🔔 Overview - SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
The recruitment drive aims to strengthen SAI’s coaching ecosystem across its Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Training Centres located throughout the country
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach |
| Total Vacancies | 323 |
| Job Type | Regular (Group ‘B’) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Posting | Across India |
| Official Website | www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 1 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15 February 2026 |
| CBT Exam Date | To be notified |
| Coaching Ability Test Date | To be notified |
📌 Eligibility Criteria
🔹 Nationality
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Applicant must be an Indian citizen
🔹 Age Limit
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Maximum Age: 30 years
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Age calculated as on the opening date of online application
🔹 Age Relaxation (as per Government norms)
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SC/ST: 5 years
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OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
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Departmental candidates & Ex-servicemen: As applicable
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SAI contractual employees: Relaxation equal to years of service (subject to conditions)
🔹 Educational / Professional Qualification
Candidate must fulfill any one of the following:
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Diploma or equivalent in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or a recognized Indian/Foreign University
OR -
Participation in Olympics / Paralympics / Asian Games / World Championship with Certificate Course in Coaching
OR -
Dronacharya Awardee
📊 Vacancy Details
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has announced a total of 323 vacancies for the post of Assistant Coach across 26 sports disciplines. Category-wise reservation including UR, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS has been applied. Additionally, 33% horizontal reservation for women will be applicable as per government norms.
Sports Discipline-wise Vacancy Distribution
| S. No. | Sports Discipline | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swimming | 13 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 26 |
| 2 | Athletics | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| 3 | Cycling | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 4 | Gymnastics | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 5 | Wrestling | 11 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 22 |
| 6 | Canoeing | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 7 | Judo | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 8 | Rowing | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 9 | Shooting | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| 10 | Boxing | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
| 11 | Fencing | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 12 | Weightlifting | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 13 | Taekwondo | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| 14 | Archery | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 15 | Table Tennis | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| 16 | Badminton | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
| 17 | Tennis | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 18 | Basketball | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 19 | Volleyball | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| 20 | Field Hockey | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13 |
| 21 | Football | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| 22 | Handball | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 23 | Kabaddi | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 24 | Kho-Kho | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 25 | Sepak Takraw | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 26 | Wushu | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| — | Total Vacancies | 187 | 73 | 32 | 9 | 22 | 323 |
Note: (33% horizontal reservation for women applicable)
💰 Pay Scale
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Pay Level: Level-6
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Salary Range: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
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Additional benefits include:
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Dearness Allowance (DA)
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House Rent Allowance (HRA)
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Transport Allowance
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Medical benefits
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Leave benefits
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Sports Kit as per rules
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📚 Exam Scheme
🔹 Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of two stages:
1️⃣ Computer Based Test (CBT)
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Duration: 2 Hours
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Total Questions: 100 (MCQs)
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Negative Marking: ¼ mark for each wrong answer
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| Sports-Specific Knowledge | 65 |
| Sports Science | 25 |
| General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
2️⃣ Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
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Weightage: 60%
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CBT Weightage: 40%
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Candidates shortlisted in 1:3 ratio
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Mandatory qualifying standards as prescribed by SAI
Final merit list will be prepared based on combined performance in CBT and CAT.
📝 Application Process
Follow these steps to apply online:
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Visit the official SAI website
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Click on the Assistant Coach Recruitment link
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Register using a valid email ID
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Fill the online application form carefully
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Upload scanned photograph and signature (JPEG format)
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Upload required documents (age proof, qualification, category certificates, etc.)
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Pay the application fee online
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Submit the form and download the registration slip for future reference
📌 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS | ₹2500 |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen | ₹2000 |
| Women Candidates | ₹2000 |
Fee is non-refundable.
📌 Key Instructions for Candidates
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Only online applications are accepted
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No hard copy submission required
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Candidates must ensure eligibility before applying
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Posting can be anywhere in India
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No re-evaluation of CBT or CAT results
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All updates will be published only on the SAI website
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Incorrect or false information may lead to cancellation at any stage