SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 — Apply Online for 323 Posts Across 26 Sports Disciplines
Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released a big recruitment drive for 323 Assistant Coach posts across 26 sports disciplines, from Athletics and Swimming to Hockey, Wrestling, and Kabaddi. These are permanent Group-B Central Government jobs with pay band Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) and full Central Government benefits. If you hold a diploma in coaching (NIS Patiala) or have achieved Olympic / Asian Games / World Championship level in your sport, this is the best chance of the year in the coaching cadre. For more central government jobs, keep following GovtJobsAlert.in.
Online applications opened on 23 March 2026 and the last date is 21 April 2026 (5:00 PM). The selection involves a Computer Based Test (CBT) with 40% weightage plus a Coaching Ability Test (CAT) with 60% weightage. This article walks you through the complete discipline-wise vacancy table, eligibility criteria, selection stages, fee structure, and step-by-step apply-online guide.
What are the Key Highlights of SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026?
Sports Authority of India is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. Assistant Coaches are the entry-level officers in the SAI Cadre of Coaches and are posted across SAI training centres and national campuses in 13 cities.
- Post Name: Assistant Coach (Group-B, Cadre of Coaches)
- Advertisement No.: F.No. 01-04001(01)/13/2024-HO — Personnel Division/230 (with 20.03.2026 addendum)
- Total Vacancies: 323 (across 26 sports)
- Pay Scale: Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) + Grade Pay ₹4,200
- Job Location: 13 SAI regional centres across India
- Last Date to Apply: 21 April 2026 (5:00 PM)
What is the Vacancy Breakdown for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
The 323 vacancies are distributed across 26 sports. See the sport-wise break-up below.
| Sport | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Athletics | 28 |
| Shooting | 28 |
| Swimming | 26 |
| Wrestling | 22 |
| Boxing | 19 |
| Badminton | 16 |
| Table Tennis | 14 |
| Field Hockey | 13 |
| Archery | 12 |
| Basketball | 12 |
| Cycling | 12 |
| Football | 12 |
| Gymnastics | 12 |
| Taekwondo | 11 |
| Fencing | 11 |
| Rowing | 11 |
| Weightlifting | 10 |
| Volleyball | 10 |
| Tennis | 8 |
| Canoeing | 7 |
| Judo | 6 |
| Handball | 6 |
| Kabaddi | 6 |
| Wushu | 6 |
| Sepak Takraw | 3 |
| Kho-Kho | 2 |
| Total | 323 |
Category-wise: UR 187 + OBC 73 + SC 32 + ST 9 + EWS 22 = 323. Additionally, 33% horizontal reservation for women and PwBD horizontal reservation apply across all sports.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026?
To be eligible, you need either formal coaching qualification or sporting achievements. If you’re a graduate in sports or any discipline looking for government jobs, one of the three routes below will work for you.
Educational Qualification
You must meet any ONE of the following:
- Route A — Diploma Route: Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala, or an equivalent Indian or Foreign University / Institute.
- Route B — Player Route: Participation in Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, or World Championship PLUS Certificate Course in Coaching from a recognised institute.
- Route C — Dronacharya Route: Dronacharya Awardee in the relevant sport.
Equivalent qualifications are accepted from five listed institutes: LNIPE Gwalior, NSU Imphal, SGSU Gujarat, SUOH Haryana, and IGTAMSU Arunachal Pradesh.
Age Limit (as on 16 January 2026)
- Maximum age: 30 years
- Relaxation: SC / ST +5 years, OBC +3 years, PwBD +10 years, Ex-Servicemen as per rules.
- There is no minimum age beyond the qualification age.
What is the Salary for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
The pay is offered in Level-6 of the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix — the same level as a Central Government Section Officer.
- Pay Level: Level-6
- Pay Band: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 per month
- Pay Band-II: ₹9,300 – ₹34,800 + Grade Pay ₹4,200
In-hand range: Starting basic ₹35,400 plus Central Government DA, HRA, Transport, and other allowances — first-year gross works out to around ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 per month, rising with annual increments.
Additional benefits: CGHS medical cover, LTC, NPS pension with gratuity, training opportunities at SAI institutes, and possible foreign coaching exposure.
What is the Selection Process for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
The selection follows a two-stage process with a 40:60 weightage between the written test and the coaching ability test. Your total score decides your final rank.
- Computer Based Test — CBT (40% weightage) — 100 MCQs in 2 hours with negative marking of ¼ mark for each wrong answer. Syllabus: Sports-specific (65 questions), Sports Science (25 questions), and General Awareness / Reasoning (10 questions).
- Coaching Ability Test — CAT (60% weightage) — Based on 40 assessment parameters. Only top 1:3 candidates per sport per category are shortlisted from CBT for the CAT stage.
- Document Verification — Final merit is based on combined CBT + CAT marks; originals of all degrees, sports achievements, and caste / disability certificates are verified at this stage.
For sport-specific syllabus and preparation, refer to the syllabus and preparation resources on GovtJobsAlert.in.
How to Apply Online for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
Applications are accepted online only through the CB Exams registration portal. Follow these simple steps.
- Visit the official portal at https://test.cbexams.com/EDPSU/SAI/AssistantCoaches/Regstep.aspx.
- Click on “New Registration” and enter basic details to receive the registration number and password on email / SMS.
- Log in with your credentials and fill the detailed application form — personal details, qualification route (Diploma / Player / Dronacharya), sporting achievements, and chosen sport.
- Upload your photograph, signature, qualification / certificate proofs, sports achievement certificates, and caste / disability certificate (if applicable).
- Pay the application fee online using debit card, credit card, net banking, UPI, or mobile wallet.
- Choose your preferred exam centre from the 13 cities available and submit the final application.
- Submit before 21 April 2026 (5:00 PM). Take a printout of the submitted application for your records.
What are the Important Dates for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 16 January 2026 |
| Addendum | 20 March 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 23 March 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 21 April 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Age Cut-off Date | 16 January 2026 |
| CBT Date | To be notified |
What is the Application Fee for SAI Assistant Coach 2026?
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS / OBC | ₹2,500 |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Women | ₹2,000 |
Payment is online only — exclusive of bank charges and service tax. Fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you appear for the exam.
Essential Links — SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for SAI Assistant Coach 2026
- Visit SAI Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
This SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 is one of the largest Central Government sports recruitments this year — 323 posts across 26 disciplines with Level-6 pay and excellent career growth. Whether you come from a coaching diploma background or have competed at Olympic / Asian level, your journey into the SAI coaching cadre can start here. Apply before 21 April 2026 (5:00 PM). Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for the latest central government job notifications and SAI updates.