Andaman & Nicobar State Sports Council Coach Recruitment 2026: Apply for 20 Contractual Posts

A&N State Sports Council Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Andaman & Nicobar State Sports Council (A&N SSC) has officially announced a significant recruitment drive for the year 2026, inviting applications for contractual Coaches and Instructors across 12 distinct sports disciplines. This notification, released on 05 February 2026, marks an excellent opportunity for sports professionals to contribute to the athletic development of the Union Territory. With a total of 20 vacancies, the council seeks dedicated individuals for roles ranging from Gym Instructor and Football Coach to specialized positions in Chess and Swimming. The recruitment is conducted purely on a contractual basis, with an initial tenure of one year, and is extendable based on performance. Candidates must note that this is an offline-only application process, requiring physical submission of documents to the council's office in Sri Vijaya Puram by the deadline of 15 February 2026.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

Eligibility for these posts is primarily based on discipline-specific qualifications and physical fitness. The council has outlined clear preference criteria for each sport, awarding marks for recognized coaching diplomas (like from SAI/NSNIS), national/international achievements, and relevant degrees like BPED/MPED. A critical aspect of the selection is the 100-mark evaluation, split evenly between educational qualifications (50 marks) and a Physical Fitness/Skill Test (50 marks). Applicants must be prepared for posting anywhere across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The appointment offers a consolidated monthly remuneration of ₹32,000. It is vital for candidates to understand the contractual nature of the job, which does not include benefits like medical reimbursement, LTC, or any promise of future regularization, as explicitly stated in the notification.

About Important Dates of A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

The timeline for the A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026 is concise and strict, reflecting the immediate requirement for these positions. The notification was released on 05 February 2026, and the entire application window is only ten days, closing on 15 February 2026 at 4:00 PM sharp. It is crucial to note that the cut-off date for determining age and educational qualification is also the closing date of receipt of application (15.02.2026). This means your age and possession of required certificates must be verified as on this date. The offline mode implies that candidates, especially those from remote locations or mainland India, must factor in sufficient time for postal delivery or courier to ensure their application packet reaches the Office of the General Secretary in Sri Vijaya Puram before the deadline. Applications received after 4:00 PM on the last date will not be considered.

About Application Fees for A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

A significant and candidate-friendly aspect of this recruitment is the absence of an application fee. The notification across all its pages does not specify any fee for any category of applicant (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS). This makes the application process financially barrier-free, encouraging a wider pool of talented coaches and sports instructors to apply. Since no payment is involved, candidates must focus entirely on preparing a complete and accurate application dossier. The lack of a fee receipt also means that the sole proof of application submission will be the acknowledgment of receipt by the A&N SSC office or a reliable postal/courier tracking slip. Candidates are advised to use a trackable postal service for submission to have proof of dispatch and delivery.

About Vacancy Details of A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

The vacancy distribution reveals a strategic placement of coaching talent across the islands. The posts are not just discipline-specific but also have location and gender specifications for certain roles. For instance, the three Gym Instructor posts are earmarked for specific locations and genders, indicating a tailored approach to community needs. Similarly, the Football coach vacancies are distributed across South Andaman, North & Middle Andaman, and Nicobar, ensuring geographic coverage. The "Female only" stipulation for the Swimming Coach and specific gender posts in Cycling highlight the council's focus on promoting women's participation in sports. Candidates must apply for a specific discipline and should be mentally prepared for posting in remote locations like Diglipur or Nicobar, as the notification clearly states "posting anywhere in A&N Islands." This distribution is crucial for planning one's application and future relocation if selected.

About Age Limit for A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

The age criteria for this recruitment offer a notable relaxation for female candidates, allowing them to apply up to the age of 50, compared to 45 for male candidates. This progressive measure recognizes the diverse career paths and re-entry of women into the professional sports sector. The cut-off date for age calculation is the closing date of the application, i.e., 15 February 2026. Age relaxation is explicitly mentioned for two categories: Government Servants and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. However, the extent of relaxation is not detailed in the notification; it is to be provided "as per GOI instructions" and a specific A&N Administration circular. Candidates claiming age relaxation must be prepared to submit the relevant government service or ST certificate from a competent authority to avail of the benefit during document verification.

About Eligibility Criteria for A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

The eligibility framework is meticulously designed to prioritize formal coaching education and high-level sporting achievement. The marking system under "Educational Qualification" (worth 50 marks in final selection) directly ties your certificates to your score. For most sports, a one-year Diploma from SAI or NSNIS, Patiala, is the gold standard, fetching the maximum 50 marks. This underscores the council's preference for institutionally trained coaches. The second preference for National/International medalists (40 marks) ensures that elite athletes with practical experience are also valued. The BPED/MPED route, while recognized, yields fewer marks (30). For Chess, the preference is uniquely tied to active FIDE or National Instructor licenses, with a strict clause against owning a chess academy to avoid conflict of interest. Candidates must self-assess and calculate their probable qualification marks before applying to gauge their competitiveness.

About Caste Category-Wise Vacancies for A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

A distinctive feature of this notification is the absence of any mention of caste-based reservations (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS) in the vacancy table or elsewhere in the document. The 20 posts are listed purely by sports discipline and location/gender specifications. This could imply that the recruitment is intended to be conducted on a purely merit-based system within each discipline, without horizontal reservations. However, candidates belonging to reserved categories should not be discouraged. The notification does mention age relaxation for ST candidates as per rules, indicating that ST status is recognized. It is advisable for such candidates to still apply, mention their category in the application, and submit relevant certificates. The final selection list or subsequent communications from the A&N SSC may provide clarity on reservation applicability during the document verification stage.

About Exam Pattern for A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

The selection process is a transparent, two-component evaluation totaling 100 marks, eliminating the uncertainty of a written exam. The first 50 marks are "locked in" based on the certificates you submit with your application. Your diploma, medal, or degree directly translates into a score (50, 40, or 30). The remaining 50 marks are entirely performance-based, earned on the day of the test. This places a premium on current physical fitness and core coaching skills. The "Specialized Skill Test" will likely involve demonstrating technical drills, training methods, and game understanding specific to your sport. Since there's no negative marking or objective test, candidates can focus on maximizing their score in these two practical areas. The final merit list will be a simple sum, making the process highly objective. Candidates should prepare to prove their mettle on the field, not just on paper.

About Physical Eligibility Criteria for A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) is rigorous and designed to assess the fundamental athleticism expected of a coach who must often demonstrate techniques. The four events test speed (50m sprint), explosive power (Standing Broad Jump), strength (Medicine Ball Throw), and endurance (1000m run). The marking scheme is detailed, with higher performance yielding more marks (up to 5 per event). It's important to note that the 50m sprint has a qualifying time limit; failing to complete within 7 seconds (Men) or 8 seconds (Women) may lead to disqualification. While the notification links this test to "Coaches," candidates for Gym Instructor posts must also be physically fit and should prepare for a similar assessment. Chess Instructors might be exempted or have a modified test. Aspirants should start dedicated physical training immediately to optimize their scores in this 50-mark segment, which can significantly impact the final ranking.

About Salary for A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

The offered remuneration of ₹32,000 per month is a consolidated amount, meaning it is a fixed sum with no additional allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA) or House Rent Allowance (HRA). This is a critical distinction from regular government pay scales. Candidates must evaluate this in the context of the contractual terms and the cost of living in the islands. The notification is explicit about the limited benefits: no medical coverage, no travel concessions (LTC), and a minimal leave policy of only 2 casual days per month. The weekly off is on Monday, which is typical for sports roles as weekends are often active for events and training. This structure is standard for project-based sports development roles and is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on field experience, but not for those looking for permanent government job security and perks.

About How to Apply for A&N SSC Coach Recruitment 2026

The application process is deliberately offline, requiring careful attention to physical document preparation. Since there is no online portal or application form to download, you must create your own application. It should be a formal letter, not just a form. The most common mistake will be incomplete applications or missing self-attestation on document copies. Every page of every certificate must bear your signature as a mark of self-attestation. Clearly stating the specific discipline (e.g., "Application for the post of Football Coach") is vital. Given the tight deadline and remote destination, using a reliable and speedy courier service with tracking is highly recommended. Applications sent by ordinary post risk missing the deadline. Retain a photocopy of your entire application packet and the courier receipt for future reference. There is no option for email submission.

Beyond the standard eligibility and selection details, this notification is governed by stringent contractual conditions that every applicant must understand and accept before applying.

Nature of Appointment and Implications

This recruitment is for a purely contractual engagement, explicitly stated as non-regularizable. The appointment letter will be a contract, not a government service order. This fundamental aspect means selected candidates will have no claim for absorption into the A&N SSC or any other government department in the future. The initial period is one year, extendable annually up to three years, but each extension is solely based on satisfactory performance as reviewed by the council. This performance-based extension underscores the importance of delivering tangible results in developing sports at the grassroots level. Candidates should view this as a fixed-term professional assignment focused on skill development and contribution, rather than a stepping stone to a permanent government career.

Operational Flexibility and Candidate Obligations

The A&N SSC reserves complete operational authority. The notification clearly states "posting anywhere in Andaman & Nicobar Islands" and that "no request for transfer during the contract period will be entertained." This is non-negotiable. You could be posted in the capital (Port Blair) or in a remote island like Car Nicobar or Diglipur, and you must serve there for the contract duration. Furthermore, the contract is terminable by either side with a one-month notice. The council can also terminate the contract without notice for unsatisfactory performance or misconduct. Selected candidates will be required to sign a formal agreement binding them to these terms. This level of flexibility and strictness is essential for the council to manage its resources across the challenging geography of the islands.

Benefits and Allowances – A Clear Disclaimer

The notification leaves no room for ambiguity regarding benefits. Apart from the fixed ₹32,000, no other monetary benefits or allowances are payable. This includes:

• No Dearness Allowance (DA) or House Rent Allowance (HRA).
• No Medical Reimbursement or health insurance.
• No Leave Travel Concession (LTC) or Travel Allowance (TA).
• No provision for encashment of earned leave.
• Only Casual Leave is granted at the rate of 2 days per completed month of service.

Candidates must factor in these conditions, especially regarding accommodation and healthcare, when considering the cost of relocating and living in the islands. This structure is typical for such contractual sports development roles but requires careful personal financial planning.

1. What is the last date to apply for A&N SSC Coach posts?

The completed offline application must reach the Office of the General Secretary, A&N State Sports Council, Sri Vijaya Puram, on or before 15 February 2026, 4:00 PM. Applications received after this time will be rejected.

2. Is there any application fee for this recruitment?

No. The official notification does not mention any application fee for any category of candidate. The application process is free of cost.

3. Can I apply online for these posts?

No. The recruitment is through offline mode only. You must send a physical application letter along with document copies via post/courier or submit it in person at the specified address.

4. I am a National level medalist but don't have a coaching diploma. Can I apply?

Yes. For most coaching posts, National medalists fall under the "2nd Preference" category and are eligible, scoring 40 marks for their qualification. You must also have passed secondary school from a recognized board.

5. Is there any age relaxation for OBC or SC candidates?

The notification specifically mentions age relaxation only for Government Servants and ST candidates as per rules. There is no explicit mention of relaxation for OBC or SC categories in the provided notification text.

6. What is the salary, and is it a permanent job?

The monthly remuneration is a consolidated ₹32,000. This is not a permanent job but a purely contractual appointment for one year, extendable up to three years based on performance. It does not lead to regularization.

7. Will the Physical Fitness Test be conducted for Gym Instructor and Chess posts?

The notification states the PFT is for "Coaches." Its applicability for Gym Instructors is not clarified but is likely. For Chess Instructors, it may not apply, but a specialized skill test will definitely be conducted. Await the call letter for specifics.

8. Can I choose my preferred location for posting?

No. The notification clearly states "posting anywhere in Andaman & Nicobar Islands" and that no request for transfer will be entertained during the contract period. You must be willing to serve anywhere you are posted.

9. What documents do I need to send with the application?

Send self-attested copies of: Application letter, Educational certificates, Coaching diplomas, Sports achievement proofs, Date of Birth proof, Experience certificates (if any), Category certificate (if claiming relaxation). Keep originals ready for later verification.

10. Is there a written exam for this recruitment?

No. There is no written exam mentioned. Selection is based on aggregate marks from your qualifications (50 marks) and performance in Physical Fitness/Skill Tests (50 marks).

11. How will the Chess Instructor be selected if they don't own an academy?

Selection for Chess Instructor is based on possessing an active FIDE or National Instructor License (60/40 marks) and performance in a specialized skill/trade test. The clause against owning an academy ensures the selected instructor's primary commitment is to the council's programs, not a private venture.

12. What happens after the initial one-year contract?

The contract is extendable annually, up to a maximum of 03 years. Each extension is contingent upon a satisfactory performance review by the A&N SSC. There is no automatic renewal.

13. Are travel expenses for the interview/test paid by the council?

The notification does not mention any TA/DA for appearing in the selection tests. Candidates will likely have to bear their own travel and accommodation expenses for attending the physical and skill tests.

14. If selected, will I get a government quarter or HRA?

No. The remuneration is a consolidated amount. No House Rent Allowance (HRA) or government accommodation is provided as per the terms mentioned in the notification.

15. Where can I get the official notification?

The source summary does not provide a direct download link. Candidates should regularly check the official website of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration (www.andaman.gov.in) or the Employment News for the official advertisement.