
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, has released the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 notification for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement, Schedule-II, July-2026. The notification was issued on August 27, 2026, under notification number 17-12/2026-GDS.
The recruitment covers Gramin Dak Sevak, Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak posts across various postal circles and divisions.
As per the schedule, the India Post GDS 2026 registration will begin on August 31, while the online application window will open on September 2. Candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria, local language requirement, application dates and selection process before applying.
Important: The final circle-wise vacancy count should be checked in the official notification/“Circlewise Posts Notified” section before candidates apply. The India Post GDS portal provides the notification and circle-wise vacancy information.
| India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Recruitment Authority | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Recruitment | India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 |
| Engagement | GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 |
| Notification Number | 17-12/2026-GDS |
| Posts | BPM, ABPM, Dak Sevak |
| Vacancy | 25,000+ (as reported; check official circle-wise notification) |
| Registration Starts | August 31, 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | September 19, 2026 |
| Application Starts | September 2, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 21, 2026 |
| Correction Window | September 23-24, 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | Class 10 pass |
| Selection Process | Merit-based on Class 10 marks |
| Official Portal | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
Candidates should keep the following India Post GDS 2026 application dates in mind:
| India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Important Dates | |
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | August 27, 2026 |
| Registration Begins | August 31, 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | September 19, 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | September 2, 2026 |
| Application Last Date | September 21, 2026 |
| Edit/Correction Window | September 23-24, 2026 |
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last day to submit their forms. The official GDS portal itself advises applicants to submit applications well before the closing date to avoid technical or login-related issues.
The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is expected to fill more than 25,000 vacancies, covering different postal circles and divisions.
The vacancies are distributed among posts such as:
Branch Postmaster (BPM)
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
Dak Sevak
The exact number of vacancies can vary by postal circle, division, category and post. Candidates should therefore check the official circle-wise vacancy list before selecting their preferences.
The BPM is responsible for the overall functioning of a Branch Post Office. The role includes postal operations, mail delivery and other services provided through the post office, including India Post Payments Bank-related services.
An ABPM assists the BPM in postal operations. The duties may include mail delivery, sale of stamps and stationery and transactions related to postal and IPPB services.
Dak Sevaks may be engaged in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices and Delivery Centres. Their duties can include mail and parcel-related work and other postal operations assigned by the Department.
One of the most important points for candidates is that there is no written examination or interview for India Post GDS selection.
Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their Class 10 marks. The Department generates a merit list based on the marks/grades entered in the application and subsequently verifies the candidate's documents.
The official GDS portal also requires candidates to enter their Class 10 marks or grades according to their Secondary School Certificate/marksheet. Incorrect information can lead to cancellation of candidature.
Candidates must fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions for the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026.
The minimum age is 18 years, while the maximum age is 40 years as per the recruitment criteria.
Age relaxation is applicable to eligible reserved categories.
| India Post GDS Eligibility Criteria 2026 | |
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| EWS | No relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
Candidates should check the notification for the applicable cut-off date and detailed age conditions.
Candidates applying for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 must have passed Class 10/Secondary School Examination from a recognised board.
They must have passed Mathematics and English as subjects.
Another important requirement is the local language. Candidates must have studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10 for the postal circle/division for which they are applying.
This makes the local-language requirement particularly important while selecting a postal circle and division.
Apart from Class 10 qualification and age, candidates should also meet other prescribed conditions, including:
Basic computer knowledge.
Ability to ride a bicycle.
Adequate independent source of livelihood, as prescribed for GDS engagement.
Required knowledge of the local language.
Valid documents supporting category and other claims, wherever applicable.
Candidates should read the official notification carefully because requirements can vary for specific locations or categories.
The India Post GDS local language requirement is an important eligibility condition that candidates should not overlook.
Applicants are required to have studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10. The applicable language depends on the postal circle/division.
Candidates should check the official language list before choosing their preferred division.
For some special areas, additional documentation relating to local or tribal language proficiency may be required during document verification.
The India Post GDS selection process 2026 does not involve a competitive written examination.
The broad process is:
Class 10 marks → Merit list → Document Verification → Pre-engagement formalities → Engagement
Candidates with higher eligible Class 10 marks have an advantage in the merit-based selection process.
Shortlisted candidates are required to undergo physical verification of original documents at the concerned Division/Unit Head Office. Candidates must ensure that all details entered in the application match their original documents.
The official portal also states that candidates can face cancellation if incorrect information is found during the process.
The India Post GDS merit list 2026 will be prepared based on candidates' qualifying Class 10 performance, as prescribed in the recruitment notification.
Since there is no written examination, candidates should pay particular attention to:
Correct entry of Class 10 marks
Correct category details
Local language eligibility
Division/post preferences
Valid supporting documents
In case of a tie, the Department follows the prescribed tie-breaking criteria mentioned in the notification.
The engagement terms provide Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) for GDS posts.
The indicative TRCA ranges are:
| India Post GDS Salary 2026 | |
| Post | TRCA Range |
| BPM | ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 |
| ABPM/Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 |
The actual amount depends on the applicable TRCA level and other rules. Candidates should not treat the upper end of the range as a fixed monthly salary.
Candidates from the applicable fee-paying categories are required to pay ₹100.
Candidates belonging to SC/ST, PwBD, female and transgender categories are exempt from the application fee, as per the stated recruitment conditions.
The official GDS portal says the fee is payable online and supports payment modes such as cards, net banking and UPI.
Candidates can follow these steps to complete the India Post GDS online application 2026:
Go to the official India Post GDS Online Engagement portal.
Complete the one-time registration using a valid mobile number and email ID. The registration process requires OTP verification.
The portal states that the mobile number and email ID used for registration must be unique and that only one registration is allowed per candidate.
Enter details such as:
Name
Date of birth
Father's/Mother's name
Category
Address
Class 10 board and marks
Other required information
Candidates should enter their details exactly as mentioned in their official documents.
Select the eligible GDS post and division preferences carefully.
The official portal indicates that candidates can apply for only one division in an eligible circle and that available preferences are displayed based on eligibility.
Upload the photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed format and size.
Candidates who are required to pay the fee should complete online payment through the available payment gateway.
Review all details carefully before final submission. Download or print the completed application for future reference.
Candidates should keep the following documents/details ready:
Class 10 marksheet/certificate
Valid identity proof
Caste certificate, where applicable
PwBD certificate, where applicable
EWS certificate, where applicable
Date of birth proof
Recent photograph
Signature
Relevant local/tribal language certificate, wherever applicable
Other documents specified in the notification
Candidates shortlisted for document verification must produce the original documents.
Candidates should be particularly careful while filling the application because the selection is based heavily on the information provided in the form.
Avoid these common mistakes:
Entering incorrect Class 10 marks.
Selecting a division without checking local-language eligibility.
Creating duplicate registrations.
Using incorrect category details.
Uploading documents in the wrong format.
Waiting until the final day to submit the application.
Failing to save the registration/application number.
Paying the fee without first confirming eligibility.
The official portal specifically warns that incorrect information or duplicate registration can result in cancellation of candidature.
Candidates interested in India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 should first check the official notification and circle-wise vacancies. Since there is no written exam, the most important factors at the application stage are Class 10 marks, eligibility, category, local language and correct preference selection.
Applicants should complete registration from August 31 and submit the online application between September 2 and September 21, 2026. Candidates should also use the correction window from September 23 to 24, if they need to make permitted changes.
The Department's official GDS portal provides the notification, circle-wise posts, registration and application facilities.