Sports Authority of India (SAI) announces Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 for 323 posts. Apply online from Feb 1-15, 2026. Check eligibility, fees & exam pattern!
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released an exciting notification for the direct recruitment of Assistant Coaches across various sports disciplines. A total of 323 vacancies are available on a regular basis, offering a remarkable opportunity for eligible Indian citizens passionate about sports and coaching. The online application window is set to open from February 1st, 2026, to February 15th, 2026. Aspiring coaches with relevant qualifications and a drive to contribute to India’s sporting excellence are encouraged to review the detailed eligibility criteria, application process, and selection methodology outlined below.
Important Dates for SAI Assistant Coach 2026
Mark your calendars with these crucial dates for the SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening Date for Online Application | February 1, 2026 |
| Closing Date for Online Application | February 15, 2026 |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) Date | To be announced |
| Coaching Ability Test (CAT) Date | To be announced |
SAI Assistant Coach Vacancy Details 2026
A total of 323 Assistant Coach positions are to be filled. The vacancies are distributed across various sports disciplines and categories as follows. Please note that 33% horizontal reservation for women shall be applicable, and the number of vacancies is provisional and may vary as per SAI’s requirements.
Sports Discipline Wise Vacancies
| S. No. | Sports Discipline | Total Vacancies | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swimming | 26 | 13 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Athletics | 28 | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Cycling | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Gymnastics | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 5 | Wrestling | 22 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 6 | Canoeing | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Judo | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Rowing | 11 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 | Shooting | 28 | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 10 | Boxing | 19 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 11 | Fencing | 11 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 12 | Weightlifting | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 13 | Taekwondo | 11 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 14 | Archery | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 15 | Table Tennis | 14 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 16 | Badminton | 16 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 17 | Tennis | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | Basketball | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 19 | Volleyball | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 20 | Field Hockey | 13 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 21 | Football | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 22 | Handball | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Kabaddi | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 24 | Kho-Kho | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 25 | Sepak Takraw | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 26 | Wushu | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 323 | 187 | 73 | 32 | 9 | 22 |
Eligibility Criteria for Assistant Coach Posts
Candidates must meet specific age and educational qualifications to be eligible for the Assistant Coach positions. Ensure you satisfy all criteria as of the opening date of the application form.
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 30 Years as on the opening date of submission of the application form.
Age Relaxation
Relaxations in the upper age limit are provided as per Government of India guidelines:
- Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST): 5 years
- Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- Departmental Candidates (Regular SAI Employees): Up to a maximum of 5 years.
- SC/ST Departmental Candidates: Up to a maximum of 10 years.
- Contractual Employees of SAI: Age relaxation equivalent to the duration of continuous contractual service in SAI (minimum one year required). Proof of service from the competent authority in SAI is mandatory.
- Ex-Servicemen: Permitted to deduct the period of actual military service rendered from their actual age.
- Cumulative Relaxation: Candidates qualifying for multiple relaxations (e.g., SC + Contractual) will have relaxations added cumulatively.
Essential Educational Qualification/Professional Qualification
Candidates must possess ONE of the following qualifications:
- Diploma or equivalent in coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala or from any other recognized Indian / Foreign University.
- OR Participation in Olympics/Paralympics/Asian Games/World Championship with Certificate Course in Coaching.
- OR Dronacharya Awardee.
Note: Qualifications must be obtained from Govt. Recognized institutions/Universities.
Application Fee Details
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online. Details are as follows:
| S. No. | Category | Application Fee (Including bank charges & Service Tax) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Candidates belonging to Unreserved, EWS and OBC category | ₹2500/- Only |
| 2. | SC/ST/Ex-servicemen | ₹2000/- Only |
| 3. | Women Candidates | ₹2000/- Only |
SAI Assistant Coach Selection Process 2026
The selection process for the Assistant Coach posts will involve a two-stage methodology designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical coaching abilities:
- Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
The final merit list will be prepared based on a composite weightage of 60% for the Coaching Ability Test (CAT) and 40% for the Computer Based Test (CBT).
1. Computer Based Test (CBT)
The CBT is an online written examination designed to evaluate candidates’ sports-specific knowledge, understanding of sports sciences, general awareness, reasoning, and aptitude.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Negative Marking: One-fourth (1/4th) of the marks assigned to a question for each incorrect answer.
- Broad Topics:
- Sports-specific knowledge: 65 marks
- Sports Science: 25 marks
- General Awareness, Reasoning, Aptitude: 10 marks
- Total: 100 marks
- Candidates who fulfill the eligibility criteria will be called for the CBT.
- Shortlisting for the Coaching Ability Test (CAT) will be done in a ratio of 1:3 (3 times the number of vacancies in each sport and category) based on CBT performance.
2. Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
The CAT holds significant weightage in the final selection, assessing a candidate’s capacity to apply foundational coaching knowledge and build effective coaching relationships. It will have 60% weightage in the final merit list.
- The test is designed to measure competence, character, confidence, and connection – the four critical athlete-centered outcomes.
- It comprises 40 assessment parameters across various domains, including:
- Domain A: Teaching & Communication Skills (6 Parameters): Clarity in skills/drills demonstration, accuracy of technique, ability to simplify complex skills, quality of verbal communication, motivation and encouragement of athletes, ability to build athlete confidence.
- Domain B: Organisation & Session Management (5 Parameters): Session planning and structuring, efficient use of equipment/resources, time management within session, maintaining discipline and control, safety measures and risk minimization.
- Domain C: Observation, Fault Correction & Adaptability (5 Parameters): Keen observation of athlete performance, ability to identify technical errors, timeliness of corrective interventions, individualization of feedback, adaptability to varied skill levels and learning styles.
- Domain D: Technical & Tactical Application (5 Parameters): Logical progression of drills and exercises, linking drills to tactical/game situations, ability to teach tactical strategies effectively, integration of technical and tactical skills in sessions, decision-making under simulated match conditions.
- Domain E: Sports Science Application (5 Parameters): Knowledge of biomechanics in correcting techniques, awareness of physiology and energy systems in training, integration of sports psychology concepts, knowledge of anti-doping/ethics, incorporation of nutrition and hydration guidelines.
- Domain F: Professionalism & Role Model Qualities (3 Parameters): Professional appearance and conduct, enthusiasm/energy/positive attitude, fairness/ethics/role-model behavior.
- Domain G: Micro cycle Planning Competence (11 Parameters): Goal alignment, periodization strategy, load management, recovery & regeneration, session structure & sequencing, individualization, monitoring & feedback, technical & tactical integration, specificity of training, variety & creativity, bio-motor integration.
- Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks/standards (if any) in the CAT to avoid disqualification.
How to Apply for SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
Eligible and interested candidates must apply online through the official Sports Authority of India website. Follow these steps to ensure a successful application:
- Visit the official SAI website: www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in.
- Locate the ‘Recruitment’ or ‘Notification’ section and find the advertisement for Assistant Coaches.
- Click on the online application link, which will be active from February 1st, 2026.
- Register using a valid Email ID, which should remain active throughout the recruitment process.
- Fill out the application form with all required personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of your passport-size color photograph and signature in JPG/JPEG format (photograph not exceeding 80kb, signature not exceeding 30kb).
- Upload all compulsory documents, including proof of age, valid ID, essential qualification certificates, and relevant caste/relaxation certificates.
- Pay the application fee online through NEFT/RTGS/Net Banking/UPI.
- Download and retain the registration slip with your unique registration number and password for future reference.
Candidates are advised to read the complete official notification carefully before applying to ensure all instructions are followed correctly.
FAQs on SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
Q1: What is the total number of vacancies for Assistant Coaches in SAI?
A1: There are a total of 323 vacancies for the post of Assistant Coaches in the Sports Authority of India.
Q2: What are the application dates for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
A2: The online application process will be open from February 1st, 2026, to February 15th, 2026.
Q3: What is the maximum age limit to apply for the Assistant Coach post?
A3: The upper age limit is 30 years as on the opening date of submission of the application form. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories and specific candidates as per Government norms.
Q4: What are the essential educational qualifications required?
A4: Candidates must have a Diploma in coaching from SAI NS-NIS or equivalent, OR participated in Olympics/Paralympics/Asian Games/World Championship with a Certificate Course in Coaching, OR be a Dronacharya Awardee.
Q5: What is the application fee for different categories?
A5: The application fee is ₹2500/- for Unreserved, EWS, and OBC categories. For SC/ST, Ex-servicemen, and Women Candidates, the fee is ₹2000/-.
Q6: What is the selection process for SAI Assistant Coach?
A6: The selection involves a two-stage process: a Computer Based Test (CBT) with 40% weightage and a Coaching Ability Test (CAT) with 60% weightage in the final merit list.
Q7: Will there be negative marking in the CBT?
A7: Yes, there will be a negative marking of one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for each incorrect answer in the Computer Based Test (CBT).
Q8: Where will selected candidates be posted?
A8: Selected candidates are liable to be posted anywhere in India, at SAI’s various Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, or Training Centres.
