Sports Authority of India Notification for Recruitment 2026 for 323 Assistant Coach Positions

Sports Authority of India Opens Recruitment 2026 for 323 Assistant Coach Positions

The Sports Authority of India (SAI), the premier organization tasked with nurturing sporting talent and developing sports infrastructure across the nation, has announced a major recruitment drive. This initiative aims to fill 323 vacancies for the post of Assistant Coach on a regular basis. This is a pivotal opportunity for qualified coaches to join the country’s leading sports body and contribute directly to the development of athletes at regional and national levels. The recruitment process is being conducted for various sports disciplines, with postings anticipated across SAI’s Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Training Centres throughout India.

Overview of the Recruitment

Important Dates

Candidates must note the revised schedule for the application process. It is crucial to complete all steps within the stipulated time frame, as late submissions will not be entertained.

Application Fees

The application fee varies based on the category of the applicant and must be paid online. No other mode of payment will be accepted.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit is prescribed as on February 1, 2026. Relaxation in the upper age limit will be applicable as per the rules of the Government of India.

Vacancy Details

A total of 323 positions are available across 26 distinct sports disciplines. The distribution of vacancies across categories for each sport is detailed in the table below.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess one of the following qualifications to be considered eligible for the position of Assistant Coach:

• A Diploma or an equivalent qualification in Coaching from the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NS-NIS), Patiala, or any other recognized Indian or Foreign University.
• Alternatively, participation in international events such as the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, or World Championships, along with a Certificate Course in Coaching.
• Dronacharya Awardees are also eligible to apply.

Candidates with degrees from recognized institutions like LNIPE, NSU, SGSU, SUOH, and IGTAMSU are also considered eligible as per the official notification.

Selection Process

The selection for the Assistant Coach post will be a two-stage process, designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical coaching ability.

1. Computer Based Test (CBT): This is a qualifying stage comprising 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be answered over a duration of 2 hours. The CBT carries a total of 100 marks and has a 40% weightage in the final merit. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
2. Coaching Ability Test (CAT): Candidates who qualify in the CBT will be shortlisted for the CAT in a ratio of 1:3 per vacancy per category. The CAT assesses practical coaching skills across 40 parameters, evaluated by a panel of at least 10 assessors. This stage carries a 60% weightage.

The final merit list will be prepared based on the combined score of the CBT (40%) and the CAT (60%).

How to Apply for SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment

The application process is entirely online. Eligible and interested candidates must follow these steps to successfully submit their application before the deadline.

• Step 1: Registration. Visit the official website of the Sports Authority of India. Navigate to the ‘Recruitment’ or ‘Career’ section and find the link for “Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026”. Complete the one-time registration with a valid and active email ID and mobile number.
• Step 2: Fill Application Form. Log in using the credentials generated after registration. Carefully fill in all the required personal, educational, and professional details in the online application form. Ensure all information is accurate.
• Step 3: Upload Documents. Upload scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph (max 80 KB, JPG/JPEG) and signature (max 30 KB, JPG/JPEG). Also, upload relevant documents for age proof, educational qualifications, category certificate (if applicable), and any other documents as specified in the form.
• Step 4: Fee Payment. Proceed to pay the application fee using the available online modes such as Net Banking, UPI, NEFT, or RTGS. The fee is non-refundable.
• Step 5: Submit and Print. After successful payment, review your application form once more. Click on the final submit button. Download a copy of the final submitted application form or the registration slip, which contains your unique registration number, and keep a printout for future reference.

Important Links