SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment Application Window Open: The Sports Authority of India (SAI), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, has released the official notification for the direct recruitment of Assistant Coaches on a regular basis. Online applications are invited for 323 vacancies across a wide range of sports disciplines. The application link is active on the SAI website from February 1, 2026. The last date to submit the online application form is February 15, 2026.
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Summary
Under the SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026, the selection is based on a Computer Based Test (CBT) and a Coaching Ability Test (CAT). Check all the recruitment details in the article.
| Conducting Body | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Coach |
| Vacancies | 323 |
| Registration Dates | February 1 to February 15, 2026 |
| Exam Stages | Computer Based Test (CBT) & Coaching Ability Test (CAT) |
| Educational Qualification | Diploma in coaching from SAI NS-NIS or equivalent OR Participation in Olympics/Asian Games/World Championships with coaching certificate OR Dronacharya Awardee |
| Age Limit | 30 years as on application opening date (Age relaxation as per norms) |
| Selection Process | CBT (40% weightage) and CAT (60% weightage) |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
SAI Assistant Coach Official Notice PDF
The Sports Authority of India has released the SAI Assistant Coach application dates from February 1, 2026 to February 15, 2026. Candidates can now complete and submit their applications latest by February 15, 2026. After that, the online application portal will be closed. For more details, refer to the notice below.
Download SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Detailed Notification PDF
Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Vacancy 2026 (Sports Discipline-wise)
Sports Authority of India has released 323 SAI Assistant Coach Vacancies in disciplines like Swimming, Athletics, Football, Hockey, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, and many more. Check the major discipline-wise vacancies in the table below.
| Sports Discipline | Total Vacancies |
| Swimming | 26 |
| Athletics | 28 |
| Cycling | 12 |
| Gymnastics | 12 |
| Wrestling | 22 |
| Canoeing | 7 |
| Judo | 6 |
| Rowing | 11 |
| Shooting | 28 |
| Boxing | 19 |
| Fencing | 11 |
| Weightlifting | 10 |
| Taekwondo | 11 |
| Archery | 12 |
| Table Tennis | 14 |
| Badminton | 16 |
| Tennis | 8 |
| Basketball | 12 |
| Volleyball | 10 |
| Field Hockey | 13 |
| Football | 12 |
| Handball | 6 |
| Kabaddi | 6 |
| Kho-Kho | 2 |
| Sepak Takraw | 3 |
| Wushu | 6 |
| GRAND TOTAL | 323 |
SAI Assistant Coach Salary 2026
The selected candidates will be placed in Level 6 of the Pay Matrix Rs. 35,400 – 1,12,400/- (Pay Band- II Rs. 9300- 34800/- + Grade Pay Rs. 4200/-). In addition to the basic pay, candidates will be entitled to allowances and benefits as per Central Government rules, including Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, Medical Benefits, Leave, and Sports Kit.
| Post Name | Pay Level | Approximate Initial Monthly Emoluments |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Coach | Level 6 (Rs. 35,400 – 1,12,400) | Approximately Rs. 55,000 – 60,000/- (including basic pay & allowances) |
SAI Assistant Coach Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must ensure they meet the prescribed eligibility conditions before applying for the recruitment.
Educational Qualification (as on date of advertisement):
- Diploma or equivalent in coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala or any other recognized Indian/Foreign University. OR
- Participation in Olympics/Paralympics/Asian Games/World Championship along with a Certificate Course in Coaching. OR
- Dronacharya Awardee.
(Refer to Annexure-I in the notification for the list of equivalent qualifications)
Age Limit (as on opening date of application):
- Maximum Age: 30 Years
- Age Relaxation is applicable for SC/ST, OBC, Ex-Servicemen, SAI Contractual Employees, and other categories as per Government/SAI norms. Cumulative relaxation is allowed.
Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
Also Read: CSIR-CCMB Recruitment 2026
Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Application Process 2026 (Online Only)
The applications for the SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment will be submitted online from the official SAI website. The steps to apply online are explained below.
Step 1: Visit the official SAI careers website sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in.
Step 2: Find and click on the link for “Recruitment for the post of Assistant Coaches on Regular Basis – 2026”.
Step 3: Click on “Apply Online” or “New Registration” and complete the initial registration. Note the Provisional Registration Number and Password.
Step 4: Log in and fill out the detailed online application form, including sport discipline preference.
Step 5: Upload scanned copies of your Photograph, Signature, and necessary documents (Age proof, Educational Certificates, Caste Certificate, SAI Contract proof, etc.) as per specified format and size.
Step 6: Pay the applicable application fee online via NEFT/RTGS/Net Banking/UPI.
Step 7: Verify all details and submit the application. Save/print the final application form and e-receipt for future reference.
SAI Assistant Coach Apply Online Direct Link
The SAI Assistant Coach Application Link will be active on the official SAI website from February 1, 2026. Candidates can register and apply online using the direct link given below.
Direct Link to Apply for SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment (Link will be activated on Feb 1, 2026)
Application Fee
Candidates must pay the following application fee to complete and submit the application form for the SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026. Check the category-wise application fee in the table below.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / Ex-servicemen | ₹ 2000/- (Including bank charges & service tax) |
| Unreserved / EWS / OBC | ₹ 2500/- (Including bank charges & service tax) |
Payment Mode: Online only via NEFT/RTGS/Net Banking/UPI, etc.
Note: Fee once paid is non-refundable.
Also Read: Telangana High Court Recruitment 2026 for 859 Vacancies
Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Selection Process 2026
The selection is a two-stage process:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) – 40% weightage: A 2-hour online test with 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) covering sports-specific knowledge, sports sciences, general awareness, reasoning, and aptitude. There will be negative marking of ¼ marks per wrong answer.
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT) – 60% weightage: Candidates shortlisted from the CBT (in a 1:3 ratio) will undergo a practical Coaching Ability Test assessed on multiple parameters. Candidates must qualify in the CAT.
The final merit list will be prepared based on the combined score (CBT 40% + CAT 60%).
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
The last date to apply online is February 15, 2026.
2. How many vacancies are available in SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 323 vacancies for the post of Assistant Coach across various sports disciplines in SAI centers all over India.
3. What is the educational qualification required?
Candidates must possess a Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS or equivalent OR have participated in Olympics/Asian Games/World Championships with a coaching certificate OR be a Dronacharya Awardee.
4. What is the selection process?
Selection is through a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a Coaching Ability Test (CAT).
5. Is there any age relaxation for SAI contractual employees?
Yes, SAI contractual employees with a minimum of one year of continuous service are eligible for age relaxation equivalent to their service period in SAI.
