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/engagement to 23,757 Gramin Dak Sevak vacancies across different Postal Circles and Divisions in India.
The recruitment includes Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak positions.
The official notification is Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026. Candidates who have passed Class 10th with Mathematics and English and have studied the prescribed local language up to the 10th standard can apply, subject to the other conditions prescribed in the notification.
One of the biggest attractions of this recruitment is that there is no written examination or interview. Candidates are shortlisted through a system-generated merit list based on Class 10 marks/converted grades, followed by document verification and other engagement formalities.
The online application process is open from 2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM, while the One-Time Registration window remains open until 19 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM. A correction window is scheduled for 23 and 24 September 2026.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Recruitment | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement |
| Engagement Cycle | Schedule-II, July-2026 |
| Notification No. | 17-12/2026-GDS |
| Notification Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Posts | BPM, ABPM & Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 23,757 |
| Qualification | Class 10th Pass |
| Selection | Merit based on Class 10 marks |
| Written Exam | No |
| Interview | No |
| Application Mode | Online |
| OTR Start | 31 August 2026 |
| OTR Last Date | 19 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Application Start | 2 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Correction Window | 23–24 September 2026 |
| Job Location | Various Postal Circles/Divisions across India |
| Official Portal | India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal |
The above details are based on the official notification and the latest official vacancy annexure.
- Notification: India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
- Vacancy Notification: India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details Notification PDF
- Registration Link: Click Here
- Official Website: Check Here
India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
A total of 23,757 tentative vacancies have been announced.
An important point for applicants is that the official vacancy annexure provides the vacancies circle-wise, language-wise and category-wise. It does not provide a separate consolidated number of vacancies for BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak. Therefore, candidates should not assume that a particular number of posts belongs exclusively to one of these three designations.
Category-Wise Total Vacancy
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 10,640 |
| OBC | 4,433 |
| SC | 3,082 |
| ST | 2,773 |
| EWS | 2,160 |
| PwBD-A | 192 |
| PwBD-B | 227 |
| PwBD-C | 178 |
| PwBD-DE | 72 |
| Total | 23,757 |
These figures are taken from the official Annexure-Ia vacancy consolidation issued by the Department of Posts.
Circle-Wise India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
The vacancies are distributed across 23 Postal Circles.
| Postal Circle | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 917 |
| Assam | 414 |
| Bihar | 1,098 |
| Chhattisgarh | 762 |
| Delhi | 16 |
| Gujarat | 499 |
| Haryana | 87 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 335 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 340 |
| Jharkhand | 1,379 |
| Karnataka | 1,116 |
| Kerala | 1,373 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1,450 |
| Maharashtra | 2,431 |
| North Eastern | 2,614 |
| Odisha | 1,353 |
| Punjab | 122 |
| Rajasthan | 1,009 |
| Tamilnadu | 2,118 |
| Telangana | 419 |
| Uttarakhand | 452 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,691 |
| West Bengal | 1,762 |
| Total | 23,757 |
The North Eastern Circle has the highest consolidated vacancy count at 2,614, followed by Maharashtra with 2,431, Tamilnadu with 2,118, West Bengal with 1,762 and Uttar Pradesh with 1,691.
Major high-vacancy circles
North Eastern Circle – 2,614
Maharashtra – 2,431
Tamilnadu – 2,118
West Bengal – 1,762
Uttar Pradesh – 1,691
Madhya Pradesh – 1,450
Jharkhand – 1,379
Kerala – 1,373
Odisha – 1,353
Karnataka – 1,116
These figures are consolidated across the applicable languages and reservation categories within each Circle.
Important Note About Language-Wise Vacancies
The vacancy annexure is not simply a state-wise table. Several circles have vacancies divided according to the prescribed local language.
For example:
- Assam has Assamese/Asomiya, Bengali and Bodo entries.
- Maharashtra has Konkani/Marathi and Marathi entries.
- North Eastern Circle contains several language combinations.
- West Bengal contains Bengali, Bengali/Nepali, English with specified tribal/local languages, English/Hindi and Nepali entries.
Therefore, candidates should check the specific Division, post and local-language eligibility before selecting preferences.
India Post GDS 2026 Posts
The recruitment covers three categories of GDS positions:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Dak Sevak
1. Branch Postmaster – BPM
The BPM is responsible for the overall functioning of the Branch Post Office.
Major responsibilities include:
- Managing day-to-day postal operations.
- Handling India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) operations.
- Marketing and promotion of postal products and services.
- Managing customer service centre activities.
- Mail conveyance and delivery.
- Ensuring smooth functioning of a single-handed Branch Post Office.
- Performing ABPM duties when required.
A particularly important condition is that a selected BPM must arrange accommodation for running the Branch Post Office at their own cost and must reside in the post village where the Branch Post Office is functioning.
2. Assistant Branch Postmaster – ABPM
The ABPM assists the BPM in postal operations.
The duties can include:
- Sale of stamps and stationery.
- Conveyance and delivery of mail.
- Doorstep delivery.
- Exchange of mail with the Account Office.
- IPPB deposits and payment transactions.
- Assisting the BPM in Branch Post Office operations.
- Marketing and promotion of Department of Posts products and services.
- Customer Service Centre-related activities.
The ABPM may also be required to perform combined BPM duties when directed or when the BPM/other staff is unavailable.
3. Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks may work in:
- Post Offices
- Sorting Offices
- Mail Offices
- Transit Mail Offices
- Delivery Centres
Their responsibilities may include:
- Handling mail and parcels.
- Handling mail bags.
- Transhipment of mail bags.
- Delivery of mail and parcels.
- Sale of stamps and stationery.
- IPPB transactions.
- Assisting Postmasters/Sub-Postmasters.
- Supporting the smooth functioning of postal offices.
- Marketing and business procurement activities when assigned.
Dak Sevaks are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the Post Office to which they are attached.
Are GDS Employees Regular Central Government Employees?
This is an important point that candidates should understand before applying.
GDS are not regular Central Government employees.
The official notification specifically states that GDSs are not regular employees of the Department/Central Government and that their emoluments, allowances and other entitlements are not at par with regular Central Government employees.
Their service conditions are governed by the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, as amended from time to time.
GDSs generally work for a minimum of four hours and maximum of five hours per day under the prescribed rules, and a Sevak cannot be retained beyond 65 years of age. The notification also requires a GDS to have another source of income for adequate livelihood.
Therefore, applicants should not confuse GDS engagement with a regular Group C Central Government appointment.
India Post GDS Salary 2026
GDS employees are paid through the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) system.
The initial TRCA slabs specified in the notification are:
| Post | TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| BPM | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| ABPM/Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
The TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to fulfilment of the applicable conditions.
GDSs are also entitled to Dearness Allowance on TRCA as declared by the Government from time to time.
Other benefits include GDS Gratuity and the Service Discharge Benefit Scheme.
India Post GDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed the Secondary School Examination (SSE)/10th Standard with passing marks in:
- Mathematics
- English
The examination must have been conducted by a recognized Board of School Education by the Government of India, State Government or Union Territory.
Candidates possessing an equivalent qualification from another board are not eligible under the notification.
Local Language Requirement
Candidates must have studied the prescribed local language up to the 10th Standard from a recognized board.
The prescribed language varies according to the Postal Circle/post.
This is one of the most important eligibility conditions because a candidate cannot simply select any circle without satisfying the prescribed language requirement.
The notification contains special provisions for certain states, including:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Goa
- Sikkim
- Nagaland
Candidates applying in these states should carefully read the specific language provisions in the notification.
Other Required Qualifications
Apart from Class 10 qualification, candidates must have:
1. Knowledge of computers
2. Knowledge of cycling
3. Adequate means of livelihood
The notification specifically includes these as other qualifications for GDS engagement.
India Post GDS Age Limit 2026
The prescribed age limit is:
Minimum Age: 18 years
Maximum Age: 40 years
The age is calculated as on the last date of submission of the application.
Upper 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 claiming relaxation must satisfy the applicable eligibility conditions and produce the prescribed certificate during document verification.
India Post GDS Application Fee 2026
The application fee is:
₹100
The fee is applicable to candidates applying for the notified posts in their selected Division, subject to the exemptions specified in the notification.
Who is Exempted from the Fee?
The following candidates are exempt:
- Female applicants
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- PwBD candidates
- Transwomen applicants
Eligible exempted candidates can submit the application without paying the fee.
For candidates who are required to pay, the fee can be paid through the permitted online payment methods such as:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
The fee is non-refundable.
India Post GDS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 20 August 2026 |
| One-Time Registration Starts | 31 August 2026 |
| OTR Last Date | 19 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Application Submission Starts | 2 September 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Correction Window | 23–24 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Supplementary Shortlist Deadline | 31 December 2026 |
Candidates should not wait for the final day because both registration/application deadlines have a specified 5:00 PM cutoff.
India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
One of the most important features of this recruitment is:
No Written Examination
There is no competitive written examination for GDS selection.
There is also no interview.
Selection is based on a system-generated merit list prepared from the candidate’s Class 10 academic record.
The basic selection process is:
Class 10 Marks → System-Generated Merit List → Shortlisting → Physical Document Verification → Provisional Engagement → Pre-Engagement Formalities → Final Engagement
How Is the GDS Merit List Prepared?
The merit list is prepared using the marks obtained in the 10th Standard Secondary School Examination.
The marks are aggregated into a percentage calculated up to four decimal places.
Where grades/points rather than conventional marks are available, the notification provides the prescribed conversion methodology.
For example, the notification specifies the use of a multiplication factor of 9.5 for applicable grade points/CGPA conversions.
Therefore, candidates should enter their Class 10 marks/grades exactly as reflected in their official marksheet. Incorrectly entering marks or grades can lead to cancellation of candidature.
What Happens After the Merit List?
Shortlisted candidates are required to undergo physical verification of original documents by the concerned Engaging Authority.
After successful verification, the candidate may receive an offer of provisional engagement.
Candidates must then complete the prescribed pre-engagement formalities, which include basic training and accommodation-related requirements wherever applicable.
Final engagement is subject to the prescribed verification and other conditions.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Applications are accepted online only.
Step 1 – Complete One-Time Registration
Visit the official GDS Online Engagement Portal and complete the OTR.
A valid:
- Mobile number
- Email ID
is required, and both are verified through OTP.
After successful registration, the candidate receives a unique registration number.
Step 2 – Login
Use the registration number and password received through the prescribed communication channel.
Step 3 – Select “Apply Online”
Open the active notification and select the appropriate application option.
Step 4 – Enter Personal Details
Enter personal information carefully.
The following details should exactly match the Class 10 certificate:
- Candidate’s name
- Date of birth
- Father’s name
- Mother’s name
Step 5 – Enter Educational Details
Provide:
- Class 10 board
- Year of passing
- Marks
- Other required educational information
Step 6 – Select Circle/Division/Post Preferences
Choose the eligible Postal Circle, Division and available post preferences according to the portal and prescribed eligibility.
Step 7 – Upload Photograph and Signature
The prescribed image specifications should be followed.
As reported from the notification/application instructions:
Photograph: JPG/JPEG, approximately 30–100 KB, 320 × 400 pixels.
Signature: JPG/JPEG, approximately 20–100 KB, 300 × 120 pixels.
Step 8 – Preview
Carefully check the entire application before submission.
Step 9 – Pay Fee
Candidates who are not exempted must pay the ₹100 application fee through the available online payment options.
Step 10 – Submit
Submit the final application before 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM.
A correction window is available on 23–24 September 2026, subject to the conditions prescribed by the Department.
Important Instructions for Candidates
1. Only One Registration
Only one registration per candidate is permitted.
Multiple or duplicate registrations/applications are strictly prohibited.
If duplicate applications are detected, the candidature can be cancelled.
2. Documents Are Not Uploaded With the Application
Candidates generally do not have to upload their supporting documents along with the application.
However, photograph and signature must be uploaded as prescribed.
Original documents are verified later during physical verification.
3. Enter Class 10 Details Correctly
The candidate’s name, date of birth and parents’ names should be entered exactly as recorded in the Class 10 certificate.
4. Mobile Number and Email ID
Once registered, the mobile number and email ID cannot be modified according to the notification instructions.
5. Marks Must Be Accurate
Because selection is based on Class 10 marks, candidates must enter their marks/grades accurately.
Incorrect academic information can result in disqualification.
6. Reservation Certificates
Candidates claiming SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD benefits must possess the required valid certificates and produce them during verification.
Is Previous Work Experience Required?
No.
Past experience or previous service is not considered for selection under this GDS engagement process.
The selection is primarily merit-based on the Class 10 academic record, subject to the eligibility and verification requirements.
Is There Any Written Exam for India Post GDS 2026?
No.
This is perhaps the biggest attraction of the recruitment.
There is:
No written examination
and
No interview.
The Department generates the merit list using Class 10 marks/converted grades, after which shortlisted candidates undergo document verification and other prescribed formalities.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Documents/Information to Keep Ready
Candidates should keep the following information/documents ready:
- Class 10 marksheet/certificate
- Class 10 board details
- Passing year
- Marks/grades
- Date of birth details
- Valid mobile number
- Valid email ID
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- EWS certificate, if applicable
- Other documents required for verification
The actual supporting documents are verified later according to the prescribed process.
Special Point for BPM Applicants
Candidates applying for the Branch Postmaster position should pay special attention to the accommodation requirement.
A selected BPM has to:
- Arrange accommodation for the Branch Post Office.
- Bear the cost of arranging the accommodation.
- Provide the required declaration before engagement.
- Reside in the village where the Branch Post Office is functioning.
This requirement makes BPM different from many conventional government recruitment posts and should be understood before selecting the post.
India Post GDS 2026 – Important Points at a Glance
Total Vacancies: 23,757
Posts: BPM, ABPM & Dak Sevak
Qualification: Class 10 Pass
Age: 18–40 years
Application Fee: ₹100
Female/SC/ST/PwBD/Transwomen: Fee exempt
Selection: Class 10 merit
Written Exam: No
Interview: No
BPM TRCA: ₹12,000–₹29,380
ABPM/Dak Sevak TRCA: ₹10,000–₹24,470
OTR: 31 August–19 September 2026
Application: 2–21 September 2026
Last Date: 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM
Correction: 23–24 September 2026
Highest Vacancy Circle: North Eastern – 2,614
UP Vacancy: 1,691
Maharashtra Vacancy: 2,431
Tamilnadu Vacancy: 2,118
West Bengal Vacancy: 1,762
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many vacancies are available in India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
A total of 23,757 tentative vacancies have been announced under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 cycle.
Q2. What is the qualification for GDS 2026?
Candidates must have passed Class 10 with passing marks in Mathematics and English and must have studied the prescribed local language up to the 10th Standard.
Q3. Is there an exam for India Post GDS?
No. There is no written examination. Selection is based on a system-generated merit list prepared using Class 10 marks/converted grades.
Q4. Is there an interview?
No. There is no interview as part of the GDS selection process.
Q5. What is the age limit?
The basic age limit is 18 to 40 years, with applicable relaxation for reserved and PwBD categories.
Q6. What is the application fee?
The application fee is ₹100 for candidates who are not exempted.
Q7. Who is exempt from paying the fee?
Female applicants, SC, ST, PwBD and Transwomen applicants are exempt from the application fee.
Q8. What is the salary of GDS?
The initial TRCA slab is ₹12,000–₹29,380 for BPM and ₹10,000–₹24,470 for ABPM/Dak Sevak, along with applicable allowances and benefits.
Q9. Are GDS regular government employees?
No. GDS are not regular Central Government employees. Their engagement and service conditions are governed under the GDS Rules.
Q10. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online application submission and fee payment is 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
Q11. Can candidates from any state apply?
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed local-language and other eligibility requirements for the Circle/Division/post selected. Therefore, applicants should carefully check the language requirement before applying.
Q12. How are Class 10 grades converted into marks?
Where applicable, the notification provides a prescribed conversion methodology, including the use of a 9.5 multiplication factor for specified grade-point/CGPA conversions. Candidates should follow the exact methodology given in the notification rather than making their own conversion.
Important Official Links
Candidates should use the official India Post GDS portal for registration, application and notification-related information.
Official GDS Online Engagement Portal: India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal
Official GDS Recruitment Notification PDF: Download Official GDS Notification PDF
Official Vacancy Annexure: Download Official Circle-Wise Vacancy Annexure
Conclusion
The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is a significant opportunity for candidates who have completed Class 10, particularly because the recruitment does not involve a written examination or interview.
With 23,757 tentative vacancies across the country, candidates will be shortlisted primarily on the basis of their Class 10 academic performance. However, applicants must carefully verify the local-language requirement, age, category eligibility, Division-wise vacancies and other conditions before submitting their applications.
The application window is open from 2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM, while One-Time Registration is available until 19 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
Candidates should apply well before the deadline and carefully check every detail entered in the application because incorrect information, duplicate registration or inaccurate Class 10 marks can result in cancellation of candidature.
For ExamGuruAdda readers, the most important takeaway is simple: 10th-pass candidates with strong Class 10 marks should not miss this opportunity, but they should also understand that GDS is an engagement under the GDS Rules and not a regular Central Government employee appointment.
