Editorial Disclaimer: Smart Update24 verifies information through official websites, government notifications, and trusted sources before publication. Our team also conducts independent research and analysis to provide accurate information to readers; however, users are advised to verify important details from the respective official websites for final confirmation.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has released the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 notification. A total of 23,757 tentative vacancies have been announced for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts across various Postal Circles and Divisions.
The official notification, No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated August 20, 2026, states that the recruitment will be conducted through an online application process. One-Time Registration will begin on August 31, 2026, while the online application window will remain open from September 2 to September 21, 2026.
Related Article: Women Scheme State-Wise Comparison 2026 | with Annapurna Bhander, Gruha Lakshmi, Mahalakshmi and Ladli Behna.
The most important point for candidates is that there is no written examination. Shortlisting will be based on a system-generated merit list prepared from Class 10 marks or applicable grade conversion.
No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated August 20, 2026
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Recruitment | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement |
| Cycle | Schedule-II, July-2026 |
| Notification No. | 17-12/2026-GDS |
| Notification Date | August 20, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 23,757 |
| Posts | BPM, ABPM, Dak Sevak |
| Qualification | Class 10 Pass |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Starts | August 31, 2026 |
| Application Starts | September 2, 2026 |
| Last Date | September 21, 2026 |
| Correction Window | September 23-24, 2026 |
| Selection | Class 10 Merit |
| Official Portal | India Post GDS Online Engagement |
The official India Post portal currently confirms the registration, application, and correction dates.
India Post GDS Vacancy 2026: 23,757 Posts
The latest vacancy annexure contains 23,757 tentative vacancies across Postal Circles. The vacancy figures are also divided according to prescribed local languages and reservation categories.
Circle-wise India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
| Postal Circle | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 917 |
| Assam | 414 |
| Bihar | 1,098 |
| Chhattisgarh | 762 |
| Delhi | 16 |
| Gujarat | 499 |
| Haryana | 87 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 335 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 340 |
| Jharkhand | 1,379 |
| Karnataka | 1,116 |
| Kerala | 1,373 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1,450 |
| Maharashtra | 2,431 |
| North Eastern | 2,614 |
| Odisha | 1,353 |
| Punjab | 122 |
| Rajasthan | 1,009 |
| Tamilnadu | 2,118 |
| Telangana | 419 |
| Uttarakhand | 452 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,691 |
| West Bengal | 1,762 |
| Total | 23,757 |
The largest vacancy count is in the North Eastern Circle with 2,614 posts, followed by Maharashtra with 2,431, Tamilnadu with 2,118, West Bengal with 1,762 and Uttar Pradesh with 1,691.
Reservation-wise Vacancy
According to the vacancy details:
- UR: 10,640
- OBC: 4,433
- SC: 3,082
- ST: 2,773
- EWS: 2,160
- PwBD-A: 192
- PwBD-B: 227
- PwBD-C: 178
- PwBD-DE: 72
The total comes to 23,757 vacancies.
Some Circles have vacancies separated according to the prescribed local language. For example, Assam has separate entries involving Assamese/Asomiya, Bengali and Bodo, while West Bengal has Bengali, Bengali/Nepali, Nepali and other language combinations.
Which Posts Are Included?
The India Post GDS recruitment covers three major categories.
1. Branch Postmaster (BPM)
The BPM is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of a Branch Post Office. Duties can include:
- Managing Branch Post Office operations
- India Post Payments Bank transactions
- Mail conveyance and delivery
- Customer service
- Promotion of postal products and services
- Other duties assigned by senior postal officers
A selected BPM must arrange accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost and must reside in the post village.
2. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
The ABPM assists the BPM in postal operations. Responsibilities include:
- Sale of stamps and stationery
- Mail collection and delivery
- Doorstep delivery
- IPPB transactions
- Assisting with customer service
- Marketing and promotion of postal services
- Performing BPM duties when required
ABPMs are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Branch Office.
3. Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks can be engaged in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices, Transit Mail Offices and Delivery Centres.
Their duties can include:
- Handling mail and parcels
- Mail bag handling
- Delivery of mail and parcels
- Sale of stamps and stationery
- IPPB-related transactions
- Assisting the Postmaster/Sub-Postmaster
- Other postal duties assigned by senior officers
India Post GDS Salary 2026
One important point candidates should understand is that GDS posts are not regular Central Government employee posts. GDS personnel are governed by the Department of Posts’ GDS Rules.
The initial Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) slabs are:
| Post | TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| BPM | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| ABPM/Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
GDS personnel are also eligible for Dearness Allowance and certain other benefits, including GDS Gratuity and the Service Discharge Benefit Scheme, subject to the applicable rules. TRCA carries a 3% annual increase subject to the prescribed conditions.
India Post GDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates applying for BPM, ABPM or Dak Sevak posts must satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed the Secondary School Examination/Class 10 from a recognised Board with passing marks in:
- Mathematics
- English
The notification also states that candidates must have studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10.
Other Qualifications
Candidates should have:
- Knowledge of computers
- Knowledge of cycling
- Adequate means of livelihood
Past work experience or previous service is not considered for selection.
India Post GDS Age Limit 2026
The age limit is:
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 40 years
Age will be calculated as on the last date of submission of the application.
Age Relaxation
| Category | 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
The application fee is 100 for candidates who are required to pay the fee.
However, the following candidates are exempted:
- All female candidates
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- PwBD candidates
- Transwomen candidates
Fee payment can be made through online modes including Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking and UPI. The fee is non-refundable.
India Post GDS Important Dates 2026
Candidates should carefully note the difference between Registration and Application Submission.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | August 20, 2026 |
| One-Time Registration | August 31 to September 19, 2026 |
| Online Application | September 2 to September 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 21, 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Correction Window | September 23-24, 2026 |
| Correction Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
These dates are confirmed on the official India Post GDS portal.
Important: Registration closes on September 19, but the online application and fee-payment window continues until September 21. Candidates should complete both stages well before the deadline.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
The application process has two major stages: One-Time Registration (OTR) and the Online Application Form.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal.
Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration
Candidates need an active:
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Class 10 Board details
- Year of passing
- Personal information
The mobile number and email ID are verified through OTP.
Step 3: Generate Registration Number
After successful registration, a unique Registration Number will be generated. Candidates should keep it safe for future login and application submission.
Step 4: Fill the Online Application
Log in using the Registration Number and password and enter:
- Personal details
- Educational details
- Board name
- Year of passing
- Class 10 marks
- Circle
- Division
- Post preferences
Step 5: Upload Photograph and Signature
Candidates need to upload their recent photograph and signature according to the prescribed specifications.
Photograph:
- JPG/JPEG
- 30 KB to 100 KB
- Recommended size: 320 × 400 pixels
- 4:5 aspect ratio
Signature:
- JPG/JPEG
- 20 KB to 100 KB
- Recommended size: 300 × 120 pixels
- 5:2 aspect ratio
Blurred or unclear photographs/signatures can lead to rejection.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
Candidates who are not exempted must pay the applicable ₹100 fee.
Step 7: Preview and Submit
Before final submission, carefully check all information. The correction window is available on September 23 and 24, 2026.
India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
There is no written examination and no interview for this GDS engagement.
Selection is based on a system-generated merit list prepared from Class 10 marks. The marks are aggregated into a percentage up to four decimal places.
If a marksheet contains only grades, the Department will use the prescribed conversion method. For example, a Grade Point of 10 is multiplied by 9.5 to arrive at the corresponding marks. CGPA is also converted using the prescribed method.
What happens after the merit list?
Shortlisted candidates will be called for physical verification of their original documents.
The documents can include:
- Class 10 marksheet
- Identity proof
- Caste certificate
- PwBD certificate
- EWS certificate
- Date of Birth proof
- Medical certificate
- Applicable local/tribal language certificate
After successful document verification, a provisional engagement offer can be issued. Candidates then have to complete the prescribed pre-engagement formalities, including basic training and accommodation arrangements where applicable.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Who Should Apply?
This recruitment can be particularly relevant for candidates who:
- Have passed Class 10
- Have passing marks in Mathematics and English
- Have studied the required local language up to Class 10
- Are within the prescribed age limit
- Have computer knowledge
- Know cycling
- Meet the Division and category requirements
Because there is no written examination, Class 10 academic performance is the key factor in the merit-based shortlisting process.
Important Warning for Applicants
India Post has warned candidates to be careful about fraudulent calls and messages. The Department says applicants should not share their registration number, mobile number, email ID or other personal information with unknown persons.
The official GDS portal also warns candidates not to trust unauthorised or suspicious communications. Official communication is through authorised India Post channels.
