Sports Ministry rolls out part-time NIS course

The Sports Ministry has launched a new two-year Special Capacity Building Course for sports quota recruits working in government departments, aiming to equip them with professional coaching skills and keep them connected with the sporting ecosystem after their playing careers.

The programme, to be conducted at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala, will begin on October 27, with September 25 as the last date to apply. It will cover five disciplines – Athletics, Boxing, Judo, Hockey, and Wrestling.

Unlike the one-year full-time diploma already offered by NIS across 26 disciplines, this new course is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to complete it in four levels over two years, or even extend up to four years. After finishing all levels, participants will receive a Diploma-equivalent Certification in Sports Coaching. Importantly, candidates can exit with certification after each completed level.

Explaining the need for flexibility, Sports Authority of India’s Deputy Director Sibananda Mishra said, “Working professionals are unlikely to get a one-year break from their jobs. This course gives them the option to spread their training, with only six weeks of mandatory offline sessions at NIS.”

The eligibility age limit has been set at 40–42 years to encourage wider participation. Besides sports quota recruits, the course is also open to former athletes, government employees managing sports activities, and individuals moving into coaching or sports administration.

The curriculum will include 45 hours of practical field training at Khelo India Centres, SAI Training Centres, or approved academies. The fee is capped at ₹14,800 per level, excluding boarding and lodging.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has positioned the initiative as part of efforts to ensure athletes continue contributing to Indian sports beyond their competitive years.