Overview
The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) is recruiting 34 Coaches for various sports disciplines. This is an excellent opportunity for sports professionals with relevant qualifications and achievements to work with a prestigious government sports organization. The recruitment is conducted through online application, with selection based on qualifications, sports achievements, coaching experience, and performance evaluation.
Organization
Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) Government of Tamil Nadu, India Official Website: https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/
Total Vacancies: 34 Posts
| Position | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Coach (Regular) | 30 |
| Coach – Para (Differently Abled) | 4 |
| TOTAL | 34 |
Regular Coaches (30 Posts) – Category Breakdown:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General Turn (GT) | 4 |
| General Turn Women (GT-W) | 2 |
| General Turn Tamil Medium (GT-PSTM) | 1 |
| Backward Class OBCM | 4 |
| Backward Class OBCM Women | 1 |
| Backward Class OBCM Women Tamil Medium | 1 |
| Backward Class Muslim (BC-M) | 3 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 3 |
| Scheduled Caste Tamil Medium | 1 |
| Scheduled Caste Women Tamil Medium | 1 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 1 |
| Most Backward Class / Denotified Communities | 4 |
| Total Regular Coaches | 30 |
Differently Abled Coaches (Para) – 4 Posts:
- Backlog Posts: 3
- Current Rotation: 1
- Total Coach-Para: 4
Post Type
Permanent Government Position – These are regular government jobs with career growth opportunities and benefits under Tamil Nadu government rules.
Job Type
✅ Full-time Government Coaching Position ✅ Permanent Employment with Probation ✅ Various Sports Disciplines
Application Mode: Online Only
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the SDAT website. No offline or physical applications are accepted.
Official Website
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 05 January 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 05 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 25 January 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Age Reference Date | 01 July 2026 |
| Tentative Test Dates | To be announced on website |
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Coach (Regular) – Essential Qualifications:
✅ Academic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 years duration from a UGC-recognized university or institution
✅ Professional Sports Coaching Qualification (Any ONE of the following):
- One-year Diploma/Certificate in Sports Coaching (minimum 10 months) from National Institute of Sports (NIS)
- One-year Diploma/Certificate from Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University
- Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), Gwalior
✅ Sports Achievement (Mandatory):
- Must have represented Tamil Nadu State in National School Games Federation Competitions
- OR Represented in National Championships/Competitions at Junior or Senior level organized by respective National Federations
- OR Represented in National Games
- OR Represented any Tamil Nadu University in Inter-University National level competitions in the applied discipline
Coach – Para (Differently Abled) – Essential Qualifications:
✅ Academic Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 years from UGC-recognized university
✅ Sports Achievement: Must have represented Tamil Nadu State in Games/Championships conducted by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and recognized Federations
✅ Disability Requirement: Must possess valid Disability Certificate (Benchmark Disability) issued as per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017
💰 Salary/Stipend Details (Per Month)
Pay Scale: Level 12 (Rs. 35,600 – Rs. 1,30,800)
Salary and allowances are governed by the applicable rules of the Government of Tamil Nadu and SDAT.
⏳ Age Limit (As on 01 July 2026)
Coach (Regular):
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST/MBC/BC/Destitute Widow | 21 years | 50 years |
| General & Others | 21 years | 45 years |
Coach – Para (Differently Abled):
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Persons with Benchmark Disability | 21 years | 55 years |
🎯 Selection Process
Selection is conducted in 3 Levels with a total score of 100 marks.
Level I – Qualifications & Achievements (50 marks):
For Regular Coaches:
- Professional Qualification Marks: 25 marks (based on NIS/SAI/PG Diploma marks using a prescribed formula)
- Medals in Sports Discipline: 15 marks (Olympics/Paralympics, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, National Games, National Championships, etc.)
- Coaching Experience: 10 marks (experience as on 01 January 2026 in sports departments, academies, training centers, and educational institutions)
For Para Coaches:
- Medals in Sports Discipline: 30 marks
- Coaching Experience: 20 marks
Level II – Written Tests (35 marks):
✅ Tamil Language Test: 10 marks (Qualifying + Scoring) – Minimum 40% marks required to qualify ✅ Sports General Awareness: 25 marks (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Current affairs in sports
- Welfare schemes for sports
- Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) in sports
- Anti-doping regulations
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in sports context
- Sports medicine, physiology, first aid
Level III – Performance Evaluation (15 marks):
✅ Discipline-specific Performance Evaluation including:
- On-field assessment (talent identification, coaching skills, tactics, techniques, psychological training, error correction)
- Viva-Voce on training program formulation, goal setting, nutrition, performance monitoring, rules knowledge, and sports science
Merit List Preparation:
- Based on total score from all three levels
- Reservation policy applied as per Tamil Nadu norms
- Tie-breaking: Level III score → Level I score → Date of birth (older candidate preferred)
📑 How to Apply
Step 1: Visit Official Portal
- Go to https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/
- Look for “Coach Recruitment 2026” notification
- Read all instructions carefully
Step 2: Register Online
- Create an account on the SDAT application portal
- Provide email ID and mobile number
- Set a strong password
Step 3: Fill Application Form
- Enter personal details accurately
- Provide educational qualifications (10th, 12th, graduation marks)
- Enter professional qualification details (NIS/SAI/PG Diploma marks)
- List sports achievements and medals
- Details coaching experience with dates and institutions
- Select your preferred sports discipline
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload the following documents in the specified format:
✅ 10th class mark sheet ✅ 12th class mark sheet ✅ Bachelor’s degree certificate/transcripts ✅ NIS/SAI/PG Diploma certificate & mark sheet ✅ Community certificate (if applicable) ✅ Special category certificate (if applicable) ✅ Disability certificate (for Para coaches) ✅ Medal certificates/achievement proofs ✅ Experience certificates/pay slips/IT returns ✅ Recent passport-size photograph ✅ Signature (clear and recognizable)
Step 5: Review & Submit
- Carefully check all information
- Verify document uploads
- Ensure all fields are correctly filled
- Submit application before deadline (25 January 2026, 5:00 PM)
Step 6: Keep Confirmation
- Save application reference number
- Download confirmation receipt
- Keep for future reference
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Have these documents ready before applying:
✅ Educational Documents:
- 10th Class Certificate/Mark Sheet
- 12th Class Certificate/Mark Sheet
- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate
- Bachelor’s Mark Sheets/Transcripts
✅ Professional Qualification:
- NIS/SAI Diploma Certificate
- PG Diploma Certificate (if applicable)
- Marks obtained in professional qualification
✅ Sports Achievement Proof:
- Medal certificates
- Competition participation certificates
- Achievement documents from National Federations
✅ Experience Documents:
- Coaching experience certificates
- Employment letters
- Pay slips or IT returns (proof of income)
✅ Personal Documents:
- Aadhar Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
✅ Category Certificates (if applicable):
- Community/Caste Certificate
- Special Category Certificate
- Disability Certificate (Benchmark Disability for Para coaches)
✅ Photographs & Signature:
- Recent passport-size photograph (color or B&W)
- Clear signature on white paper
📘 Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | sdatservices.tn.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF | View PDF |
| Official SDAT Website | https://www.sdat.tn.gov.in/ |
Important Notes & Instructions
✅ Application Submission: Only online applications through the SDAT portal will be accepted between 05-25 January 2026
✅ Accurate Information: All information must be correct. Applications with false claims regarding qualifications or eligibility will be rejected
✅ Only Latest Application Retained: If you submit multiple applications, only the latest one will be considered
✅ Probation Period: Selected candidates must complete a 2-year probationary period as per Tamil Nadu government rules
✅ Physical Fitness Certificate: Final appointment is subject to medical fitness certificate from a Registered Medical Practitioner (Assistant Civil Surgeon or equivalent)
✅ Women Reservations: If qualified women candidates are not available for reserved positions, they may be filled by eligible male candidates of the same category
✅ Email & SMS Updates: Important notifications will be sent to your registered email and mobile. Keep them active and monitor the website regularly
✅ Court Orders: Selection is provisional and subject to any Writ Petitions pending before courts
✅ No Application Fee: No fee is charged for online application
FAQ
Q: How many Coach vacancies are available? A: Total 34 positions – 30 Regular Coaches and 4 Para Coaches (Differently Abled).
Q: What qualifications are required? A: Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 3 years) + Sports Coaching Diploma/PG Diploma from recognized institutions + Sports achievement representation.
Q: What is the age limit? A: Minimum 21 years. Maximum 45 years for General, 50 years for SC/ST/OBC/Reserved categories, and 55 years for Para Coaches with Benchmark Disability.
Q: What is the salary? A: Level 12 pay scale (Rs. 35,600 – Rs. 1,30,800 per month).
Q: Can I apply if I don’t have sports achievements? A: No, sports representation at state or national level is mandatory.
Q: What happens in Level II Tamil Test? A: It’s a qualifying test where you must score at least 40% to proceed to Level III. It also carries 10 marks in the final score.
Q: When will exam dates be announced? A: Dates will be uploaded on the SDAT website as per the notification schedule.
Last Updated: January 7, 2026
