The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has released the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July 2026, notification. The recruitment drive is actively engaging candidates for various GDS posts, including Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak in different offices of the Department of Posts.
The official notification, bearing Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026, invites eligible candidates to submit their applications through the GDS Online Engagement Portal. Candidates should carefully check the eligibility conditions, application dates, educational qualification, age limit, fee, and other requirements before applying.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Department of Posts, Government of India |
| Recruitment | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement |
| Schedule | Schedule-II, July 2026 |
| Notification Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Posts | BPM, ABPM, and Dak Sevak |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Minimum Qualification | 10th Pass |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 40 Years |
| Application Fee | ₹100 |
| Fee Exemption | Female, SC/ST, PwBD and Transwomen applicants |
| Selection Process | Merit List based on 10th Standard Marks |
| Official Portal | India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal |
India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
The notification covers vacancies for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak posts in different circles and divisions of the Department of Posts.
The detailed vacancy position is provided division-wise through the GDS Online Engagement Portal. The vacancy information includes details such as the Division, Office, Post ID, TRCA, Account/Record Office, local language, and PIN Code. Community-wise, vacancies are also classified under categories such as UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwBD.
Candidates should therefore check the official portal for the latest Division-wise vacancy details before selecting their preferred posts.
Important Dates for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
The following schedule will govern the online registration and application process:
- Online One-Time Registration: 31 August 2026 to 19 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM
- Online Application and Fee Payment: 2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM
- Correction Window: 23 September 2026 to 24 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM
Candidates should complete the registration, application submission, and fee payment within the prescribed deadlines. A two-day correction window is also provided after the closing date.
India Post GDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Age Limit
Candidates applying for GDS posts must fulfill the prescribed age criteria.
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 40 years
The candidate’s age will be calculated as of the last date of submission of the online application. Age relaxation is available to eligible reserved categories as prescribed in the notification.
Age Relaxation
The upper age limit is relaxed as follows:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- EWS: No relaxation
- PwBD: 10 years
- PwBD + OBC: 13 years
- PwBD + SC/ST: 15 years
Candidates claiming age relaxation must possess the required valid certificate in the prescribed format.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed the Secondary School Examination (10th Standard) from a recognized Board of School Education conducted by the Government of India, a state government, or a union territory.
The candidate must have obtained passing marks in mathematics and English at the 10th standard level. Equivalent qualifications from other boards are not eligible according to the notification.
Candidates must also have studied the prescribed local language up to at least the 10th standard. The post-wise local language requirements are specified by the department in the relevant annexure.
Other Required Qualifications
Apart from the 10th Standard qualification, candidates must have:
- Knowledge of computers
- Knowledge of cycling
- Adequate means of livelihood
The selected candidates are required to provide the prescribed undertakings regarding these requirements at the time of engagement.
India Post GDS Job Profile
The GDS engagement includes three major categories: BPM, ABPM, and Dak Sevak.
Branch Postmaster (BPM)
The BPM is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Branch Post Office and India Post Payments Bank services.
The duties may include postal operations, marketing and promotion of postal products and services, customer service activities, mail conveyance, and mail delivery.
In a single-handed branch post office, the BPM has overall responsibility for the smooth and timely functioning of the office. The BPM may also have to perform ABPM duties when required.
A selected BPM must arrange suitable accommodation for running the branch post office at their own cost and is required to reside in the post village where the branch office is functioning.
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
The duties of an ABPM include the sale of stamps and stationery, conveyance and doorstep delivery of mail, exchange of mail with the account office, and various India Post Payments Bank transactions.
ABPMs assist the BPM in postal operations and may participate in marketing and promoting the Department of Posts’ products and services.
When required, an ABPM may also perform combined duties of the BPM. ABPMs are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned branch office.
Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks can work in post offices, sorting offices, mail offices, transit mail offices, delivery centers, and other offices of the department.
Their responsibilities can include handling mail and parcels, delivery of mail, sale of stamps and stationery, IPPB transactions, handling mailbags, and assisting postmasters or other officers in the smooth functioning of postal offices.
Senior postal officers may also assign Dak Sevaks duties related to marketing, business procurement, and other activities.
India Post GDS Salary 2026
GDS employees receive the Time-Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) instead of the regular central government employee pay structure.
According to the notification, the initial basic TRCA slabs are:
- BPM: ₹12,000 to ₹29,380
- ABPM/Dak Sevak: ₹10,000 to ₹24,470
The TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to the conditions prescribed under the GDS Rules. Dearness Allowance and certain other allowances and social security benefits, including GDS Gratuity and the Service Discharge Benefit Scheme, also entitle GDS personnel.
It is important to note that GDS personnel are not regular Central Government employees, and their service conditions, allowances, and entitlements are different from those applicable to regular Central Government employees.
India Post GDS Application Fee
The application fee is ₹100 for applicants who are required to pay the fee.
However, the application fee is exempted for:
- All female applicants
- SC applicants
- ST applicants
- PwBD applicants
- Transgender women applicants
Eligible candidates can pay the fee through available online payment methods, including credit/debit cards, net banking, and UPI.
The fee, once paid, is non-refundable. Candidates who are required to pay the fee must complete the payment before the prescribed closing date and time.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Candidates have to apply online only through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal.
The application process consists of two major stages:
Step 1: One-Time Registration
Candidates must first complete one-time registration (OTR). They need an active mobile number and email ID, both of which are verified through OTP.
During registration, candidates need to enter personal information such as their name, date of birth, gender, father’s or guardian’s name, mother’s name, and community details.
Upon successful registration, the system generates a unique registration number. Candidates need the registration number and password for further login and application submission.
Candidates should enter their personal details exactly as mentioned in their Class 10/Matriculation certificate. Incorrect information may lead to cancellation of candidacy.
| Useful Links | Direct Action Link |
| Apply Online Link | Click Here to Register & Apply |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Visit Official Portal |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
Step 2: Submit Online Application
After registration, candidates can log in using their registration number and password and complete the online application.
The application process includes:
- Personal Details
- Board and Educational Details
- Division Selection and Post Preferences
- Uploading Recent Photograph and Signature
- Preview and Verification
- Fee Payment, if applicable
- Final Submission
Candidates should carefully preview all details before submitting the application.
GDS Selection Process 2026
The selection of candidates will be based on a system-generated merit list.
The selection process does not mention a separate written examination. The authorities prepare the merit list based on the marks obtained in the 10th Standard Secondary School Examination, converting grades or points according to the rules specified in the notification.
Where only grades are available, the department uses the prescribed 9.5 multiplication factor for conversion. When CGPA is provided, the authorities convert it by multiplying the CGPA by 9.5.
Therefore, candidates with strong Class 10 academic performance can have an advantage in the GDS merit-based selection process.
Document Verification
Candidates will be informed about the result and document verification through their registered mobile number and email ID. They should also regularly check the GDS Online Engagement Portal for updates.
The designated authority requires shortlisted candidates to report within 15 days of shortlisting for physical verification of original documents.
Documents may include:
- Class 10 marksheet
- Identity proof
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- EWS certificate, if applicable
- Transgender certificate, if applicable
- Date of Birth proof
- Medical certificate
- Prescribed local/tribal language certificate, wherever applicable
Candidates must bring the original documents along with two sets of self-attested photocopies.
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Joining and Engagement Process
The system issues a generated offer of provisional engagement after successful document verification.
Candidates must complete the required pre-engagement formalities within 30 days from the date of the provisional engagement offer. These formalities include prescribed basic training of three days and, wherever applicable, arranging the required accommodation.
Candidates who fail to complete the required formalities or join within the stipulated period may have their candidature canceled, and the department may offer the post to the next eligible candidate.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates should remember the following points before applying:
- Only one registration is permitted per candidate.
- Duplicate or multiple registrations/applications are strictly prohibited.
- Name, father’s name, mother’s name, and date of birth should match the Class 10 marksheet.
- Blurred or illegible photographs and signatures may result in rejection.
- Incomplete applications can be rejected.
- Candidates should not submit false information or incorrect documents.
- The department may verify Class 10 marksheets through DigiLocker/API Setu where available.
- Candidates should regularly check the official portal for updates.
- The Department does not make phone calls to shortlisted candidates; applicants should remain cautious about fraudulent calls and requests for personal information.
The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 provides an opportunity for eligible 10th-pass candidates to seek engagement as Branch Postmaster, Assistant Branch Postmaster, and Dak Sevak in the Department of Posts.
Since selection is based on a system-generated merit list using Class 10 marks, candidates should carefully enter their academic details and ensure that all information matches their original documents. Applicants should also pay close attention to the registration, application, and correction deadlines.
The one-time registration process will begin on 31 August 2026, and candidates can submit online applications from 2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026. Candidates should complete the entire process before the prescribed deadline and regularly visit the official GDS portal for vacancy, merit list, document verification, and engagement updates.
The notification indicates that the GDS Online Engagement Portal provides Division-wise vacancy details. Candidates should check the portal for the latest post-wise and division-wise vacancy positions before submitting their preferences.