India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Online Form, Notification, Eligibility, Salary & Selection Process

The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has officially released the recruitment notification for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 under Notification No: 17-12/2026-GDS. This direct engagement drive aims to fill thousands of vacant positions for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak across various Postal Circles and Divisions nationwide.This recruitment notification offers a direct gateway into government service for candidates who have passed their Class 10th examination. Unlike traditional government entrance tests, selection for India Post GDS positions is made through an automated, system-generated merit list based purely on 10th-standard academic performance, eliminating written examinations or interview stress.Eligible candidates, including freshers looking for stable employment in rural and semi-urban postal networks, can register and submit their applications online through the official portal starting 31st August 2026.Quick Overview

Important Dates
Application FeeCandidates must pay the application fee online using Credit/Debit Cards, Net Banking, or UPI.
Note: Application fee once paid is non-refundable. Candidates belonging to exempted categories can submit forms directly without payment.Age LimitThe age limit for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is determined as on the last date of application submission (21st September 2026).

• Minimum Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Age: 40 Years

Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation
Vacancy DetailsVacancies are notified circle-wise and division-wise across all 23 Postal Circles in India. Detailed community-wise vacancy counts (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD) are accessible directly on the GDS Online Portal (Annexure-I).
Educational & Other Qualifications1. Basic Educational Qualification

• Secondary School Examination (10th Standard Pass) certificate with passing marks in Mathematics and English conducted by any recognized Board of School Education by the Government of India or State Governments/UTs.

2. Compulsory Knowledge of Local Language

• The applicant must have studied the local language of the respective Postal Circle/State at least up to Class 10th standard.
• Special Provisions:

• Arunachal Pradesh: Knowledge of English/Hindi up to 10th level + proficiency certificate in notified tribal dialect from Deputy Commissioner.
• Goa: Konkani or Marathi studied at 10th level (or proficiency certificate from Goa Konkani Akademi).
• Sikkim: English + any of the 12 notified state languages/dialects up to 10th level or proficiency certificate from Education Department, Sikkim.
• Nagaland: English/Hindi studied up to 10th level + proficiency certificate in any of the 19 notified tribal languages from concerned DC.

3. Mandatory Additional Requirements

• Computer Knowledge: Candidates must be computer literate and capable of using smartphones/laptops/tablets from the first day of engagement (Undertaking required).
• Cycling Knowledge: Ability to ride a bicycle or two-wheeler (Declaration required).
• Adequate Means of Livelihood: Candidates must possess another source of income besides GDS TRCA allowance to support themselves and their family (Undertaking required).
• BPM Accommodation Requirement: Selected BPMs must arrange suitable accommodation for running the Branch Post Office at their own cost in the post village prior to engagement.

Salary & Allowances (TRCA Slabs)Gramin Dak Sevaks receive emoluments in the form of Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) with an annual increase of 3%, plus Dearness Allowance (DA) and applicable social security benefits (Gratuity and Service Discharge Benefit Scheme).
Selection ProcessSelection for India Post GDS 2026 is conducted through an automated, system-driven merit system:

1. System-Generated Merit List:

• Merit lists are prepared automatically by aggregating 10th-standard marks to a percentage accuracy of 4 decimals.
• For grade/CGPA point systems, subject points are multiplied by 9.5 to determine total marks.

1. Tie-Breaking Criteria:

• In case of a tie in percentage, priority is accorded by age and category: DOB (Older in age) $\rightarrow$ ST female/trans-woman $\rightarrow$ SC female/trans-woman $\rightarrow$ OBC female/trans-woman $\rightarrow$ EWS female/trans-woman $\rightarrow$ UR female/trans-woman $\rightarrow$ ST male/trans-male $\rightarrow$ SC male/trans-male $\rightarrow$ OBC male/trans-male $\rightarrow$ EWS male/trans-male $\rightarrow$ UR male/trans-male.

1. Physical Verification of Documents (DV):

• Shortlisted candidates receive SMS/email alerts and must report within 15 days to the Divisional/Unit Head with original documents and two sets of self-attested photocopies.

1. Pre-Engagement Formalities & Basic Training:

• Includes 3 days of mandatory basic training and accommodation setup.

1. Provisional & Final Engagement:

• Provisional engagement is granted pending background checks and online verification via API Setu/DigiLocker.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

• Written Exam / CBT: Not Applicable.
• Syllabus: Not Applicable.

Selection is purely merit-based on Class 10th academic performance. No written exam, offline test, or interview is conducted for any GDS post.How to Apply OnlineStep 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)

1. Visit the official portal: indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement.
2. Click on "Candidate Login/Register" and select "New Candidate Registration".
3. Enter and validate your active Mobile Number and Email ID via OTP.
4. Provide basic details (Name, Parentage, DOB, Community, 10th Board, Year of Passing) exactly as recorded in your Class 10th marksheet.
5. Generate your password and note your 11-digit Registration Number.

Step 2: Submission of Online Application

1. Log in using your Registration Number and Password.
2. Fill in educational details and select your Postal Circle, Board, and marks.
3. Select your preferred Division and rank your post choices (Post IDs).
4. Upload recent passport-size Photograph (JPG, 30–100 KB, 4:5 ratio) and Signature (JPG, 20–100 KB, 5:2 ratio, black/blue ink on white paper).
5. Pay the application fee of ₹ 100/- via online gateway (if applicable).
6. Preview, review declarations, and submit the final application form.

Required Documents ChecklistKeep original copies and two self-attested photocopies ready for Document Verification:

• [ ] Class 10th (SSC) Marksheet and Passing Certificate.
• [ ] Date of Birth (DOB) Proof (Class 10th certificate/Birth Certificate).
• [ ] Valid Community / Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer).
• [ ] Income & Asset Certificate for EWS candidates (valid for relevant financial year).
• [ ] Disability Certificate for PwBD applicants.
• [ ] Transgender Certificate (if applicable).
• [ ] Official Medical Fitness Certificate from a Government Hospital/Primary Health Centre.
• [ ] Certificate of Proficiency in local/tribal dialect (for Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim, Nagaland).
• [ ] Valid Government Issued Photo ID Card.
• [ ] DigiLocker Account authorization for online marksheet verification via API Setu.

Important Instructions

1. Single Registration Rule: Only one registration per applicant is permitted. Duplicate entries will lead to instant cancellation.
2. Correction Window: Candidates can modify application details (except Mobile Number and Email ID) during the 2-day edit window from 23.09.2026 to 24.09.2026.
3. Accuracy of Data: Names, parentage, and DOB must strictly match the Class 10th certificate. Mismatches during Document Verification will result in rejection.
4. No Fraudulent Activity: Submission of fake marksheets or certificates will invite criminal prosecution and permanent debarment.

Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the start and last date to submit the India Post GDS 2026 application? 

One-Time Registration begins on 31st August 2026. Application submission and fee payment lines remain open from 02nd September 2026 to 21st September 2026 (17:00 Hrs).

2. Is there any written exam or computer-based test for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026? 

No, there is no written exam or CBT. Selection is 100% merit-based, calculated automatically using Class 10th marks.

3. What is the application fee for female and SC/ST candidates? 

All female candidates, SC/ST, PwBD, and Transwomen applicants are completely exempted from paying any fee (₹ 0/-).

4. What is the monthly salary structure for GDS BPM and ABPM? 

The basic TRCA pay scale is ₹ 12,000 – ₹ 29,380 for Branch Postmaster (BPM) and ₹ 10,000 – ₹ 24,470 for Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) / Dak Sevak, plus DA and allowances.

5. What is the minimum educational qualification required to apply? Candidates must have passed 10th Standard (Secondary School Examination) with passing marks in Mathematics and English, and studied the local language up to 10th class.

6. What is the age limit for general candidates in India Post GDS 2026? The age limit is 18 to 40 years as of 21st September 2026, with age relaxations applicable for reserved categories.

7. Can I select multiple divisions when submitting my post preferences? No, an applicant can choose vacant posts within only one Division per application cycle, but can rank multiple post choices within that selected Division.

8. Is computer knowledge required for Gramin Dak Sevak posts? 

Yes, candidates must be computer literate and submit a basic undertaking during engagement confirming their ability to operate smartphones or computers.

9. How is CGPA converted to percentage for the GDS merit list?

 Where grades or CGPA are provided on the 10th marksheet, subject grade points are multiplied by a standard factor of 9.5 to calculate marks automatically.

10. When will the correction window open for editing the application form? 

The online correction window will be open for two days from 23rd September 2026 to 24th September 2026 (up to 17:00 Hrs).