SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 323 Posts, Apply Online

SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Overview

Sports Authority of India (SAI) has reopened the Assistant Coach recruitment for 323 posts, offering a structured pathway for qualified sports professionals into government coaching roles. This recruitment reflects increasing investment in sports infrastructure and talent development in India.

SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Highlights

SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

SAI Assistant Coach Vacancy 2026 Details

• 33% horizontal reservation for women applicable
• Vacancies spread across 26 sports disciplines

SAI Assistant Coach 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess:

• Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or equivalent
  OR
• Participation in Olympics/Asian Games/World Championships with coaching certification
  OR
• Dronacharya Awardees

As per addendum, Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from State Universities is also valid

Age Limit

• Age relaxation:
  • SC/ST: 5 years
  • OBC: 3 years
  • PwBD: 10 years (as per addendum)
  • Others as per government norms

SAI Assistant Coach Age Eligibility Checker (as on 16 January 2026)

Explanation:
Candidates must not be born before 17 January 1996 and not after 16 January 2008 to meet the 18–30 years criteria as on the notification date.

SAI Assistant Coach Application Fee 2026

SAI Assistant Coach Salary and Pay Scale

• Clear promotion path: Coach → Senior Coach → Chief Coach → High Performance Coach
• Posting across SAI centres nationwide

SAI Assistant Coach Selection Process 2026

Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• 100 MCQs
• Duration: 2 hours
• Negative marking applicable

Stage 2: Coaching Ability Test (CAT)

• Shortlisting ratio: 1:3
• Practical coaching evaluation

Final Merit

• CBT: 40% weightage
• CAT: 60% weightage

Subject-Wise Weightage and Preparation Focus

Preparation Strategy (Expert Insight)

• Sports-specific section dominates (65%): Candidates must focus deeply on their discipline, including rules, techniques, and international standards.
• Sports Science is scoring: Topics like biomechanics, nutrition, and physiology are predictable and can boost marks.
• General section is low weight but decisive: Often used for tie-breaking, so accuracy matters.

Trend Insight:
The higher weightage of CAT (60%) indicates SAI’s shift towards practical coaching ability rather than purely theoretical knowledge. Candidates with real coaching exposure or athlete experience have a clear advantage.

SAI Assistant Coach Important Links