Important Dates
| Application Start Date | 14 October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 4 November 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | before exam |
| Exam Date | to be notified |
UPSSSC Recruitment 2026 – Sports Directorate Main Examination (PET-2025)/22
The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) has announced 108 vacancies under the Sports Directorate, Uttar Pradesh, through the Sports Directorate Main Examination (PET-2025)/22 recruitment. The advertised positions include Deputy Sports Officer, Assistant Coach in different sports, Lifeguard and Groundsman.
The recruitment offers opportunities to candidates with qualifications ranging from High School to graduation, along with the required sports coaching diploma or practical experience for the relevant posts. Candidates must have appeared in the UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET-2025) and possess the corresponding scorecard to be considered for the main examination.
The online application process began on 14 October 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications and pay the processing fee by 4 November 2026. The deadline for fee reconciliation and permitted application corrections is 11 November 2026.
Applicants should carefully read the official advertisement before applying because educational qualifications, age limits, salary and vacancy numbers differ by post.
UPSSSC Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting authority | Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) |
| Department | Sports Directorate, Uttar Pradesh |
| Recruitment name | Sports Directorate Main Examination (PET-2025)/22 |
| Advertisement number | 22-Examination/2026 |
| Total vacancies | 108 |
| Posts | Deputy Sports Officer, Assistant Coach, Lifeguard and Groundsman |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application start date | 14 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 4 November 2026 |
| Correction and fee reconciliation deadline | 11 November 2026 |
| Eligibility test | UPSSSC PET-2025 |
| Selection process | Main written examination and subsequent recruitment formalities |
| Application processing fee | ₹25 |
| Job location | Uttar Pradesh |
| Official website | upsssc.gov.in |
Download Official Notification of UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026
Important Dates for UPSSSC Recruitment 2026
Candidates should note the application deadlines carefully. The fee must be paid and reconciled according to the instructions in the advertisement.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official advertisement date | 30 September 2026 |
| Online application begins | 14 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply and pay the processing fee | 4 November 2026 |
| Last date for fee reconciliation | 11 November 2026 |
| Last date for permitted application corrections | 11 November 2026 |
| Main examination date | To be announced |
The examination date and related details should be checked on the official UPSSSC website when further notices are issued.
UPSSSC Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Details
The recruitment notification advertises 108 vacancies across four broad categories. The post-wise distribution is given below.
| Post name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Groundsman | 2 |
| Groundsman (Special Selection) | 1 |
| Deputy Sports Officer | 44 |
| Deputy Sports Officer (Special Selection) | 6 |
| Assistant Coach (Swimming) | 24 |
| Assistant Coach (Swimming), Special Selection | 1 |
| Lifeguard | 15 |
| Lifeguard (Special Selection) | 3 |
| Assistant Coach (Cricket) | 1 |
| Assistant Coach (Football) | 1 |
| Assistant Coach (Shooting) | 1 |
| Assistant Coach (Weightlifting) | 1 |
| Assistant Coach (Fencing) | 1 |
| Assistant Coach (Wrestling) | 1 |
| Assistant Coach (Hockey) | 2 |
| Assistant Coach (Table Tennis) | 1 |
| Assistant Coach (Handball) | 1 |
| Assistant Coach (Wushu) | 1 |
| Assistant Coach (Lawn Tennis) | 1 |
| Total | 108 |
Vacancy Summary by Post Category
| Post category | Total vacancies |
|---|---|
| Groundsman, including Special Selection | 3 |
| Deputy Sports Officer, including Special Selection | 50 |
| Assistant Coach (Swimming), including Special Selection | 25 |
| Assistant Coach in other advertised sports | 12 |
| Lifeguard, including Special Selection | 18 |
| Total | 108 |
The vacancy count may be revised in accordance with the department’s requirements and applicable government rules. Candidates should consult the official advertisement for category-wise reservation and the latest vacancy details.
UPSSSC Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the general eligibility conditions and the specific educational and experience requirements for the post they select. Appearing in PET-2025 and possessing its scorecard are essential conditions for this recruitment.
1. General Eligibility
Applicants should meet the following conditions:
- They must be Indian citizens.
- They must have appeared in UPSSSC PET-2025 and possess the scorecard issued by the Commission.
- They must meet the required educational qualification and experience for their selected post by the application deadline.
- They must satisfy the applicable age limit and reservation conditions.
- They must provide accurate information and valid supporting documents.
Candidates with zero or negative PET-2025 scores are not eligible for shortlisting for the main examination. The notification also provides conditions for candidates whose PET-2025 results are marked provisional or under investigation.
2. Educational Qualification for Groundsman
Candidates applying for Groundsman, including Special Selection vacancies, must have:
- Passed the High School examination conducted by the Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, Uttar Pradesh, or an equivalent examination from a recognised institution.
- Practical experience in preparing and marking playing fields and courts for indoor and outdoor games.
- Knowledge of grass and plant propagation, including grafting and budding, flower varieties, seeds, seed protection, sowing, transplanting and grafting.
Applicants should review the precise wording in the official advertisement to ensure they meet the practical experience requirements.
3. Educational Qualification for Deputy Sports Officer
Candidates applying for Deputy Sports Officer must possess:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- A diploma in coaching in the relevant sport from an institution recognised under the advertisement.
- At least two years of coaching experience.
The notification names recognised institutions such as Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS) and Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE), along with other eligible institutions. It also recognises the National Sports University, Imphal, for the relevant coaching-diploma requirement.
Candidates should check the official notification for the accepted institutions and conditions governing equivalence.
4. Educational Qualification for Assistant Coach
The mandatory qualifications for Assistant Coach posts include:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- A coaching diploma in the relevant sport from an institution accepted under the advertisement.
- At least two years of coaching experience.
The advertised sports include Swimming, Cricket, Football, Shooting, Weightlifting, Fencing, Wrestling, Hockey, Table Tennis, Handball, Wushu and Lawn Tennis.
A candidate’s diploma and experience should relate to the sport for which they are applying. Applicants should verify the exact qualification conditions before selecting a post.
5. Educational Qualification for Lifeguard
Candidates applying for Lifeguard, including Special Selection vacancies, must have:
- Passed the High School examination from the Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, Uttar Pradesh, or an equivalent examination from a recognised institution.
- At least three years of practical experience working as a Lifeguard.
Candidates should ensure that their experience certificates and educational documents are available for verification.
UPSSSC Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
The minimum and maximum ages vary according to the post.
| Post | Minimum age | Maximum age |
|---|---|---|
| Groundsman | 18 years | 40 years |
| Lifeguard | 18 years | 40 years |
| Deputy Sports Officer | 21 years | 40 years |
| Assistant Coach | 21 years | 40 years |
For Deputy Sports Officer and Assistant Coach, the age is calculated as specified in the advertisement with reference to 1 July 2026. For Groundsman and Lifeguard, the notification specifies an age-calculation rule based on the advertisement period; candidates should verify the applicable date and their eligibility in the official notice.
Age Relaxation
Relaxation in the upper age limit is available to eligible categories according to applicable Uttar Pradesh government rules. The advertisement refers to provisions for reserved categories and eligible government employees, among other notified groups.
The exact relaxation depends on the candidate’s category and circumstances. Candidates should consult the official notification and ensure that the required certificate is valid and in the prescribed format.
UPSSSC Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
The application-stage charge consists of an online processing fee. The notification lists the same processing fee for all the categories shown below.
| Category | Application fee | Processing fee | Total payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| OBC | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| SC | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| ST | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
The main examination fee is payable separately by candidates shortlisted for the examination. The amount should be checked in the relevant examination instructions.
Accepted Payment Methods
The online payment options specified in the advertisement include:
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Internet banking
- UPI
- SBI e-challan
Candidates should complete the payment and check that it has been reconciled. The application may not be available for printing until the payment is successfully reconciled.
UPSSSC Recruitment 2026 Salary Structure
The pay scale depends on the post. The following table summarises the pay levels and scales specified for this recruitment.
| Post | Pay level | Pay scale |
|---|---|---|
| Groundsman | Level 4 | ₹25,500–₹81,100 |
| Deputy Sports Officer | Level 6 | ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 |
| Assistant Coach | Level 5 | ₹29,200–₹92,300 |
| Lifeguard | Level 3 | ₹21,700–₹69,100 |
These figures represent the prescribed pay scales, not the exact monthly take-home salary. Actual earnings may depend on applicable allowances, deductions, posting and service rules.
UPSSSC Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment is conducted through the UPSSSC main examination process. Candidates must first meet the PET-2025 eligibility and shortlisting requirements.
Stage 1: Shortlisting Based on PET-2025
Candidates who appeared in PET-2025 and possess a valid scorecard may apply for the advertised posts if they meet the relevant eligibility requirements. Shortlisting for the main examination is based on the normalised PET-2025 score and merit order.
For this recruitment, the notification provides for shortlisting candidates up to 15 times the number of advertised vacancies, category-wise, including candidates tied at the final cutoff as described in the notice.
Stage 2: Main Written Examination
Shortlisted candidates will be called for the main written examination. The examination is objective and multiple-choice in format, with a total of 100 questions and a duration of two hours. Each question carries one mark, and an incorrect answer attracts a deduction of one-fourth of a mark.
The detailed examination pattern and syllabus are outlined below.
Stage 3: Document Verification and Post Preference
Candidates must produce the relevant educational certificates, coaching diploma, experience certificates, age proof, category certificates and other documents when required. Post preference and allotment are handled according to the notification, eligibility, merit and availability of posts.
Candidates should not assume that PET-2025 shortlisting alone guarantees appointment.
UPSSSC Exam Pattern 2026: Short Overview
The main written examination for the Sports Directorate recruitment has the following structure.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | History of India and Indian National Movement | 4 | 4 |
| Part 1 | Geography of India and the World | 4 | 4 |
| Part 1 | Economic and Social Development of India | 3 | 3 |
| Part 1 | Indian Polity and Constitution | 3 | 3 |
| Part 1 | General Science and Technology | 3 | 3 |
| Part 1 | Environmental Ecology and Disaster Management | 3 | 3 |
| Part 1 | Current Events of National and International Importance | 5 | 5 |
| Part 1 | Sports-related information | 40 | 40 |
| Part 2 | Computer and Information Technology, including contemporary technological developments | 15 | 15 |
| Part 3 | General information related to Uttar Pradesh | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Question type: Objective multiple-choice questions
Negative marking: One-fourth of the marks allotted to a question for each incorrect answer
The examination date will be announced separately by UPSSSC. Candidates should check the official website for the examination notice and admit card.
UPSSSC Exam Syllabus 2026: Key Topics
1. General Studies
The general studies component includes history, geography, economic and social development, Indian polity, the Constitution, general science, technology, environment, disaster management and current affairs.
Candidates should prepare major historical developments, India’s national movement, physical and human geography, economic and social issues, constitutional provisions, governance and important national and international events.
2. Sports-Related Information
Sports-related information carries 40 marks, making it the largest section in the written examination. Important syllabus areas include:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Psychology
- Sports Training
- Sports Biomechanics
- Sports Nutrition and Yoga
- Sports Medicine
- Organization and Administration in Sports
- Testing, Measurement and Evaluation
- Digital Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Sports
- National and international sports federations, major competitions, awards and rules
Candidates should prepare both theoretical concepts and their practical applications in sports training, athlete performance, injury prevention and sports administration.
3. Computer and Information Technology
The computer and IT section carries 15 marks. Preparation areas include computer hardware and software, input and output devices, operating systems, internet concepts, e-mail, common office applications, digital financial tools, e-governance and cyber security.
The syllabus also refers to contemporary technological developments such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, big data processing and the Internet of Things.
4. Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge
The Uttar Pradesh section carries 20 marks. It covers the state’s history, culture, art, architecture, festivals, geography, economy, polity and current events.
Candidates should study major state-specific developments, important places, cultural traditions, government initiatives and relevant current affairs.
For a more detailed preparation guide, read the separate article: UPSSSC Sports Directorate Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026.
How to Apply for UPSSSC Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official UPSSSC website. Follow the steps below.
- Visit the official website at upsssc.gov.in.
- Open the Live Advertisement section and locate the Sports Directorate Main Examination (PET-2025)/22 notification, Advertisement No. 22-Examination/2026.
- Read the official advertisement and confirm the qualification, age and experience requirements for your chosen post.
- Log in using the required PET-2025 registration details and complete the authentication process.
- Select the post or posts for which you meet the mandatory eligibility conditions.
- Enter the required qualification, certificate, passing-year and other details as instructed.
- Review the personal information and other details displayed from your PET-2025 record.
- Read the declaration carefully and submit the application.
- Pay the online processing fee through an accepted payment method.
- Confirm that the payment has been reconciled and download or print the completed application for future reference.
Candidates should not wait until the final day to submit the form. Allow sufficient time for payment reconciliation and keep copies of the submitted application and supporting documents.
Important Instructions Before Applying
- Verify that you appeared in UPSSSC PET-2025 and possess the required scorecard.
- Apply only for posts for which you meet the mandatory educational and experience requirements.
- Ensure that the coaching diploma matches the sport specified for the Assistant Coach or Deputy Sports Officer post.
- Check the age-calculation rules applicable to your chosen post.
- Enter information accurately and provide valid documents during verification.
- Review the reservation and certificate requirements if claiming a category benefit.
- Track the official website for examination dates, admit cards, corrigenda and further notices.
- Remember that the examination fee for shortlisted main-examination candidates may be separate from the initial processing fee.
UPSSSC Recruitment 2026: Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official UPSSSC website | Visit the official website |
| Official recruitment advertisement | Open UPSSSC notifications |
| Online application | Apply through the official portal |
| Exam pattern and syllabus | UPSSSC Sports Directorate Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026 |
The official advertisement should be treated as the final authority for post-wise eligibility, vacancies, pay scales, reservation, application procedures and examination rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| 1. How many vacancies are available in UPSSSC Recruitment 2026? |
|---|
| A total of 108 vacancies have been advertised under the Sports Directorate recruitment. The posts include Deputy Sports Officer, Assistant Coach in different sports, Lifeguard and Groundman. |
| 2. What is the advertisement number for UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026? |
| The advertisement number is 22-Examination/2026. The recruitment is titled Sports Directorate Main Examination (PET-2025)/22. |
| 3. What is the last date to apply for UPSSSC Recruitment 2026? |
| The last date to submit the online application and pay the initial processing fee is 4 November 2026. The deadline for fee reconciliation and permitted corrections is 11 November 2026. |
| 4. Is UPSSSC PET-2025 compulsory for this recruitment? |
| Yes. Candidates must have appeared in UPSSSC PET-2025 and possess the required scorecard. Shortlisting for the main examination is based on the normalized PET-2025 score and the applicable rules in the notification. |
| 5. What is the application fee? |
| The initial online processing fee is ₹25 for the categories listed in the advertisement. Shortlisted candidates must check the separate main-examination fee instructions. |
| 6. What is the salary for Assistant Coach posts? |
| Assistant Coach posts are placed in Pay Level 5, with a prescribed pay scale of ₹29,200–₹92,300. Actual take-home salary depends on applicable allowances and deductions. |
| 7. What is the salary for Deputy Sports Officer? |
| The Deputy Sports Officer post is in Pay Level 6, with a prescribed pay scale of ₹35,400–₹1,12,400. |
| 8. What is the age limit for Groundman and Lifeguard? |
| The notification specifies a minimum age of 18 years and a maximum age of 40 years for Groundman and Lifeguard, subject to the applicable age-calculation rules and permitted relaxations. |
| 9. What is the age limit for Assistant Coach and Deputy Sports Officer? |
| The specified age range is 21 to 40 years for Assistant Coach and Deputy Sports Officer posts, subject to the notification’s age-calculation rules and applicable relaxations. |
| 10. What is the examination pattern for this recruitment? |
| The main written examination consists of 100 objective questions for 100 marks, with a duration of 120 minutes. The syllabus includes general studies, sports-related information, computer and information technology, and Uttar Pradesh general knowledge. Incorrect answers attract a one-fourth-mark deduction. |
| 11. When will the UPSSSC main examination be held? |
| The examination date has not been announced in the recruitment schedule covered here. Candidates should monitor the official UPSSSC website for the latest notice. |
| 12. Where can I download the official notification? |
| Visit upsssc.gov.in and locate the Sports Directorate Main Examination (PET-2025)/22 advertisement. Read the complete notification before submitting the application. |
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026 offers 108 vacancies for candidates interested in sports administration, coaching, lifeguard services and grounds maintenance. The eligibility requirements vary considerably: Groundman and Lifeguard applicants need the specified practical experience, while Assistant Coach and Deputy Sports Officer candidates must meet the graduation, coaching-diploma and experience requirements.
Candidates who appeared in PET-2025 should verify their eligibility, select the appropriate post and complete the online application by 4 November 2026. They should also prepare for the 100-question main examination, giving particular attention to sports-related information, computer and information technology, and Uttar Pradesh general knowledge.
For accurate updates on the examination date, admit card and any changes to the recruitment process, consult the official UPSSSC website regularly.
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