The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has officially announced a new recruitment drive for the position of Assistant Director. The notification, which was eagerly awaited by candidates seeking careers in sports administration, outlines the details for filling 10 tentative posts within the prestigious organization. This SAI recruitment 2026 presents a significant opportunity for individuals with relevant qualifications and a passion for sports management to contribute to India's sports ecosystem.
According to the official notification released by SAI, the application process for the Assistant Director vacancies will begin on 29 December 2025. Interested candidates must apply online through the official website of the Sports Authority of India. The application window will remain open for one month, concluding on 29 January 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully review the complete official notification before applying to understand the eligibility criteria, selection procedure, and required documents.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI), operating under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is the apex national body for the development of sports in India. Working as an Assistant Director in SAI involves crucial responsibilities in planning, organizing, and implementing various sports programs, managing facilities, and supporting athletes. This specific recruitment drive aims to strengthen the administrative wing of SAI with talented and dedicated professionals.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the SAI Assistant Director Recruitment 2026 process, including key dates, eligibility requirements, application steps, and the selection procedure.
Key Highlights of Sports Authority of India Assistant Director Recruitment 2026
This section summarizes the most important details regarding the SAI Assistant Director Vacancy 2026. Applicants should note that the number of posts mentioned (10) is currently tentative and subject to change based on the organization's requirements at the time of final selection.
| Organization Name | Sports Authority of India (SAI) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Director |
| Total Posts | 10 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 29 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 29 January 2026 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam (CBT) and Interview |
| Official Website | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
Important Dates for SAI Recruitment 2026
Candidates preparing for the SAI Assistant Director recruitment must mark these dates on their calendars. The application period is relatively short, making timely submission essential. While the application window is fixed, other dates like exam date and admit card release are announced separately. Keep checking the official website and trusted sources like Sarkari Result All for updates.
- Application Form Start Date: 29 December 2025
- Application Form Last Date: 29 January 2026
- Last Date to Submit Application Fees: 29 January 2026
- Admit Card Release Date: Not Available
- Written Examination Date: Not Available
- Interview Date: Not Available
Eligibility Criteria for Assistant Director Posts
To be eligible for the Sports Authority of India Assistant Director Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific requirements related to age limit and educational qualification. These criteria ensure that only qualified individuals with the necessary academic background and experience apply for the post. Detailed information on eligibility is crucial for candidates before initiating the online application process.
Age Limit:
Candidates must be within the prescribed age bracket as on the closing date of the application. The maximum age limit for applying for the Assistant Director post is generally set at 32 years for unreserved candidates. Age relaxation in the upper age limit is applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) as per government rules. For SC/ST candidates, the relaxation is typically 5 years, and for OBC candidates, it is 3 years. Candidates belonging to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) may receive further relaxation as per government regulations.
Educational Qualification:
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) typically looks for candidates with strong academic credentials for an administrative role like Assistant Director. The basic requirement for this post is a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution. However, preference is often given to candidates who hold a postgraduate qualification or a professional degree relevant to sports management, administration, or physical education. A Master's degree in Sports Management, Physical Education (M.P.Ed.), or Business Administration (MBA) with specialization in sports is highly desirable. Candidates must possess their degree certificates at the time of application to prove their eligibility.
Experience Requirement:
For a position at the Assistant Director level, practical experience is highly valued. The SAI notification often specifies a minimum number of years of experience in relevant fields. Candidates are generally required to have at least 3 to 5 years of experience working in sports administration, management of sports facilities, or project management in a related sector. Experience working with government organizations or public sector undertakings in sports development will be considered an asset. Candidates should ensure they have proper documentation (experience certificates) to substantiate their claims during document verification.
Application Process: How to Apply Online for SAI Assistant Director Vacancy 2026
The application mode for the Sports Authority of India Assistant Director Recruitment 2026 is strictly online. Candidates must follow a systematic process to ensure successful submission of their application forms. The following steps provide a comprehensive guide on how to apply online through the official SAI website.
Step 1: Registration on Official Website
Visit the official website of the Sports Authority of India at sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in. Look for the "Recruitment" or "Careers" section on the homepage. Find the link specifically titled "SAI Assistant Director Recruitment 2026 – Online Application" and click on it. New users will need to register by providing basic details such as name, email address, mobile number, and creating a password. Upon successful registration, a unique login ID and password will be generated and sent to the registered email address.
Step 2: Fill out the Application Form
Once registered, log in to the portal using the credentials. The SAI Assistant Director application form will appear on the screen. Fill in all personal details, including name, date of birth, father's name, category, communication address, and educational qualifications. Ensure that all details are accurately entered, as any discrepancy during document verification may lead to rejection of the candidature.
Step 3: Upload Documents and Photographs
Candidates are required to upload scanned copies of various documents. This typically includes a recent passport-sized photograph, signature, educational certificates (including mark sheets of graduation and post-graduation), experience certificates, and caste/category certificates (if applicable). Pay close attention to the specified file size and format (usually JPG or PDF) for each document. Documents must be clear and legible.
Step 4: Application Fee Payment
After filling out the form and uploading documents, proceed to the fee payment section. The application fee for the SAI Assistant Director recruitment must be paid online. The amount varies depending on the candidate's category. General and OBC candidates typically pay a higher fee compared to SC, ST, and PwBD candidates. Payment can be made using various online methods such as Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card. The fee amount is generally non-refundable.
Step 5: Final Review and Submission
Before finalizing the submission, carefully review the entire application form. Check all entries for accuracy, including personal information, educational details, and uploaded documents. Once confirmed, click on the "Submit" button. It is highly recommended to take a printout of the final submitted application form for future reference. The system will generate a final confirmation page and receipt for the transaction, which should be saved carefully.
Selection Process for Sports Authority of India Assistant Director
The selection process for the Assistant Director post in SAI typically involves a multi-stage process to evaluate candidates on various parameters, including academic knowledge, aptitude, and practical experience. The process ensures that only the most suitable candidates are selected for these critical administrative roles.
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
The primary stage of selection for the Sports Authority of India Assistant Director Recruitment 2026 is a Computer Based Test (CBT). This exam assesses a candidate's general aptitude and specific domain knowledge related to sports administration. The CBT usually consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is divided into several sections. The exact exam pattern (number of questions, total marks, time duration) will be detailed in the official notification. Based on previous similar recruitments, the CBT for SAI Assistant Director typically covers: General Awareness/Knowledge (including current affairs related to sports), Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. There may also be a specific section dedicated to Sports Management and Administration principles, testing a candidate's understanding of the field.
Stage 2: Interview/Personal Interaction
Candidates who qualify in the CBT by achieving the minimum qualifying marks will be shortlisted for the interview round. The interview stage is designed to assess a candidate's personality, communication skills, leadership potential, and practical knowledge related to sports administration challenges. The interview panel will evaluate the candidate's suitability for a leadership role within SAI. The weightage for the interview and the CBT will be specified in the notification. The final merit list will be prepared based on the combined performance in both stages.
Stage 3: Document Verification
Before final selection, all shortlisted candidates will undergo a thorough document verification process. Candidates must present original copies of all educational certificates, experience certificates, identity proof, and caste/category certificates for verification. Discrepancies found during this process will lead to immediate cancellation of candidature.
Salary Structure and Job Profile for SAI Assistant Director
The Assistant Director post at Sports Authority of India offers a competitive salary structure as per the provisions of the 7th Pay Commission. This position falls under Pay Level 10 of the Pay Matrix. The pay scale generally ranges from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500. In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates are entitled to various allowances, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other benefits applicable to central government employees. The total monthly salary, including all allowances, can be significantly higher than the basic pay, making it an attractive career option.
The job profile of an Assistant Director in SAI is multifaceted and demanding. Key responsibilities include assisting senior officials in policy implementation, supervising various sports training programs, managing logistics for national and international events, overseeing financial management of projects, and collaborating with state governments and sports federations to promote sports development. The Assistant Director plays a vital role in ensuring efficient functioning of SAI facilities and programs across the country.
Resources for Applicants
Candidates preparing for the SAI Assistant Director Recruitment 2026 can utilize various resources available online. The official notification provides specific details about the syllabus and exam pattern. For comprehensive information and updates, reliable sources like Sarkari Result All (https://www.sarkariresultall.in/) regularly update candidates on exam dates, admit cards, results, and other important news related to government jobs. Additionally, numerous study materials and mock tests are available online to help candidates prepare for the quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and domain knowledge sections of the exam.
Important Links Table
All essential links related to the Sports Authority of India Assistant Director Recruitment 2026 are provided below for easy access. Candidates should bookmark these links for future reference throughout the recruitment process.
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Download | Available on 29 December 2025 |
| Apply Online Link | Active from 29 December 2025 |
| Official Website (SAI) | sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about SAI Assistant Director Recruitment 2026
Q1. When does the application process for the Sports Authority of India Assistant Director Recruitment 2026 begin?A. The online application process for the SAI Assistant Director posts begins on 29 December 2025. Candidates can apply from this date through the official website.
Q2. What is the total number of vacancies for the Assistant Director post?A. As per the notification, there are 10 posts available for the Assistant Director recruitment. This number is currently tentative and may be subject to changes.
Q3. What educational qualifications are required to apply for the SAI Assistant Director position?A. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. A postgraduate degree in sports management, physical education, or business administration is preferred and often considered highly beneficial for this role.
Q4. What is the selection process for the Assistant Director position in Sports Authority of India?A. The selection process consists of two main stages: a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates. The final merit list will be determined based on performance in both stages.
Q5. Is there an age relaxation for reserved categories in the SAI Assistant Director Recruitment?A. Yes, age relaxation is provided for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, PwBD) as per the guidelines of the Government of India. The specific details of age relaxation are mentioned in the official notification.
Q6. What is the last date to apply for the Sports Authority of India Assistant Director Recruitment 2026?A. The last date to submit the online application form for the SAI Assistant Director recruitment is 29 January 2026. Candidates must complete the application process before this deadline.
Q7. What is the salary offered for an Assistant Director in SAI?A. The salary for an Assistant Director in SAI follows the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix, typically falling under Pay Level 10. The basic pay starts from Rs. 56,100, along with various allowances such as HRA, DA, and TA.