India Post Office has announced a comprehensive recruitment drive for the positions of Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) under the Gramin Dak Sevak Online Engagement Schedule-I, January-2026. This long-awaited notification invites eligible candidates to apply online through the official India Post GDS portal for a total of approximately 28,636 vacancies across various states and union territories. This detailed job description aims to provide prospective applicants with all necessary information regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, salary structures, selection processes, and important dates related to this recruitment.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Complete Job Overview
Organization and Post Details
The recruitment is conducted by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, Government of India. The posts available under this recruitment include:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Dak Sevak
Vacancy and Distribution
The tentative total number of vacancies is 28,636, with division-wise breakdown available on the official portal. Below is a summary of key vacancy highlights:
| Category | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 3169 |
| Uttarakhand | 436 |
| Bihar | 1344 |
| Chhattisgarh | 1155 |
| Delhi | 37 |
Official Notification and Application Links
Candidates can access the detailed official notification and the online application form via the following links:
- Official Notification (PDF): Download Here
- Online Application Portal: Apply Here
Eligibility Criteria for India Post GDS 2026
Educational Qualifications
Applicants must have passed the Secondary School Examination (SSE) or equivalent (10th standard) conducted by a recognized Board of Education in India. The candidate must have clear passing marks in Mathematics and English.
- Study of Local Language: The candidate should have studied the local language at least up to the 10th Standard from a recognized board. Specific local language requirements are detailed in Annexure-III of the official notification.
- Special provisions are applicable for candidates engaging in areas like Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Sikkim regarding local language criteria.
Essential Skills and Knowledge
- Basic knowledge of computers
- Ability to cycle
- Means of livelihood or sufficient means of income
Desirable Attributes
- Ability to work in rural environments
- Proficiency in using smartphones, laptops, or other computer devices
- For BPM posts: Must be able to arrange accommodation for the branch post office at their own cost
Salary Structure and Benefits
Emoluments
The salary structure for GDS posts is based on a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), with annual increments of 3%. Dearness Allowance (DA) is also paid based on government declarations.
| Post | Monthly Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Additional Benefits
- Dearness Allowance on TRCA
- GDS Gratuity
- Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (similar to National Pension System)
Age Criteria and Relaxation
Age Limit
Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old as of 16/02/2026.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation Period |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| EWS | No relaxation |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
Note: Age is calculated based on the last date of application submission (16/02/2026).
Application Fee and Payment Mode
Fee Structure
- General/OBC/EWS Candidates: Rs. 100
- Freeness for: All female candidates, SC/ST candidates, PwBD candidates, Transwomen candidates
Payment Methods
The fee can be paid online through credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI. Candidates are advised to verify their eligibility before making the payment, as the fee once paid is non-refundable.
Important Dates for Application Process
| Activity | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | 28/01/2026 | N/A |
| Online Registration | 31/01/2026 | 14/02/2026 (up to 17:00 hrs) |
| Application Submission & Fee Payment | 02/02/2026 | 16/02/2026 (up to 17:00 hrs) |
| Application Corrections/Editing | 18/02/2026 | 19/02/2026 (up to 17:00 hrs) |
| Physical Document Verification | Within 15 days of shortlisting | |
| Joining Formalities Completion | Within 30 days of offer letter | |
| Closure of Engagement Process | 30/06/2026 |
Selection Process & Merit Generation
The selection of candidates is purely merit-based, determined through a system-generated merit list derived from academic performance in the 10th standard SSE examination. The following points detail the selection methodology:
- Aggregate percentage of marks in SSE (to 4 decimal places) will determine merit.
- For grade or point-based scores, subject-wise marks will be computed by multiplying with a factor of 9.5.
- CGPA scores will be converted into percentage by multiplying by 9.5.
Tie-Breaking Criteria
- Older candidate (DOB-wise) will be given priority.
- In case of further ties, category-based preferences are followed, with preference for ST trans-woman candidates, then ST females, and so on down to UR trans-woman and UR females.
Post-Selection Procedure
Shortlisted candidates will receive SMS and email alerts. The selection process includes:
- Verification of documents at designated divisions or units.
- Issuance of provisional engagement letters post verification.
- Final orders of engagement will be issued after completing all formalities including training and accommodation arrangements for BPM posts.
Common Instructions & Important Guidelines
- Applicants may only register once; multiple registrations are prohibited.
- No documents are required to be attached during registration except recent photograph and signature.
- All entries must match the details on the SSC (Class X) mark sheet.
- Applications with illegible photographs or signatures will be rejected.
- GDS service is governed by GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, and these are not regular government employment.
- Work hours are a minimum of four and a maximum of five hours daily.
- The age of GDS employees cannot exceeded 65 years.
- Selected candidates must arrange their own accommodation if applicable, especially for BPM posts.
- The department retains rights to amend or cancel the recruitment process or modify the number of vacancies at any time.
- Candidates dismissed or retired from government service or past GDS service are ineligible.
- Engagement in any outside activity detrimental to the department’s interests is prohibited.
- Past experience or employment history will not influence selection; only academic merit is considered.
How to Apply for India Post GDS 2026
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
- Visit the official portal: India Post GDS Recruitment Portal.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Keep all details ready before registration, including SSC exam details and local language proficiency.
- After registration, log in using your system-generated registration number and password.
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational, and community details.
- Upload recent passport-sized photograph and signature in the specified formats and sizes.
- Review your application carefully before submitting.
- Pay the application fee online if applicable.
- Submit the final application before the deadline—cutoff time is 17:00 hrs on 16/02/2026.
Note: Candidates are advised to keep copies of the submitted application form and payment receipt for future reference.
Additional Resources
For detailed instructions, eligibility specifics, and guidelines, candidates may refer to the official notification document available here.