Hey learners,
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has officially released a large-scale recruitment notification for the post of Assistant Coach on a regular basis. This recruitment drive aims to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem by appointing qualified coaches across multiple sports disciplines at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, and Training Centres across the country.
| Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Notification | Read Now |
| Sports Authority of India (SAI) Official Website | Visit Now |
If you aspire to build a stable and prestigious career in sports coaching under the Government of India, this recruitment offers an excellent opportunity.
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Recruitment Name | Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
| Total Vacancies | 323 Posts |
| Qualification | Diploma in Coaching or International Player with Coaching Certificate or Dronacharya Awardee. |
| Age Limit | Maximum 30 years |
| Selection Process | Computer Based Test (CBT) + Coaching Ability Test (CAT). |
| Application Period | Till 15th February 2026 |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
The important dates and application fee for the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 are provided below for candidates’ reference.
| SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026: Important Dates | SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026: Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start: 1 February 2026 Last Date to Apply: 15 February 2026 CBT Exam Date: To be notified CAT Schedule: To be notified |
UR / OBC / EWS: ₹2500 SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Women: ₹2000 |
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026: Total Vacancies
A total of 323 Assistant Coach vacancies have been announced across 26 sports disciplines. Major disciplines include:
- Athletics, Swimming, Shooting, Wrestling, Boxing, Badminton, Table Tennis, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Cycling, Volleyball, Basketball, Archery, Weightlifting, Judo, Kabaddi, Wushu, and others (Read PDF for sport-wise vacancy)
33% horizontal reservation for women candidates is applicable. (Vacancies are provisional and may change as per SAI requirements.)
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- Maximum Age: 30 years (as on the application opening date)
Age Relaxation (as per Government rules)
- SC/ST – 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) – 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen – As per rules
- SAI Contractual Employees – Relaxation equal to service period
- Government Employees – As applicable
Educational & Professional Qualification
Candidates must fulfill any one of the following:
- Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS, Patiala or any recognized Indian/Foreign University OR
- Participation in Olympics / Paralympics / Asian Games / World Championships with a Certificate Course in Coaching OR
- Dronacharya Awardee
Equivalent coaching qualifications from recognized sports universities are also accepted as per the official annexure.
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026: Selection Process for SAI Assistant Coach
The recruitment process consists of two stages:
1️⃣ Computer Based Test (CBT) – 40% Weightage
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 100 MCQs
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks
CBT Syllabus Distribution:
- Sports-specific knowledge – 65 marks
- Sports Science – 25 marks
- General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude – 10 marks
2️⃣ Coaching Ability Test (CAT) – 60% Weightage
- Shortlisting ratio: 1:3
- Practical and assessment-based evaluation
- Minimum qualifying standards mandatory
Final selection will be based on the combined merit of CBT and CAT.
The SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 is one of the most significant coaching recruitments in recent years. Candidates with professional coaching qualifications or international sports experience should not miss this opportunity. Make sure to apply online before the deadline and prepare thoroughly for both CBT and Coaching Ability Test.