Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 323 Posts.

Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 323 Posts

Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026 –

The Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, has announced one of its largest recruitment drives for the year 2026. This drive aims to hire qualified sports professionals and specialists to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem and coaching capabilities.

1. Nutshell About the Vacancy

SAI has released notifications for multiple recruitment opportunities in 2026, with the most prominent being:

• 323 Assistant Coach positions across 26 sporting disciplines
• Other posts include Assistant Director, Chief Coach, and various contract and deputy roles listed on the official SAI job portal. (sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in)

2. Post Details (Category-wise)

 Assistant Coach (Group B – Regular)

Total Vacancies: 323
Disciplines Include:
Athletics, Swimming, Wrestling, Boxing, Badminton, Shooting, Gymnastics, Football, Hockey, Table Tennis, Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Archery, Canoeing, Fencing, Judo, Weightlifting, Taekwondo, Kabaddi, Handball, Sepak Takraw, Kho-Kho, Wushu, Cycling, Rowing.

 Assistant Director (Contract/Retired Officers)

Vacancies: ~10
These are reserved for experienced administrators or retired government officers with relevant experience.

 Chief Coach (on LPD-minus-Pension Contract)

Vacancies: 11
Senior position filled through screening and interview.

SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details 

Category-wise breakup:

3. Age Limit

Assistant Coach:
Maximum 30 years as on the opening date of application (with age relaxation as per government norms).

Assistant Director / Chief Coach:
Up to 64 years (for specific contract or retired officer posts).

4. Educational Qualifications

 Assistant Coach

Candidates must satisfy one of the following:

• Diploma (or equivalent) in coaching from SAI/NS-NIS or a recognized Indian/foreign institution
• Representation and participation in Olympics / Paralympics / Asian Games / World Championships along with a coaching certificate
• Dronacharya Awardee in the relevant discipline

 Assistant Director

• Graduation in any discipline + relevant administrative or sports management experience (varies by notification)

 Chief Coach

• Diploma + relevant experience criteria as per notification (usually for retired senior coaches or administrators).

5. Application Fee

For Assistant Coach recruitment:

• UR / OBC / EWS: ₹2500
• SC / ST / Women / Ex-Servicemen: ₹2000
  Payment is made online.

 6. Salary / Pay Scale

Assistant Coach (Level-6):

• ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 + allowances (as per Government of India norms)

 Assistant Director:

• Salary based on last pay drawn minus pension + transport allowance (contract based)

 Chief Coach:

• Remuneration on LPD-minus-pension basis + transport allowance.

7. Important Dates

8. Selection Procedure / Syllabus

 Assistant Coach

Two-stage process:

1. Computer Based Test (CBT) – Objective written exam.
   • Topics include Sports subject knowledge, Sports Sciences, General awareness and Aptitude (breakup usually around 100 marks).
2. Coaching Ability Test (CAT) – Practical assessment of coaching skills.

 Assistant Director / Chief Coach

• Shortlisting based on eligibility
• Interview / Personal interaction by a Selection Committee

9. Online Form Fill-Up – Step by Step

Here’s how to apply for SAI Recruitment online:

1. Visit the official SAI website: https://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in or https://sportsauthorityofindia.gov.in/sai_new/
2. Go to the “Recruitment / Job Opportunities” section. (sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in)
3. Find the Assistant Coach 2026 (or relevant) notification & open the PDF.
4. Read the eligibility criteria, important dates, and instructions.
5. Click on Apply Online.
6. Register with a valid Email ID and Mobile Number.
7. Fill in personal details, education, sports credentials, etc.
8. Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, certificates).
9. Pay the application fee online.
10. Submit the form and download a copy for future reference.

🔗 10. Important Links

• 📄 Official SAI Recruitment Portal: https://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/sai_new/
• 📄 Assistant Coach 2026 Notification: Available on the SAI “Jobs” page (sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in)
• 📄 Online Application Link: Accessible via the recruitment notification on the official portal