SDAT Coach Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 34 Posts

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT)  has released an official notification for the recruitment of 34 Coach Posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Online through the official SDAT website. The last date to submit the application form is 25-01-2026. In this article, you’ll find the SDAT Coach Posts recruitment details, including eligibility criteria, age limit, salary structure, selection process, application steps, and direct links to the official notification and Online application form.

SDAT Coach & Para Coach Recruitment 2026 Overview

SDAT Coach Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details 

Eligibility Criteria

• Coach (Regular) – Educational Qualification: Any Bachelor’s Degree of not less than 3 years duration from any University or Institution recognized by the University Grants Commission.
• Coach (Regular) – Professional Qualification (in major discipline or sub-discipline applied for): - One year Diploma/Certificate in Sports Coaching of not less than 10 months duration issued by National Institute of Sports (NIS), Sports Authority of India, OR - PG Diploma in Sports Coaching obtained from Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, OR - PG Diploma in Sports Coaching obtained from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior.
• Coach (Regular) – Sports Representation: Must have represented Tamil Nadu State in National School Games Federation Competitions or National Championships/Competitions at Junior or Senior Level organized by respective National Federations or National Games, OR represented any University in Tamil Nadu in Inter-University National level competitions in the discipline applied for.
• Coach - Para (Differently Abled Coaches) – Educational Qualification: Any Bachelor’s Degree of not less than 3 years duration from UGC-recognized University/Institution.
• Coach - Para – Sports Representation: Must have represented Tamil Nadu State in the Games/Championships conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and recognized Federations.
• Order of Studies: Required qualifications must have been obtained in the order 10th + HSC or its equivalent / Diploma + UG Degree.
• Disability Certificate (for eligible Para vacancies): Persons with Benchmark Disability should submit Disability Certificate in the format prescribed in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017, issued by competent authority defined in G.O.(Ms) No.28, Welfare of Differently Abled Persons (DAP 3.1), dated 27.07.2018.
• Age (Regular Coaches, as on 01.07.2026): - SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BC(OBCM)s, BCMs: Not above 50 years. - “Others” (not belonging to above categories): Not above 45 years. - Destitute Widow: Not above 50 years.
• Age (Coach - Para, as on 01.07.2026): Persons with Benchmark Disability (for eligible vacancies only): Not above 55 years.

Salary/Stipend

• Scale of Pay for both Coach and Coach - Para: Level 12 (Rs.35,600 – 1,30,800).
• Pay and allowances are governed by the applicable rules of Government of Tamil Nadu and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.

Age Limit (as on 01-07-2026)

• Minimum Age for all Coach posts (Regular and Para): 21 years.
• Maximum Age – Regular Coaches: - SCs, SC(A)s, STs, MBCs/DCs, BC(OBCM)s, BCMs: 50 years. - “Others” (not belonging to above categories): 45 years. - Destitute Widow: 50 years.
• Maximum Age – Coach - Para (Persons with Benchmark Disability for eligible vacancies): 55 years.

Application Fee

• The recruitment notification does not specify any application fee.

Important Dates

Selection Process

• Selection is in three stages for Regular Coaches and Coach - Para, with a total score of 100 (converted from specified components).

• Level II Tamil Language Test is of qualifying cum scoring nature; candidates must secure at least 40% marks to qualify.
• Level II Sports General Awareness test comprises MCQs on current affairs in sports, welfare schemes, PoSH Act in sports context, anti-doping, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (sports context), sports medicine/physiology/first aid (as in NIS Diploma syllabus) and related topics.
• Level III performance evaluation includes on-field assessment (talent identification and development, coaching skills, tactics and strategy, techniques, psychological training, error correction, biomechanics) and viva voce on training programme formulation, goal setting, nutrition, performance monitoring, rules knowledge and sports science.
• For computation of NIS marks in Level I, a specified formula using the candidate’s marks, maximum marks and assigned weightage is given in the notification.
• Medal scoring uses a detailed table with different scores for medals in Olympics/Paralympics, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, South Asian Games, National Games, National Championships, All India Inter University, Khelo India, SGFI, and State Games conducted by SDAT/Government or recognized associations.
• Coaching experience scoring is based on experience (as on 01.01.2026) in Sports Departments/Authorities (State/Union Govt/Sports Universities), accredited sports academies/training centres/government recognized commercial sports arms, and sports departments of other universities/colleges/schools.
• Merit list is prepared based on total score and reservation policy; tie-breaking is done by Level III score, then Level I score, then date of birth (older candidate preferred).

General Information/Instructions

• Applications are invited through online mode only from eligible candidates who wish to join SDAT as Coach by direct recruitment; candidates registered with Employment Exchange are also eligible to apply online.
• Only Indian Nationals are eligible to apply, and candidates must carefully read the notification and ensure they satisfy all eligibility conditions before applying.
• Selected candidates will undergo a two-year probationary period as per applicable rules.
• Appointment is subject to verification of character and antecedents, marital status conditions, age compliance and production of physical fitness certificate from a Registered Medical Practitioner not below the rank of Assistant Civil Surgeon.
• If no qualified suitable women applicants are available for reserved women vacancies, they will be filled by male applicants of the respective communal categories.
• For vacancies reserved for Arunthathiyars on preferential basis, unfilled posts may be filled by other Scheduled Castes as per prevailing reservation rules.
• Candidates must furnish correct information regarding arrests, convictions, debarment/disqualification, criminal or disciplinary proceedings, participation in agitations or political organizations, or candidature in elections, if any.
• Applications with wrong claims relating to basic qualification, eligibility, age or educational qualification will be liable for rejection.
• SDAT’s decision regarding eligibility, documents, mode of selection, schedule and all recruitment matters is final; announcements/details will be published only on https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/.
• Only the latest valid application will be retained if multiple applications are submitted; any attempt to exert undue influence results in disqualification.
• Candidates must upload a recent recognizable photograph and ensure identical signatures in all documents; they must appear for performance tests at their own expense and final appointment is subject to medical fitness and other requirements.
• Information/Intimations will be sent by email to the primary email ID provided; candidates must keep email and mobile valid and monitor the SDAT website for updates.
• Selection is provisional and subject to final orders in any Writ Petitions pending before competent Courts related to this recruitment.

How to Apply

• Candidates must apply only through online mode via the SDAT website: https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/ within 05.01.2026 to 25.01.2026 till 5.00 PM.
• Candidates must register and fill the online application with accurate personal details, educational qualifications, professional qualifications, sports achievements and coaching experience as required.
• Candidates must upload a recent passport size photograph and necessary scanned documents as per instructions in the online portal.
• Copies of documents to be kept ready for upload/verification include: 10th mark sheet, 12th mark sheet, community certificate, special category certificate (if applicable), UG/PG degree certificate, NIS Diploma certificate, experience certificates/pay slips/IT returns and medal certificates.
• All original documents must be produced for verification as per schedule intimated by SDAT after online application and during subsequent stages.

SDAT Coach Important Links

• Apply Online: Click here
• Official Notification PDF: Click here
• Official Website: Click here 
• Join Arattai Channel: Click Here
• Join Telegram Channel: Click Here
• Join WhatsApp Channel: Click Here
• Sarkari Result: Click Here
• Download Mobile App: Click Here