Referee (Football)
The final decision-making authority in a football match, with authority to start, stop and discipline play.
Overview
The Referee in football is the final decision-making authority on all facts connected with play. He or she is the match official with the authority to start and stop play and impose disciplinary actions (such as fouls, yellow and red cards and penalties) against players during a match.
Where they work
- All state level matches
- Exhibitions
- Friendlies
- National level matches
Work environment
You have to always work outdoors and be active in this job. The timings are flexible and are dependent on the time duration of the matches.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like different types of physical activities
- You like to work outdoors
- You are an effective communicator
- You are comfortable working with groups
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream
- 2Register yourself on the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) website through the Referees Administration System of India (RASI) portal.
- 3Clear the referee examination which is held in four parts once or twice every year, after which you will be recognised as a category 5 referee.
Forms, exams and applications
Referee examination conducted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), held in four parts once or twice every year, via the Referees Administration System of India (RASI) portal. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
Government institutes
- State Sports Authority of Tamil Nadu (SSAT), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Football Academy of India, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Indian Football School (IFS), Mumbai, Maharashtra
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Category 5 (Beginner Level)
- 2Category 4 (Moderate level)
- 3Category 3 (Advanced level)
- 4Category 2 (National level)
- 5Category 1 (Top-level in India, officiates ISL and I League matches)
- 6FIFA (Nominated by AIFF, limited referees get a chance to become)
Expected income
₹50,000 – ₹80,000 per month officiating National Level Matches
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Physical Educator
Teaches physical health, nutrition and sports participation, and leads a school's physical activity.
Physical Fitness Trainer
Helps people of all ages improve health and fitness through exercise and healthy diet.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Physical Education, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to sports.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Muringothumalil Santosh Kumar — An Indian professional football referee who officiates primarily in the I-League and Indian Super League. In 2012 he was one of three referees in India to be made professional by the All India Football Federation.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 291 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3jsX2GS
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.