The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has announced the India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 cycle.
The recruitment is for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts in various Postal Circles and Divisions across India. Candidates who have passed Class 10 and meet the prescribed eligibility conditions can apply online through the official India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal.
According to the recruitment schedule provided in the notification, One-Time Registration (OTR) begins on 31 August 2026, while online application submission starts on 2 September 2026. The last date to submit the application and complete applicable fee payment is 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
Important: The exact number of vacancies should be checked in the Circle/Division-wise vacancy details published on the official GDS portal. Do not rely on unofficial estimates of total vacancies.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization Name | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Recruitment | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) |
| Advertisement No. | 17-12/2026-GDS |
| Post Name | BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 25000+ (Expected) Gramin Dak Sevak posts |
| Qualification | Class 10th Pass |
| Selection Process | Merit-based selection |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | indiapost.gov.in |
Important Dates
Notification Released
20 August 2026
One-Time Registration
31 August to 19 September 2026
Online Application Submission
02 September to 21 September 2026
Edit/Correction Window
23 September to 24 September 2026
Supplementary Shortlist Deadline
31 December 2026
Candidates should avoid waiting until the final day. The application process may require registration, form submission and fee payment, where applicable.
India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
The recruitment covers three major GDS categories:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Dak Sevak
The notification does not provide one simple all-India vacancy figure in the main notification. Candidates should check the division-wise tentative vacancy position on the official GDS Online Engagement Portal before selecting their preferred Division.
Vacancies can vary by Postal Circle, Division, category and post. Therefore, candidates should check the latest vacancy position before submitting their application.
India Post GDS Posts and Duties
Branch Postmaster (BPM)
The BPM is responsible for managing the operations of a Branch Post Office. Duties may include:
- Managing day-to-day Branch Post Office activities
- Handling postal transactions
- Mail delivery and conveyance
- India Post Payments Bank-related transactions
- Promoting postal products and services
- Performing other duties assigned by the Department
A BPM candidate is generally required to arrange suitable accommodation for the Branch Post Office and reside in the post village as prescribed by the Department.
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
The ABPM assists the BPM in the functioning of the Branch Post Office.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Sale of stamps and stationery
- Mail conveyance and doorstep delivery
- IPPB transactions
- Assisting with Branch Post Office operations
- Performing BPM-related duties when required
The candidate is required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Post Office as prescribed.
Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks may work in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices, Transit Mail Offices or Delivery Centres.
Their duties can include:
- Handling mail and parcels
- Sale of stamps and stationery
- Mail delivery
- IPPB transactions
- Assisting the Postmaster or Sub-Postmaster
- Other postal office-related duties
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should carefully check the eligibility requirements before submitting the application.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed the Secondary School Examination (Class 10) from a recognized Board.
The candidate must have passing marks in:
- Mathematics
- English
Equivalent qualifications from boards that do not meet the prescribed requirements should not be assumed to be eligible. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the applicable qualification rules.
Local Language Requirement
Candidates must have studied the prescribed local language of the relevant Postal Circle up to at least the 10th standard.
The local language requirement varies by Circle. Therefore, candidates should check the language applicable to the Division they wish to select.
Other Requirements
Candidates should also have:
- Knowledge of computers
- Knowledge of cycling
- Adequate means of livelihood in addition to GDS allowances
These requirements are part of the prescribed GDS engagement conditions.
India Post GDS Age Limit 2026
The prescribed age range is:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 40 years
The upper age limit is calculated according to the date specified in the recruitment notification.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| EWS | No relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
Candidates should check the notification for the complete conditions applicable to their category.
India Post GDS Salary 2026
GDS employees are paid under the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) system. They are not regular Central Government employees, and their service conditions and benefits differ from those of regular Central Government employees.
The TRCA slabs mentioned for the posts are:
| Post | Initial TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 |
| Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 |
The applicable TRCA and allowances are subject to the Department’s rules and conditions.
India Post GDS Application Fee
The application fee is ₹100 for candidates who are required to pay the fee.
The fee is exempted for:
- Female candidates
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- PwBD candidates
- Transwomen candidates
Eligible candidates can make payment through the online payment methods provided in the application portal.
The fee is generally non-refundable, so candidates should verify their eligibility and Division choice before making payment.
India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
One of the most important points for candidates is that there is no written examination for GDS selection.
Selection is based primarily on the candidate’s Class 10 academic performance.
The broad selection process is:
- Online application
- Preparation of system-generated merit list
- Shortlisting of candidates
- Physical verification of original documents
- Provisional engagement
- Pre-engagement formalities and training
- Final engagement after the required verification
The merit list is prepared using the marks obtained in the Secondary School Examination.
Candidates should enter their Class 10 marks and other educational details carefully. Incorrect information can lead to cancellation of candidature.
How to Apply for India Post Recruitment
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal.
Step 1 – Complete One-Time Registration
Visit the official GDS portal and complete the One-Time Registration using the required personal and educational details.
Step 2 – Login to the Portal
After successful registration, use the registration details provided by the portal to log in.
Step 3 – Complete the Application Form
Enter the required information, including: Personal details, Class 10 educational details, Board details, Passing year, Marks, Postal Circle, Division and post preferences
Step 4 – Upload Photograph and Signature
Upload the photograph and signature according to the size, format and dimension requirements specified in the application instructions.
Step 5 – Preview the Application
Before final submission, carefully check: Name, Date of birth, Parent details, Educational information, Marks, Category, Division preference, Photograph, Signature
Step 6 – Pay the Application Fee
Candidates who are not exempted from the fee should complete the online payment within the prescribed time.
Step 7 – Submit the Application
Submit the completed application before 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM.
Candidates should save or download a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
How Is the GDS Merit List Prepared?
The GDS merit list is prepared from Class 10 marks, with the percentage calculated according to the rules specified in the notification.
Where grades or CGPA are provided instead of marks, the Department’s prescribed conversion method is applied.
Candidates should enter their marks or grades exactly as they appear on their original marksheet.
Incorrect entry of marks, grades or educational information can affect candidature.
In case of a tie between candidates, the Department applies the prescribed tie-breaking criteria.
Documents and Details to Keep Ready
Candidates should keep the following information/documents available before starting the application:
- Class 10 marksheet/certificate
- Date of birth details
- Valid mobile number
- Active email ID
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- Category certificate, where applicable
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Other documents required according to the notification
Original documents are verified at a later stage for shortlisted candidates.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should carefully follow the instructions given in the official notification.
- Only one registration should be created by a candidate.
- Do not create duplicate registrations.
- Enter your name and date of birth exactly as recorded in the Class 10 certificate.
- Check the prescribed local language before selecting a Division.
- Verify Class 10 marks before submitting the application.
- Keep your registration number and login information safe.
- Check the vacancy position before selecting Division preferences.
- Candidates required to pay the fee should complete payment before the deadline.
- Do not share OTPs, passwords or other confidential login information.
- Be cautious of unofficial calls, messages or websites claiming to offer GDS selection.
- Check the official India Post website for changes, corrigenda and further instructions.
India Post has also warned candidates about unauthorized or suspicious communications and advises applicants to rely on official communication channels.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | View & Download |
| Official Website | indiapost.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The last date for online application submission and applicable fee payment is 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM, according to the schedule provided in the notification.
Candidates must have passed Class 10 with passing marks in Mathematics and English and must have studied the prescribed local language up to the required level.
No. GDS candidates are shortlisted through a merit-based process using Class 10 marks.
The prescribed age limit is 18 to 40 years, with applicable relaxations for eligible reserved categories.
The recruitment covers Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts.
