Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Online form 2026 — Apply Online for 323 Posts

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is the apex organization overseeing high-performance training centers and national/regional coaching setups across India. Assistant Coaches recruited on a regular basis are critical to athlete development pipelines at Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence and other SAI training venues. In 2026, SAI’s drive to recruit Assistant Coaches across multiple disciplines represents a meaningful investment in coaching capacity ahead of major multi-sport cycles.

What the official notification tells us

SAI has published a formal notification inviting applications for 323 Assistant Coach (Level 6) positions. The notification (PDF) lists discipline-wise vacancies, eligibility criteria (qualifications and sport-specific certifications), pay scale level and instructions for applying online. Candidates are expected to apply through the SAI recruitment portal and must upload supporting documents as requested. Always consult the official PDF for exact discipline-wise vacancies and documented eligibility requirements.

Important dates (confirmed from official notice & job portals)

Application start date: 01 February 2026.

Last date to apply: 15 February 2026.

Other dates (admit card, exam/interview schedule) will be released later on the SAI website — check the SAI jobs page regularly.

Note: I relied on the SAI official PDF and leading job portals to confirm dates and vacancies — always double-check the official SAI page before submitting an application.

Who can apply — eligibility highlights

Eligibility typically includes a mix of sporting qualifications and academic/professional credentials. While discipline-specific details differ, the notification broadly requires:

Sport-specific qualification/experience (for example: diploma/degree in physical education, National/State-level coaching certifications, proven performance as a coach or ex-athlete in the discipline) — exact requirements vary by sport.

Age limits and relaxations as per the notification (refer to official PDF for category-wise age relaxations).

Documentary proof for coaching certifications, sport performance records, educational credentials and identity proof to be uploaded during application.

Because requirements change by discipline, read the relevant appendix in the PDF to confirm what’s required for the sport you’re applying to.

Vacancy break-up & disciplines (high-level)

The notification covers 26+ disciplines and a total of 323 posts (discipline-wise numbers are listed in the official PDF). Some commonly listed disciplines in SAI recruitments include athletics, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, hockey, football, gymnastics, table tennis, badminton, shooting, archery and more. Check the official PDF for the exact list and seat allocation per discipline.

How to apply (step-by-step)

Read the official notification PDF carefully (eligibility, fee, documents).

Visit the SAI recruitment / job opportunities page and click the Assistant Coach recruitment link.

Fill the online form with accurate personal, educational and sporting/ coaching details.

Upload required documents (photo, signature, coaching certificates, educational certificates, sport credentials).

Pay application fee if applicable (check notification for fee exemptions).

Submit & download the confirmation / application receipt for your records.

Always apply well before the closing date (15 Feb 2026) to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Selection process — what to expect

Selection typically involves either (or both) of the following, depending on discipline and notification specifics:

Shortlisting based on qualifications and sport credentials (for many coaching roles SAI shortlists candidates by merit/experience).

Skill/Practical assessment and interview — coaching demonstrations, sport-specific knowledge assessment, technical interviews and verification of sports achievements or coaching certifications.

Read the official ‘Methods of Recruitment’ section in the notification to know exact stages for the discipline you choose.

Pay scale & job location

Assistant Coaches are generally recruited at Level 6 (pay band indicated in the notification). Appointments may be posted to SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence, or other training hubs across India — location depends on the vacancy. See the PDF for pay scale details and posting locations.

Preparation & application tips

Match your documents: Ensure coaching diplomas, certificates, achievement records and experience proofs are scanned and ready.

Discipline-specific prep: Be ready for practical demonstrations and technical interviews—revise coaching methodologies, training plans, and athlete management scenarios.

Mock interviews & demo sessions: Practice articulating training plans and past athlete outcomes — SAI values applied coaching experience.

Keep copies of all submissions and note down the submission ID/reference after applying.

Conclusion

The Sports Authority of India Assistant Coach Online form 2026 is an important opportunity for coaches and qualified sports professionals to join India’s national athlete development ecosystem. With 323 seats across multiple disciplines and an application window between 01–15 February 2026, interested applicants should read the official SAI PDF notification carefully, prepare their documentary evidence, and apply through the SAI recruitment portal. Best of luck to applicants — prepare practically and present your coaching strengths clearly.