The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has announced the Chief Coach Recruitment 2026 for 11 vacancies, inviting eligible candidates to apply online from December 12, 2025. This recruitment offers a rare opportunity for experienced coaching professionals, particularly retired government officers with strong credentials in sports coaching, to join SAI on contract. Aspiring applicants should note that the application window will remain open until January 11, 2026, and the selection will be based on eligibility criteria including qualification, experience, and age limit.
Eligibility Criteria for SAI Chief Coach Recruitment 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the specific qualification and age requirements set by the Sports Authority of India. The primary objective is to appoint seasoned professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the coaching framework at national and developmental levels.
Key eligibility details include:
- Qualification: Diploma in Coaching or equivalent certification, along with significant experience as a coaching professional. Retired government officers from applicable coaching levels may also apply.
- Age Limit: Applicants should not exceed 64 years of age as of the opening date of the application.
These criteria ensure that incoming Chief Coaches bring both academic grounding and practical experience to the role, aligning with SAI’s mandate of strengthening high-performance sports across disciplines.
SAI Chief Coach Recruitment 2026 Salary and Service Terms
The Sports Authority of India Chief Coach posts are offered on an LPD minus pension basis, which means remuneration is linked to the last pay drawn minus basic pension.
- Salary Structure: Last pay drawn minus basic pension
- Transport Allowance: INR 5,580 or INR 11,160 per month, depending on place of posting.
- Other Allowances: No additional benefits such as HRA, DA, or medical allowances are provided under this contract type.
This arrangement is designed to attract retired professionals who can transition smoothly into a contract role without disrupting pension entitlements.
Important Dates and Application Process
The SAI Chief Coach Recruitment 2026 timeline has been clearly defined to give candidates sufficient time to prepare and submit applications. Candidates must adhere to these deadlines to ensure successful submission and consideration. Before listing the dates, note that SAI’s official recruitment portal remains the authoritative source for forms and final instructions. Applicants are advised to prepare all necessary documents and eligibility proofs ahead of time.
Candidates must complete the online application through the official SAI jobs portal and upload relevant documents as required.
What Does This Means for Indian Coaching Professionals?
With India’s continued focus on enhancing sports excellence and broadening its coaching base, the SAI Chief Coach Recruitment 2026 represents a strategic opportunity for experienced practitioners. Selection as a Chief Coach not only contributes to national sports development but also offers a platform to mentor athletes and support India’s competitive ambitions.
