UPSSSC 108 Posts
Educational Qualification
Educational requirements differ significantly according to the nature of each post, ensuring that only suitably qualified and experienced individuals enter the Sports Directorate. For the Groundsman posts, candidates must have passed the High School (Class 10th) examination from a recognized board. In addition, they should possess practical experience in preparing and maintaining sports grounds, courts, and playing fields, along with basic knowledge of horticulture and ground-marking techniques. A valid UPSSSC PET-2025 scorecard is mandatory for shortlisting.
Lifeguard aspirants also require a High School pass certificate from a recognized board. They must further demonstrate a minimum of two to three years of practical experience as a lifesaver at recognized swimming pools, water sports centers, or similar facilities. Possession of relevant lifesaving certificates from recognized institutes strengthens the application. Again, the UPSSSC PET-2025 normalized score is compulsory.
For the higher posts of Deputy Sports Officer and Assistant Coach, the academic bar is raised. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. They must also possess a Diploma in Sports Coaching from institutes recognized by the Government of India, such as the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS) Patiala, Bangalore, or Kolkata; Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Gwalior or Thiruvananthapuram; or any equivalent institute notified by the central government. For Assistant Coach posts the diploma must be specifically in the relevant sport (Swimming, Cricket, Hockey, etc.). A minimum of two years of coaching experience after obtaining the diploma is essential. All these candidates must also hold a valid UPSSSC PET-2025 scorecard. Preferential qualifications such as higher degrees in Physical Education or national-level sports achievements may be given weightage as per the recruitment rules.
Age Limit and Relaxations
The age criteria have been structured to attract both young talent and experienced sports professionals. For Groundsman and Lifeguard posts the minimum age is 18 years and the maximum is 40 years. For Deputy Sports Officer and Assistant Coach posts the minimum age is 21 years and the maximum remains 40 years. The crucial cut-off date for calculating age is 01 July 2026. This means a candidate’s age on that date will determine eligibility.
Age relaxation is available strictly as per the prevailing Uttar Pradesh government rules. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates receive a relaxation of 5 years. Other Backward Class candidates are granted 3 years of relaxation. Persons with Disabilities are eligible for 15 years of relaxation in the upper age limit. Ex-Servicemen receive relaxation equivalent to the length of their military service plus three years, subject to a maximum age limit. Dependents of Freedom Fighters and other special categories also enjoy prescribed relaxations. Candidates claiming any form of age relaxation must upload the relevant certificates during the online application process. Failure to produce original certificates at the time of document verification will result in cancellation of candidature. It is advisable for every applicant to calculate their exact age using the official cut-off date before proceeding with the form.
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Application Fee and Payment Mode
In a candidate-friendly move, the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission has fixed a uniform application processing fee of only Rs 25 for every applicant irrespective of category. Whether a candidate belongs to the Unreserved, Other Backward Class, Economically Weaker Section, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Persons with Disabilities, Ex-Servicemen, or female category, the fee remains the same.
There is no separate examination fee; the amount charged is purely for online processing. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, even if the application is rejected or the candidate withdraws later. Payment can be made exclusively through online modes using Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Candidates are advised to complete the payment in a single successful transaction and retain the e-receipt for future reference. The last date for fee payment coincides with the last date of application submission, i.e., 04 November 2026. Fee reconciliation by the bank and any necessary corrections can be carried out until 11 November 2026.
Reservation Policy in UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026
The reservation structure follows the roster prescribed by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Across the total 108 posts the approximate vertical distribution is Unreserved 46, Scheduled Caste 24, Scheduled Tribe 1, Other Backward Class 29, and Economically Weaker Section 8. Horizontal reservation is also applicable for Persons with Disabilities, Ex-Servicemen, and women candidates as per state government norms. Special Selection posts may carry different category compositions, often favoring reserved categories to meet backlog or temporary requirements.
Candidates must belong to the state of Uttar Pradesh and produce caste, income, or disability certificates issued by competent authorities of Uttar Pradesh only. Certificates from other states will not be accepted for reservation benefits. The exact post-wise and category-wise matrix is available in the official notification PDF, and candidates are strongly advised to verify their eligibility against the roster before applying. Any false claim of reservation will lead to permanent debarment from future UPSSSC recruitments.
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UPSSSC Assistant Coach Salary, Stipend and Pay Scale Details
Successful candidates in the UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026 will be placed in the pay matrix under the 7th Central Pay Commission as adopted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. The pay levels vary according to the nature and responsibility of each post, ensuring fair compensation that reflects both administrative and technical expertise in the sports domain. Deputy Sports Officer (Up Kreedadhikari) posts carry Pay Level-6 with a basic pay scale of Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400 per month. Assistant Coach positions across various sports disciplines are placed in Pay Level-5 ranging from Rs 29,200 to Rs 92,300. Groundsman posts fall under Pay Level-4 with a scale of Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100, while Lifeguard (Jeevan Rakshak) posts are in Pay Level-3 offering Rs 21,700 to Rs 69,100.
In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates will receive Dearness Allowance (DA) revised periodically, House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on the city of posting, Transport Allowance, and other admissible perks such as medical reimbursement and leave travel concession. Over time, annual increments and promotional avenues can push the in-hand salary well beyond the starting figures, making these posts financially attractive for long-term career growth within the state sports administration.
UPSSSC Assistant Coach Detailed Selection Process
The selection process for the 108 posts has been designed by UPSSSC to ensure transparency and merit-based recruitment. It begins with shortlisting of candidates on the basis of their UPSSSC PET-2025 normalized scores. Only those who possess a valid PET-2025 scorecard and whose normalized score is above zero are considered. Category-wise, candidates equal to fifteen times the number of vacancies (including all candidates tied at the cut-off) are shortlisted for the next stage.
Shortlisted aspirants then appear for a single written Main Examination consisting of objective multiple-choice questions. The written exam forms the primary basis of the final merit list. Candidates who clear the written examination are called for Document Verification, where original certificates related to educational qualification, experience, caste, domicile, and PET-2025 scorecard are scrutinized. Finally, a Medical Examination is conducted to ensure physical fitness as per the standards prescribed for the respective posts. There is no interview stage. The final selection is based solely on the marks obtained in the written examination, subject to successful completion of document verification and medical fitness.
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UPSSSC Assistant Coach Complete Exam Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The UPSSSC Sports Directorate Main Examination is a single objective-type paper of 100 questions carrying 100 marks. The duration of the examination is two hours (120 minutes). Each correct answer awards one mark, while every incorrect answer attracts a negative marking of 0.25 marks (one-fourth). The question paper is divided into three distinct parts to test general awareness, computer knowledge, and domain-specific sports expertise.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-1 | History of India and Indian National Movement | 04 | 04 |
| Part-1 | Geography of India and World | 04 | 04 |
| Part-1 | Economic and Social Development of India | 03 | 03 |
| Part-1 | Indian Polity and Indian Constitution | 03 | 03 |
| Part-1 | General Science and Technology | 03 | 03 |
| Part-1 | Environmental Ecology and Disaster Management | 03 | 03 |
| Part-1 | Current Events of National and International Importance | 05 | 05 |
| Part-1 | Sports-Related Information | 40 | 40 |
| Part-2 | Knowledge of Concepts of Computer and Information Technology and Contemporary Technological Development | 15 | 15 |
| Part-3 | General Information related to the State of Uttar Pradesh | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | |
The 40-mark Sports-Related Information section is the most crucial component and covers Exercise Physiology (energy systems, cardiovascular and muscular adaptations, recovery), Sports Psychology (motivation, stress management, personality factors), Sports Training and Coaching Methodology, Biomechanics, Sports Nutrition, Sports Medicine and Injury Management, Yoga and its application in sports, Rules and Regulations of major sports federations, and latest developments in the field of physical education. Candidates are strongly advised to prepare this section thoroughly using standard textbooks and previous PET materials. Computer Knowledge focuses on basic hardware-software concepts, internet, MS Office, cyber security, AI and emerging technologies. The Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge portion tests history, culture, geography, economy, and current schemes of the state.
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Step-by-Step How to Apply Online for UPSSSC Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026?
The entire application process is online and can be completed only through the official UPSSSC website. Candidates must have their UPSSSC PET-2025 Registration Number ready before starting.
- Visit the official website upsssc.gov.in and click on the “Live Advertisement” section on the homepage.
- Locate Advertisement No. 22-Exam/2026 – Sports Directorate Main Examination (PET-2025)/22 and click on the Apply Online link.
- Log in using your PET-2025 Registration Number. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number or email registered during PET-2025.
- After successful login, personal details, photograph and signature will be auto-filled from the PET-2025 database and cannot be edited.
- Select the post or posts you wish to apply for and carefully fill in educational qualifications, experience details and preferential qualifications if any.
- Review the entire form thoroughly, accept the declaration and click on Save and Submit.
- Proceed to pay the processing fee of Rs 25 through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking or UPI.
- After successful payment and fee reconciliation, download and print the final submitted application form for future reference. Keep the registration number and payment receipt safely.
Applications submitted through any other mode will be summarily rejected. Candidates should complete the process well before the last date to avoid server congestion.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 14 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online and Pay Fee | 04 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Reconciliation and Application Correction | 11 November 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be notified before the examination |
| Tentative Written Examination Date | As per schedule (to be announced later) |
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official website for any updates regarding the examination schedule, city intimation slip and admit card download links. No individual intimation will be sent through post or SMS for every stage.
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Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF Download | Official Notification PDF |
| Online Application Apply Link | Apply Online Here |
| Official Website Home Page | Official Web Portal |
| Latest Govt Jobs Page | Latest Sarkari Naukri Updates |
FAQs
1. Who can apply for UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026?
Only candidates who possess a valid UPSSSC PET-2025 scorecard with a positive normalized score and meet the post-specific educational and experience criteria are eligible to apply.
2. Is there any application fee exemption for reserved categories?
No. A uniform processing fee of Rs 25 is charged from all candidates irrespective of category, gender or disability status.
3. Can I edit my application after final submission?
Yes. Correction window remains open till 11 November 2026 after fee reconciliation. However, PET-2025 related personal details cannot be changed.
4. What is the negative marking scheme in the written exam?
Each wrong answer attracts a deduction of 0.25 marks (one-fourth of the marks allotted to the question).
5. Will the examination be conducted offline or online?
The written Main Examination is expected to be conducted in offline OMR-based mode as per standard UPSSSC practice, though final confirmation will be given in the admit card.
6. Is experience mandatory for all posts?
Yes. Groundsman and Lifeguard posts require practical experience, while Deputy Sports Officer and Assistant Coach posts require a minimum of two years of coaching experience after obtaining the diploma.
7. Can candidates from other states apply?
Yes, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. However, reservation benefits are available only to candidates possessing certificates issued by competent authorities of Uttar Pradesh.
8. How will the shortlisting for the Main Exam be done?
Shortlisting will be done category-wise on the basis of PET-2025 normalized scores, approximately fifteen times the number of vacancies.
9. Is there any physical test or skill test for these posts?
No separate physical efficiency or skill test has been mentioned. Selection is based on written exam followed by document verification and medical examination.
10. Where can I download the official notification PDF?
The official notification PDF is available on the UPSSSC website under the Live Advertisement section for Advertisement No. 22-Exam/2026.
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Conclusion
The UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026 for 108 posts of Deputy Sports Officer, Assistant Coach, Lifeguard and Groundsman presents a remarkable opportunity for sports enthusiasts and qualified professionals to secure a prestigious government job in Uttar Pradesh. With attractive pay scales, job security and the chance to contribute to the state’s sporting excellence, this recruitment drive should not be missed. Candidates are strongly advised to complete the online application process at the earliest, thoroughly prepare the sports-related syllabus, and keep all original documents ready for verification. Regularly monitor the official website upsssc.gov.in for the latest updates regarding the examination schedule and admit cards.
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Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article has been compiled from various publicly available sources and the official notification for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, candidates must verify all details including eligibility, vacancies, dates, fee, syllabus and selection process directly from the official UPSSSC website and the detailed advertisement PDF before applying. The author and publisher shall not be responsible for any loss or inconvenience arising from reliance on this content. Always cross-check with the authentic source.
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