India Post, under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has released a significant recruitment notification for 23,757 Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts. This includes positions for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak across various postal circles in the country. The online application and fee payment window for eligible candidates is active from September 2, 2026, with the last date to apply being September 21, 2026.
Key Highlights
| Organization | Post Name | Total Vacancies | Notification No. | Mode of Application | Application Start Date | Last Date to Apply | Job Location | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India Post (Department of Posts) | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) – Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak | 23,757 | 17-12/2026-GDS | Online | September 2, 2026 | September 21, 2026 | Across various Postal Circles in India | indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement |
About the Organization
India Post, functioning under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, stands as the backbone of the nation’s communication network for over 150 years. It plays a pivotal role in India’s socio-economic development, touching the lives of citizens in numerous ways. Beyond delivering mail, India Post facilitates deposits under Small Savings Schemes, provides life insurance coverage through Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI), and offers various retail services such as bill collection and sale of forms. The organization is committed to providing essential services across urban and rural landscapes, making it one of the most trusted government entities in the country.
Vacancy Details
The current recruitment drive by India Post aims to fill a substantial number of Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) positions, totaling 23,757 vacancies across different postal circles in India. These vacancies are for the posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak. While the notification covers all 23 postal circles, specific circle-wise and division-wise vacancy details, including those for Assam, are provided in the official notification PDF.
Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the comprehensive official notification for a detailed breakdown of vacancies, including category-wise reservations, for their respective preferred circles and divisions.
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria as laid out by India Post to be considered for the Gramin Dak Sevak posts.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have passed the Secondary School Examination (Class 10th) from a recognized Board of School Education. It is mandatory for candidates to have studied and passed Mathematics and English as subjects in their Class 10th examination. Furthermore, candidates must have studied the local language of the respective postal circle/state up to at least the Class 10th standard from a recognized board. Basic computer knowledge and the ability to ride a bicycle are also essential requirements for these positions.
Age Limit
Candidates applying for the GDS posts must be between 18 and 40 years of age as on September 21, 2026, which is the last date for application submission.
Age relaxations are applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per Government of India rules:
- Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST): 5 years
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 years
- PwBD + OBC: 13 years
- PwBD + SC/ST: 15 years
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): No relaxation in upper age limit. However, EWS applicants are eligible for 10% reservation in engagement to GDS posts if they are not covered under SC, ST, or OBC reservations.
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of India.
Salary & Pay Scale
Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) are not regular Central Government employees but are paid emoluments in the form of Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA). The TRCA includes an annual increase of 3%, subject to the fulfillment of conditions under the GDS Rules, along with Dearness Allowance (DA) on TRCA as declared by the Government of India from time to time.
The initial TRCA slabs for the different posts are as follows:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM): ₹12,000/- to ₹29,380/-
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) / Dak Sevak: ₹10,000/- to ₹24,470/-
GDS employees are also entitled to GDS Gratuity and the Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (similar to the National Pension System for regular employees).
Application Fee
The application fee for the India Post GDS recruitment is ₹100/- (Rupees One Hundred only). This fee is applicable for male candidates belonging to the General, OBC, and EWS categories.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male Candidates) | ₹100/- |
| Female Candidates | Exempted (₹0/-) |
| SC / ST Candidates | Exempted (₹0/-) |
| PwBD Candidates | Exempted (₹0/-) |
| Transwomen Applicants | Exempted (₹0/-) |
The fee must be paid online using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Net Banking, or UPI. Once paid, the application fee is non-refundable.
Selection Process
The selection process for India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts is entirely merit-based and does not involve a written examination or interview.
- Merit List Preparation: Candidates are shortlisted based on the marks obtained in their Class 10th (Secondary School Examination). The merit list is prepared with accuracy up to four decimal places. For boards issuing CGPA or letter grades, a prescribed conversion factor (e.g., CGPA * 9.5) is applied to convert them into marks.
- Document Verification (DV): Shortlisted candidates will be called for physical verification of their original documents at the designated Divisional Office. It is crucial for candidates to present all required original certificates and two sets of photocopies.
- Pre-engagement Formalities: Upon successful document verification, candidates will undergo further pre-engagement formalities, which may include a medical examination.
- Final Engagement: Final engagement is subject to satisfactory verification from the issuing authorities of certificates and police verification.
In cases of a tie in marks, the tie-breaking criteria, as specified in the official notification, will be applied, typically involving age, category, and gender-based priority.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal. The application process involves two main stages: One-Time Registration (OTR) and Online Application Submission.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit the official India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal at https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement. Click on “Candidate Login/Register” and then select “New Candidate Registration”. Enter your active mobile number and email ID, and verify them through OTP. Fill in your personal details carefully, ensuring they match your Class 10th certificate. A unique registration number and password will be generated upon successful registration. The OTR window is open from August 31, 2026, to September 19, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM).
- Log In and Fill Application Form: After completing OTR, log in using your registration credentials. Fill in your educational details and select your preferred Postal Circle and Division.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph and signature as per the specifications mentioned in the official notification.
- Pay Application Fee: If applicable to your category (General/OBC/EWS male candidates), pay the application fee of ₹100/- online. Female, SC, ST, PwBD, and Transwomen candidates are exempted from fee payment.
- Preview and Submit: Carefully review all the entered details before final submission.
- Print Application: After successful submission, download and print a copy of your application form for future reference.
The online application submission and fee payment window is from September 2, 2026, to September 21, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM).
Apply Online: Click Here
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | August 20, 2026 (as per notification ID PDF) |
| One-Time Registration (OTR) Start Date | August 31, 2026 |
| Last Date for One-Time Registration (OTR) | September 19, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Online Application & Fee Payment Start Date | September 2, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | September 21, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Correction Window Dates | September 23 – September 24, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Merit List Release Date | To be announced on the official portal |
Important Links
Official Notification PDF: Click Here
Apply Online: Click Here
Official Website: Click Here
Official Notification Reference
Notification No: 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20th, August, 2026 for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026.
Source: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the posts available in the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
The recruitment is for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts, which include Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak.
Is there a written exam for India Post GDS selection?
No, there will be no written examination or interview for the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026. The selection is purely based on the marks obtained in the Class 10th examination.
What is the age limit for applying to GDS posts?
Candidates must be between 18 and 40 years of age as on September 21, 2026. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government rules.
What is the application fee for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
The application fee is ₹100/- for General, OBC, and EWS male candidates. Female candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Transwomen applicants are exempted from paying the fee.
Can I apply for multiple posts or circles?
Candidates can apply for multiple posts within a chosen Division, but only one registration is permitted per candidate. Multiple or duplicate registrations/applications are strictly prohibited and may lead to cancellation of candidature.
What are the essential educational qualifications?
Applicants must have passed Class 10th with Mathematics and English as subjects from a recognized board. Knowledge of the local language up to Class 10th, basic computer knowledge, and cycling ability are also mandatory.
When is the last date to apply for India Post GDS 2026?
The last date to submit the online application and pay the fee is September 21, 2026, up to 5:00 PM.