India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Salary & Apply Online

The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, has released the official notification for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026. The recruitment drive aims to fill vacancies for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevaks across different offices of the Department of Posts in India.This nationwide engagement offers a massive opportunity for 10th-pass candidates seeking employment in their local regions. Since selection is based purely on a system-generated merit list rather than a written examination, this recruitment is highly accessible to candidates with strong secondary school academic records. Eligible candidates must ensure they meet the age, educational, and local language requirements before applying via the official India Post online portal.Quick Overview

FeatureDetails
Recruitment NameIndia Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Advertisement Number17-12/2026-GDS
DepartmentDepartment of Posts, Ministry of Communication
Job TypeGramin Dak Sevak (Civil Post outside regular Civil Services)
Posts AvailableBPM, ABPM, and Dak Sevaks
Application ModeOnline
Registration Start Date31 August 2026
Last Date to Apply21 September 2026 (up to 1700 Hrs)
Exam DateNo Exam (Merit-based Selection)
Official Websiteindiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
Important Dates
ActivitySchedule PDF
Notification Date20 August 2026
Online One-Time Registration31.08.2026 to 19.09.2026 (up to 1700 Hrs)
Submission of online applications & fee02.09.2026 to 21.09.2026 (up to 1700 Hrs)
Edit/Correction Window23.09.2026 to 24.09.2026 (up to 1700 Hrs)
End of Engagement Process31 December 2026
Application FeeCandidates must pay the fee online through Debit/Credit cards, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee once paid is non-refundable.
CategoryApplication Fee PDF
General / OBC (Male)Rs. 100/-
Female / Transwomen ApplicantsExempted
SC / ST ApplicantsExempted
PwBD ApplicantsExempted
Age LimitThe age of the candidate will be determined as on the last date of submission of applications.
  • Minimum Age: 18 years
  • Maximum Age: 40 years
Age Relaxation:
  • SC/ST: 5 years
  • OBC: 3 years
  • EWS: No relaxation
  • PwBD: 10 years
  • PwBD + OBC: 13 years
  • PwBD + SC/ST: 15 years
Vacancy DetailsThe precise number of tentative vacant posts for each Circle/Division is provided on the GDS Online Engagement Portal under Annexure-I.
Post NameCategoryJob Profile Summary PDF
Branch Postmaster (BPM)GDSDay-to-day operations of the Branch Post Office, marketing, mail delivery.
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)GDSSale of stamps, mail delivery at doorstep, assisting BPM.
Dak SevakGDSMail handling, sorting, IPPB transactions, and assisting in Departmental Post Offices.
Educational & Other QualificationsEducational Qualification:
  • Secondary School Examination (10th Standard): Candidates must hold a 10th standard pass certificate with passing marks in Mathematics and English from any recognized Board in India.
  • Local Language: Applicants must have studied the prescribed local language (e.g., Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, etc., depending on the circle) at least up to the 10th standard.
  • Note on Special Provisions: States like Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim, and Nagaland have specific tribal/local language criteria that may require certification from authorized local officials if the language was not taught in school.
Other Mandatory Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of computers
  • Knowledge of cycling (candidates must be able to ride a bicycle or two-wheeler)
  • Adequate means of livelihood (must have another source of income besides the GDS allowance)
Salary / Pay Scale (Emoluments)Gramin Dak Sevaks receive a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) with an annual increase of 3%, along with applicable Dearness Allowance.
Post CategoryBasic TRCA Slab PDF
BPMRs. 12,000/- to Rs. 29,380/-
ABPM / Dak SevakRs. 10,000/- to Rs. 24,470/-
Selection ProcessThe India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 relies purely on academic merit. There is no written examination or CBT.
  1. System-Generated Merit List: Shortlisting is done automatically based on the percentage of marks obtained in the 10th standard. Grades and points (like CGPA) will be converted to marks using a multiplication factor of 9.5.
  2. Tie-Breaking Rule: In the event of a tie, priority is given by Date of Birth (older candidates), followed by gender and community (e.g., ST trans-woman, ST female, etc.).
  3. Physical Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be notified via SMS/Email and must report to the designated Engaging Authority within 15 days.
  4. Provisional Engagement & Training: After successful verification, candidates undergo a 3-day basic training before their formal provisional engagement.
How to ApplyFollow these steps to submit the India Post GDS Apply Online form successfully:
  1. One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit the official portal (indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement) and register using a valid mobile number and email ID (both will be verified via OTP).
  2. Fill Application Form: Log in with your new Registration Number and password. Fill in your personal details, educational board details, and 10th standard marks.
  3. Select Division Preferences: Choose the Circle where you studied the local language and rank your preferences for the available Post IDs.
  4. Upload Documents: Upload your recent passport-size photograph (30 KB – 100 KB) and a scanned signature (20 KB – 100 KB) in JPG/JPEG format.
  5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the Rs. 100 fee online (if applicable).
  6. Submit & Print: Verify all details in the preview before final submission, then print the application for future reference.
Required Documents for VerificationCandidates do not need to upload certificates during the online application, but must present the following during physical document verification:
  • 10th Standard Marks Sheet
  • Identity Proof
  • Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC) in the prescribed format
  • EWS Certificate (if applicable)
  • PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
  • Date of Birth Proof
  • Medical certificate issued by a Government Hospital
  • Transgender certificate (if applicable)
Important Instructions
  • Only one registration is allowed per candidate. Multiple registrations will lead to strict cancellation of candidature.
  • Candidates must enter all details exactly as they appear on their 10th standard marksheet (Name, Father's Name, DOB). Discrepancies will result in rejection.
  • If selected as a BPM, the candidate must arrange accommodation for running the Branch Post Office at their own cost in the designated village before engagement.
  • Ensure that documents are fetched properly into DigiLocker, as the Department may verify 10th standard mark sheets via the API Setu portal.
Important Links
ResourceLink
Apply Online / OTR PortalClick Here to Apply
Official Notification PDFDownload PDF
Official WebsiteIndia Post Portal
Sacred Gurukul WebsiteVisit Sacred Gurukul
FAQs (India Post GDS Recruitment 2026)

1. What is the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026? 

It is a recruitment drive by the Department of Posts to hire Gramin Dak Sevaks, including BPM and ABPM roles, under the Schedule-II, July-2026 cycle.

2. When is the India Post GDS Exam Date? 

There is no written examination. Selection is based purely on a merit list generated from 10th standard marks.

3. What is the last date to apply for the GDS Vacancy 2026? 

The last date for submission of online applications and fee payment is 21 September 2026 (up to 1700 Hrs).

4. What is the India Post GDS Salary? 

The TRCA basic salary ranges from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 29,380 for BPMs, and Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 24,470 for ABPM/Dak Sevaks.

5. What is the India Post GDS Eligibility limit for age? 

The minimum age is 18 years, and the maximum is 40 years as of the application closing date, with standard category relaxations.

6. Do I need a computer certificate to apply? 

While you do not need to upload a certificate, candidates must have knowledge of computers and will need to submit an undertaking confirming their computer literacy upon engagement.

7. How is the India Post GDS Selection Process conducted? 

Candidates are shortlisted via an automated merit list based on their 10th-grade percentage. Shortlisted candidates then undergo physical document verification.

8. Can I apply for multiple divisions?

 No, a candidate can only apply for one or more vacant posts within one selected Division.

9. Is there any negative marking in the India Post GDS Syllabus? 

Because there is no written exam or CBT for this recruitment, there is no syllabus or negative marking to consider.

10. How can I correct my application if I made a mistake? 

The Department will open an edit/correction window from 23 September to 24 September 2026 (up to 1700 Hrs) where candidates can modify certain application details.