UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow under Advertisement No. 22-Exam/2026. A total of 108 posts are open across multiple sports disciplines in the Directorate of Sports, Uttar Pradesh — with monthly salary ranging from Rs.21,700 to Rs.1,12,400. This guide is for UP graduates, sports coaches, and government job aspirants aged 18–40 who passed PET-2025 and want to apply before the deadline of 04 November 2026. This article covers all posts, eligibility, salary, syllabus, application process, important dates, and a complete how-to-apply guide.
UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026 invites online applications for 108 sports department posts (Sub Sports Officer, Grounds Man, Assistant Coach, Life Guard, etc.) with salary up to Rs.1,12,400/month. Only PET-2025 qualified candidates can apply at upsssc.gov.in between 14 October and 04 November 2026.
- Advt. No.: 22-Exam/2026 (Vigyan Sankhya-22-Pariksha/2026)
- Recruiting Body: UPSSSC, Lucknow
- Department: Directorate of Sports (Khel Nideshalayas), Uttar Pradesh
- Total Posts: 108
- Post Types: Grounds Man, Sub Sports Officer, Assistant Coach (15 sports), Life Guard
- Salary Range: Rs.21,700 – Rs.1,12,400 per month (7th Pay Commission)
- Application Start: 14 October 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 04 November 2026
- Fee Reconciliation Deadline: 11 November 2026
- Application Fee: Rs.25 (online processing charges only — all categories)
- Eligibility: PET-2025 qualified + specific educational/coaching qualifications per post
- Selection Process: Written Main Exam (100 MCQs, 2 hours) based on PET-2025 normalized score shortlist
- Official Website: upsssc.gov.in
- What is UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains Recruitment 2026?
- Who Should Apply for This Recruitment?
- Post-wise Vacancy and Salary Details
- Eligibility and Educational Requirements
- How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Process
- Selection Process and Exam Syllabus
- UPSSSC Sports Jobs vs Other UP Government Jobs
- Pros and Cons of This Recruitment
- Important Terms Related to UPSSSC Recruitment
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains Recruitment 2026?
UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains Recruitment 2026 is a state-level government job notification issued by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) for selection to 108 posts in the Directorate of Sports, Uttar Pradesh. Only candidates who appeared in PET-2025 (Preliminary Eligibility Test) and received a score card from the Commission are eligible to apply. Shortlisting for the written main examination will be done on the basis of PET-2025 normalized scores, in a ratio of 15 candidates per vacancy per category (up to the final cutoff score).
The recruitment fills positions across 19 post types under the Sports Directorate — spanning groundskeeping, sub-sports officer roles, sport-specific assistant coaching (swimming, cricket, football, hockey, shooting, weightlifting, fencing, wrestling, handball, table tennis, volleyball, lawn tennis, wushu), and life-guarding. All posts are in the Directorate of Sports, Uttar Pradesh, and both permanent and temporary (temporary/permanent) appointments are offered depending on the post.
Who Should Apply for This UPSSSC Sports Recruitment?
This recruitment is ideal for the following candidates:
- 🎓 Graduates with coaching diplomas — Candidates holding a recognized university degree with a diploma in sports coaching from NIS Patiala, SAI institutes, or equivalent bodies, and 2 years coaching experience.
- 🏊 Physical education graduates — Those with B.P.Ed. or related credentials who want a stable government sports role in UP.
- ⚽ Sport-specific coaches — Qualified coaches in cricket, football, hockey, shooting, swimming, weightlifting, fencing, wrestling, handball, table tennis, volleyball, lawn tennis, or wushu.
- 🌿 High school pass candidates with grounds experience — For Grounds Man posts (Level-4), candidates with UP Board High School and grounds/horticultural knowledge qualify.
- 🏅 Outstanding sportspersons — Exceptional athletes who qualify under UP Outstanding Sportsperson quota (Group-G) can get reservation benefit.
- 🔰 Ex-servicemen and defence veterans — Those retired from military service by 04-11-2026 with service-based age relaxation.
- 👩 Women candidates — Female candidates get horizontal reservation in several posts; no application fee beyond Rs.25 processing charge.
- 📋 PET-2025 qualified candidates from UP — Only those who appeared and passed PET-2025 conducted by UPSSSC and have a valid score card can apply.
Post-wise Vacancy and Salary Details
UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas 2026 offers 108 total posts across 19 post types under the Sports Directorate, UP. The salary is governed by the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix. Below is the complete post-wise breakdown:
| Post Name | Level / Pay Band | Min Salary (Rs.) | Max Salary (Rs.) | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grounds Man (General + Special) | Level-4 | 25,500 | 81,100 | 3 |
| Sub Sports Officer / Up Krida Adhikari (General + Special) | Level-6 | 35,400 | 1,12,400 | 50 |
| Assistant Coach – Swimming (Sahayak Prashikshak Tairaki) | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 25 |
| Life Guard / Jeevan Rakshak (General + Special) | Level-3 | 21,700 | 69,100 | 18 |
| Assistant Coach – Cricket | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Football | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Shooting (Nishanebazi) | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Weightlifting | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Fencing (Talwar Bazi) | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Wrestling (Kushti) | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Hockey | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 2 |
| Assistant Coach – Table Tennis | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Handball | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Wushu | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Volleyball | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
| Assistant Coach – Lawn Tennis | Level-5 | 29,200 | 92,300 | 1 |
Note: The Sub Sports Officer (Level-6) is the highest-paying post at Rs.35,400–Rs.1,12,400/month. Life Guard (Level-3) is the entry-level post at Rs.21,700–Rs.69,100/month. All Assistant Coach posts are at Level-5 with pay Rs.29,200–Rs.92,300/month.
Eligibility and Educational Requirements
Every post has specific mandatory educational qualifications. Candidates must possess all required credentials by 04-11-2026 (application deadline). Below is the consolidated eligibility for key posts:
Educational Qualifications by Post
- Grounds Man (Level-4): UP Board High School pass (or equivalent). Practical knowledge of preparing/marking sports grounds, indoor/outdoor; knowledge of grass varieties, gardening, seed planting. 2 years’ experience as Grounds Man is preferred (Adhimani).
- Sub Sports Officer (Level-6): Recognized university graduate + Diploma in sports coaching from NIS Patiala, SAI Bangalore/Kolkata, Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education Trivandrum/Gwalior, or equivalent MYA&S-approved institute + 2 years coaching experience.
- Assistant Coaches – All Sports (Level-5): Recognized university graduate + Diploma in the relevant sport from NIS Patiala, SAI institutes, or equivalent (as per UP Sports Directorate letter No. I-208273/A0Se0Ch0/S0Pr0/Bharti dated 14-07-2025) + 2 years coaching experience in that specific sport.
- Life Guard / Jeevan Rakshak (Level-3): UP Board High School (or equivalent) + minimum 3 years practical experience as a Life Guard.
Age Limits
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Reckoned As Of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grounds Man | 18 years | 40 years | 1st January / 1st July of recruitment year |
| Sub Sports Officer | 21 years | 40 years | 1st July of recruitment year |
| Assistant Coaches (all) | 21 years | 40 years | 1st July of recruitment year |
| Life Guard | 18 years | 40 years | 1st January / 1st July of recruitment year |
Age Relaxation: SC/ST/OBC candidates get relaxation as per UP government rules. Current UP government employees get 5 years upper age relaxation. Ex-servicemen get relaxation equal to military service period. Chief Minister Scholarship holders (CM Anusandhan Fellows) get relaxation as per UP notification dated 30-01-2026.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee | Online Processing Charge | Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (General) | Rs.00 | Rs.25 | Rs.25 |
| OBC (Other Backward Class) | Rs.00 | Rs.25 | Rs.25 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | Rs.00 | Rs.25 | Rs.25 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | Rs.00 | Rs.25 | Rs.25 |
Fee can be paid via Credit Card, Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or SBI e-Challan. The mains exam fee (for shortlisted candidates only) will be charged separately before admit card download.
How to Apply Online for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026
Applications are accepted only through the online mode at upsssc.gov.in. No offline or postal applications are accepted. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to upsssc.gov.in and click on the “Live Advertisement Segment” on the homepage.
- Click on Advertisement No. 22-Exam/2026: Download and read the full notification PDF before proceeding to application.
- Login via PET-2025 Registration Number: Use your PET-2025 registration number + OTP sent to your registered mobile/email to authenticate and log in to the application portal.
- Verify Pre-filled Personal Details: Your name, father/mother name, category, EWS details, date of birth, gender, marital status, and contact details from PET-2025 will be auto-filled. Review carefully.
- Select Posts You Are Applying For: Choose the specific post(s) you are eligible for. You must actively select each post — unselected posts will not be considered.
- Enter Educational Qualification Details: For each selected post, enter board/university name, passing year, certificate/roll number, issuing date, and marks details for your coaching diploma and degree.
- Verify Photo and Signature: Your photo and signature uploaded at PET-2025 will be auto-displayed. No changes are possible. Click Continue to proceed.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay Rs.25 online processing fee via your preferred payment mode. After successful payment, your application auto-submits.
- Download and Print Application Form: Immediately download and print your application form showing the 11-digit registration number. Keep it safe for future reference.
- Correct Errors (if any) Before 11-11-2026: Permitted corrections can be made until 11 November 2026 by logging in via OTP to “Modify Application” on the Applicant Dashboard. After this date, no corrections are possible.
If your online fee payment fails, do NOT re-apply. Instead, visit Applicant Segment > Update Your Transaction ID by Double Verification on the UPSSSC homepage. Use your PET-2025 registration number, verify your transaction ID, and complete the fee reconciliation before 11-11-2026. Without successful fee reconciliation, your application will NOT be submitted.
Selection Process and Exam Syllabus 2026
Selection for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026 is a two-stage process: shortlisting via PET-2025 normalized score, followed by a Written Main Examination.
Stage 1 – Shortlisting via PET-2025 Score
Candidates are shortlisted for the mains exam based on their PET-2025 normalized scores in a 15:1 ratio per vacancy per category (all candidates with normalized score up to the final category cutoff are included). Candidates with zero or negative absolute scores in PET-2025 are NOT shortlisted.
Stage 2 – Written Main Examination Pattern
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-1 | History of India & Indian National Movement | 04 | 04 |
| Part-1 | Geography of India and World | 04 | 04 |
| Part-1 | Economic and Social Development of India | 03 | 03 |
| Part-1 | Indian Polity and Constitution | 03 | 03 |
| Part-1 | General Science and Technology | 03 | 03 |
| Part-1 | Environmental Ecology and Disaster Management | 03 | 03 |
| Part-1 | Current Events of National & International Importance | 05 | 05 |
| Part-1 | Sports-Related Information | 40 | 40 |
| Part-2 | Computer & Information Technology | 15 | 15 |
| Part-3 | General Knowledge of Uttar Pradesh | 20 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | |
Exam Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes). Question Type: Objective MCQ. Negative Marking: 1/4 mark deducted for each wrong answer. Sports section (40 marks) covers Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Training, Sports Biomechanics, Sports Nutrition & Yoga, Sports Medicine, Organization & Administration, Testing & Measurement, Digital Learning & AI in Sports, and International/National Sports Federations.
UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas 2026 vs Other UP Government Sports Jobs
| Factor | UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas 2026 | UP Police Sports Quota | UPPSC Sports Officer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 108 posts | Variable, sports-based | Very limited |
| Salary (Min) | Rs.21,700/month | Rs.21,700/month | Rs.56,100/month |
| Qualification Required | Graduation + coaching diploma | Sports excellence certificate | Post-graduation |
| Selection Process | PET-2025 + Written Mains | Sports trial + interview | UPPSC exam + interview |
| Application Fee | Rs.25 only | Rs.400 (general) | Rs.125 (general) |
| Age Limit | 18–40 years | 18–22 years (standard) | 21–40 years |
| Job Type | State government (UPSSSC) | State police service | State civil service (UPPSC) |
| Best For | Sports coaches & sports-educated graduates | Elite sportspersons | Sports administration professionals |
UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026 is the best opportunity for sports-qualified graduates in Uttar Pradesh this year. With just Rs.25 application fee, 108 posts across 19 disciplines, and a structured written exam (no sports trials), it provides a fair and transparent selection process. Sub Sports Officer at Rs.35,400–Rs.1,12,400/month is the top pick for career growth in UP government service.
Pros and Cons of UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Recruitment 2026
Advantages
- ✅ Very low application fee — Rs.25 for all categories including General/OBC
- ✅ Transparent written exam selection — No sports trials or subjective interview bias
- ✅ Multiple posts and disciplines — 19 post types covering 15+ sports disciplines
- ✅ Good salary — Level-6 posts up to Rs.1,12,400/month with 7th Pay Commission benefits
- ✅ State government security — Permanent/temporary government employment with pension, DA, HRA
Disadvantages
- ❌ PET-2025 mandatory — Candidates who did not appear in or qualify PET-2025 cannot apply at all
- ❌ Limited vacancies per sport — Most sport-specific assistant coach posts have just 1 vacancy
- ❌ Coaching diploma from specific institutes required — Diploma from non-recognized institutes may not qualify
Important Terms Related to UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Recruitment
- UPSSSC (Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission): The state body that conducts recruitment for subordinate government posts in UP. Website: upsssc.gov.in.
- PET-2025 (Preliminary Eligibility Test 2025): The mandatory preliminary screening test conducted by UPSSSC. Candidates with valid PET-2025 score card are eligible to apply for this mains exam.
- Normalized Score: A statistical adjustment of raw scores to account for varying difficulty across different PET-2025 shifts/sessions. Shortlisting for mains is based on normalized, not absolute, PET-2025 scores.
- NIS Patiala (Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports): India’s premier sports coaching institute; coaching diploma from NIS is the gold standard for sports coaching qualification in government jobs.
- Level-6 Pay Matrix: 7th Pay Commission pay level corresponding to Rs.35,400 basic pay (approximately Rs.50,000–Rs.60,000 gross including DA/HRA in 2026 for Sub Sports Officer).
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Candidates with annual family income below Rs.8 lakh can claim 10% EWS reservation. EWS certificate must be dated between 01-04-2026 and 04-11-2026 (based on FY 2025-26 income, valid for FY 2026-27).
- Outstanding Sportsperson (Utkrisht Khiladi): Athletes who have represented India/UP at national/international level. They get reservation under a special quota (Group-G rules, UP 2022) in sports department posts.
- Adhimani Yogyata (Preferential Qualification): Additional credentials that give preference in direct recruitment when other qualifications are equal, including NCC ‘B’ certificate, Pradeshik Sena service, or sports event organizing experience.
- Negative Marking: In the written mains exam, 1/4 mark (0.25 marks) is deducted for each wrong MCQ answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
- Vishesh Chayan (Special Selection): A parallel recruitment channel running alongside general selection for specific reserved/quota candidates.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Publication Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 14 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application & Fee | 04 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Reconciliation & Application Correction | 11 November 2026 |
| Written Main Exam Date | To be announced (check upsssc.gov.in) |
| Admit Card Release | Before exam (check official portal) |
Important Links
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Official UPSSSC Website (Apply Online) | upsssc.gov.in |
| Download Official Notification PDF (Telegram) | t.me/agrijob_in/899 |
| UP Sports Department (Khel Nideshalayas UP) | sports.up.gov.in |
| NIS Patiala – Coaching Institute Info | nsnis.org |
| UP Government Official Portal | up.gov.in |
Conclusion: Should You Apply for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026?
UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains Recruitment 2026 is one of the most important sports department government job opportunities in Uttar Pradesh for 2026. With 108 posts, minimal Rs.25 application fee, salaries up to Rs.1,12,400/month, and a structured written examination — this is an excellent opportunity for PET-2025 qualified graduates with sports coaching qualifications. Apply online at upsssc.gov.in before 04 November 2026, and bookmark this page for admit card and exam date updates.
- UPSSSC has announced 108 posts in UP Sports Directorate under Advertisement No. 22-Exam/2026, published 30-09-2026.
- Salary ranges from Rs.21,700/month (Life Guard, Level-3) to Rs.1,12,400/month (Sub Sports Officer, Level-6).
- Only PET-2025 qualified candidates can apply; application window is 14 October – 04 November 2026 at upsssc.gov.in.
- Application fee is just Rs.25 (online processing charge) for all categories — no examination fee for mains until shortlisting.
- Selection involves a 100-question, 2-hour written MCQ exam with 1/4 negative marking — Sports section carries 40 marks out of 100.
- Download the full official notification PDF from t.me/agrijob_in/899 and apply before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions About UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains Recruitment 2026
What is the total number of posts in UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026?
UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains Recruitment 2026 has a total of 108 posts in the Directorate of Sports, Uttar Pradesh. Posts include Grounds Man, Sub Sports Officer, Assistant Coaches across 15 sports, and Life Guards under Advertisement No. 22-Exam/2026.
What is the last date to apply for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas 2026?
The last date to submit the UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas 2026 online application and pay the fee is 04 November 2026. Fee reconciliation and minor application corrections can be done until 11 November 2026. No applications or fee payments are accepted after these dates.
Is PET-2025 compulsory for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026?
Yes, PET-2025 (Preliminary Eligibility Test 2025) is mandatory for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026. Only candidates who appeared in PET-2025 and received a score card from UPSSSC are eligible to apply. Candidates who did not appear in PET-2025 or scored zero or negative cannot apply for this recruitment.
What is the salary for Sub Sports Officer (Up Krida Adhikari) in UPSSSC 2026?
The Sub Sports Officer post in UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas 2026 is at Level-6 of the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix, with a basic pay range of Rs.35,400 to Rs.1,12,400 per month. With Dearness Allowance, HRA, and other allowances, the gross monthly salary in 2026 is approximately Rs.50,000–Rs.65,000 depending on DA revision.
What is the application fee for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026?
The application fee for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026 is Rs.25 (only online processing charge) for all categories including General, OBC, SC, and ST. There is no separate application fee based on category. The main exam fee (for shortlisted candidates) will be charged separately before admit card download.
How many questions are in the UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains written exam?
The UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains written exam has 100 objective MCQ questions for a total of 100 marks, to be completed in 2 hours (120 minutes). There is a negative marking of 1/4 mark for each wrong answer. The Sports-Related Information section carries the maximum 40 marks, making it the most important section to prepare.
Can women apply for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026?
Yes, women candidates can apply for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026. Female candidates receive horizontal reservation in applicable posts as per UP government rules (Shasknadesh No. 18/1/99/Ka-2/99 dated 26-02-1999 as amended). UP women applicants must submit a caste certificate issued from the father’s side. The application fee is the same Rs.25 for all women candidates.
What qualifications are needed for Assistant Coach posts in UPSSSC 2026?
For all Assistant Coach posts (Swimming, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Shooting, Weightlifting, Fencing, Wrestling, Handball, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Lawn Tennis, Wushu) in UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas 2026, candidates need a recognized university graduation degree + Diploma in the specific sport from NIS Patiala or equivalent MYA&S-approved institute + 2 years coaching experience in that sport as of the application deadline.
Where can I download the official UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas 2026 notification PDF?
The official notification PDF for UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas Mains 2026 (Advertisement No. 22-Exam/2026) can be downloaded from the official UPSSSC website at upsssc.gov.in under the Live Advertisement Segment. You can also download the notification directly from our Telegram channel at t.me/agrijob_in/899.
Last Updated: October 2026 | This article is reviewed and updated regularly as official information changes. Bookmark this page for the latest UPSSSC Khel Nideshalayas 2026 updates including admit card dates and exam schedule.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All data is sourced from the official UPSSSC notification (Advt. No. 22-Exam/2026) published on 30-09-2026. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official notification at upsssc.gov.in before applying. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any discrepancy between this article and the official notification.
