The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has officially released the SDAT Coach Recruitment 2026 notification for the appointment of 34 Coaches, including Regular Coaches and Differently Abled (Para) Coaches. This recruitment drive aims to strengthen sports coaching across Tamil Nadu by appointing qualified and experienced professionals in various sporting disciplines.
Eligible candidates possessing a Bachelor’s Degree along with an approved Sports Coaching Diploma or PG Diploma can apply through the online application mode. The online registration process started on 05 January 2026, and the last date to submit the application form is 25 January 2026 (up to 5:00 PM).
SDAT Coach & Para Coach Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) |
| Notification No. | 544573/HR1A/2025 |
| Post Name | Coach (Regular) & Coach – Para |
| Total Vacancies | 34 |
| Regular Coach Posts | 30 |
| Para Coach Posts | 4 |
| Pay Scale | Level 12 – ₹35,600 to ₹1,30,800 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 05 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 January 2026 (till 5:00 PM) |
| Minimum Age | 21 Years |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 05 January 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 05 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 25 January 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Crucial Date for Age | 01 July 2026 |
| Tentative Test Dates | To be announced on SDAT website |
SDAT Coach Vacancy Details 2026
Overall Vacancy Summary
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Coach (Regular) | 30 |
| Coach – Para (Differently Abled) | 4 |
| Total | 34 |
Category-wise Distribution – Regular Coaches (30 Posts)
Vacancies are distributed among General Turn, BC, MBC/DC, SC, ST, Women, PSTM, Destitute Widow, and Backlog categories in accordance with Tamil Nadu Government reservation norms.
Vacancies for Coach – Para
- Backlog Vacancies: 3
- Current Rotation: 1
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification – Regular Coach
- A Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 3 years duration) from a UGC-recognised University or Institution.
Professional Coaching Qualification (Required)
Candidates must possess any one of the following:
- One-year Diploma / Certificate in Sports Coaching (minimum 10 months) from NIS, SAI
- PG Diploma in Sports Coaching from:
- Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University
- Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior
Sports Representation – Regular Coach
Applicants must have represented:
- Tamil Nadu State in National Championships, National Games, SGFI, or competitions organised by recognised National Federations, OR
- Any Tamil Nadu University in Inter-University National-level competitions in the relevant discipline.
Eligibility – Coach (Para)
- Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 years duration from a UGC-recognised institution.
- Must have represented Tamil Nadu State in games or championships conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) or recognised federations.
- Persons with Benchmark Disability must submit a valid Disability Certificate as per RPwD Rules, 2017.
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026)
- Minimum Age (All Posts): 21 Years
Maximum Age – Regular Coaches
- SC / SC(A) / ST / MBC / DC / BC / BCM: 50 Years
- Others (Unreserved): 45 Years
- Destitute Widow: 50 Years
Maximum Age – Coach (Para)
- Persons with Benchmark Disability: 55 Years
Salary Structure
- Pay Scale: Level 12 – ₹35,600 to ₹1,30,800
- Pay and allowances will be governed by the rules of Government of Tamil Nadu and SDAT.
Selection Process
Selection will be conducted in three levels, with a total score of 100 marks, for both Regular Coaches and Para Coaches.
Selection Process – Regular Coaches
| Level | Component | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | Professional Qualification + Medals + Coaching Experience | 50 |
| Level II | Tamil Language Test + Sports General Awareness (MCQ) | 35 |
| Level III | Discipline-specific Performance Evaluation & Viva | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
Selection Process – Coach (Para)
| Level | Component | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | Medals + Coaching Experience | 50 |
| Level II | Tamil Test + Sports General Awareness | 35 |
| Level III | Performance Evaluation & Viva | 15 |
| Total | 100 |
- Tamil Test is qualifying-cum-scoring with a minimum 40% marks required.
- Merit list will be prepared based on total score and reservation policy.
- Tie-breaking will be decided by Level III score, then Level I score, followed by date of birth (senior candidate preferred).
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official SDAT website.
- Register and fill the online application form with accurate details.
- Upload scanned copies of:
- Photograph and signature
- Educational certificates (10th, 12th, Degree)
- Coaching qualification certificates
- Sports achievement and medal certificates
- Coaching experience documents
- Community / Special category certificates (if applicable)
- Submit the application before 25 January 2026 (5:00 PM).
- Keep a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
