UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 108 Posts

The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow, has published the official notification for the Sports Directorate Main Examination 2026 (Advt. No. 22-Exam/2026). This recruitment drive invites applications from qualified Indian nationals for 108 vacancies under the Directorate of Sports, Uttar Pradesh. The available posts include Deputy Sports Officer (Up Kreeda Adhikari), Assistant Coach across multiple sports disciplines, Life Guard (Jeevan Rakshak), and Groundsman.This recruitment provides an exceptional career opportunity for candidates holding sports credentials, diploma/degree certifications in coaching, or physical education qualifications to secure a reputable position within the state sports administration. Selected candidates will play an active role in training athletes, managing sports complexes, preserving grounds, and fostering athletic talent across Uttar Pradesh.Eligible candidates who appeared in the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2025 and hold a valid positive score card can apply online. The online registration window will remain active on the commission's official portal from 14 October 2026 to 04 November 2026.Quick Overview Table

Important Dates
Application FeeAt the initial registration stage, applicants across all categories are required to pay a uniform online processing fee. Candidates shortlisted for the written examination will pay the main examination fee separately before downloading their exam admit cards.
Fee payment must be completed via Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or State Bank of India (SBI) e-Challan.Age Limit (As on 01 July 2026)Age is calculated based on the cutoff date of 01 July 2026 (or as on 01 January/01 July according to respective service cadre rules):

• Groundsman & Life Guard: Minimum 18 Years, Maximum 40 Years.
• Deputy Sports Officer & Assistant Coaches (All Disciplines): Minimum 21 Years, Maximum 40 Years.

Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation Table
Note: Applicants outside Uttar Pradesh are classified under the Unreserved (General) category and cannot claim age relaxation or reservation benefits.Vacancy DetailsVertical Category-Wise Reservation (सारिणी-1)
Horizontal Reservation Distribution (सारिणी-2)

• Women (महिला): 08 posts reserved in Deputy Sports Officer; 01 post in Deputy Sports Officer (Special); 04 posts in Assistant Coach (Swimming); 03 posts in Life Guard.
• Ex-Servicemen (भूतपूर्व सैनिक): 02 posts in Deputy Sports Officer; 01 post in Assistant Coach (Swimming).
• PwBD (दिव्यांगजन): Identified posts for Low Vision (LV) include 01 post in Deputy Sports Officer.

Educational QualificationCandidates must possess all mandatory educational and coaching certifications on or before the closing date of application (04 November 2026):1. Groundsman (ग्राउण्ड्स मैन)

• Mandatory Qualification: High School (10th Standard) examination passed from the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, UP, or equivalent qualification.
• Field Knowledge: Practical experience in preparing and marking indoor/outdoor sports courts and fields. Knowledge of grafting rose plants, types of grasses, seasonal flower planting, seed preservation, and transplantation.
• Preferential Qualification: 2 years of practical work experience as a Groundsman.

2. Deputy Sports Officer (उप क्रीड़ाधिकारी)

• Mandatory Educational Degree: Bachelor's Degree in any stream from a recognized university.
• Technical Qualification: Diploma in Sports Coaching in the relevant sport from:

• Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) Patiala / Bangalore / Kolkata, OR
• Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) Gwalior / Trivandrum, OR
• National Sports University (NSU), Imphal, OR any other central government-recognized equivalent institute.

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of coaching experience.
• Preferential Qualification: 1 year experience organizing sports events; Diploma/Certificate in Physical Education; NCC 'B' Certificate; or 2 years service in Territorial Army.

3. Assistant Coach (सहायक प्रशिक्षक) - All 11 Disciplines(Swimming, Cricket, Football, Shooting, Weightlifting, Fencing, Wrestling, Hockey, Table Tennis, Handball, Wushu, Lawn Tennis)

• Mandatory Educational Degree: Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Coaching Qualification: Diploma in Coaching in the relevant game/sport from NSNIS (Patiala/Bangalore/Kolkata), LNIPE (Gwalior/Trivandrum), National Sports University (Imphal), or equivalent institution.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of active coaching experience in the relevant sport.

4. Life Guard (जीवन रक्षक)

• Mandatory Educational Qualification: High School (10th Standard) pass from UP Board or an equivalent institution.
• Practical Experience: Minimum 3 years of practical experience working as a certified Life Guard.
• Preferential Qualification: NCC 'B' certificate or minimum 2 years of service in the Territorial Army.

Salary / Pay ScaleAll posts feature standard state pay allowances, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), City Compensatory Allowance (CCA), and medical cover:
Selection ProcessThe selection process is governed by UP Government notifications and rules for Group C technical posts:

1. Shortlisting based on PET-2025: Candidates who scored positive normalized marks in the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET) 2025 will be shortlisted. Shortlisting for the Main Examination is conducted at a ratio of 15 times the category-wise vacancies (including all candidates tied at the cutoff mark).
2. Main Written Examination (Offline/OMR or CBT): An objective-type test carrying 100 marks.
3. Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates will present their original academic qualifications, coaching diplomas, sports achievement records, experience certificates, and UP domicile/caste proofs for physical verification.
4. Final Merit List: Prepared solely based on scores obtained in the Main Written Examination, subject to document verification and character/medical fitness clearance. Note: Interviews have been discontinued for Group C posts.

Exam PatternThe written examination features a single question paper with multiple-choice questions:

• Total Questions: 100 Questions
• Total Marks: 100 Marks
• Test Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes)
• Question Type: Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks (25% deduction) for each incorrect answer
• Exam Language: Bilingual (Hindi and English)

Detailed SyllabusPart 1: General Studies & Sports Domain (65 Marks)

1. History & National Movement (4 Marks): Social, economic, cultural, and political history of India; Freedom Movement, rise of nationalism, and independence.
2. Geography of India & the World (4 Marks): Physical, economic, and social geography; agriculture, forestry, urbanization, smart cities, and global geography.
3. Economic & Social Development (3 Marks): Sustainable development, poverty eradication, demographics, social initiatives, and environment-urbanization dynamics.
4. Indian Polity & Constitution (3 Marks): Constitutional evolution, fundamental rights, directive principles, governance, Panchayati Raj, and local self-government.
5. General Science & Technology (3 Marks): Daily science observations, national science policy, technological self-reliance, and emerging technical innovations.
6. Environment, Ecology & Disaster Management (3 Marks): Climate change, biodiversity, Disaster Management Act 2005, NDMA, SDMA, NDRF, and SDRF.
7. Current Affairs (5 Marks): National and international developments, summits, honors, and events.
8. Sports-Related Knowledge (40 Marks):

• Exercise Physiology: ATP production, energy systems, cardiovascular and muscular adaptations, fatigue, and recovery mechanisms.
• Sports Psychology: Motivation techniques, personality traits, stress management, fear, and aggression handling in athletes.
• Sports Training: Principles of specificity, overload, progression; periodization (macro, meso, micro cycles); talent identification.
• Sports Biomechanics: Newton's laws in sports, levers, kinetics, kinematics, movement technique analysis, and injury prevention.
• Sports Nutrition & Yoga: Macronutrients, hydration schedules, pre/during/post-competition meals, yogic practices.
• Sports Medicine: Common sports injuries (sprains, strains, fractures), first aid, emergency care, massage, and rehabilitation.
• Organization & Administration: Event management, equipment procurement, maintenance, facility operations, and sports leadership.
• Testing & Measurement: Physical fitness evaluations, performance testing, and body composition categorization.
• Digital Learning & AI in Sports: Video analysis tools, statistical software, computer applications, and AI in athlete performance enhancement.
• Sports Governance & Competitions: IOA, SAI, international federations, major championships, and National Sports Awards in India.

Part 2: Computer & Information Technology (15 Marks)

• Computer fundamentals, input/output peripherals, hardware and software architecture.
• Internet, WWW, IP addressing, networking, e-mail management, and web utilities.
• Operating systems, office applications (MS-Word, MS-Excel), digital governance, and cyber safety.
• Emerging technical concepts: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Big Data Processing, Deep Learning, and Internet of Things (IoT).

Part 3: General Knowledge of Uttar Pradesh (20 Marks)

• History, architecture, arts, festivals, folk dances, literature, languages, and heritage of Uttar Pradesh.
• Natural resources, rivers, soils, climate, wildlife, minerals, and forests of UP.
• State economy, agriculture, industries, state government schemes, and administrative framework.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Visit the UPSSSC Portal: Navigate to the commission’s website at upsssc.gov.in and locate the "Live Advertisement" segment on the homepage.
2. Authenticate with PET-2025 Details: Log in by choosing authentication through your UPSSSC PET-2025 Registration Number via Mobile/Email OTP verification.
3. Review Pre-Filled Personal Data: Verify your demographic details automatically fetched from your PET-2025 profile (name, date of birth, domicile, category).
4. Select Posts & Enter Qualifications: Choose the specific post(s) (Groundsman, Deputy Sports Officer, Assistant Coach, Life Guard) you wish to apply for, select "Yes" for the mandatory academic/coaching criteria, and input your board/university, roll number, and certificate issuance dates.
5. Review Pre-Loaded Photo & Signature: Your photograph and signature from PET-2025 will be automatically displayed and cannot be altered.
6. Submit Declaration: Read the declaration carefully, check all confirmation boxes, enter the captcha code, and click "Save & Submit".
7. Pay Processing Fee: Pay the non-refundable processing fee of ₹25/- via Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, or UPI.
8. Reconcile Payment & Print Confirmation: Ensure the transaction status updates to successful using the "Update Your Transaction ID by Double Verification" mode if needed, and print out your application form containing the 11-digit application registration number.

Required Documents Checklist

• Valid UPSSSC PET 2025 Registration Number.
• High School (10th Standard) Marksheet and Passing Certificate (for Date of Birth verification).
• Intermediate (12th Standard) and Graduation Degree Marksheets/Certificates.
• Recognized Coaching Diploma / Certificate from NSNIS, LNIPE, or National Sports University.
• Practical Work Experience Certificates (for Life Guard, Groundsman, or Coaching roles).
• Domicile Certificate of Uttar Pradesh (for reservation claims).
• SC/ST/OBC Caste Certificate issued in the prescribed format (OBC-NCL issued by competent UP authority).
• EWS Income & Asset Certificate issued between 01 April 2026 and 04 November 2026 (based on FY 2025–26 income).
• PwBD / Ex-Servicemen / Freedom Fighter Dependent certificates, if applicable.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer for working state/central government employees.

Important Instructions

• Single Application Submission: Candidates need to submit only one consolidated online application for all advertised posts. If multiple applications are submitted, only the last submitted form will be considered valid.
• Father's Side Caste Certificate for Women: Women candidates claiming reservation must present a caste certificate issued based on their father's side, not their husband's.
• EWS Certificate Validity: EWS applicants must hold an income certificate issued between 01-04-2026 and 04-11-2026, calculated on financial year 2025–26 and valid for 2026–27.
• No Offline Applications: Physical application forms sent by post will be rejected without review.
• Correction Limitations: Changes allowed during the modification window (until 11-11-2026) are restricted to correspondence address, marital status, post preferences, and category details. Primary PET demographic details cannot be edited.

Important Links Table
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total vacancy count in UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026?

The recruitment notification advertises a total of 108 vacancies across executive, coaching, technical, and ground staff posts.

2. Is UPSSSC PET 2025 mandatory for applying to these posts?

Yes, candidates must possess a valid UPSSSC PET 2025 score card with positive normalized marks to register for this Main Examination.

3. What are the start and last dates to submit the online form?

The online registration window opens on 14 October 2026 and closes on 04 November 2026. The last date for fee adjustments and corrections is 11 November 2026.

4. What is the initial registration fee?

All candidates must pay an online processing fee of ₹25/- at the preliminary registration stage. Shortlisted candidates will pay the Mains exam fee separately.

5. What are the qualifications required for Deputy Sports Officer?Applicants must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline, a Coaching Diploma from NSNIS (Patiala/Bangalore/Kolkata), LNIPE (Gwalior/Trivandrum), or NSU Imphal, and at least 2 years of sports coaching experience.

6. Can other state candidates apply for this UPSSSC notification?

Yes, candidates from other states who appeared in UPSSSC PET 2025 and hold valid positive marks can apply, but they will be treated strictly under the Unreserved (General) category.

7. What is the exam pattern for the Sports Directorate Main Exam?

The exam consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks for a duration of 2 hours (120 minutes). It includes General Studies & Sports Domain (65 marks), Computer Knowledge (15 marks), and Uttar Pradesh GK (20 marks).

8. Is there negative marking in the written test?

Yes, there is a negative marking deduction of 25% (0.25 marks) for each incorrect answer.

9. What is the age limit for Assistant Coach and Deputy Sports Officer?Candidates must be between 21 and 40 years of age as of 01 July 2026, with applicable age relaxations for reserved categories of Uttar Pradesh.

10. Does this recruitment include an interview stage?

No, the selection is made purely on the basis of marks scored in the Main Written Examination followed by physical Document Verification.