India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: The Department of Posts (Ministry of Communications, Government of India) has released the recruitment notification for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) online hiring process—Cycle II, July 2026—under notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS.
The recruitment covers the positions of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak across various postal divisions and zones in India.
The official India Post GDS portal confirms that “One-Time Registration” will be open from August 31 to September 19, 2026, while the window for submitting online applications and paying the required fees runs from September 2 to September 21, 2026 (until 5:00 PM). Subsequently, a correction period will be available on September 23 and 24, 2026.
A key feature of this India Post GDS selection process is that it does not require a written exam or an interview. Selection is based on a merit list automatically generated by the system using the marks obtained by candidates in the 10th standard (secondary education), in accordance with the conditions set out in the official notification.
Important: Do not rely on unofficial vacancy figures. The official recruitment portal provides provisional information on available vacancies, broken down by division. Candidates are advised to check the official portal for the latest vacancy status before indicating their preferences.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India |
| Recruitment | GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 |
| Notification Number | 17-12/2026-GDS |
| Notification Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Posts | Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak |
| Vacancy Position | Division-wise tentative vacancies available on the official GDS portal |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start | 31 August 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | 19 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Application Start Date | 2 September 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Correction Window | 23–24 September 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | Class 10 Pass |
| Age Limit | 18–40 Years |
| Selection Method | Merit Based on Class 10 Marks |
| Written Examination | Not Conducted |
| Interview | Not Conducted |
| Application Fee | ₹100 for applicable candidates |
| Official Portal | indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement |
The official India Post GDS portal currently displays Schedule II (July 2026) and confirms the registration, application, and correction dates.
India Post GDS Notification 2026
The Department of Posts has issued notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS for the online recruitment process for GDS (Gramin Dak Sevak / Rural Postal Services), corresponding to Schedule II of July 2026.
The notification invites applications to fill GDS vacancies at various Department of Posts offices.
Candidates are advised to download and carefully read the full notification before applying. The document contains information regarding eligibility criteria, local language requirements, the application process, merit list preparation, document verification, terms of engagement, and other important instructions.
Official Notification
Notification: India Post GDS Online Recruitment – Schedule II, July 2026
Notification Number: 17-12/2026-GDS
Date of Notification: August 20, 2026
Candidates are advised to always check the latest notification and vacancy status via the official India Post GDS portal before submitting their application.
India Post GDS Job Titles (2026)
The selection process covers three main categories of GDS positions:
1. Branch Postmaster (BPM)
The Branch Postmaster is responsible for the overall functioning of the branch post office.
Their duties may include:
- Managing daily postal operations.
- Processing postal transactions.
- Providing services related to the India Post Payments Bank.
- Managing mail delivery and related activities.
- Performing other tasks assigned in accordance with GDS regulations.
- Administering the branch post office and associated operations.
BPM candidates must secure, on their own initiative and subject to applicable regulations, suitable premises for the postal branch.
2. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
The Assistant Branch Postmaster assists the Branch Postmaster in the operation of the branch.
Responsibilities may include:
- Sale of stamps and stationery.
- Mail delivery.
- Assistance with postal operations.
- Assistance with IPPB transactions.
- Support for other branch post office activities.
3. Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks may serve in various postal offices and units, such as:
- Post offices
- Sorting centers
- Mail management offices
- Delivery centers
Their duties may include handling mail, delivery-related tasks, and other postal operations assigned by the Department.
No Written Exam for the India Post GDS Selection Process (2026)
One of the key features of the GDS selection process is the absence of a conventional competitive written exam.
It is characterized by:
- No written exam
- No interview
- Merit-based selection
- 10th-grade (secondary education) marks are considered to determine merit
The merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the secondary education (10th-grade) examination, following the procedure established by the Department of Posts.
Therefore, candidates must ensure that the marks entered in the application match their official 10th-grade records exactly.
India Post GDS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | 20 August 2026 |
| One-Time Registration Starts | 31 August 2026 |
| One-Time Registration Last Date | 19 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Online Application Starts | 2 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Correction Window | 23–24 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
The dates above are confirmed by the official India Post GDS recruitment portal.
Also Read: IBM Recruitment 2026
India Post GDS Vacancies for 2026
The recruitment drive covers GDS vacancies across various postal divisions and circles.
However, candidates should exercise caution regarding vacancy figures published by third-party websites.
The official India Post GDS portal provides a vacancy estimate broken down by division, thereby preventing candidates from relying on a single, unofficial national-level figure.
Therefore, the most reliable way to check vacancy information is:
| Vacancy Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Posts | BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak |
| Vacancy Type | Tentative |
| Vacancy Distribution | Circle/Division-wise |
| Total Vacancy | Check official portal for current division-wise position |
| Vacancy Source | India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal |
Important: Candidates must consult the list of vacancies available on the official portal before selecting their preferred division and position.
India Post GDS Eligibility Criteria (2026)
Candidates must meet the established requirements regarding education, age, and other eligibility criteria.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- Secondary education qualification (Class 10).
- Mathematics and English studied as subjects in Class 10.
- Knowledge of the required local language.
- Age between 18 and 40 years.
- Basic computer knowledge.
- Ability to ride a bicycle.
- Possession of an independent and sufficient source of income, in accordance with the terms of engagement for the GDS position.
Academic Requirements
Candidates must have passed the secondary education examination (10th grade), achieving passing grades in Mathematics and English from a recognized examination board.
Additionally, candidates must have studied the designated local language up to the 10th-grade level.
The local language requirement is significant, as the selection of candidates for specific postal circles or divisions is based on language proficiency and other eligibility criteria stipulated in the recruitment notice.
Candidates should carefully verify the language associated with the postal circle for which they wish to apply.
Age limit
The established age limit is:
Minimum age: 18 years
Maximum age: 40 years
Age is calculated based on the date specified in the selection announcement.
Age Relaxation
Applicable relaxation is provided to eligible reserved-category candidates.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| EWS | No relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 Years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 Years |
Candidates requesting a relaxation of the age limit must possess valid documents attesting to their category or status.
Local Language Requirement
The local language requirement is one of the most important eligibility criteria for GDS recruitment.
Candidates must have studied the required local language up to the tenth grade (Class 10).
The specific local languages applicable to each zone (circle) are detailed in the official notification.
Therefore, candidates should verify the language requirement before selecting a zone or postal division.
Candidates who do not meet the established local language requirement may be disqualified during the verification process.
Other eligibility requirements
In addition to education and age requirements, candidates must meet other conditions.
Basic computer skills
Candidates are required to possess basic computer skills, as stipulated by the Department.
Ability to ride a bicycle
Candidates must be able to ride a bicycle.
For candidates who know how to ride a scooter or motorcycle, the recruitment process may consider this equivalent to the ability to ride a bicycle, subject to applicable conditions.
Source of livelihood
Hiring as a GDS is subject to the requirement of having an independent and adequate source of livelihood, in addition to the allowances associated with the GDS position.
This is a key difference between GDS recruitment and ordinary Central Government employment.
Is the GDS position at India Post a standard government job?
Candidates should understand the nature of the GDS engagement before submitting their application.
GDS employees are not regular Central Government employees in the same sense as those appointed to standard civil service posts.
Their conditions of service are governed by the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, as amended from time to time.
India Post states that GDS personnel hold public posts outside the regular civil services and generally serve in rural areas.
Under applicable regulations, GDS personnel are required to work a minimum of four hours and a maximum of five hours per day.
India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
The selection process is merit-based.
Selection is based on:
10th-grade marks → System-generated merit list → Document verification → Pre-engagement formalities
There is no:
- Written exam.
- Interview.
The merit list is prepared using 10th-grade marks, in accordance with the established procedure.
How is the GDS merit list prepared?
The merit list is compiled based on the marks obtained by candidates in the 10th grade.
The marks entered in the application are crucial, as the selection process relies primarily on the candidate’s 10th-grade academic record.
Therefore, candidates must enter their marks exactly as they appear on their official mark sheet.
If a candidate’s 10th-grade result is expressed in grades or points, the Department applies the established conversion procedure to compile the merit list.
Tie-breaking on the GDS merit list
If two or more candidates achieve the same merit score, the Department applies established tie-breaking rules.
The tie-breaking procedure takes into account factors such as:
- Date of birth.
- Category.
- Gender.
- Other criteria specified in the official notification.
Candidates should consult the notification to determine the exact order of priority applicable in the event of a tie.
Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted based on the merit list must undergo a document verification process.
During verification, candidates may be required to present documents such as:
- 10th-grade certificate or mark sheet.
- Proof of date of birth.
- Proof of identity.
- Category certificate.
- Disability certificate (PwBD), if applicable.
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section) certificate, if applicable.
- Proof of local language proficiency.
- Other documents supporting the information declared in the application.
Candidates must have the original documents and valid copies ready.
India Post GDS Application Fee (2026)
The application fee is ₹100 for candidates required to pay it.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹100 |
| OBC | ₹100 |
| EWS | ₹100 |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| SC Candidates | Exempted |
| ST Candidates | Exempted |
| PwBD Candidates | Exempted |
| Transwomen Candidates | Exempted |
The fee applies to all positions reported in the selected division, subject to the exemption categories established by the Department.
India Post GDS Employee Salary (2026)
GDS employees receive a “Time-Related Continuity Allowance” (TRCA) instead of the standard salary structure applicable to regular Central Government employees.
The applicable TRCA slabs are:
| Post | TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
| Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
The applicable TRCA and allowances are subject to the GDS rules and conditions.
Working Hours for India Post GDS
The working conditions for GDS differ from those of regular Central Government employment.
India Post stipulates that GDS must work a minimum of four hours and a maximum of five hours per day, subject to applicable service conditions.
The exact working hours may depend on the nature of the position, the specific office, and local requirements.
India Post GDS 2026 Online Application
Candidates must apply through the official India Post GDS online recruitment portal.
Registration period
August 31, 2026 – September 19, 2026
Application period
September 2, 2026 – September 21, 2026
Correction period
September 23, 2026 – September 24, 2026
The closing time for all deadlines is 17:00 hours, according to the official portal.
How to apply for a position in the India Post GDS 2026 recruitment drive
Step 1: Visit the official GDS portal
Access the official India Post GDS online recruitment portal.
Step 2: Complete the one-time registration
Register using a valid mobile phone number and email address.
Only one registration per candidate is permitted.
Step 3: Save your registration number
Once registration is successfully completed, note down your registration number and other login details.
Step 4: Complete the application
Enter:
- Personal information.
- Academic details.
- 10th-grade marks.
- Exam board details.
- Category information.
- Postal circle or division preferences.
- Other required information.
Step 5: Upload photograph and signature
Upload your recent photograph and signature, following the specifications indicated on the official portal.
Step 6: Review the application
Carefully review all details before submitting the application.
Step 7: Pay the fee
Candidates who are not exempt must pay the established application fee using the available online payment method.
Step 8: Submit the application
Submit the final application before the deadline.
Step 9: Save the application
Keep a copy of the final application and the proof of payment for future reference.
Documents required for the India Post GDS application
Candidates must have the following information and documentation ready:
- 10th-grade mark sheet.
- 10th-grade certificate.
- Proof of date of birth.
- Aadhaar or other valid identity document.
- Category certificate (if applicable).
- EWS certificate (if applicable).
- PwBD certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of local language proficiency (if applicable).
- Recent photograph.
- Signature.
- Other documents required as per the notification.
Important: Candidates should check the official portal for the latest upload requirements before submitting their application.
India Post GDS Application: Important Instructions
Candidates should note the following points:
- Only one registration per candidate is permitted.
- Duplicate or multiple registrations may result in the cancellation of the application.
- Enter 10th-grade marks exactly as they appear in official records.
- Check the local language requirement before applying.
- Review vacancies by division before selecting your preferences.
- Ensure the photograph and signature meet the specified requirements.
- Pay the application fee within the stipulated timeframe, if applicable.
- Do not wait until the last day to submit your application.
- Keep your registration number and password safe.
- Retain a copy of the final application for future reference.
India Post GDS 2026 Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal |
| Official GDS Portal | indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement |
| Official India Post Website | indiapost.gov.in |
| Recruitment Cycle | Schedule-II, July-2026 |
| Notification Number | 17-12/2026-GDS |
| Registration Start | 31 August 2026 |
| Application Start | 2 September 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
The official GDS portal currently displays the July 2026 Schedule-II contracting cycle and its application schedule.
India Post GDS Recruitment Process 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the India Post GDS recruitment process 2026?
The India Post GDS (Gramin Dak Sevak) recruitment process 2026 is an online selection procedure for Gramin Dak Sevak posts—including Branch Postmaster, Assistant Branch Postmaster, and Dak Sevak—under Schedule II (July 2026).
2. What is the notification number?
The notification number is 17-12/2026-GDS.
3. What are the qualification requirements for the India Post GDS post?
Candidates must have passed the 10th standard (secondary education) with Mathematics and English, and meet the prescribed local language proficiency requirement.
4. What is the age limit for the GDS post?
The general age limit is 18 to 40 years, with applicable relaxations for eligible reserved categories.
5. Is there a written exam?
No. There is no conventional written exam for GDS selection.
6. Is there an interview?
No. Selection is based on the established merit process, followed by document verification and other recruitment formalities.
7. How is the GDS merit list prepared?
The merit list is prepared using the candidate’s 10th standard marks, in accordance with the procedure specified by the Department of Posts.
8. What is the application fee for GDS?
The application fee is ₹100 for applicable candidates. Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC (Scheduled Castes), ST (Scheduled Tribes), PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities), and transgender women categories are exempt from paying the fee.
9. What is the salary of a GDS employee?
The salary range (TRCA) is ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 for BPM and ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 for ABPM/Dak Sevak, subject to applicable rules.
10. When does GDS registration begin?
One-Time Registration begins on August 31, 2026.
Final Considerations
Indian Post GDS recruitment 2026 represents a significant opportunity for candidates who have completed Class 10 and are seeking employment in the postal sector.
The Department of Posts has issued the notification regarding the “GDS Online Engagement Schedule – Phase II (July 2026)” under reference No. 17-12/2026-GDS.
The recruitment drive covers the positions of BPM, ABPM, and Dak Sevak; candidates are not required to undergo conventional written exams or interviews. Selection is based on the established procedure regarding Class 10 academic merit.
The official portal confirms that registration will begin on August 31, 2026, the application submission window will open on September 2, 2026, and the deadline for submitting applications is September 21, 2026, at 17:00 hours.
Candidates are advised to carefully review vacancy availability by division, local language requirements, eligibility criteria, and application instructions before submitting their forms.