The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released a recruitment notification for 323 Assistant Coach positions on a regular basis. This recruitment aims to strengthen athlete support across various disciplines at Regional and National Centers of Excellence. Eligible Indian citizens can apply through the official website between February 1 and February 15, 2026. This recruitment Information verified from official notification.
Table of Contents
SAI Recruitment 2026 Quick Highlights
| Organization | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Post Name | Assistant Coach |
| Total Vacancies | 323 Posts |
| Job Location | All India (Including Kolkata, West Bengal) |
| Closing date for submission of online application | 21.04.2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
Vacancy Breakdown 2026
A total of 323 vacancies are distributed across 26 sporting disciplines. Notably, there is a 33% horizontal reservation for women across all categories. Candidates are advised always cross-check official notification before applying.
| S.No | Sports Discipline | Total Vacancies | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
| 1 | Athletics | 28 | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | Shooting | 28 | 13 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Swimming | 26 | 13 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | Wrestling | 22 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 5 | Boxing | 19 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 6 | Badminton | 16 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 7 | Table Tennis | 14 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 8 | Football | 12 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 9 | Others (Archery, Cycling, etc.) | 158 | 104 | 35 | 14 | 0 | 10 |
| Total | 323 | 187 | 73 | 32 | 9 | 22 |
(Note: Vacancies for other disciplines like Archery (12), Basketball (12), and Volleyball (10) are also included in the total.)
Eligibility & Salary
Educational Qualification
Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria from a recognized institution:
- Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala, or a recognized Indian/Foreign University.
- International Participation: Participation in Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, or World Championships with a Certificate Course in Coaching.
- Awardees: Candidates who are Dronacharya Awardees.
Age Limit
The age is calculated as of the opening date of the application.
| Category | Maximum Age |
| General Candidates | 30 Years |
| SC / ST | 35 Years (5-year relaxation) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 33 Years (3-year relaxation) |
Salary & Benefits
Selected Assistant Coaches will be placed in Pay Level 6.
- Pay Scale: Rs. 35,400 – Rs. 1,12,400.
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and Medical Benefits as per Central Govt. rules.
- Extra: Coaches are entitled to a Sports Kit as per rules.
Selection Process
The recruitment follows a two-stage rigorous methodology:
- Written Examination (CBT): An online test of 100 marks consisting of 100 MCQs. This carries a 40% weightage in the final merit.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are called for the next stage in a 1:3 ratio per discipline.
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT): A practical assessment of coaching skills carrying a 60% weightage.
- Final Merit List: Based on the combined scores of CBT and CAT.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must be found medically fit before appointment.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Follow these steps to apply online at the SAI portal:
- Visit the official website of SAI: www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in
- Navigate to the “Recruitment” section and click on the Assistant Coach 2026 link.
- Register with a valid Email ID that must remain active during the process.
- Fill in personal details and educational qualifications carefully.
- Upload a scanned color photograph (max 80kb) and signature (max 30kb) in JPG format.
- Upload supporting documents like Proof of Age, ID proof, and Qualification certificates.
- Candidates from SC/ST/OBC/EWS must upload valid category certificates.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee via Net Banking, UPI, or RTGS.
- Review the application form to ensure there are no discrepancies in the Date of Birth.
- Submit the form and download the registration slip with your unique number for future reference.
Application Fee
Fees must be paid through online mode only.
| Category | Application Fee |
| Unreserved (UR), OBC, and EWS | Rs. 2500/- |
| SC, ST, and Ex-Servicemen | Rs. 2000/- |
| Women Candidates | Rs. 2000/- |
Important Links
| Document / Action | Direct Link |
| Official Notification (PDF) | Download Here |
| Apply Online Link | Click to Apply |
| SAI Official Website | Visit Site |
SAI Recruitment 2026 for 323 Assistant Coach Help Line: SAI- 08064526231 Monday to Friday (10 AM to 6 PM)
FAQs (Candidates Also Ask)
Is there any negative marking in the SAI written exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to a question for every incorrect answer.
Can final year students apply for this post?
Candidates whose results are awaited may appear in the written exam, but they must produce final results before the next stage of selection.
Q3. What are the exam topics for the CBT? The 100-mark test includes Sports-specific knowledge (65 marks), Sports Science (25 marks), and General Awareness/Reasoning (10 marks).
Q4. What is the duration of the online test? The Computer Based Test (CBT) will be for a duration of two (02) hours.
Q5. Will I be posted in my home state? Selected candidates are liable to be posted anywhere in India based on SAI’s requirements.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandeep – I Manage the Job Posts at India Job Alerts, ensuring every post is cross-referenced with official government gazettes and department notifications. Specializing in the West Bengal and Sikkim Jobs Notification & All India Jobs , to provide insights into exam patterns, syllabus changes, and application deadlines so that it actually helps our youths.
