Candidates must possess Diploma or equivalent in coaching from SAI NS-NIS Patiala or any other recognized Indian/Foreign University as per Annexure-I. Upper Age Limit: 30 years as on opening date of application with relaxations for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), SAI contractual employees (equivalent to service duration), Ex-Servicemen, and Departmental candidates as per DoPT guidelines. Essential Professional Qualification: Participation in Olympics/Paralympics/Asian Games/World Championship with Certificate Course in Coaching OR Dronacharya Awardees. Candidates must be Indian citizens and meet all eligibility conditions before applying for SAI Assistant Coach Recruitment 2026.

Non-refundable application fees** must be paid online (NEFT/RTGS/Net Banking/UPI): Category Application Fee (Inclusive of Bank Charges & Service Tax) Unreserved, EWS, OBC Rs. 2,500/- SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/Women Candidates Rs. 2,000/- Note: Fees once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.

Two-Stage Process: Computer Based Test (CBT) (40% weightage) + Coaching Ability Test (CAT) (60% weightage). CBT Details: 100 MCQs (2 hours) covering Sports-specific knowledge (65 marks), Sports Science (25 marks), General Awareness/Reasoning/Aptitude (10 marks) with negative marking. CAT Shortlisting: 1:3 ratio (3 candidates per vacancy per sport/category) based on CBT performance. Final Selection: Merit list based on combined CBT+CAT scores followed by document verification and medical fitness. No interview; no re-evaluation/re-checking of answer sheets permitted.