Financial Assistance to Sportspersons to Pursue Sports Coaching Courses Conducted by SAI, NSNIS, Patiala as a Part of Skill Development Programme to Improve their Employability has been extended for the 2026-27 session. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released the notification for the 64th Batch of the Diploma Course in Sports Coaching, with online applications accepted from 27 March 2026 to 23 April 2026.
Odisha-based sportspersons who have represented their districts, the state team, or affiliated universities in recognized sports events can apply for this scheme. The Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, sponsors the programme to help athletes gain professional coaching qualifications from SAI, NSNIS, Patiala.
The application process for the 2026-27 session is fully online. Candidates need to register on the official portal, fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee. Selected candidates will be called for an online admission test, followed by a fitness and skill test in June-July 2026.
Financial help covers the course fee and a monthly allowance for travel and miscellaneous expenses. BPL applicants receive 100% of the course fee along with a higher allowance, while non-BPL applicants get 75% of the fee with a partial allowance.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to Sportspersons to Pursue Sports Coaching Courses Conducted by SAI, NSNIS, Patiala |
| Level | State |
| State | Odisha |
| Category | Sports & Culture |
| Nodal Department | Sports and Youth Services Department |
| Batch | 64th Batch (2026-27) |
| Application Dates | 27 March 2026 to 23 April 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.dipsc.nsnis.in/ |
| DBT Scheme | No |
Benefits
Selected sportspersons receive financial support based on their category. The breakdown is as follows:
| Category | Diploma & Long-term Courses | Six Weeks Certificate Courses |
|---|---|---|
| BPL Applicant | 100% Course Fee + ₹10,000 allowance | 100% Course Fee + ₹5,000 allowance |
| Non-BPL Applicant | 75% Course Fee + ₹5,000 allowance | 75% Course Fee + ₹2,500 allowance |
The allowance helps cover travel and other miscellaneous costs during the training period.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this support, you should meet the following criteria:
- You must be a sportsperson who has represented Districts of Odisha, the Odisha State team, or its affiliated universities in recognized sports events.
- You should meet the official academic and physical eligibility criteria prescribed by SAI, NSNIS for the specific course you wish to join.
- Both BPL and Non-BPL category applicants are eligible to apply.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Visit the official registration portal at https://www.dipsc.nsnis.in/ and create a new account. Fill in your personal details, mobile number, and email ID to generate a password. Complete the registration process and fill out the online application form with your educational and personal details.
STEP 2 - Upload the required documents, including a passport-sized photograph, attested BPL card (if applicable), Aadhaar card, education certificates, sports achievement certificates, and a medical fitness certificate. Pay the application fee of ₹1,500 through net banking, credit card, or debit card.
STEP 3 - Take a printout of the submitted application form for your records. The selection process includes an online admission test, followed by a fitness and skill test. The written test is set for 31 May 2026, and the fitness/skill tests will happen in June-July 2026 at SAI academic centres.
STEP 4 - If selected by SAI, NSNIS, submit your application form along with the selection letter to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha. BPL candidates must also include an attested copy of their BPL card. The Department will verify your BPL status and then transfer the course fee directly to the SAI bank account and the allowance to your personal bank account.
Note: If you receive this assistance, you may need to serve the Sports & Youth Services Department as a coach for two years if they ask for your services.
Documents
You should have the following documents ready before applying:
- Passport-size photograph
- Attested BPL card (if applicable)
- Aadhaar card
- Educational qualification certificates
- Sports achievement certificates
- Medical fitness certificate
The 2026-27 batch also includes 30% reservation for women candidates. Para-sport athletes in disciplines such as Para-Athletics, Para-Badminton, Para-Shooting, Para-Swimming, Para-Archery, and Para-Table Tennis are also eligible to apply.
References
Download Official Guidelines (PDF) | NSNIS Website | Official Registration Portal 2026-27
FAQ's
What is the primary goal of this scheme?
This scheme helps Odisha-based sportspersons become professional coaches by providing financial help for SAI, NSNIS training courses to improve their career employability.
Am I eligible if I am not a BPL cardholder?
Yes, non-BPL applicants can receive 75% of the course fee plus a partial allowance for expenses.
What does the financial help cover?
It covers a major part of course fees (100% for BPL, 75% for others) and provides a cash allowance for travel and miscellaneous needs.
How is the selection priority decided?
If there are many applicants, BPL candidates get priority. Within those categories, your sporting achievements decide your selection rank.
Will Odisha Government give me a job after completion?
This is a skill development initiative. The department is not required to offer you a job, though you can apply for any published coaching vacancies in the future.