India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India has released Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026 for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026. Applications are invited for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts in different offices of the Department of Posts.
The One-Time Registration process will be available from 31 August 2026 to 19 September 2026, while candidates can submit their online applications from 02 September 2026 to 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM. Candidates who have passed Class 10 with Mathematics and English and satisfy the prescribed local-language, age and other eligibility requirements can apply through the official India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal.
Official Notification PDF: India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| Organization | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India |
| Notification No. | 17-12/2026-GDS |
| Engagement Schedule | GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 |
| Post Name | Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak |
| No. of Posts | Division-wise tentative vacancies; consolidated total not specified in the descriptive notification |
| Job Type | Gramin Dak Sevak Engagement |
| Qualification | 10th Pass with Mathematics and English |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 Years |
| Application Fee | Rs. 100 for applicable candidates |
| Registration Start Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | 19 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM |
| Selection Process | System-generated Merit List based on Class 10 Marks followed by Document Verification |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | indiapost.gov.in |
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 20 August 2026 |
| One-Time Registration Start Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Last Date for One-Time Registration | 19 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM |
| Online Application Start Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM |
| Application Correction Start Date | 23 September 2026 |
| Application Correction Last Date | 24 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM |
Who Can Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply for India Post GDS Schedule-II 2026 if they satisfy the following basic conditions:
- Must satisfy the prescribed age limit.
- Must have passed the Secondary School Examination or Class 10 from a recognised Board.
- Must have passing marks in Mathematics and English.
- Must have studied the prescribed local language at least up to Class 10, subject to the special provisions mentioned in the notification.
- Must possess knowledge of computers.
- Must possess knowledge of cycling.
- Must have adequate means of livelihood.
India Post GDS Educational Qualification 2026
The educational qualification required for engagement as GDS is a Secondary School Examination (Class 10) Pass Certificate from a recognised Board of School Education.
Candidates must have obtained passing marks in:
- Mathematics
- English
The qualification should be from a Board recognised by the Government of India, State Government or Union Territory administration. Candidates possessing only an equivalent qualification from another board that does not meet the notified requirement are not eligible.
India Post GDS Local Language Requirement 2026
The applicant should have studied the prescribed local language at least up to Class 10 from a recognised Board.
The applicable local language varies according to the Circle/State and post. Candidates should check the post-wise local language requirement before submitting their preferences.
The notification contains special local-language provisions for engagement in:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Goa
- Sikkim
- Nagaland
Candidates applying in these States should carefully check the additional language or proficiency certificate conditions prescribed in the notification.
India Post GDS Other Qualifications 2026
In addition to Class 10 qualification and local-language eligibility, candidates should possess:
- Knowledge of computers
- Knowledge of cycling
- Adequate means of livelihood
Selected candidates will have to submit the prescribed undertakings regarding these requirements at the time of engagement.
India Post GDS Age Limit 2026
The age of candidates will be determined as on the last date for submission of online applications.
| Particular | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 40 Years |
India Post GDS Age Relaxation 2026
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| EWS | No Relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 Years |
| PwBD + SC / ST | 15 Years |
India Post GDS Application Fee 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Applicants required to pay fee | Rs. 100 |
| Female Candidates | Nil |
| SC Candidates | Nil |
| ST Candidates | Nil |
| PwBD Candidates | Nil |
| Transwomen Candidates | Nil |
The fee of Rs. 100 is payable for all posts notified in the candidate's selected Division. Fee-exempt candidates can submit the application without making any payment.
India Post GDS Fee Payment Mode
The application fee can be paid online through available payment modes including:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Fee once paid will not be refunded. Candidates who are required to pay the fee must complete the payment by 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
India Post GDS Salary 2026
Gramin Dak Sevaks receive emoluments in the form of Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA). TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to the conditions prescribed under the GDS Rules. GDS employees are also eligible for Dearness Allowance on TRCA and certain other benefits as prescribed.
| Post | TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 24,470 |
| Dak Sevak | Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 24,470 |
Other notified benefits may include GDS Gratuity and the Service Discharge Benefit Scheme according to the applicable GDS Rules.
India Post GDS Working Hours 2026
As per the GDS Rules referred to in the notification, a Gramin Dak Sevak is generally required to work for a minimum of four hours and a maximum of five hours per day.
GDS engagement is different from regular Central Government employment. GDSs are holders of Civil Posts outside the regular Civil Services and are governed by the Department of Posts Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020.
India Post GDS Branch Postmaster Job Profile
The main duties of a Branch Postmaster include:
- Managing day-to-day operations of the Branch Post Office.
- Handling India Post Payments Bank related operations.
- Marketing and promoting products and services of the Department.
- Operating prescribed services through Customer Service Centres.
- Ensuring smooth functioning of the Branch Post Office.
- Performing mail conveyance and delivery duties where required.
- Performing ABPM duties when required.
A candidate selected as BPM must arrange suitable accommodation for running the Branch Post Office at his or her own cost before engagement and must comply with the residence conditions prescribed by the Department.
India Post GDS ABPM Job Profile
The duties of an Assistant Branch Postmaster may include:
- Sale of stamps and stationery.
- Mail conveyance and doorstep delivery.
- IPPB deposits, payments and other transactions.
- Assisting the BPM in postal operations.
- Marketing and promotion of Department products and services.
- Operating Customer Service Centre services.
- Performing BPM duties when ordered or when the BPM is unavailable.
ABPMs are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Branch Post Office.
India Post Dak Sevak Job Profile 2026
Dak Sevaks may be engaged in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices, Transit Mail Offices, Delivery Centres or other offices of the Department.
Their duties may include:
- Sale of stamps and stationery.
- Delivery of mail and parcels.
- India Post Payments Bank transactions.
- Handling mail, mail bags and parcels.
- Transhipment of mail bags.
- Assisting the Postmaster or Sub-Postmaster.
- Marketing and business procurement work.
- Other duties assigned by competent postal authorities.
India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
There will be no written examination mentioned in the notification for selection. Applicants will be shortlisted through a system-generated merit list.
The selection stages include:
- Submission of Online Application
- Preparation of System-generated Merit List
- Shortlisting based on Class 10 Marks
- Physical Verification of Original Documents
- Pre-engagement Formalities
- Issue of Offer of Provisional Engagement
- Final Engagement after prescribed verification
India Post GDS Merit List 2026
The merit list will be prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the Secondary School Examination or Class 10 from a recognised Board.
Class 10 marks will be aggregated into percentage up to an accuracy of four decimal places.
Where the marksheet contains marks, candidates must enter the marks obtained. For eligible candidates whose marksheets contain only grades or grade points, the Department's system will make the prescribed conversion for preparation of merit.
India Post GDS Grade to Marks Conversion
| Grade | Grade Point | Multiplication Factor |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 10 | 9.5 |
| A2 | 9 | 9.5 |
| B1 | 8 | 9.5 |
| B2 | 7 | 9.5 |
| C1 | 6 | 9.5 |
| C2 | 5 | 9.5 |
| D | 4 | 9.5 |
Where CGPA is provided, marks may be arrived at by multiplying the CGPA by 9.5 according to the conditions given in the notification.
India Post GDS Tie-Breaking Rule 2026
If two or more applicants have the same merit, the notification prescribes a priority order beginning with Date of Birth, with the older candidate getting preference, followed by the notified category and gender priority order.
The Department also reserves the right to introduce additional criteria in case of a tie, and its decision will be final.
India Post GDS Document Verification 2026
Candidates shortlisted in the merit list will have to report to the designated Divisional or Unit Head for physical verification of their documents within 15 days from the date of shortlisting.
Candidates should carry the applicable original documents along with two sets of self-attested photocopies.
Documents Required for India Post GDS Verification
- 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 issued by a Medical Officer of a Government Hospital / Government Dispensary / Government Primary Health Centre or other notified Government medical institution
- Local or tribal language proficiency certificate where applicable for Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Goa or Nagaland
The medical certificate mentioned in the notification is compulsory at the document verification / engagement stage.
India Post GDS Provisional Engagement Process 2026
If document verification is successful, a system-generated Offer of Provisional Engagement will be issued.
The selected candidate must complete the prescribed pre-engagement formalities within 30 days from the date of the offer. These may include:
- Prescribed basic training of three days
- Arrangement of accommodation where applicable
- Submission of required undertakings
- Other joining formalities
Failure to complete the prescribed formalities or join within the specified period can result in cancellation of candidature.
India Post GDS Division and Post Preference 2026
A candidate can apply for one or more eligible GDS vacancies only in one selected Division.
After selecting the Division, eligible vacancies will be displayed according to the candidate's:
- Community
- Age
- PwBD Status
- Local Language studied
Candidates must provide their preferences for the posts they wish to be considered for. A candidate will not be considered for a post for which no preference has been given.
If a candidate becomes eligible for more than one preferred post, only one post will be offered according to the order of preference and suitability.
India Post GDS Photograph and Signature Requirements 2026
Photograph Requirements
| File Format | JPG / JPEG |
| File Size | 30 KB to 100 KB |
| Recommended Dimensions | 320 × 400 Pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:5 |
| Background | Plain White or Light-coloured |
Signature Requirements
| File Format | JPG / JPEG |
| File Size | 20 KB to 100 KB |
| Recommended Dimensions | 300 × 120 Pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 5:2 |
| Background | Plain White |
The signature should be written on white paper using a black or blue pen. Applications containing blurred photographs or blurred / miniature signatures are liable to be rejected.
India Post GDS Application Correction Window 2026
The Department will provide a two-day correction window from 23 September to 24 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
During this period, candidates can make permitted changes in successfully submitted registration/application details. However, the registered mobile number and email ID cannot be changed.
If a correction results in a category change for which a fee becomes payable, the candidate must pay the applicable fee during the correction process.
Once the modified application is finally resubmitted, no further correction will be allowed.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
The application process consists of two main stages:
Stage 1 - One-Time Registration
- Visit the India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal.
- Click on Candidate Login/Register.
- Select New Candidate Registration.
- Enter a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Verify the mobile number and email ID through OTP.
- Enter personal details including name, date of birth, gender, father's/guardian's name, mother's name and community.
- Enter details of the Class 10 Board and year of passing.
- Complete registration and obtain the unique Registration Number.
- Keep the Registration Number and password safely for the application process.
Stage 2 - Online Application
- Login using the Registration Number and password.
- Open the active GDS Schedule-II 2026 application.
- Complete the remaining personal details.
- Enter Board and Class 10 educational details.
- Enter marks / grades exactly according to the Class 10 marksheet.
- Select the eligible Circle and Division.
- Choose the available GDS posts and give post preferences.
- Upload the recent photograph in the prescribed format.
- Upload the scanned signature in the prescribed format.
- Preview the complete application carefully.
- Make corrections before final submission if necessary.
- Pay the Rs. 100 application fee if applicable.
- Submit the application before 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
- Save or print the submitted application for future reference.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Important Instructions
- Only one registration is permitted per candidate.
- Duplicate or multiple registrations/applications are prohibited.
- Name, Date of Birth, father's name, mother's name and other details should match the Class 10 certificate.
- Candidates are not required to upload supporting certificates with the initial application.
- Only the prescribed photograph and signature must be uploaded while applying.
- Candidates should apply only through the official online portal.
- Applications through any other mode will not be accepted.
- The minimum age is 18 years and maximum age is 40 years, subject to relaxation.
- Class 10 with Mathematics and English is the essential educational qualification.
- The prescribed local language should normally have been studied up to Class 10.
- Knowledge of computers and cycling is required.
- Selection is based on a system-generated Class 10 merit list.
- No written examination is specified for the selection process.
- Candidates can choose eligible posts only within one selected Division.
- Application fee is Rs. 100 for candidates who are not exempt.
- Female, SC, ST, PwBD and Transwomen applicants are exempt from the application fee.
- Shortlisted candidates must attend physical document verification within the prescribed period.
- A compulsory medical certificate must be submitted at the applicable stage.
- Selected BPM candidates must arrange accommodation for the Branch Post Office according to Department norms.
- GDSs are not regular employees of the Central Government.
- The Department may revise the number of vacancies or modify/cancel the engagement notification according to the conditions given in the notification
