The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, Government of India, has officially released the recruitment notification for 28,740 vacancies for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS), Branch Post Master (BPM), and Assistant Branch Post Master (ABPM) under the Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026.This recruitment drive invites online applications from eligible candidates across India to fill vacant posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak in various postal circles.
India Post GDS recruitment is one of the most awaited opportunities for 10th pass candidates, especially those seeking a stable government job with minimal examination pressure. Since selection is based on merit of Class 10 marks, this recruitment attracts lakhs of applicants every year.
In this detailed blog, we will discuss all important aspects such as post vacancies, important dates, eligibility criteria, age limit and relaxation, educational qualification, stipend/salary, application fee, selection process, and how to apply online.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
The Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) system plays a vital role in strengthening India’s rural postal network. GDS employees serve as the backbone of postal services in villages and remote areas. Through this recruitment, India Post aims to fill vacancies in Branch Post Offices and Extra Departmental Offices spread across different states.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Authority | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India |
| Recruitment Name | GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026 |
| Post Names | Branch Post Master (BPM), Assistant Branch Post Master (ABPM), Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 28,740 (across 23 postal circles) |
| Registration Period | 31st January 2026 to 14th February 2026 (until 5:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 16th February 2026 |
| Correction Window | 18th February to 19th February 2026 |
| Selection Process | 100% Merit-Based (Marks obtained in Class 10; No Exam) |
| Education Required | 10th Standard Pass (Maths and English are mandatory subjects) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 years (as on 16th February 2026) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 for UR/OBC/EWS (Male); Nil for Female/SC/ST/PwD |
| Official Website | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
Post Vacancy Details
For the India Post GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I (January 2026), a total of 28,740 vacancies have been announced across 23 postal circles.
| Postal Circle | Local Language | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Konkani/Marathi | 3,553 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Hindi | 3,169 |
| West Bengal | Bengali | 2,982 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Hindi | 2,120 |
| Tamil Nadu | Tamil | 2,009 |
| Gujarat | Gujarati | 1,830 |
| Kerala | Malayalam | 1,691 |
| Bihar | Hindi | 1,347 |
| Odisha | Odia | 1,191 |
| Chhattisgarh | Hindi | 1,155 |
| Andhra Pradesh | Telugu | 1,060 |
| Karnataka | Kannada | 1,023 |
| North East | Bengali/Kak Barak/Other | 1,014 |
| Jharkhand | Hindi | 908 |
| Assam | Assamese/Bengali/Bodo | 639 |
| Rajasthan | Hindi | 634 |
| Telangana | Telugu | 609 |
| Himachal Pradesh | Hindi | 520 |
| Uttarakhand | Hindi | 445 |
| Haryana | Hindi | 270 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Hindi/Urdu | 267 |
| Punjab | Punjabi | 262 |
| Delhi | Hindi | 42 |
| Total | — | 28,740 |
GDS Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
The official schedule for the India Post GDS 2026 Online Engagement (Schedule-I) is outlined below. These dates apply to all 23 postal circles as per the India Post GDS Official Portal.
| Event | Scheduled Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 31st January 2026 |
| Online One-Time Registration | 31st January to 14th February 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Application Submission & Fee Payment | 2nd February to 16th February 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Correction Window (Edit Application) | 18th February to 19th February 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| First Merit List Release (Tentative) | 28th February 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions prescribed by India Post.
Nationality:
The candidate must be a citizen of India.
Domicile Requirement :
Applicants should apply for the postal circle of the state in which they fulfill language and residency requirements.
Age Limit (as on Notification Date):
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years (for General/EWS candidates)
Crucial Cutoff Date: Your age must fall within this range as of 16th February 2026 (the last date of application).
Age Relaxation :
The upper age limit is relaxed for candidates belonging to reserved categories as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation | Effective Max Age |
|---|---|---|
| OBC | 3 Years | 43 Years |
| SC / ST | 5 Years | 45 Years |
| PwBD (General) | 10 Years | 50 Years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 Years | 53 Years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 Years | 55 Years |
| EWS | No Relaxation | 40 Years |
Age relaxation is applicable only with valid certificates issued by competent authorities.
Educational Qualification :
Educational qualification is one of the simplest aspects of India Post GDS recruitment.
Minimum Qualification
Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
Subject Requirement
Mathematics and English must be compulsory subjects in Class 10.
Local Language Knowledge
The candidate must have studied the local language of the postal circle at least up to Class 10.
Computer Knowledge Requirement :
- Basic computer knowledge is mandatory.
- Candidates should have:
Knowledge of computer operations
Ability to work on basic digital applications
📌 No separate computer certificate is required if the candidate studied computer-related subjects in school.
Other Mandatory Requirements :
- Knowledge of cycling (for some posts)
- Ability to carry out duties in rural and remote areas
- Willingness to work part-time with responsibility-based workload
Stipend / Salary Structure (GDS Salary 2026)
India Post GDS employees are paid based on Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA).
| Post Name | TRCA Slab (Entry Level) | Monthly Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Branch Post Master (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 | ₹15,000 – ₹18,000* |
| Asst. Branch Post Master (ABPM) | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 | ₹12,500 – ₹15,000* |
| Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 | ₹12,500 – ₹15,000* |
Additional Benefits :
- Annual Increment: There is a fixed annual increment of 3% on the TRCA.
- Dearness Allowance: GDS employees receive DA at the same rates as regular Central Government employees (revised twice a year).
- Social Security: Benefits include the GDS Gratuity and Severance Amount payable at the time of discharge.
- Working Hours: The TRCA is based on a workload of 4 to 5 hours per day.
Application Fee:
Candidates are required to pay an application fee during online submission.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
| All Female Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
| PwBD | Nil (Exempted) |
Fee can be paid through online payment modes or via India Post payment gateways.
Selection Process
One of the biggest advantages of India Post GDS recruitment is its simple selection process.
Selection Method
- Merit-based selection
- Based on Class 10 marks
- No written examination
- No interview
Merit Calculation
- Marks are calculated up to 4 decimal places
- Higher marks = higher merit rank
Document Verification
- Shortlisted candidates must attend document verification with:
Educational certificates
Age proof
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Local language proof
Residence proof
How to Apply Online for India Post GDS 2026
Candidates must apply only through online mode. Follow the steps below carefully:
Step 1: One-Time Registration
- Visit the official India Post GDS portal
- Click on New Registration
- Enter mobile number, email ID, and personal details
- Complete OTP verification
Step 2: Online Application Form
- Login using registration number
- Fill personal, educational, and address details
- Select postal circle and post preference
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Ensure correct format and size
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
- Applicable candidates must pay ₹100
- Verify payment status before submission
Step 5: Final Submission
- Review application carefully
- Submit final form
- Download application receipt for future reference
Only one registration per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications will lead to cancellation.
Important Instructions for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Candidates applying for India Post GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026 must carefully read and follow all important instructions mentioned in the official notification. Failure to comply with these instructions may lead to rejection of the application at any stage of the recruitment process. Below are the key instructions explained in simple and clear language for aspirants.
- Candidate can apply for only one postal circle in a particular GDS recruitment cycle. Multiple applications for different circles or repeated applications for the same circle will result in automatic cancellation of all applications. Therefore, candidates must choose their preferred circle very carefully before final submission.
- All applications must be submitted only through online mode via the official India Post GDS portal. Offline applications or applications sent through post, courier, or email will not be accepted under any circumstances. Candidates should ensure that they have a valid mobile number and email ID, as these will be used for registration and future communication.
- While filling out the application form, candidates must enter their personal details, educational qualification, and category information exactly as mentioned in official documents. Any mismatch between the application details and original certificates during document verification can lead to disqualification. Changes or corrections after final submission are generally not allowed.
- Candidates must upload their recent passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size. Blurred, unclear, or incorrect images may result in rejection of the application. It is advised to scan documents properly before uploading.
- The selection process is purely merit-based, calculated from Class 10 marks. No written examination or interview will be conducted. Hence, candidates should not expect any admit card or exam-related communication. Merit lists will be published circle-wise on the official portal.
- Applicants claiming age relaxation or reservation benefits (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD) must possess valid certificates issued by the competent authority. These certificates must be produced during document verification. If a candidate fails to provide valid proof, their candidature will be treated as unreserved or cancelled.
- Knowledge of the local language of the selected postal circle is mandatory. Candidates must have studied the local language at least up to Class 10 level. Proof of the same is required during verification.
- Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates related to merit lists, document verification schedules, and final selection. India Post will not be responsible for missed updates due to negligence on the candidate’s part.
- Finally, submission of the application does not guarantee selection. Appointment is strictly subject to verification of documents, medical fitness, and fulfillment of all eligibility conditions. Candidates found guilty of providing false or incorrect information will be disqualified and may face legal action.
- Applicants should ensure that their Class 10 marks are entered correctly. Marks will be calculated automatically by the system up to four decimal places, and no rounding off of marks will be allowed. If wrong marks are entered, the candidature may be rejected without any further correspondence.
- Candidates must apply only after ensuring that they are physically and medically fit to perform GDS duties. Selected candidates may be required to submit a medical fitness certificate issued by an authorized government medical officer.
- For the post of Branch Postmaster (BPM), candidates should be aware that the role involves overall supervision of branch post office operations, handling accounts, marketing postal products, and interacting with customers. ABPM and Dak Sevak posts involve assisting BPM, mail delivery, and banking-related work.
- Applicants should note that GDS posts are not regular civil service posts. Gramin Dak Sevaks are engaged under a time-related continuity allowance (TRCA) system and are governed by separate service rules.
- In case of tie in merit, preference will be given based on: 1. Date of birth , 2.Category of the candidate , 3.Gender (as per rules, if applicable)
- Candidates are strictly advised not to fall for fake websites, agents, or middlemen promising selection. India Post does not authorize any third party for recruitment. All updates are published only on the official portal.
Why India Post GDS is a Good Career Option?
- No written exam
- Stable government job
- Decent income in rural areas
- Opportunity to serve the community
- Flexible working hours compared to regular posts
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE | CLICK HERE |
| OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION PDF | CLICK HERE |
| APPLY ONLINE | CLICK HERE |
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