The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has officially released the Assistant Coach Recruitment Notification 2026 for 323 vacancies across multiple sports disciplines. This recruitment offers a golden opportunity for qualified coaches to work with India’s premier sports organization.
Candidates holding a Diploma in Coaching or equivalent qualification can apply online through the official SAI website. The online application process starts on 01 February 2026 and will remain open till 15 February 2026.
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach |
| Total Vacancies | 323 |
| Pay Scale | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 (Level 6) |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website |
Important Dates
- Online Application Start Date: 01 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 15 February 2026
- Age Cut-off Date: 01 February 2026
SAI Assistant Coach Vacancy Details 2026 (Discipline-wise)
The 323 Assistant Coach posts are distributed across various sports disciplines, including:
- Athletics – 28
- Swimming – 26
- Shooting – 28
- Wrestling – 22
- Boxing – 19
- Badminton – 16
- Table Tennis – 14
- Hockey – 13
- Football – 12
- Gymnastics – 12
- Basketball – 12
- Cycling – 12
Other sports include Archery, Judo, Weightlifting, Taekwondo, Rowing, Volleyball, Handball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Sepak Takraw, Wushu, and more.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess any one of the following:
- Diploma or equivalent in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala or any recognized Indian/Foreign University
OR - Participation in Olympics / Paralympics / Asian Games / World Championship with a Certificate Course in Coaching
OR - Dronacharya Awardee
Age Limit (as on 01 February 2026)
- Maximum Age: 30 Years
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC (NCL): 3 Years
- Ex-Servicemen & Departmental Candidates: As per Government of India norms
- SAI Contractual Employees: Relaxation equal to length of service
Salary / Pay Scale
- Pay Level: Level-6
- Salary: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
- As per 7th Central Pay Commission
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS / OBC | ₹2,500 |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Women | ₹2,000 |
💡 Application fee is non-refundable.
Selection Process
The selection will be conducted in two stages:
1. Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Total Questions: 100 MCQs
- Negative Marking: ¼ mark per wrong answer
- Subjects:
- Sports-specific Knowledge – 65 marks
- Sports Science – 25 marks
- General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude – 10 marks
2. Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
- Weightage: 60%
- Candidates shortlisted from CBT in 1:3 ratio
- Evaluates practical coaching skills and athlete development capability
📌 Final Merit:
- CBT – 40%
- CAT – 60%
How to Apply for SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
- Visit
- Click on Online Application
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill in personal, educational, and sports discipline details
- Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates)
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the form and download the registration slip
📌 No hard copy submission is required.
Key Instructions
- Only Indian nationals are eligible
- Candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in India
- Government employees must submit NOC
- Selection is subject to medical fitness
- Any false information will lead to cancellation of candidature
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are available in SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026?
👉 A total of 323 Assistant Coach posts.
Q2. What is the age limit for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
👉 Maximum age is 30 years, with category-wise relaxation.
Q3. What qualification is required for Assistant Coach posts?
👉 Diploma in Coaching or equivalent / International sports participation with coaching certificate / Dronacharya Award.
Q4. What is the salary of SAI Assistant Coach?
👉 ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 as per Level-6 pay scale.
Q5. What is the last date to apply online?
👉 15 February 2026.
