SAI Training Centres Scheme - Swimming
by Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Residential coaching, kit & stipend
Residential and non-residential junior swimming talent scheme by SAI for ages 10-18, offering coaching, boarding, kit, stipend and competition exposure across STC centres in India.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Multi-year scholarship, renewed annually based on performance review
Eligibility
Ages 10-18 of any gender, scouted through SAI talent identification trials. Open nationwide across STC centres. Must be enrolled in a recognised school. Selection is based on swimming-specific physical and performance assessments at the host SAI centre.
- Grade level
- Grade 4 to 12
- Age range
- 10 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Concurrent enrolment in a recognised school is required so that academic education continues alongside training.
- Prerequisites
- Demonstrated swimming aptitude in basic strokes
- Medical fitness certified at the time of induction
- Continued school enrolment during training
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Stipend support
Trainees receive a monthly stipend along with kit allowance, in line with SAI sports promotional scheme norms; exact amount may vary by centre and category.
Certificate
SAI training certification
Training records and performance certifications from SAI are recognised within the Indian sports ecosystem and support entry into higher SAI schemes and national age-group selections.
Recognized by
Career pathways
Strong performers progress into higher SAI schemes that feed national and international representation in swimming.
Recognition
National-level training pathway
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Oct 2026
- Registration closes
- 30 Nov 2026
- Dates
- 15 Dec 2026 to 30 Dec 2026
How to apply
- 1Track talent identification trials announced by the nearest SAI Regional Centre or state SAI office
- 2Register and appear for sport-specific selection trials in swimming
- 3Clear physical, performance and medical assessments conducted by SAI coaches
- 4Submit age proof, school enrolment proof and parental consent at the time of induction
- 5Join the assigned STC centre as a residential or non-residential trainee
Rules and guidelines
- Trainees must continue formal schooling alongside training
- Attendance at scheduled training sessions is compulsory
- Annual performance review determines continuation in the scheme
- Compliance with anti-doping and code-of-conduct norms is mandatory
About this opportunity
The SAI Training Centres (STC) Scheme is a flagship junior talent development programme operated by the Sports Authority of India under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The Swimming stream nurtures young aquatic talent identified from grassroots through structured coaching, scientific support and competition exposure at recognised STC centres across India.
The scheme is open to children aged 10 to 18 who have been scouted through state-level talent identification trials and selection events conducted at SAI centres. Trainees are inducted as residential or non-residential scholars based on the centre's capacity and the trainee's domicile.
Selected trainees receive boarding and lodging, an annual sports kit, a monthly stipend, competition exposure, education expense support, medical care and insurance cover. Coaching is delivered by SAI-empanelled swimming coaches with access to pool facilities, sports science and sports medicine support.
The programme has been designed as a feeder pipeline into higher SAI schemes such as the Special Area Games (SAG) and the National Centres of Excellence (NCOE), and ultimately into national representation in age-group and senior swimming competitions.
What your child will do
- Daily pool training sessions
- Strength and conditioning workouts
- Sports science and sports medicine support
- Participation in state, zonal and national swimming competitions
- Periodic performance assessments
Mentors and faculty
SAI-empanelled swimming coaches supported by sports scientists and medical staff
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
Periodised swimming training plan covering technique, endurance, speed, strength and competition preparation, supported by sports science inputs at SAI centres.
Frequently asked questions
How does the residential STC structure support a swimmer's progress?
Residential trainees benefit from twice-daily training sessions under expert SAI coaches, along with boarding, sports kit, a monthly stipend, and medical coverage. This comprehensive support allows for focused practice and development while continuing academic education at a partnered institution near the centre.
What progression options exist for strong performers from STC Swimming?
Consistent performers are considered for induction into higher SAI schemes, such as the Special Area Games (SAG) and the National Centres of Excellence (NCOE). This provides a clear pathway for athletes to advance towards state and national age-group representation.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
CBSE Inter-School Swimming Championship U-17
by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
CBSE's inter-school swimming championship for the Under-17 age group, raced at zonal meets and then nationally, with its own events and boys and girls in separate sections.
What your child could gain:
CBSE Inter-School Swimming Championship U-14
by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
CBSE's inter-school swimming championship for the Under-14 age group, raced at zonal meets and then nationally, with its own events and boys and girls in separate sections.
What your child could gain:
CBSE Inter-School Swimming Championship U-11
by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
CBSE's inter-school swimming championship for the Under-11 age group, raced at zonal meets and then nationally, with its own events and boys and girls in separate sections.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app