Sports Authority of India Deputy Director Recruitment 2026

Sports Authority of India (SAI) Deputy Director Recruitment 2026: An Opportunity in Sports Administration

The Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Department of Sports, Government of India, has released an official notification for the recruitment of 11 Deputy Director posts. This recruitment, advertised under notification number 01-04001(03)/3/2026-66/751, is on a deputation basis, offering a significant opportunity for experienced government officers to contribute to the nation's sports ecosystem.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

The Deputy Director role at SAI is a prestigious position, instrumental in driving key initiatives across various sports disciplines and administrative functions. Selected candidates will be involved in strategic planning, program implementation, and operational management to foster sports development across the country. Interested and eligible officers can apply offline, with the last date for application submission being 20 November 2026. Candidates interested in similar roles may also want to check the Sports Authority of India High Performance Director Recruitment 2026 recruitment details.

Eligibility Criteria for SAI Deputy Director Posts

Candidates aspiring for the Deputy Director position at the Sports Authority of India must meet specific eligibility conditions, primarily centered around their existing service cadre and experience on deputation.

Educational Qualification & Experience:

• Educational Qualification: The official notification does not specify a minimum educational qualification.
• Deputation Eligibility: Applicants must be officers holding an analogous post as Deputy Director (Pay Level-11) or equivalent in their parent cadre/department. Alternatively, candidates with at least 5 years of regular service in Pay Level-10 (Rs. 56,100–1,77,500) are also eligible to apply.
• Required Experience: A minimum of 5 years of regular service in the specified pay level is essential, indicating that this recruitment is for experienced professionals within the government sector.

Age Limit:

• Maximum Age: The age of the applicant should not exceed 56 years as on the opening date of receipt of application, which is 21 October 2026.
• Age Relaxation: No specific category-wise age relaxation is mentioned in the official notification.

Salary Structure and Service Benefits (Pay Level 11)

The Deputy Director position at the Sports Authority of India offers an attractive remuneration package as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC).

• Pay Level: Selected candidates will be placed in Pay Level-11 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
• Pay Scale: The corresponding pay scale for Level-11 ranges from Rs. 67,700 to Rs. 2,08,700.
• Gross Salary: Along with the basic pay, employees will receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other allowances as per government rules. The estimated gross salary will be approximately Rs. 1.21 lakh per month, with an in-hand salary of around Rs. 1.05 lakh per month.

This position is contractual in nature for an initial duration of 2 years, extendable up to an additional 1 year, subject to organizational requirements and vacancy availability. This offers a substantial professional growth avenue within the central government framework.

Selection Process for Deputy Director

The selection process for the Sports Authority of India Deputy Director Recruitment 2026 is designed to identify highly experienced and capable officers suitable for this key administrative role. There will be no written examination for this deputation-based recruitment.

• Stage 1: Interview: Eligible candidates, after scrutiny of their applications, will be called for an interview. This stage will assess their administrative acumen, experience, and suitability for the role.
• Stage 2: Merit List Preparation: A final merit list will be prepared by the Selection Committee based on the performance in the interview.
• Stage 3: Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted in the merit list will undergo a thorough document verification process to ensure all submitted credentials are authentic and meet the requirements.

Application Fee

Prospective applicants will be pleased to note that no application fee is mentioned in the official notification for the SAI Deputy Director Recruitment 2026. Therefore, all eligible candidates can apply without any financial burden.

Important Dates to Remember

Candidates must take note of the following crucial dates for the SAI Deputy Director recruitment:

• Application Opening Date: 21 October 2026
• Application Closing Date: 20 November 2026, by 05:00 PM

Ensure that your application, complete in all respects, reaches the designated address well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Offline

The application for the Deputy Director posts at SAI is strictly offline. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful application submission:

1. Download Application Form: Visit the official Sports Authority of India website (sportsauthorityofindia.gov.in) and download the prescribed application format (Annexure-I) available with the official notification.
2. Fill the Form: Complete the application form accurately and legibly. Ensure all required details are filled and the form is duly signed by you.
3. Countersignature: It is mandatory to get the application countersigned with the official seal by your Cadre or Appointing Authority. This is a crucial step for deputation applications.
4. Attach Documents: Gather all necessary documents as listed below and attach attested copies with your application form.
5. Prepare Duplicate Copy: The application must be submitted in duplicate (two identical sets of the application form and all enclosures).
6. Submission Address: Send the completed application form along with all enclosures, through proper channel, to the following address:

   O/o the Director (Human Resources Division-II),
   Room No. 211, Sports Authority of India,
   Head Office, Gate No. 10 (East Gate),
   Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Lodhi Road,
   New Delhi-110003

7. Advance Copy (Optional but Recommended): While the application must be routed through the proper channel, it is advisable to send an advance copy directly to the same address. However, remember that final consideration will only be given upon receipt of the application forwarded through your parent department.
8. Deadline: Ensure your application reaches the aforementioned address on or before 20 November 2026 by 05:00 PM.

Essential Documents Checklist

Candidates must ensure they attach attested copies of the following documents along with their application form:

• Prescribed Application Form: Duly completed and signed Annexure-I.
• Countersignature Proof: Application form countersigned with official seal by the Cadre or Appointing Authority.
• Proof of Age: Birth Certificate or equivalent document.
• Proof of Qualification: Certificates/marksheets for relevant educational qualifications.
• Proof of Experience: Service certificates detailing regular service in the required pay level.
• Research Documents: If applicable, any relevant research documents.
• ACRs/APARs: Attested copies of Annual Confidential Reports / Annual Performance Appraisal Reports for the last 5 years.
• Integrity Certificate: Issued by the competent authority.
• Vigilance Clearance Certificate: Issued by the competent authority.
• No Major or Minor Penalty Certificate: Confirming no major or minor penalty imposed during the last 5 years.
• Verification Certificate: As per service records in Annexure-II of the official notification.
• Cadre Clearance Certificate: Issued by the competent authority.