The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow, has issued Advertisement No. 22-परीक्षा/2026 for the Khel Nideshalaya Main Examination (प्रा0अ0प0-2025)/22. The recruitment covers 108 vacancies under the Sports Directorate, Uttar Pradesh.
The most important condition is that candidates must have appeared in UPSSSC PET-2025 and must have been issued a PET-2025 score card, in addition to fulfilling the prescribed essential qualification for the concerned post. Shortlisting for the Main Examination will be based on the normalized PET-2025 score and merit. Candidates with zero or negative marks in the absolute or normalized PET-2025 score will not be shortlisted.
The notification was published on 30.09.2026. The online application and initial fee-payment process starts on 14.10.2026, while the last date for registration, fee payment and submission of the online application is 04.11.2026. The last date for fee reconciliation and application correction is 11.11.2026.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Commission | Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) |
| Department | Sports Directorate, Uttar Pradesh |
| Advertisement Number | 22-परीक्षा/2026 |
| Examination | Khel Nideshalaya Main Examination (PET-2025)/22 |
| Total Vacancies | 108 |
| PET Requirement | PET-2025 |
| Shortlisting | Based on normalized PET-2025 score and merit |
| Application Start Date | 14.10.2026 |
| Application Last Date | 04.11.2026 |
| Correction/Fee Reconciliation Last Date | 11.11.2026 |
| Main Examination | 100 Marks |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Official Website | UPSSSC |
The advertisement itself states that applications are invited for 108 posts and that only candidates meeting the prescribed post-wise essential qualification and PET-2025 conditions can apply.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Publication Date | 30.09.2026 |
| Registration/Online Application & Initial Fee Payment Starts | 14.10.2026 |
| Last Date for Registration, Fee Payment & Online Application | 04.11.2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Reconciliation & Application Correction | 11.11.2026 |
The notification specifically states that applications or fee payments will not be accepted after the prescribed last date. Candidates are also advised to complete the fee reconciliation process because the application is not treated as finally completed merely by initiating the payment.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Vacancy 2026: 108 Posts
The notification contains 19 post entries, including regular and special-selection posts. The complete vacancy distribution is given below.
| S. No. | Post | Total Posts | Pay Level | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Groundsman | 02 | Level-4 | Permanent & Temporary |
| 2 | Groundsman – Special Selection | 01 | Level-4 | Permanent & Temporary |
| 3 | Deputy Sports Officer | 44 | Level-6 | Permanent & Temporary |
| 4 | Deputy Sports Officer – Special Selection | 06 | Level-6 | Temporary |
| 5 | Assistant Coach – Swimming | 24 | Level-5 | Temporary |
| 6 | Assistant Coach – Swimming – Special Selection | 01 | Level-5 | Temporary |
| 7 | Lifeguard | 15 | Level-3 | Permanent & Temporary |
| 8 | Lifeguard – Special Selection | 03 | Level-3 | Temporary |
| 9 | Assistant Coach – Cricket | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 10 | Assistant Coach – Football | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 11 | Assistant Coach – Shooting | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 12 | Assistant Coach – Weightlifting | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 13 | Assistant Coach – Fencing | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 14 | Assistant Coach – Wrestling | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 15 | Assistant Coach – Hockey | 02 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 16 | Assistant Coach – Table Tennis | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 17 | Assistant Coach – Handball | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 18 | Assistant Coach – Wushu | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| 19 | Assistant Coach – Lawn Tennis | 01 | Level-5 | Permanent |
| Total | 108 |
The vacancy table in the notification also gives category-wise distribution under Unreserved, SC, ST, OBC and EWS and identifies the nature of the post. The Commission notes that vacancies may change according to applicable reservation laws, government orders and subsequent amendments.
Important: The supplied notification shows the 24-post Assistant Coach entry as Swimming (तैराकी). Therefore, this article follows the official PDF rather than treating that post as Athletics.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Bharti PET Rule 2026
The PET-2025 condition is one of the most important parts of this recruitment.
According to the notification, a candidate can apply for the advertised post only when the candidate:
- possesses the prescribed essential qualification for that post;
- has appeared in Preliminary Eligibility Test-2025 (PET-2025); and
- has been issued a PET-2025 score card by the Commission.
After this, candidates will be shortlisted for the Main Examination according to merit based on their normalized PET-2025 score. Only shortlisted candidates will be allowed to participate in the Main Examination.
Is PET-2025 Score Required ?
Yes. The advertisement specifically connects eligibility for the Main Examination with participation in PET-2025 and issuance of the PET-2025 score card.
However, the notification does not give one fixed numerical PET cutoff such as 50, 60 or 70 marks. Instead, it states that shortlisting will be done according to merit on the basis of the normalized PET-2025 score.
Who Will Not Be Shortlisted ?
Candidates who obtain zero or less than zero marks in the actual/absolute PET-2025 score or normalized PET-2025 score will not be shortlisted for the Main Examination.
What About Candidates Under Investigation or Provisionally Marked ?
The notification also contains a provision concerning candidates whose PET-2025 result cases have been marked Under Investigation (UI) or Provisional. Such candidates may be permitted to apply provisionally, subject to the Commission’s ongoing investigation and final decision. Their subsequent shortlisting and selection-related action will remain subject to that decision.
Therefore, candidates should not interpret provisional permission as a final confirmation of eligibility.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Post Wise Eligibility 2026
The educational and preferential qualifications are post-specific. Candidates should therefore match their qualification and experience with the exact post before submitting the application.
Groundsman Eligibility
For the Groundsman post, the notification prescribes:
- High School examination passed from the Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Uttar Pradesh, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Practical experience of preparing and marking sports grounds/courts for outdoor and indoor games.
- Practical knowledge related to different types of grass and plants, including planting, protection, growing and maintenance of flowers and seeds.
The notification also provides preferential eligibility in specified cases, including two years of experience working as a Groundsman, prescribed Territorial Army service or an NCC ‘B’ certificate.
Deputy Sports Officer Eligibility
For Deputy Sports Officer, the essential qualification includes:
- Graduation from a recognized university.
- Diploma in coaching from specified recognized sports institutions or equivalent institutions recognized by the Government of India.
- Two years of coaching experience.
The notification also lists preferential qualifications/experience, including one year of experience in organizing sports competitions, a diploma or certificate in physical education, prescribed Territorial Army service or an NCC ‘B’ certificate, subject to the applicable rules.
Assistant Coach – Swimming Eligibility
For Assistant Coach (Swimming), the notification requires:
- Graduation from a recognized university.
- Diploma in coaching in the relevant sport from specified recognized institutions, including the institutions listed in the notification or their recognized equivalents.
- Two years of coaching experience.
The notification also mentions preferential qualifications such as experience in organizing sports competitions, a diploma/certificate in physical education, prescribed Territorial Army service or an NCC ‘B’ certificate.
Assistant Coach – Cricket Eligibility
For Assistant Coach (Cricket), the prescribed essential qualification includes:
- Graduation from a recognized university.
- Recognized coaching diploma in the relevant sport from the institutions/equivalent institutions specified in the notification.
- Two years of coaching experience.
The same section also provides preferential qualification provisions under the applicable Sports Directorate service rules.
Assistant Coach – Football Eligibility
For Assistant Coach (Football), the notification prescribes:
- Graduation from a recognized university.
- Recognized coaching diploma in the relevant sport from the specified institutions or recognized equivalent institutions.
- Two years of coaching experience.
Preferential qualifications are also provided under the applicable service rules.
Other Assistant Coach Posts
The notification separately lists Assistant Coach posts for:
- Shooting
- Weightlifting
- Fencing
- Wrestling
- Hockey
- Table Tennis
- Handball
- Wushu
- Lawn Tennis
For these posts, the qualification section follows the applicable Sports Directorate service rules and specifies graduation, recognized coaching qualification and coaching experience requirements for the concerned Assistant Coach post. Candidates should check the exact post entry before applying.
Lifeguard Eligibility
For Lifeguard, the notification requires:
- High School examination passed from the Uttar Pradesh Board or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Practical experience of working as a Lifeguard for at least two years.
The notification also provides preferential provisions relating to prescribed Territorial Army service and an NCC ‘B’ certificate.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Age Limit 2026
The age requirement depends on the post.
| Post/Category of Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Groundsman | 18 Years | 40 Years |
| Deputy Sports Officer | 21 Years | 40 Years |
| Assistant Coach posts | 21 Years | 40 Years |
| Lifeguard | 18 Years | 40 Years |
For Groundsman and Lifeguard, the notification provides an age range beginning at 18 years. For Deputy Sports Officer and Assistant Coach posts, the minimum age is 21 years and the upper limit is 40 years, subject to applicable relaxation provisions.
The age is calculated according to the applicable recruitment rules and the relevant calendar-year provision stated for the particular post. Reserved categories notified by the government can receive applicable upper-age relaxation.
Candidates already serving in government service may also receive the relaxation specifically provided under the relevant rules.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Salary 2026
The vacancy table provides the following pay levels:
| 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 are the pay levels/pay ranges shown in the notification’s vacancy and post details. Actual salary received after appointment will depend on applicable government rules and allowances.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Application Fee 2026
The application-stage fee structure is:
| Category | Application Fee | Online Processing Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| Other Backward Class | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| Scheduled Caste | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
| Scheduled Tribe | ₹0 | ₹25 | ₹25 |
The notification states that candidates belonging to categories such as women, PwD, ex-servicemen, dependents of freedom fighters and outstanding sportspersons will pay the applicable fee according to their original category.
The Main Examination fee is separate and is to be paid only by candidates who are shortlisted for the Main Examination, before downloading the examination admit card, according to the notification.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Main Exam 2026
The Main Examination consists of 100 questions carrying 100 marks and has a total duration of two hours (120 minutes).
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Exam Pattern
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-1 | History of India & Indian National Movement | 4 | 4 |
| Part-1 | Geography of India & World | 4 | 4 |
| Part-1 | Economic & Social Development of India | 3 | 3 |
| Part-1 | Indian Polity & Constitution | 3 | 3 |
| Part-1 | General Science & Technology | 3 | 3 |
| Part-1 | Environmental Ecology & Disaster Management | 3 | 3 |
| Part-1 | Current Events of National & International Importance | 5 | 5 |
| Part-1 | Sports-Related Information | 40 | 40 |
| Part-2 | Computer & Information Technology and Contemporary Technological Development | 15 | 15 |
| Part-3 | General Information Related to Uttar Pradesh | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes).
The Sports-Related Information section carries 40 marks, making it the largest individual section of the examination.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Syllabus 2026
Sports-Related Information
The sports section includes topics related to:
- Sports physiology
- Sports psychology
- Sports training
- Principles and components of training
- Speed, strength, flexibility and endurance
- Training planning and periodization
- Talent identification
- Sports biomechanics
- Motion, force and human movement
- Technique improvement
- Sports nutrition
- Macronutrients and micronutrients
- Hydration and diet planning
- Yoga in sports
- Sports medicine
- Common sports injuries
- First aid and emergency care
- Massage and rehabilitation
- Women in sports
- Sports administration
- Sports competitions and organization
- Assessment and evaluation
- Digital learning and AI in sports
- National and international sports federations/associations
- Major sports competitions
- Sports awards
- Sports rules and regulations.
Computer and Information Technology
Part-2 includes:
- History and applications of computers
- Information Technology
- Internet and World Wide Web
- Hardware and software
- Input and output
- Internet Protocol/IP address
- IT gadgets and applications
- Printers, tablets and mobile devices
- MS Word
- MS Excel
- Operating systems
- Social networking
- e-Governance
- Contemporary technological development and innovation.
Uttar Pradesh General Information
Part-3 focuses on general information related to Uttar Pradesh, including areas such as:
- History
- Culture
- Art
- Architecture
- Geography
- Festivals
- Tourism
- Natural resources
- Environment
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Education
- Economy
- Current events and other important state-related information.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Selection Process 2026
The notification establishes the following broad recruitment sequence:
PET-2025 → Normalized PET Score & Merit-Based Shortlisting → Main Examination → Further Selection/Appointment as per Applicable Rules
The first important stage is PET-2025-based shortlisting. The Commission will prepare the shortlist according to merit on the basis of the normalized PET-2025 score. Only shortlisted candidates will get the opportunity to appear in the Main Examination.
The advertisement also refers to the applicable Uttar Pradesh recruitment rules and the two-stage examination procedure for the advertised posts.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Apply Online 2026
Candidates should complete the application using the UPSSSC online application system and follow the instructions given in Advertisement No. 22-परीक्षा/2026.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official UPSSSC website.
- Open the application section for Advertisement No. 22-परीक्षा/2026.
- Login through the Applicant’s Dashboard using the PET-2025 registration number and required authentication details.
- Select the relevant recruitment/application option.
- Enter the required personal and other application details.
- Provide the required qualification and post-related information.
- Complete the photograph, signature and other required details as instructed.
- Submit the applicable application/online processing fee.
- Check the payment/transaction status through the Applicant’s Dashboard.
- Complete the application submission process.
- Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.
The notification provides a specific Applicant’s Dashboard process through the PET-2025 registration number and also explains how candidates can check payment status and complete transaction verification when required.
Official UPSSSC Website: upsssc.gov.in
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Application Correction 2026
After submitting the application, candidates can access the modification facility through the Applicant’s Dashboard as provided in the notification.
The final date for fee reconciliation and application correction is 11.11.2026.
Candidates should verify all details carefully before final submission, particularly:
- Name
- Category
- Date of birth
- Qualification
- Post
- Sports discipline
- Reservation details
- Photograph/signature
- Payment status
The notification also advises candidates to download and print their application after successful payment/reconciliation and keep it safely for future use.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Documents and Candidate Instructions
Candidates should keep the relevant documents and certificates ready according to their category and post.
The notification contains provisions and certificate formats relating to areas including:
- Caste certificate
- EWS certificate
- PwBD/disability certificate
- Residence-related documents
- Other reservation-related certificates
- Qualification and supporting documents.
Candidates claiming reservation or special-category benefits should ensure that their certificates satisfy the conditions and formats applicable under the relevant government rules.
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Reservation Details
The notification includes horizontal and vertical reservation provisions for applicable categories.
The vacancy tables include Unreserved, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Class and EWS categories. The notification also contains provisions concerning horizontal reservation and categories such as women, ex-servicemen, dependents of freedom fighters, PwBD candidates and outstanding sportspersons, subject to applicable rules.
The actual number of reserved vacancies can be affected by applicable government orders and amendments. Candidates should therefore verify their category-wise vacancy before submitting the application.
Important Links
| Important Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026 Apply Link | Active 14.10.2026 |
| UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026 Official Notice PDF | Download Now |
| UPSSSC Official Website | Visit UPSSSC Official Website |
| NotifyHere – The Fastest Platform for Trusted & Authentic Government Job and Exam Updates | Visit Official Website |
|---|---|
| NotifyHere Telegram Direct Link | Join Telegram |
| NotifyHere WhatsApp Channel Direct Link | Join WhatsApp Channel |
UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026 FAQs
What is UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026?
It is a UPSSSC recruitment process under Advertisement No. 22-परीक्षा/2026 for 108 posts in the Sports Directorate, Uttar Pradesh.
How many posts are available in UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment 2026?
The notification advertises 108 posts across Groundsman, Deputy Sports Officer, Assistant Coach, Lifeguard and related special-selection posts.
Is PET-2025 mandatory for the UPSSSC Sports Directorate Main Exam?
The notification states that candidates must have participated in PET-2025 and must have been issued a PET-2025 score card, along with meeting the essential qualification for the advertised post.
How will candidates be shortlisted for the Main Examination?
Candidates will be shortlisted according to merit based on their normalized PET-2025 score.
Is a fixed PET-2025 cutoff mentioned?
No fixed numerical PET cutoff is specified in the supplied advertisement. The notification refers to normalized PET-2025 score-based merit for shortlisting.
What happens if a candidate has zero or negative PET-2025 marks?
Candidates with zero or negative marks in the absolute or normalized PET-2025 score will not be shortlisted for the Main Examination.
What is the UPSSSC Sports Directorate application last date?
The last date for registration, fee payment and online application submission is 04.11.2026.
What is the UPSSSC Sports Directorate correction last date?
The last date for fee reconciliation and application correction is 11.11.2026.
How many marks are in the UPSSSC Sports Directorate Main Exam?
The Main Examination consists of 100 questions carrying 100 marks and is conducted for 120 minutes.
How many marks are allotted to Sports-Related Information?
Sports-Related Information carries 40 marks, the highest individual weightage in the examination.
What is the eligibility for Deputy Sports Officer?
The notification requires graduation, a recognized coaching diploma from the specified institutions/equivalent institutions and two years of coaching experience, along with the other applicable conditions.
What is the eligibility for Groundsman?
Groundsman requires High School qualification along with the prescribed practical experience related to preparing/marking sports grounds and maintaining relevant grass, plants, flowers and seeds.
What is the eligibility for Lifeguard?
Lifeguard requires High School qualification and at least two years of practical experience as a Lifeguard, subject to the conditions in the notification.
What is the age limit for UPSSSC Sports Directorate Recruitment?
Groundsman and Lifeguard posts have a minimum age of 18 years, while Deputy Sports Officer and Assistant Coach posts have a minimum age of 21 years. The upper age limit is 40 years, subject to applicable relaxation rules.
What is the UPSSSC Sports Directorate application fee?
The notification shows ₹0 application fee plus ₹25 online processing fee for Unreserved, OBC, SC and ST categories, making the application-stage total ₹25.
What is the salary of UPSSSC Sports Directorate posts?
The notification shows Level-4 for Groundsman, Level-6 for Deputy Sports Officer, Level-5 for Assistant Coach and Level-3 for Lifeguard.
What sports are covered under the Assistant Coach posts?
The vacancy table includes Swimming, Cricket, Football, Shooting, Weightlifting, Fencing, Wrestling, Hockey, Table Tennis, Handball, Wushu and Lawn Tennis.
When will the UPSSSC Sports Directorate Main Exam be conducted?
A fixed Main Examination date is not specified in the supplied advertisement pages reviewed for this article. Candidates should follow subsequent official UPSSSC notices.
NotifyHere – The Fastest Platform for Trusted & Authentic Government Job and Exam Updates is intended to help candidates understand recruitment information in a simple format. Candidates should always verify the latest notification, corrigendum and application status from the official UPSSSC website before taking any action.
Candidate Advisory
Before submitting the application, candidates should carefully match their PET-2025 status, post, educational qualification, coaching experience where applicable, age, category and reservation documents with the official notification.
In particular, candidates searching for UPSSSC Sports Directorate Post Wise Eligibility 2026 should not assume that every Sports Directorate post has the same qualification. Groundsman, Deputy Sports Officer, Lifeguard and Assistant Coach posts have different requirements.
Candidates can also share their questions about the recruitment, PET-2025 shortlisting, post-wise eligibility, application process or examination pattern in the comments.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Details are based on the UPSSSC Sports Directorate recruitment notice and may be updated or changed by the recruiting authority. Candidates should verify eligibility, dates, physical standards, vacancies and other conditions from the official notification/website before applying. NotifyHere is not the recruiting authority.
