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The Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced, with the application window open from 1st February 2026 to 15th February 2026. Candidates aiming for a government job in the sports sector should check the eligibility details, along with the selection process and exam pattern. In this article, we will provide the latest updates on the SAI Assistant Coach recruitment, including the age limit, educational qualifications, vacancy distribution, and more.
Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has officially released the SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Notification for 323 vacancies. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official SAI recruitment portal within the registration window starting from 01/02/2026 to 15/02/2026. Selected candidates will be posted at SAI training centres, academic institutions, and regional centres across India. You can refer to the official notification PDF provided below for the ease of candidates:
Click to Download: Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF Link
Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment Overview
Before we dive into the eligibility criteria and vacancy details, refer to the table below for key updates and information regarding this recruitment:
| Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Overview | |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Coach |
| Total Vacancies | 323 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Start Date | 1st February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15th February 2026 |
| Category | Government Jobs |
| Official Website | www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
SAI Assistant Coach Vacancy 2026
A total of 323 Assistant Coach posts have been announced under the Sports Authority of India Recruitment 2026. Vacancies are distributed across various sports disciplines such as athletics, boxing, wrestling, hockey, football, badminton, and more. Check the table below for more details:
| 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 | 187 | 73 | 32 | 9 | 22 | 323 | |
SAI Assistant Coach Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions related to education, age, and nationality. Candidates who fail to meet these criteria can get their applications rejected at any stage of the recruitment process.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must meet any one of the following eligibility conditions to apply:
Diploma Route:
- The candidate must have a Diploma in Coaching from Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS), Patiala.
- Diplomas from any other SAI-recognized coaching institute are also acceptable.
Sports Achievement Route:
- The candidate must have represented India in the Olympic Games, World Championship, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games.
- Medal winners of the Senior National Championships are also eligible.
- Along with sports achievement, a Diploma in Coaching from NSNIS or a recognized institute is mandatory.
Experience Route:
- The candidate must be a retired outstanding sportsperson.
- The candidate should have at least 5 years of coaching experience at the national or international level.
- A valid coaching certification from SAI or a recognized sports federation is required.
Age Limit
Candidates applying for the Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 must be within the age limits as specified in the official notification PDF. The age limit has been set to:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 45 years
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) | 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government of India norms |
| Departmental Candidates | As per Government of India norms |
Nationality
The applicant must be:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 01 January 1962, or
- A person of Indian origin migrated from select countries with intent of permanent settlement in India.
SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for the registration for the SAI assistant coach recruitment has been provided below. The application fee can be deposited through online mode only. Refer to the table below for more details:
| Category | Fee (Including bank charges & Service Tax) |
|---|---|
| Candidates belonging to Unreserved, EWS and OBC category. | 2500 |
| SC/ST/Ex-servicemen | 2000 |
| Women Candidates | 2000 |
SAI Assistant Coach Selection Process 2026
The SAI Assistant Coach Selection Process 2026 consists of two stages as per the official notification:
- Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Coaching Ability Test (CAT)
The final merit list is prepared by giving 40% weightage to CBT and 60% weightage to CAT. Candidates must qualify both stages to be considered for final selection.
SAI Assistant Coach Exam Pattern 2026
The exam pattern for the computer-based test comprises 100 marks in total, with a time duration of 2 hours, divided across three subjects, including Sports-specific knowledge, Sports science, and General Awareness, Reasoning, and Aptitude. There also exists a negative marking of 1/4th deducted for each incorrect attempt. Refer to the table below for more details:
| S. No. | Component | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sports-specific Knowledge | 65 | 2 hours (120 minutes) |
| 2 | Sports Science | 25 | |
| 3 | General Awareness, Reasoning & Aptitude | 10 | |
| Total | 100 | 2 hours | |
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