India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: India Post has released the official notification for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-I, January-2026, inviting online applications from eligible Indian citizens for various posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevaks across different circles of the Department of Posts.
The online application process for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is currently open and candidates can submit their applications through the official India Post website until 16th February 2026.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | India Post (Department of Posts) |
| Notification Number | 17-37/2025-GDS (Pt.I) |
| Notification Date | 28th January 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 28636 |
| Registration Start Date | 31st January 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 2nd February 2026 |
| Application End Date | 16th February 2026 (up to 17:00 Hrs) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16th February 2026 (up to 17:00 Hrs) |
| Correction Window | 18th to 19th February 2026 (up to 17:00 Hrs) |
| Selection Process | Merit-Based Selection (10th Marks), Document Verification, Medical Examination |
Circle-wise India Post Gramin Dak Sevak Vacancy Distribution
The vacancies are distributed across various Postal Circles covering all states and union territories. Candidates can apply for posts in the following circles:
- Andhra Pradesh Circle: Andhra Pradesh and Yanam
- Assam Circle: Assam (including Barak Valley and Bodoland)
- Bihar Circle: Bihar
- Chhattisgarh Circle: Chhattisgarh
- Delhi Circle: NCT of Delhi
- Gujarat Circle: Gujarat, Dadra Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu
- Haryana Circle: Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh Circle: Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu and Kashmir Circle: J&K and Ladakh
- Jharkhand Circle: Jharkhand
- Karnataka Circle: Karnataka
- Kerala Circle: Kerala, Lakshadweep & Mahe
- Madhya Pradesh Circle: Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra Circle: Maharashtra and Goa
- North East Circle: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura
- Odisha Circle: Odisha
- Punjab Circle: Punjab and Chandigarh
- Rajasthan Circle: Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu Circle: Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (excluding Mahe & Yanam)
- Telangana Circle: Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh Circle: Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand Circle: Uttarakhand
- West Bengal Circle: West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, and Darjeeling Division
India Post GDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Check India Post GDS 2026 eligibility details below:
Educational Qualification
The educational qualifications for all GDS posts are:
Primary Qualification: Secondary School Examination (SSE) pass certificate of 10th standard with passing marks in Mathematics and English conducted by any recognized Board of School Education by the Government of India/State Governments/Union Territories in India.
Local Language Requirement: The applicant should have studied the local language at least up to 10th Standard from a recognized board. The local language varies by circle/state.
Age Limit
The age limit for all GDS posts is calculated as on 16th February 2026 (last date of application):
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 40 years
Age Relaxation: Age relaxation in upper age limit is available as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| EWS | No relaxation |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
Application Fee for India Post GDS Application
Candidates must pay the following application fees:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | Rs. 100/- |
| Female/SC/ST/PwBD/Transgender | Nil |
India Post Gramin Dak Sevak 2026 Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of the following stages:
- Merit-Based Selection: Based on marks obtained in Secondary School Examination (10th standard)
- Document Verification (DV): Physical verification of original certificates by Divisional/Unit Head
- Pre-Engagement Formalities: 3 days basic training, arrangement of accommodation (for BPM)
- Medical Examination: Candidates must meet prescribed medical standards
- Antecedent Verification: Police verification and document verification from issuing authorities
India Post GDS Merit Calculation Method
The merit list will be prepared based on the following criteria:
For Marks-based Marksheets:
- Direct percentage calculation of marks obtained in 10th standard (aggregated to 4 decimal accuracy)
For Grade/Points-based Marksheets:
- Grades will be converted to marks using multiplication factor of 9.5
- Grade Point × 9.5 = Marks
Grade Conversion Table:
| Grade | Grade Point | Multiplication Factor | Equivalent Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 10 | 9.5 | 95 |
| A2 | 9 | 9.5 | 85.5 |
| B1 | 8 | 9.5 | 76 |
| B2 | 7 | 9.5 | 66.5 |
| C1 | 6 | 9.5 | 57 |
| C2 | 5 | 9.5 | 47.5 |
| D | 4 | 9.5 | 38 |
For CGPA:
- CGPA × 9.5 = Percentage
Special Case – Tamil Nadu (2020-2021):
- Uniform 66.67% will be awarded to candidates who received pass certificates due to COVID-19 pandemic
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Candidates must apply online through the official India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal
Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) between 31st January 2026 to 14th February 2026
- Click on “Candidate Login/Register” button
- Click on “New Candidate Registration”
- Enter valid mobile number (will be verified via OTP)
- Enter valid email ID (will be verified via OTP)
- Enter personal details (Name, DOB, Gender, Father’s/Mother’s name, Community)
- Create password
- Receive Registration Number via SMS and Email
Important: Only ONE registration is permitted per candidate. Multiple registrations are strictly prohibited and will lead to cancellation.
Step 3: Login using Registration Number and Password
Step 4: Fill the online application form (2nd February 2026 to 16th February 2026)
- Personal Details (auto-populated from registration)
- Board/Educational Details (Circle, Board Name, Year, Marks obtained)
- Division Selection and Post Preference
- Upload Photo and Signature
Step 5: Upload required documents (specifications given below):
Recent Photograph:
- Format: JPG/JPEG only
- Size: 30 KB to 100 KB
- Dimensions: 320 × 400 pixels (4:5 ratio)
- Background: Plain white or light-coloured
- Face should occupy 70-80% of image
Signature:
- Format: JPG/JPEG only
- Size: 20 KB to 100 KB
- Dimensions: 300 × 120 pixels (5:2 ratio)
- Background: Plain white
- Must be in running handwriting (NOT block letters)
- Signature should occupy 70-80% of image
Step 6: Pay the application fee online (if applicable)
Step 7: Preview the application form and verify all details
Step 8: Submit the application and save/print the confirmation
India Post GDS Salary 2026
GDS are paid emoluments in the form of Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), which carries an annual increase of 3% subject to fulfillment of conditions. They are also entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA) on TRCA as declared by the Government of India from time to time.
| Post Name | TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| Branch Post Master (BPM) | Rs. 12,000/- to Rs. 29,380/- |
| Assistant Branch Post Master (ABPM) | Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 24,470/- |
| Dak Sevak | Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 24,470/- |
Additional Benefits to Gramin Dak Sevak
GDS are entitled to the following allowances and benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per Government of India rates
- Annual Increment: 3% per year on TRCA (subject to conditions)
- GDS Gratuity: Upon completion of service
- Service Discharge Benefit Scheme: Similar to National Pension System
- Other Allowances: As per Department of Posts rules
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 28th January 2026 |
| Online One-Time Registration Start | 31st January 2026 (00:00 Hrs) |
| Online One-Time Registration End | 14th February 2026 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Application Submission Start | 2nd February 2026 |
| Application Submission End | 16th February 2026 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16th February 2026 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Correction Window | 18th to 19th February 2026 (17:00 Hrs) |
| Engagement Process Closure | 30th June 2026 |
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Download Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Apply Online | Direct Apply Link |
| Official Website | www.indiapost.gov.in |
FAQs
Q1: What is the educational qualification for GDS posts?
A: The minimum educational qualification is 10th standard pass with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognized board. Candidates must also have studied the local language up to 10th standard.
Q2: Can I apply for multiple circles?
A: No, candidates can apply for only ONE Division in one Circle. Multiple applications are strictly prohibited and will lead to cancellation of all applications.
Q3: Is there any exam for Gramin Dak Sevak recruitment?
A: No, there is no examination. Selection is purely merit-based on marks obtained in 10th standard/SSE.
Q4: What is the work timing for GDS?
A: GDS are required to work for a minimum of 4 hours and maximum of 5 hours a day.
