India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: 25,000+ Posts, Notification Out, Apply Online for BPM, ABPM & Dak Sevak Posts

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has released the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 notification for recruitment to the posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak.

The notification, issued as Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026, invites applications for tentative vacancies in rural offices of the Department of Posts across different Circles and Divisions in India.

The exact number of vacancies has not been specified in the notification itself. However, 25,000+ GDS posts are expected, and the division-wise tentative vacancy position will be made available through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal.

The One-Time Registration (OTR) process will begin on 31 August 2026, while candidates can submit their online applications from 2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.

Candidates who have passed Class 10/Secondary School Examination with passing marks in Mathematics and English and have studied the prescribed local language up to the 10th standard can apply, subject to fulfilling the other eligibility conditions.

Unlike many government recruitment examinations, there is no written examination for India Post GDS engagement. Candidates are shortlisted through a system-generated merit list based on their Class 10 academic performance.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Official Notification PDF

The Department of Posts has issued the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 notification under Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026.

The complete notification runs to 38 pages, including the relevant annexures. Candidates should carefully read the notification and all applicable annexures before completing the registration and application process.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Overview

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Important Dates

The GDS Schedule-II, July-2026 engagement cycle will be conducted in stages, covering registration, application submission and a correction window.

The engagement process will close after 31 December 2026.

Candidates should not wait until the final day to register or submit their applications. The notification specifically provides a strict 5:00 PM deadline, and no extension will be provided because of technical problems, website traffic or other issues near the closing time.

India Post GDS Vacancy 2026: Post-wise Details

The India Post GDS recruitment covers three categories of posts:

1. Branch Postmaster (BPM)
2. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
3. Dak Sevak

The notification does not provide a consolidated exact number of vacancies for every Circle and Division. Instead, Annexure-I provides the vacancy format, and candidates are directed to check the tentative division-wise vacancy position on the official GDS Online Engagement Portal.

Branch Postmaster (BPM)

The BPM is responsible for the overall functioning of a single-handed Branch Post Office.

The duties include:

• Managing day-to-day postal operations
• Handling IPPB transactions
• Marketing and promoting Department of Posts services
• Mail conveyance and delivery

A BPM must also arrange accommodation for the Branch Post Office and reside in the post village.

Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)

The ABPM assists the Branch Postmaster in postal and related activities.

The responsibilities include:

• Sale of stamps and stationery
• Mail conveyance
• Doorstep delivery
• IPPB transactions
• Performing combined BPM duties when required

The ABPM must reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Post Office.

Dak Sevak

Dak Sevaks may be engaged in:

• Post Offices
• Sorting Offices
• Mail Offices
• Transit Mail Offices
• Delivery Centres

Their work includes handling mail and parcels, selling stamps and stationery, conducting IPPB transactions and assisting the Postmaster/Sub-Postmaster in office-related activities.

A Dak Sevak must reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Post Office.

Reservation and Vacancy Position

Community-wise vacancy consolidation, including OBC, ST and SC according to the applicable state reservation percentage, EWS at 10%, UR and PwBD sub-categories at 1% each, will be reflected in the division-wise vacancy annexure available on the portal.

Important: Since the exact Circle/Division-wise vacancy count is not specified in the notification document itself, candidates should check the official GDS portal for the latest tentative vacancy position before selecting their preferences.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak posts is determined according to the conditions specified in the notification.

The qualification is considered as on the date of notification, while the age requirement is assessed as on the last date for submission of applications.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have:

• Passed the Secondary School Examination (SSE)/Class 10th from a Board recognized by the Government of India, State Governments or Union Territories.
• Obtained passing marks in Mathematics and English.
• Possess a Class 10 qualification from a recognized board.

Candidates holding an equivalent qualification from another board that does not meet the prescribed requirement are not eligible.

Local Language Requirement

Candidates must have studied the prescribed local language for the relevant Circle up to at least the 10th standard from a recognized board.

The local-language requirements are specified post-wise for each Circle in Annexure-III of the notification. Special provisions apply to Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim and Nagaland.

Other Required Qualifications

Applicants must also have:

• Knowledge of computers
• Knowledge of cycling
• Adequate means of livelihood in addition to the GDS allowances

These requirements are to be submitted as undertakings at the time of engagement.

Is Previous Experience Required?

No.

Past experience or previous service of any kind is not considered for selection under this GDS engagement cycle.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Age Limit

Candidates must be between 18 and 40 years of age.

The age will be calculated as on the last date for submission of the online application.

Age Relaxation

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Salary and TRCA

Gramin Dak Sevaks are not regular Central Government employees. Instead, they receive remuneration in the form of Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA).

The TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to fulfilment of the conditions prescribed under the GDS Rules. GDS personnel also receive Dearness Allowance (DA) on TRCA, as declared by the Government of India from time to time.

In addition, GDS personnel are entitled to:

• GDS Gratuity
• Service Discharge Benefit Scheme, which is similar to the National Pension System applicable to regular employees

Post-wise TRCA Slab

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Application Fee

Applicants have to pay an application fee of ₹100/- for all posts notified in their selected Division, unless they belong to an exempted category.

The payment can be made online through:

• Credit Card
• Debit Card
• Net Banking
• UPI

Applicable usage charges may be levied by the payment service provider.

The fee is non-refundable and must be paid within the prescribed application deadline of 5:00 PM on 21 September 2026.

Who Is Exempted from the Application Fee?

The following candidates are exempted from paying the ₹100 application fee:

• All female applicants
• SC candidates
• ST candidates
• PwBD candidates
• Transwomen candidates

Eligible fee-exempt candidates can submit their applications without making a payment.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Selection Process

One of the most important aspects of India Post GDS recruitment is that there is no written examination.

Selection is based entirely on the candidate’s Class 10 academic performance through a system-generated merit list.

How Is the GDS Merit List Prepared?

The merit list will be prepared according to the following process:

• Candidates are shortlisted through a system-generated merit list.
• Marks obtained in the Secondary School Examination (10th standard) are used for preparing the merit list.
• Where grades or points are provided instead of marks, they are converted into marks.
• The aggregate percentage is calculated up to four decimal places.
• Where only grades are available, the grade point is multiplied by 9.5 to determine marks. For example, A1 = Grade Point 10 × 9.5.
• Where CGPA is provided, marks are calculated as CGPA × 9.5.
• If both individual subject grades and CGPA are available, the higher applicable result is considered according to the prescribed procedure.
• Candidates must enter marks or grades exactly as they appear on the Class 10 marksheet. Incorrectly mixing marks and grades, or entering grades where marks are required, can result in cancellation or disqualification.

Tie-Breaking Rules

If candidates have the same merit position, tie-breaking is conducted according to the prescribed priority order.

The order is based first on date of birth, with the older candidate preferred, followed by category and gender combinations, including ST trans-woman, ST female, SC trans-woman, SC female and other combinations in the prescribed sequence.

The Department also reserves the right to apply additional tie-breaking criteria where required.

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What Happens After Shortlisting?

Shortlisted candidates must undergo:

1. Physical verification of original documents by the Engaging Authority/Divisional or Unit Head.
2. Issue of an offer of provisional engagement.
3. Completion of pre-engagement formalities.
4. Three days of basic training.
5. Arrangement of accommodation as required.
6. Final regularization after verification of antecedents and documents.

How to Apply Online for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?

The application process will be completed online in two stages:

Stage 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)

Stage 2: Online Application Form

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Visit the official GDS Online Engagement Portal: https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement

Step 2: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) using a valid mobile number and email ID. Both will be verified through OTP.

Step 3: Enter the required personal information and Class 10 board and year-of-passing details. After successful registration, a unique Registration Number will be generated.

Step 4: Log in using the Registration Number and password received through SMS.

Step 5: Click “Apply Online” under the “Active Notification” section.

Step 6: Enter personal and educational information, including Circle, Board Name, passing year and marks obtained.

Step 7: Select the eligible Division and post preferences according to the available vacancies.

Step 8: Upload the recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format:

• Photograph: JPG/JPEG, 30–100 KB, 320 × 400 px, 4:5 aspect ratio
• Signature: JPG/JPEG, 20–100 KB, 300 × 120 px, 5:2 aspect ratio

Step 9: Preview the application carefully and make corrections before final submission.

Step 10: Pay the applicable fee, if required. The payment must be completed through the available online modes within 10 minutes of initiating the payment.

Step 11: Submit the application before the deadline.

Candidates who need to make corrections can use the designated 23–24 September 2026 correction window.

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India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Important Instructions

Candidates should carefully follow these instructions while registering and applying:

• Only one registration per candidate is permitted.
• Multiple or duplicate registrations/applications are strictly prohibited and can result in cancellation of candidature.
• Candidates are not required to upload documents with the application, apart from the prescribed photograph and signature. Original documents will be physically verified at a later stage.
• The candidate’s name, date of birth, father’s name and mother’s name must exactly match the Class 10/Matriculation certificate. Any discrepancy may result in cancellation.
• Once registered, the mobile number and email ID cannot be changed under any circumstances.
• Candidates who have previously been dismissed, removed or compulsorily retired from Government service/GDS as a penalty are barred from applying and must provide the required undertaking.
• The Class 10 marksheets of selected candidates may be verified through DigiLocker/API Setu, for which candidates must provide consent.
• Candidates dismissed, removed or retired from Government service as a penalty are prohibited from applying. A false declaration may result in termination and possible prosecution.
• A person holding an elective office will not be considered for engagement.
• The Department of Posts does not make phone calls to applicants. Official correspondence is made through the Engaging Authority. Candidates should be cautious of fraudulent calls seeking personal information.
• The Department reserves the right to modify or cancel the notification or revise the number of posts at any time without assigning any reason.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Direct Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many vacancies are available in India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?

The notification does not specify the exact total vacancy count. However, 25,000+ posts are expected. The tentative vacancy position will be displayed division-wise on the official GDS Online Engagement Portal.

What are the posts under India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?

The recruitment covers Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts.

What is the qualification for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?

Candidates must have passed Class 10/Secondary School Examination, including passing marks in Mathematics and English, from a recognized board. They must also have studied the prescribed local language up to the 10th standard.

What is the age limit for India Post GDS?

The minimum age is 18 years, while the maximum age is 40 years, subject to applicable relaxation. Age is calculated as on the last date of application submission.

Is there any written exam for India Post GDS?

No. There is no written examination. Selection is based on a system-generated merit list prepared primarily from Class 10 marks/grades.

What is the salary of India Post GDS?

The TRCA slab is ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 for BPM and ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 for ABPM/Dak Sevak. GDS personnel also receive applicable Dearness Allowance and other benefits under the GDS rules.

What is the India Post GDS application fee?

The application fee is ₹100 for applicants who are not exempted. Female applicants, SC, ST, PwBD and Transwomen applicants are exempted from the fee.

When does the India Post GDS application process start?

One-Time Registration begins on 31 August 2026, while online application submission starts on 2 September 2026.

What is the last date to apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit the online application and fee, where applicable, is 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.

Can candidates correct their GDS application after submission?

Yes. A dedicated edit/correction window is scheduled for 23 and 24 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.

Is previous work experience required for GDS?

No. The notification specifically states that past experience or service of any kind is not considered for selection.