Sports Authority of India (SAI) Recruitment 2025 – Chief Coach on LPD Minus Pension Basis

The Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has invited applications from retired individuals for the position of Chief Coach on a contractual basis. The engagement is on “Last Pay Drawn (LPD) minus pension” basis for a tenure of one year or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. This initiative aims to leverage the expertise of experienced sports professionals to enhance the training and performance of athletes at national and international levels. SAI, with its world-class infrastructure and trained coaching staff, ensures that candidates are deployed at centers across India where its schemes are being implemented, contributing to the growth and excellence of sports in the country.

Important Dates

• Start Date of Online Application: 27 August 2025, 10:00 AM
• Last Date for Online Application Submission: 26 September 2025, 05:00 PM

Vacancy Details

• Name of Post: Chief Coach
• Number of Posts: 30
• Pay Level: Level-12 (Rs. 78,800 – Rs. 2,09,200) under Pay Band-3
• Grade Pay: Rs. 7,600
• Tenure: 1 year or until the candidate reaches 65 years of age, whichever is earlier

The Chief Coach will be posted on an all-India basis, depending on the operational needs of SAI centers. Candidates may be required to relocate to various locations where SAI schemes are active.

Application Fees

• Application Fee: Not Applicable
• Mode of Payment: N/A

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit

• Candidates must not exceed 64 years of age as on the opening date of the application.

Educational Qualification

• Diploma or equivalent in coaching from SAI, NS NIS, or any recognized Indian/foreign university,
  OR
• Olympic/Paralympic participation, including medal winners or athletes who have represented India in international competitions,
  OR
• Recipients of the Dronacharya Award,
  OR
• Minimum of 3 years of coaching experience in relevant sports from any recognized government or private institute.

Experience Requirement

Candidates must have retired from a central/state government, public sector undertaking, autonomous body, statutory organization, or recognized university/educational institute. The experience criteria are as follows:

• Officers holding an analogous post in their parent cadre/department,
  OR
• Officers with 5 years of regular service in Pay Level-11 (Rs. 67,700 – 2,08,700),
  OR
• Officers with 10 years of regular service in Pay Level-10/11 with at least 2 years in Pay Level-11.

Salary and Remuneration

• The remuneration will be on a “Last Pay Drawn Minus Pension” basis, i.e., the last salary received at the time of retirement minus the pension amount.
• No annual increment, percentage increase, or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be provided during the contract tenure.
• The fixed monthly remuneration will remain unchanged for the entire term of engagement.

Other Allowances

• Transport Allowance: Rs. 5,580 or Rs. 11,160 per month depending on the place of posting.
• TA/DA: Not applicable for joining or completing the assignment.
• Other Benefits: No HRA, medical reimbursement, residential phone, private staff, LTC, or additional facilities will be provided.

Term of Engagement

• The term of appointment is 1 year or until the candidate reaches 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
• The extension of the contract will depend on performance evaluation and organizational requirements.
• Continuous performance review will be conducted, and extensions will be granted based on merit.

Leave Entitlement

• The Chief Coach is entitled to 1.5 days leave per month on a pro-rata basis, equivalent to 18 days per year.
• Any unavailed leave in a calendar year will lapse and cannot be carried forward to the next year.
• No remuneration will be paid for absence beyond 18 days in a calendar year.

Confidentiality and Conduct

• During the contract, candidates may have access to confidential information, including coaching data, athlete performance analysis, psychological testing, business and financial information, and technical strategies.
• Candidates must not publish any book, article, or broadcast content using information gathered during their engagement without prior written approval from competent authority.
• They must comply with the Indian Official Secrets Act, 1923, and ensure no unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.
• Employees cannot provide advice or represent opinions that may be adverse to the interests of SAI or the Government.

Selection Process

• Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria will be called for an interview.
• Selection will be based on the recommendations of the duly appointed Selection Committee.
• TA/DA will not be provided for the interview.
• Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection for the interview.

Terms and Conditions

• Contractual engagement only; does not confer any rights as a permanent government employee.
• Misconduct, negligence of duties, or unauthorized absence can lead to immediate termination.
• SAI reserves the right to modify, cancel, or terminate the recruitment process at any stage.
• Disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of Delhi courts, and the decision of the Director General of SAI will be final.
• Candidates must adhere to office discipline, decorum, and follow CCS Conduct Rules, 1964.
• SAI may create a panel of qualified candidates, valid for one year, for future deployment across its schemes/projects.

How to Apply

• Applications must be submitted online only.
• Candidates need a valid email ID, which should remain active until the recruitment process is complete.
• Self-attested documents to be uploaded include:
  1. Proof of date of birth (Aadhar, 10th/12th mark sheet)
  2. Certificates of educational qualifications and experience
  3. Passport-size color photograph and scanned signature
  4. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer (if applicable)
  5. Last pay drawn certificate
  6. Pension Pay Order
• Applications submitted in any other format or missing documents will be rejected.
• Candidates should regularly check their emails for updates regarding the recruitment process.

Important Notes

• Candidates are advised to carefully ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
• Applications failing to meet the required qualifications or submitted in incorrect formats will be disqualified.
• SAI’s decision regarding eligibility, selection, posting, and final appointment will be binding and final.