SAI High Performance Coach Recruitment 2026 has 17 posts, and it is meant for retired persons. The Sports Authority of India will engage them on a Last Pay Drawn minus Pension basis for one year, or until age 64, whichever comes first. Online applications close at 5:00 PM on 1 December 2026.
This is not an opening for freshers or young coaches. See other openings on our Latest Sarkari Naukri page.
SAI Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Sports Authority of India, Department of Sports |
| File No. | A-12/8/2026-66, dated 26 October 2026 |
| Post | High Performance Coach |
| Total Posts | 17 |
| Post Level | Level 13 (Rs. 1,23,100 to Rs. 2,15,900) |
| Pay Basis | Last Pay Drawn minus Pension |
| Posting | All India, at centres running SAI schemes |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notice Date | 26 October 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 30 October 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Online Application Closes | 1 December 2026, 5:00 PM |
Application Fee
The pages of the notice we reviewed do not list any application fee. Please check the full PDF before you apply.
Age Limit
Applicants must not be more than 64 years of age on the opening date of applications, which is 30 October 2026.
Post-wise and Category-wise Vacancy
All 17 vacancies are for High Performance Coach. The eligibility table does not give a category-wise or sport-wise split. SAI may also prepare a panel from these candidates, valid for one year, for use in any scheme or project.
Educational Qualification
Applicants need any one of the following:
- A Diploma in Coaching from SAI NS NIS, Patiala, or an equivalent, or from another recognised Indian or foreign university or institute
- Participation in the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, World Championship or an equivalent, along with a certificate course in coaching
- The title of Dronacharya Awardee
Five years of coaching experience in a relevant sport, at a government, recognised or private organisation, is desirable.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should have worked as officers under the Central Government, a State Government or a Union Territory Administration, and should have held either:
- An analogous post in their parent cadre or department, or
- Five years of regular service in Level 12 (Rs. 78,800 to Rs. 2,09,200)
Applications are invited only from Indian citizens. SAI can discard experience certificates that do not give correct details.
Salary and Pay Scale
The pay works as a fixed monthly amount: the last pay drawn at retirement, minus the basic pension. If the person has taken a commuted value of pension, that commuted part is also counted in the deduction.
The amount will not change during the contract. There is no annual increment, percentage increase or Dearness Allowance. Official tours are paid as per Pay Level 13 rules.
Income tax and other deductions are made at source, and SAI issues certificates for them.
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
There is no written exam. SAI will scrutinise applications based on relevant experience and the job description. Eligible candidates are called for an interview at their own cost, and selection follows the recommendations of the Selection or Interview Committee.
Key Terms of Engagement
- SAI can end the service with 15 days’ notice if performance is not satisfactory.
- A coach who wants to leave must give 30 days’ notice, or one month’s pay in place of notice, subject to approval.
- The coach must attend office regularly, and cannot take any other assignment during the contract.
- CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, apply.
- Selected persons cannot publish a book or articles, or join a radio broadcast, based on this work without prior approval.
The engagement gives no right to a regular post.
How to Apply
- Open the SAI website, and find the online application portal link.
- Fill in the form with your service and coaching details.
- Upload your scanned photo and signature.
- Upload your latest Last Pay Certificate and Pension Payment Order.
- Add a No Objection Certificate if you are working in a central, state or autonomous body.
- Submit before the closing time on 1 December 2026.
Incomplete applications, or those without the required certificates, can be rejected.
About SAI and NS NIS Patiala
SAI was set up in 1984 and works under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It runs sports training schemes and coaching centres across the country. Its coaching institute, the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports at Patiala, is the main place named in this notice for a coaching diploma, though equivalent diplomas from other recognised institutes are also accepted.
Applicants should note that the exact equivalence is defined by SAI. If your diploma is from a foreign institute, or your event is not one of those named, keep supporting papers ready.
Important Links
| Link | Open |
|---|---|
| Official Notice PDF | Click Here |
| Online Application Portal | Click Here |
| SAI Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a young coach with no government service apply?
No. This advertisement is for retired persons with the stated government service.
Is Dearness Allowance paid?
No. The notice says it is not allowed during the contract.
Is a NIS diploma compulsory?
No. Olympic-level participation with a coaching certificate, or the Dronacharya Award, is also accepted.
How long is the engagement?
One year, or until age 64, whichever is earlier.