The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC), Lucknow, has published official recruitment notification Advertisement No. 22-Examination/2026 for the Sports Directorate Main Examination (PET-2025/22). This major state recruitment opens 108 vacancies under the Sports Directorate (Khel Nideshalaya), Uttar Pradesh, encompassing posts of Assistant Coach across 12 disciplines, Groundsman, Deputy Sports Officer, and Lifeguard. Candidates possessing a valid UPSSSC PET 2025 Scorecard along with prescribed sports or educational qualifications can submit online applications on upsssc.gov.in starting 14 October 2026 until 04 November 2026.
UPSSSC Advt 22-Exam/2026: Vacancy Breakdown and Pay Matrix
The 108 posts provide regular state government employment within the sports infrastructure of Uttar Pradesh:
| Cadre / Post Name | Pay Scale & Matrix Level | Vacancies | Prescribed Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Coach (12 Disciplines) | Pay Band-1 (Rs. 5,200 - 20,200), GP Rs. 2,800 (Level 5) | 48 Posts | Graduate + Diploma in Coaching from NIS Patiala / equivalent |
| Groundsman | Pay Band-1 (Rs. 5,200 - 20,200), GP Rs. 1,800 (Level 1) | 42 Posts | High School (10th Pass) with experience in sports pitch maintenance |
| Deputy Sports Officer | Pay Band-2 (Rs. 9,300 - 34,800), GP Rs. 4,200 (Level 6) | 12 Posts | Bachelor Degree in Physical Education (B.P.Ed) or sports management |
| Lifeguard | Pay Band-1 (Rs. 5,200 - 20,200), GP Rs. 1,900 (Level 2) | 06 Posts | Intermediate (10+2) + Certified Swimming / Lifeguard Qualification |
| Total Notified Vacancies | 108 Posts | Mandatory UPSSSC PET 2025 Valid Score | |
Selection Process and Examination Scheme
Only candidates with non-zero positive normalized scores in UPSSSC PET 2025 are eligible to apply. The shortlisting for the Mains Examination is conducted at 15 times the notified vacancies category-wise:
| Paper Component | Subject Distribution | Questions / Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Subject Domain & Specialized Sports Science / Technical Knowledge | 65 Questions / 65 Marks | Combined 120 Minutes (2 Hours) | 0.25 mark (25 percent) deduction per wrong answer |
| Part 2 | Computer & Information Technology Concepts (including AI basics) | 15 Questions / 15 Marks | Included in 2 Hours | 0.25 mark deduction per wrong answer |
| Part 3 | General Knowledge of Uttar Pradesh (History, Culture, Geography, Sports Schemes) | 20 Questions / 20 Marks | Included in 2 Hours | 0.25 mark deduction per wrong answer |
| Total Mains Exam | Objective OMR / CBRT Format | 100 Questions / 100 Marks | 120 Minutes | Negative marking 1/4th mark |
Cutoff Benchmarks, Category Standards, and Evaluation Criteria
For specialized cadres requiring NIS diplomas or sports certificates (such as Assistant Coach), the PET shortlisting cutoff is traditionally modest (often around 15 to 25 normalized marks) due to the limited talent pool possessing the technical coaching diploma. However, for Groundsman posts, the applicant base is significantly broader, with PET cutoff estimates expected between 45 to 55 marks.
The final selection list is framed purely on the aggregate marks scored in the 100-mark Mains Examination, adhering to vertical and horizontal reservation norms of Uttar Pradesh. In the event of equal marks, the candidate older in age is placed higher in the merit list.
Aspirant Suggestions and High-Yield Preparation Priorities
- UP Special General Knowledge (20 Marks): Master Uttar Pradesh sports infrastructure, Khelo India state centres, One District One Sport (ODOS) schemes, and UP sports policies. These 20 marks offer the highest scoring efficiency.
- Sports Coaching Principles: Assistant Coach candidates should revise training periodization, sports physiology, biomechanics, injury rehabilitation, and modern coaching methodologies.
- Application Fee Protocol: In the initial stage, all candidates need to pay only an online processing fee of Rs. 25. The actual Mains Examination fee is deposited only by shortlisted candidates once the cutoff list is announced.
- Domicile & Caste Certificates: To claim reservation benefits in UP, ensure your OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) or EWS certificate is issued for the current financial year within the validity cut-off dates specified in Advt 22-Exam/2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a valid UPSSSC PET scorecard compulsory to apply for Advt 22-Exam/2026?
Yes. Candidates must have appeared in UPSSSC Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET 2025) and possess a valid scorecard with positive (non-zero) normalized marks. Without a valid PET registration number, the application portal cannot be accessed.
What are the registration dates for UPSSSC Assistant Coach and Groundsman posts?
Online registration, submission of application, and payment of the Rs. 25 processing fee starts on 14 October 2026 and closes on 04 November 2026. The last date to complete fee reconciliation and application corrections is 11 November 2026.
What is the age limit prescribed for UPSSSC Sports Directorate recruitment?
The candidate must have completed 21 years and must not have attained 40 years as on 01 July 2026. Relaxations in upper age limit apply to SC, ST, OBC, skilled sportspersons, and government employees of Uttar Pradesh as per state rules.
Can candidates from other states apply for UPSSSC Advt 22-Exam/2026?
Yes. Candidates from any state in India can apply provided they hold a valid UPSSSC PET 2025 scorecard and fulfill the educational qualifications. However, non-UP candidates are treated under the Unreserved (General) category regardless of their caste status.
Is there an interview stage in UPSSSC Groundsman or Assistant Coach selection?
No. In accordance with Uttar Pradesh Government notifications abolishing interviews for Group-C posts, there is no interview. Selection is made 100 percent on the basis of written Mains examination marks.