SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 — 323 Vacancies
Sports Authority of India - Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Vacancies
323
Salary
₹35,400 - ₹112,400
Job Type
permanent
full time
Apply By
21 Apr 2026
About This Job
Apply for 323 Assistant Coach posts in SAI across 26 sports disciplines. Coaching Diploma eligible. Salary: Rs 35,400-1,12,400. Last date: 21 Apr 2026. Apply online.
About This Job
Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released notification for 323 Assistant Coach posts across 26 sports disciplines including Athletics, Swimming, Boxing, Wrestling, Shooting, and others. Candidates with a Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or equivalent can apply online. Last date to apply is 21 April 2026. Salary ranges from Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400 per month under Level 6 of the 7th CPC.
Sports Authority of India (SAI) Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 - 323 Posts
Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has announced a major recruitment drive for 323 Assistant Coach positions on a regular basis. These coaches will be posted at SAI's Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Training Centres spread across India. This is a Group B entry-level post in the Cadre of Coaches with a clear promotion path to Coach, Sr. Coach, Chief Coach, and High Performance Coach. The recruitment covers 26 different sporting disciplines, making it one of the largest coaching recruitments by SAI. A 33% horizontal reservation for women is applicable across all disciplines.
Vacancy Breakdown by Sports Discipline
- Athletics: 28 posts (UR: 13, OBC: 7, SC: 4, ST: 2, EWS: 2)
- Swimming: 26 posts (UR: 13, OBC: 7, SC: 3, ST: 1, EWS: 2)
- Shooting: 28 posts (UR: 13, OBC: 7, SC: 4, ST: 2, EWS: 2)
- Wrestling: 22 posts (UR: 11, OBC: 5, SC: 3, ST: 1, EWS: 2)
- Boxing: 19 posts (UR: 10, OBC: 5, SC: 2, ST: 1, EWS: 1)
- Badminton: 16 posts (UR: 8, OBC: 4, SC: 2, ST: 1, EWS: 1)
- Table Tennis: 14 posts (UR: 8, OBC: 3, SC: 1, ST: 1, EWS: 1)
- Field Hockey: 13 posts (UR: 8, OBC: 3, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Archery: 12 posts (UR: 7, OBC: 3, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Cycling: 12 posts (UR: 7, OBC: 3, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Gymnastics: 12 posts (UR: 7, OBC: 3, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Basketball: 12 posts (UR: 7, OBC: 3, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Football: 12 posts (UR: 7, OBC: 3, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Taekwondo: 11 posts (UR: 7, OBC: 2, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Rowing: 11 posts (UR: 7, OBC: 2, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Fencing: 11 posts (UR: 7, OBC: 2, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Weightlifting: 10 posts (UR: 6, OBC: 2, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Volleyball: 10 posts (UR: 6, OBC: 2, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 1)
- Tennis: 8 posts (UR: 5, OBC: 2, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 0)
- Canoeing: 7 posts (UR: 5, OBC: 1, SC: 1, ST: 0, EWS: 0)
- Handball: 6 posts (UR: 5, OBC: 1, SC: 0, ST: 0, EWS: 0)
- Judo: 6 posts (UR: 5, OBC: 1, SC: 0, ST: 0, EWS: 0)
- Kabaddi: 6 posts (UR: 5, OBC: 1, SC: 0, ST: 0, EWS: 0)
- Wushu: 6 posts (UR: 5, OBC: 1, SC: 0, ST: 0, EWS: 0)
- Sepak Takraw: 3 posts (UR: 3, OBC: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, EWS: 0)
- Kho-Kho: 2 posts (UR: 2, OBC: 0, SC: 0, ST: 0, EWS: 0)
Total Category-wise Breakdown:
- Unreserved (UR): 187 posts
- OBC: 73 posts
- SC: 32 posts
- ST: 9 posts
- EWS: 22 posts
The number of vacancies is provisional and may vary as per SAI's requirement. 33% horizontal reservation for women is applicable.
Who Can Apply?
You need to meet any one of the following qualification criteria:
- Option A: Diploma or equivalent in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala or from any other recognized Indian or Foreign University (see Annexure-I of the notification for the list of recognized equivalent qualifications).
- Option B: Participation in Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, or World Championship along with a Certificate Course in Coaching.
- Option C: Dronacharya Awardee.
Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching awarded by State Universities recognized by UGC and established by State/UT Governments is also treated as a valid qualification, as per the Addendum dated 25.03.2026.
Age Limit
- Maximum age: 30 years as on 16 January 2026 (date of notification).
- SC/ST: 5 years relaxation (up to 35 years).
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years relaxation (up to 33 years).
- PwBD: 10 years relaxation (up to 40 years).
- Departmental candidates (SAI employees): Up to 5 years relaxation.
- Government employees: Up to 5 years relaxation.
- Ex-Servicemen: As per Government of India norms (deduction of military service period from actual age).
- SAI Contractual employees: Age relaxation equal to the duration of continuous service in SAI (minimum 1 year under Khelo India, TOPS, or ANSF). Relaxations are cumulative.
Salary
- Pay Level 6: Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400 per month (7th CPC).
- Pre-revised Pay Band: PB-II Rs. 9,300-34,800 + Grade Pay Rs. 4,200.
- You will also get Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Leave, Medical Benefits, and Sports Kit as per Central Government rules.
Application Fee
- General / EWS / OBC: Rs. 2,500
- SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen: Rs. 2,000
- Women (all categories): Rs. 2,000
- Payment mode: Online only (NEFT/RTGS/Net Banking/UPI)
- Fee is non-refundable. Fees are exclusive of bank charges and service tax.
Selection Process
Selection is a two-stage process with a combined merit list:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) — 40% weightage: An online written exam with 100 MCQs to be completed in 2 hours. Topics include Sports-Specific Knowledge (65 marks), Sports Science (25 marks), and General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude (10 marks). Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies. Exam centres include Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and Imphal.
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT) — 60% weightage: A practical coaching assessment with 40 parameters that evaluates your ability to apply coaching knowledge and build effective coaching relationships. Candidates are shortlisted for CAT in a 1:3 ratio (3 times the vacancies per sport per category) based on CBT performance.
Final merit = CBT Score (40%) + CAT Score (60%). In case of a tie: higher CBT marks, then older candidate, then alphabetical order of name.
How to Apply
- Go to the SAI recruitment portal at test.cbexams.com (link provided in the official addendum).
- Click on "New Registration" and create your account.
- Fill in personal details and qualification details in the online application form.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph (JPG, max 80KB), signature (JPG, max 30KB), and qualification documents (PDF, max 500KB).
- Pay the application fee through online mode (NEFT/RTGS/Net Banking/UPI).
- Submit and download the registration slip with your unique registration number for future reference.
No hard copy or documents need to be sent to SAI at the application stage. Only Indian nationals can apply.
Important Dates
- Notification Date: 16 January 2026
- Addendum Date: 25 March 2026
- Online Application Start: 23 March 2026 (10:00 AM)
- Last Date to Apply Online: 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM)
- CBT Exam Date: To be announced
- Admit Card: To be announced
Responsibilities
- Train and coach athletes in the assigned sports discipline at SAI centres
- Prepare training schedules, session plans, and periodization programs for athletes
- Monitor athlete performance, conduct assessments, and maintain progress records
- Work with sports science staff on strength, conditioning, and injury prevention programs
- Assist senior coaches during national and international competitions
- Identify and develop talent through grassroots scouting and Khelo India initiatives
- Follow SAI guidelines and anti-doping regulations during all training activities
- Prepare reports on athlete development, competition results, and training outcomes
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Qualification
Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or equivalent, OR Olympics/Paralympics/Asian Games/World Championship participation with Certificate Course in Coaching, OR Dronacharya Awardee
Preferred Qualification
Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from UGC-recognized State University
Required Skills
Sports-specific coaching expertise, knowledge of sports science, athlete training and development
Age Limit
18 - 30 years (as on 16 Jan 2026)
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3
- PwBD: 10
- Departmental candidates (SAI): 5
- Government employees: 5
- Ex-Servicemen: 3
Vacancy Details
| Category | Posts |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 187 |
| OBC | 73 |
| SC | 32 |
| ST | 9 |
| EWS | 22 |
| Total | 323 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹2,500.00 |
| OBC | ₹2,500.00 |
| SC | ₹2,000.00 |
| ST | ₹2,000.00 |
| EWS | ₹2,500.00 |
| Female | ₹2,000.00 |
| Ex-Serviceman | ₹2,000.00 |
* Fee payment may be subject to additional bank charges
Salary & Compensation
Pay Scale
Level 6 - Rs. 35,400-1,12,400 (7th CPC)
Grade Pay
₹4,200
Allowances
Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Leave, Medical Benefits, Sports Kit as per Central Government rules
Selection Process
- 1 Written Exam
- 2 Skill Test
- 3 Document Verification
- 4 Medical Exam
Exam Pattern
The Computer Based Test (CBT) will have 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs) for 100 marks. You will get 2 hours to complete it.
Subject-wise Breakdown
- Sports-Specific Knowledge: 65 marks (questions on your chosen sport's rules, techniques, coaching methods, training principles, and equipment)
- Sports Science: 25 marks (exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, nutrition, injury prevention)
- General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude: 10 marks
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer (one-fourth of marks per question).
Exam Type: Computer Based Test (Online MCQ)
CBT Weightage: 40% of the final merit score.
Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
The CAT is a practical assessment with 40 evaluation parameters that tests your ability to apply coaching knowledge effectively. It carries 60% weightage in the final merit list. Candidates are shortlisted for CAT in a 1:3 ratio per sport per category based on CBT scores.
Final Merit Formula: CBT Score (40%) + CAT Score (60%)
Tie-Breaker: (1) Higher CBT marks, (2) Older candidate, (3) Alphabetical order of name.
Additional Requirements
Other Requirements
- Anti-Doping Undertaking: Candidate must submit an undertaking at document verification that there is no doping-related case against them
- Posting: Selected candidates are liable to be posted anywhere in India
- Women Reservation: 33% horizontal reservation for women applicable
How to Apply
Application Mode: online
Click the "Apply Now" button to visit the official application portal.
Required Documents:
- Certificate for proof of age (Matriculation/Secondary School certificate)
- Valid Government ID proof issued by the Government of India
- Certificates supporting essential qualification (Coaching Diploma/Certificate)
- SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Ex-Serviceman/PwBD certificates from Competent Authority (if applicable)
- Certificates showing period of contract with SAI (if applicable for age relaxation)
- Passport size colour photograph (JPG, max 80KB)
- Scanned signature (JPG, max 30KB)
- OBC Non-Creamy Layer Certificate in prescribed format (if claiming OBC reservation)
- NOC from current employer (if employed in Govt/PSU/Autonomous bodies)
- Anti-doping undertaking (at document verification stage)
Frequently Asked Questions
The last date to apply online is 21 April 2026 (05:00 PM). The online application opened on 23 March 2026. Make sure you submit your application before the deadline.
Selected Assistant Coaches will get a salary of Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400 per month under Pay Level 6 of the 7th CPC. You will also receive DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, and other benefits as per Central Government rules.
You need a Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or equivalent from a recognized university. Alternatively, if you have represented India at Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, or World Championship with a Certificate Course in Coaching, you are also eligible. Dronacharya Awardees can apply directly. Maximum age is 30 years as on 16 January 2026.
Selection is through a two-stage process: (1) Computer Based Test (CBT) with 100 MCQs carrying 40% weightage, and (2) Coaching Ability Test (CAT) carrying 60% weightage. Candidates are shortlisted for CAT in a 1:3 ratio based on CBT performance.
The fee is Rs. 2,500 for General, EWS, and OBC candidates. For SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, and Women candidates, the fee is Rs. 2,000. Payment is online only and non-refundable.
On This Page
Important Dates
Notification
16 Jan 2026
Application Start
23 Mar 2026
Last Date to Apply
21 Apr 2026
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