The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has released the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 notification for the engagement of candidates as Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS). The recruitment includes vacancies for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts across different Postal Circles and Divisions in India.
According to the notification, a total of 23,757 GDS vacancies are available under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 cycle.
The online application process has started, and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official India Post GDS recruitment portal. Candidates should check the educational qualification, local language requirement, age limit, application fee and other conditions carefully before applying.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Recruitment | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) |
| Engagement Cycle | Schedule-II, July-2026 |
| Notification Number | 17-12/2026-GDS |
| Notification Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Posts | BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 23,757 |
| Job Location | Various Postal Circles across India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start | 31 August 2026 |
| Application Start | 2 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 September 2026 |
| Selection Basis | Class 10 Merit |
| Official Website | indiapost.gov.in |
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should keep the following dates in mind:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 20 August 2026 |
| One-Time Registration (OTR) | 31 August to 19 September 2026 |
| Online Application & Fee Payment | 2 September to 21 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Application | 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM |
| Correction Window | 23 September to 24 September 2026 |
| Supplementary Shortlist, if applicable | Up to 31 December 2026 |
Candidates are advised to complete the registration and application process before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
India Post has announced 23,757 vacancies for the GDS engagement cycle. The vacancies cover different Postal Circles and are distributed according to the prescribed reservation and local-language requirements.
Circle-Wise Vacancy Details
| Postal Circle | 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 |
| Tamil Nadu | 2,118 |
| Telangana | 419 |
| Uttarakhand | 452 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,691 |
| West Bengal | 1,762 |
| Total | 23,757 |
The vacancy position is subject to the details published by India Post in the official vacancy annexure and may be revised by the Department.
India Post GDS Posts
The recruitment covers the following GDS positions:
1. Branch Postmaster (BPM)
The BPM is responsible for managing the day-to-day functioning of the concerned Branch Post Office. Duties may include postal operations, mail-related work, IPPB transactions and promotion of Department of Posts services.
2. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
An ABPM assists the BPM in postal and customer-service activities. Responsibilities may include handling stamps and stationery, mail delivery, mail conveyance and IPPB-related transactions.
3. Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks may work in Post Offices, Mail Offices, Sorting Offices, Transit Mail Offices and Delivery Centres. Their duties can include mail and parcel handling, sale of stamps and stationery, IPPB transactions and assistance in office operations.
India Post GDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates applying for BPM, ABPM or Dak Sevak posts must satisfy the prescribed eligibility requirements.
Educational Qualification
Applicants should have passed the Class 10 / Secondary School Examination from a recognized board.
The candidate must have obtained passing marks in:
- Mathematics
- English
Candidates must also have studied the prescribed local language of the relevant Postal Circle up to the 10th standard.
The exact local-language requirements may differ according to the Circle and post preference.
Other Requirements
Candidates are also required to have:
- Basic knowledge of computers
- Knowledge of cycling
- Adequate means of livelihood as prescribed under the GDS rules
Candidates should read the official notification for the detailed conditions applicable to their selected post and Circle.
India Post GDS Age Limit 2026
The prescribed age limit is:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 40 years
The upper-age relaxation is available to eligible reserved categories according to Government rules.
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| EWS | No Relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 Years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 Years |
The age is calculated according to the date specified in the official recruitment notification.
India Post GDS Salary 2026
GDS employees are paid through the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) system rather than the regular Central Government employee pay structure.
The initial TRCA slabs mentioned in the recruitment details are:
| Post | TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| ABPM / Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
Eligible GDS personnel may also receive Dearness Allowance and other benefits applicable under the GDS rules.
India Post GDS Application Fee 2026
The application fee for eligible applicants is ₹100.
However, candidates belonging to specified exempt categories do not have to pay the application fee.
Fee Exemption
The fee exemption applies to:
- Female candidates
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- PwBD candidates
- Transwomen candidates
Candidates who are required to pay the fee can use the available online payment methods such as UPI, debit card, credit card or net banking.
The application fee, once paid, is generally non-refundable.
India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
One of the key features of the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is that there is no written examination for selection.
Candidates are shortlisted through a system-generated merit list based primarily on their Class 10 academic performance.
The selection process broadly involves:
- Submission of the online application
- Preparation of the system-generated merit list
- Shortlisting of candidates
- Physical verification of original documents
- Completion of required pre-engagement formalities
- Provisional engagement
- Final verification and engagement as per applicable rules
Candidates must enter their Class 10 marks and other educational information accurately while completing the application.
How to Apply Online for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official India Post GDS portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Visit the official India Post GDS recruitment portal.
Step 2: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) using your valid mobile number and email address.
Step 3: Enter your personal and Class 10 educational details carefully.
Step 4: Log in using the Registration Number and password provided during registration.
Step 5: Select the Apply Online option under the active recruitment notification.
Step 6: Enter the required educational information and choose the applicable Postal Circle, Division and post preferences.
Step 7: Upload your recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
Step 8: Preview all details carefully before final submission.
Step 9: Pay the application fee, if applicable.
Step 10: Submit the application before 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM.
Candidates should save or print a copy of the completed application for future reference.
Documents and Upload Requirements
Candidates should keep the required information and documents ready before starting the application.
The application requires a recent:
- Photograph
- Signature
As specified in the notification, the photograph and signature should meet the prescribed file-size and dimension requirements.
Candidates should ensure that their name, date of birth and parents’ names are entered exactly as mentioned in the Class 10 certificate.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- Only one registration should be created by a candidate.
- Multiple or duplicate registrations may result in cancellation.
- Personal details should match the Class 10 certificate.
- The registered mobile number and email ID should be entered carefully.
- Candidates should enter Class 10 marks exactly as shown on their marksheet.
- Original documents are verified at a later stage.
- Candidates should not share their registration credentials with anyone.
- Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent calls or messages asking for personal information or money.
- Candidates who are ineligible under the conditions specified in the notification should not submit an application.
- The Department of Posts reserves the right to modify or revise the vacancy position according to the recruitment rules.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Official India Post GDS Application Portal |
| One-Time Registration | India Post GDS Registration Portal |
| Notification PDF | Download Official Notification |
| Vacancy Details PDF | Download Vacancy Annexure |
| Official Website | India Post Official Website |
Apply Online: Visit the official India Post GDS recruitment portal at indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
Official Website: indiapost.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions – India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
What is India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is the latest engagement drive of the Department of Posts for Gramin Dak Sevak positions, including BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak posts.
How many GDS vacancies have been announced?
A total of 23,757 vacancies have been announced under the July-2026 Schedule-II GDS engagement cycle.
What is the last date to apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submitting the online application and applicable fee is 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
What qualification is required for GDS Recruitment 2026?
Candidates should have passed Class 10 from a recognized board with passing marks in Mathematics and English and should have studied the prescribed local language up to the 10th standard.
Is there an examination for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
No written examination is conducted for this GDS engagement. Candidates are shortlisted through a merit list based on their Class 10 marks/grades, followed by document verification and other prescribed formalities.
What is the age limit for India Post GDS?
The general age requirement is 18 to 40 years, with applicable relaxation for eligible reserved categories.
What is the GDS salary?
The initial TRCA slab is ₹12,000–₹29,380 for BPM and ₹10,000–₹24,470 for ABPM/Dak Sevak, subject to applicable rules and allowances.
What is the application fee?
The prescribed application fee is ₹100. Female, SC, ST, PwBD and Transwomen candidates are exempt from the fee as specified in the notification.
Where can I apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
Candidates should apply through the official India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal and verify all details from the official notification before submitting the application.