India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: 23,757 Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary, Selection Process & Apply Online

The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, has released the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 notification for engagement to the posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak.

A total of 23,757 GDS vacancies are notified across different Postal Circles and languages. The selection is based on a system-generated merit list prepared from Class 10 marks/converted grades, rather than a written examination.

The online registration process started on 31 August 2026, while online applications can be submitted from 2 September to 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM. The correction window is scheduled for 23 September to 24 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 — Overview

Particular	Details
Organization	Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India
Recruitment	Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026
Notification No.	17-12/2026-GDS
Notification Date	20 August 2026
Post Names	BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak
Total Vacancies	23,757
Application Mode	Online
Selection Process	10th Class Marks-Based Merit List + Document Verification
Official Portal	indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement

Important Dates

The notification provides separate dates for One-Time Registration, online application/fee payment, and the edit/correction window.

Event	Date & Time
Online One-Time Registration	31 August 2026 to 19 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM
Online Application & Fee Payment	2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM
Application Correction Window	23 September 2026 to 24 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM

Important: Registration and application are separate stages. A candidate must complete the registration first and then submit the online application during the specified application period.

Total Vacancies: 23,757

The uploaded Annexure-Ia gives the circle-wise and language-wise vacancy distribution. The total is 23,757 posts, including UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS and PwBD categories.

Circle-Wise & Language-Wise Vacancy Details

Sl. No.	Circle	Language	UR	OBC	SC	ST	EWS	PwBD-A	PwBD-B	PwBD-C	PwBD-DE	Total
1	Andhra Pradesh Circle	Telugu	400	213	125	45	109	5	8	11	1	917
2	Assam Circle	Assamese/Asomiya	159	80	31	26	21	2	2	1	0	322
3	Assam Circle	Bengali	40	13	6	11	6	0	1	0	0	77
4	Assam Circle	Bodo	15	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	15
5	Bihar Circle	Hindi	491	279	157	56	87	9	7	4	8	1,098
6	Chhattisgarh Circle	Hindi	290	35	83	257	75	9	7	4	2	762
7	Delhi Circle	Hindi	8	3	2	2	1	0	0	0	0	16
8	Gujarat Circle	Gujarati	234	118	24	74	38	3	1	7	0	499
9	Haryana Circle	Hindi	36	22	16	1	9	0	1	2	0	87
10	Himachal Pradesh Circle	Hindi	142	66	76	12	33	3	2	1	0	335
11	Jammu and Kashmir Circle	Hindi/Urdu	148	89	26	37	30	1	5	2	2	340
12	Jharkhand Circle	Hindi	527	162	160	343	134	13	19	13	8	1,379
13	Karnataka Circle	Kannada	446	286	176	64	115	9	7	11	2	1,116
14	Kerala Circle	Malayalam	753	343	111	5	114	12	16	15	4	1,373
15	Madhya Pradesh Circle	Hindi	563	215	225	272	133	11	17	7	7	1,450
16	Maharashtra Circle	Konkani/Marathi	70	23	5	18	14	0	4	0	0	134
17	Maharashtra Circle	Marathi	991	577	236	176	234	18	33	21	11	2,297
18	North Eastern Circle	Bengali/Kak Barak	74	2	28	52	17	1	4	1	0	179
19	North Eastern Circle	English/Hindi	926	0	21	297	87	15	4	4	0	1,354
20	North Eastern Circle	English/Hindi and Garo	112	5	3	136	29	3	3	2	3	296
21	North Eastern Circle	English/Hindi and Khasi	146	26	3	145	34	4	4	4	3	369
22	North Eastern Circle	English/Manipuri	120	49	5	91	29	3	3	3	3	306
23	North Eastern Circle	Mizo	44	5	0	47	10	0	4	0	0	110
24	Odisha Circle	Oriya	571	152	213	266	123	9	9	9	1	1,353
25	Punjab Circle	English/Hindi	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
26	Punjab Circle	Punjabi	55	27	27	2	8	0	0	0	0	119
27	Rajasthan Circle	Hindi	470	114	138	133	120	13	9	10	2	1,009
28	Tamilnadu Circle	Tamil	921	524	385	18	203	13	23	23	8	2,118
29	Telangana Circle	Telugu	201	85	59	17	45	2	5	5	0	419
30	Uttarakhand Circle	Hindi	225	71	78	17	43	7	5	5	1	452
31	Uttar Pradesh Circle	Hindi	720	453	301	48	139	14	9	4	3	1,691
32	West Bengal Circle	Bengali	672	360	354	92	106	11	13	9	2	1,619
33	West Bengal Circle	Bengali/Nepali	6	3	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	12
34	West Bengal Circle	English and Bhutia/Gurung/Lepcha/Nepali/Rai/Sherpa/Tamang	42	21	2	9	9	1	1	0	1	86
35	West Bengal Circle	English/Hindi	19	10	0	3	4	1	1	0	0	38
36	West Bengal Circle	Nepali	2	1	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	7
Total			10,640	4,433	3,082	2,773	2,160	192	227	178	72	23,757

Note: The uploaded Annexure-Ia is the source for this complete 36-row vacancy table.

What is the GDS Job?

The GDS engagement covers three categories: Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak.

GDS personnel are not regular employees of the Department/Central Government. Their service conditions are governed by the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020. The notification states that GDS generally work in rural areas and normally work between four and five hours per day.

BPM Job Profile

A Branch Postmaster is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Branch Post Office and India Post Payments Bank-related work. The role can include postal operations, marketing/promotional activities, customer service and mail-related duties.

A selected BPM must arrange accommodation for running the Branch Post Office at their own cost and is required to reside in the post village where the Branch Office is functioning.

ABPM Job Profile

ABPM duties include:

• Sale of stamps and stationery
• Conveyance and delivery of mail
• IPPB deposits/payments and other transactions
• Assistance in BPM operations
• Marketing and promotion of postal products/services
• Other duties assigned by senior officers

ABPMs are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Post Office.

Dak Sevak Job Profile

Dak Sevaks may work in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices, Transit Mail Offices, Delivery Centres and other Department of Posts offices.

Their duties can include:

• Sale of stamps and stationery
• Mail delivery
• Handling mail bags and parcels
• Sorting/mail office work
• IPPB-related transactions
• Assisting Postmasters/Sub-Postmasters
• Marketing/business procurement-related duties
• Other departmental work

Dak Sevaks are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the Post Office to which they are attached.

Salary / TRCA

GDS personnel are paid through Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) rather than a regular government employee pay scale.

The notification states that TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to the conditions under the GDS Rules. Dearness Allowance and certain other allowances/social-security benefits are also applicable as per the rules.

Post	Basic TRCA Slab
Branch Postmaster (BPM)	₹12,000 – ₹29,380
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)	₹10,000 – ₹24,470
Dak Sevak	₹10,000 – ₹24,470

Eligibility Criteria

The notification prescribes the following eligibility conditions for all GDS posts.

Age Limit

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: 40 years
• Age is calculated as on the last date of submission of applications.

Age Relaxation

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

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have:

• 10th/Secondary School Examination pass certificate
• Passing marks in Mathematics and English
• Qualification must be from a recognized Board of School Education conducted by the Government of India, State Governments or Union Territories.
• Candidates having an equivalent qualification from another board are not eligible according to the notification.
• The candidate must have studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10.

Other Required Qualifications

In addition to the 10th qualification, the notification specifically mentions:

1. Knowledge of computers
2. Knowledge of cycling
3. Adequate means of livelihood

These requirements are specifically mentioned under the notification’s “Other Qualifications” section.

Selected candidates also have to submit the prescribed undertakings relating to computer knowledge, cycling and adequate means of livelihood.

Local Language Requirement

Candidates must have studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10 for the relevant Circle/post.

Some important examples from the notification include:

Circle	Local Language
Andhra Pradesh	Telugu
Assam	Assamese / Bengali / Bodo, depending on area
Bihar	Hindi
Chhattisgarh	Hindi
Delhi	Hindi
Gujarat	Gujarati
Haryana	Hindi
Himachal Pradesh	Hindi
Jammu & Kashmir	Urdu or Hindi
Jharkhand	Hindi
Karnataka	Kannada
Kerala	Malayalam
Madhya Pradesh	Hindi
Maharashtra	Marathi / Konkani as applicable
Odisha	Odia
Punjab	Punjabi
Rajasthan	Hindi
Tamil Nadu	Tamil
Telangana	Telugu
Uttar Pradesh	Hindi
Uttarakhand	Hindi
West Bengal	Bengali / Nepali / other specified languages

The detailed local-language provisions, including special rules for Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim and Nagaland, are given in Annexure-III and the notification.

Who Meets the Key Conditions to Apply?

Before applying, candidates should self-check the following:

• You are 18 to 40 years old, subject to applicable relaxation.
• You have passed Class 10 with passing marks in Mathematics and English.
• You studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10.
• You have knowledge of computers.
• You have knowledge of cycling.
• You have adequate means of livelihood.
• You are able to satisfy the post-specific residence/accommodation requirements.
• Your Class 10 details and marks are correct.
• You can provide the required original documents at verification.

These are based on the eligibility and service conditions specified in the notification.

Who Should Avoid Applying for a Particular GDS Post?

A candidate should not apply for a particular post/division if they do not satisfy its mandatory conditions.

Examples include:

• Not having the required Class 10 qualification.
• Not having passing marks in Mathematics and English.
• Not having studied the required local language.
• Being outside the permissible age limit after applicable relaxation.
• Not being able to satisfy the required computer/cycling/livelihood conditions.
• Not having the required reservation certificate when claiming reservation.
• Not being able to provide the required documents during verification.
• Having previously been dismissed/removed/compulsorily retired from Government service/GDS as a penalty, as covered by the notification.
• Submitting duplicate/multiple registrations.

This is a self-check, not a prediction of selection.

Reservation

Reservation is provided according to the applicable categories including:

• SC
• ST
• OBC
• EWS
• PwBD

Candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation must possess the required certificate in the prescribed format.

For EWS, the notification states that there is no upper-age relaxation, while EWS candidates meeting the prescribed conditions are eligible for 10% reservation.

Selection Process

There is no written examination mentioned as the selection method in this notification.

The selection/shortlisting is based on a system-generated merit list prepared from Class 10 marks or applicable grade/point conversion.

Selection Flow

Online Application → 10th Marks-Based Merit List → Shortlisting → Physical Document Verification → Provisional Engagement → Pre-Engagement Formalities → Final Engagement

The shortlisted candidate has to appear before the designated authority for physical verification of original documents.

How is the GDS Merit List Prepared?

The merit list is prepared from the marks obtained in the Secondary School Examination/Class 10 of recognized Boards.

The marks are aggregated into a percentage up to 4 decimal places.

If a candidate’s marksheet contains grades/points, the notification provides a conversion using a 9.5 multiplication factor.

Grade	Grade Point	Conversion Factor	Converted 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

Tie-Breaking Rules

If two or more candidates have the same merit, the notification provides a tie-breaking priority beginning with older DOB and then the specified category/gender sequence.

The detailed order is:

DOB (Older in age) → ST trans-woman → ST female → SC trans-woman → SC female → OBC trans-woman → OBC female → EWS trans-woman → EWS female → UR trans-woman → UR female → ST trans-male → ST male → SC trans-male → SC male → OBC trans-male → OBC male → EWS trans-male → EWS male → UR trans-male → UR male.

The Department also retains the right to introduce an additional criterion in case of a tie.

Application Fee

The application fee is ₹100 for applicants who are not exempted.

Fee Exemption

• All female applicants
• SC applicants
• ST applicants
• PwBD applicants
• Transwomen applicants

Eligible applicants can pay through online payment modes including recognized credit/debit cards, Net Banking and UPI. The notification states that the fee, once paid, is not refundable.

How to Apply Online?

Applications are accepted online only through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal.

Step 1 — One-Time Registration

Visit the official GDS portal and complete the registration.

You need:

• Active mobile number
• Active email ID
• Class 10 Board information
• Year of passing Class 10
• Personal details

The mobile number and email ID are used for communication and registration-related processes.

Step 2 — Login

Use the registration number and password received through the registration process.

Step 3 — Enter Educational Details

Enter:

• Class 10 Board
• Passing year
• Circle details
• Marks obtained

Step 4 — Select Division and Post Preferences

The system displays eligible vacancies based on factors such as:

• Community
• Age
• PwD status
• Local language studied

A candidate can apply for vacant GDS posts in only one selected Division and must provide preferences for eligible posts.

Step 5 — Upload Photograph & Signature

Photograph

• JPG/JPEG
• 30 KB to 100 KB
• Recommended: 320 × 400 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 4:5
• DPI: 72–150
• Plain white/light background
• Face should occupy around 70–80%
• Clear and properly focused

Signature

• JPG/JPEG
• 20 KB to 100 KB
• Recommended: 300 × 120 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 5:2
• DPI: 72–150
• White background
• Black or blue pen
• Signature should be clear

Blurred photographs or signatures can result in rejection.

Step 6 — Preview & Final Submission

Candidates should carefully check all information before final submission.

Step 7 — Fee Payment

Applicable candidates must complete the fee payment within the prescribed application deadline.

Important Rule About Post Preferences

This is an important part of the notification.

A candidate can select eligible posts within one selected Division. If a candidate gives preferences for multiple posts and is found suitable/meritorious for more than one, only the first applicable post according to the candidate’s preference order will be offered.

The candidature/right for the remaining posts will be forfeited.

Documents Required at Physical Verification

Shortlisted candidates must appear before the designated authority for document verification within the prescribed period.

The notification requires original documents, along with two sets of self-attested photocopies, as applicable.

Documents include:

• Class 10 marksheet
• Identity proof
• Caste certificate
• PwBD certificate
• EWS certificate
• Transgender certificate
• Date of Birth proof
• Medical certificate from the prescribed Government medical facility
• Relevant local/tribal language certificate for applicable states
• Other documents applicable to the candidate

What Happens After Shortlisting?

Shortlisted candidates must report to the designated authority for physical verification of documents within 15 days from the date of shortlisting.

Failure to report within the stipulated period can result in cancellation of candidature.

After successful document verification, a system-generated offer of provisional engagement is issued.

The candidate then has to complete pre-engagement formalities within 30 days, including prescribed basic training of 3 days and, where applicable, accommodation arrangements.

Application Correction Window

The correction/editing window is:

23 September 2026 to 24 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM.

During this window, candidates can modify eligible application details according to the notification’s rules.

Once the correction window expires, further correction requests will not be entertained.

Important Reasons for Cancellation

Candidature may be cancelled for reasons including:

• Duplicate/multiple registration
• Incorrect or false information
• Wrong documents
• Failure during document verification
• Failure to report for verification
• Failure to complete joining formalities
• Non-submission of required certificates
• Concealment of relevant information
• Identity-related malpractice

The notification also states that candidates previously dismissed/removed/compulsorily retired from Government service/GDS as a penalty are barred from applying against the notified vacancies.

Important Point: GDS Is Not a Regular Government Employee Post

Candidates should understand this before applying.

The notification specifically states that GDS personnel:

• Are not regular employees of the Department/Central Government.
• Are governed by the GDS Conduct and Engagement Rules.
• Hold civil posts outside the regular civil services.
• Generally serve in rural areas.
• Work for a minimum of 4 hours and maximum of 5 hours per day.
• Should have another source of income for adequate means of livelihood.
• BPM candidates have accommodation responsibilities for the Branch Post Office.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates should:

1. Submit only one registration.
2. Enter their name, father’s/mother’s name and DOB exactly as given in the Class 10 marksheet.
3. Check the local-language requirement before selecting a Division.
4. Carefully select post preferences.
5. Check the photograph and signature before final submission.
6. Keep the registration number safe.
7. Keep original documents ready for verification.
8. Keep checking the official GDS portal for updates.
9. Avoid relying on unofficial calls/messages.
10. Ensure all information submitted is correct.

The Department also advises candidates to check their Class 10 documents available through DigiLocker/online Board systems where applicable because discrepancies can affect candidature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?

Ans: A total of 23,757 Gramin Dak Sevak vacancies are listed in the uploaded Annexure-Ia.

Q2. Which posts are included in the GDS recruitment?

Ans: The recruitment covers Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts.

Q3. What is the educational qualification?

Ans: Candidates must have passed Class 10/Secondary School Examination with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognized Board as specified in the notification.

Q4. Is knowledge of the local language required?

Ans: Yes. Candidates should have studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10 for the relevant post/Circle, subject to the special provisions specified in the notification.

Q5. What is the age limit?

Ans: The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 40 years, subject to applicable age relaxation.

Q6. Is there a written examination for GDS Recruitment 2026?

Ans: The uploaded notification specifies a system-generated merit list based on Class 10 marks/grade conversion for shortlisting. It does not specify a written examination as the selection method.

Q7. What is the GDS application fee?

Ans: The application fee is ₹100 for applicable candidates. Female, SC, ST, PwBD and Transwomen applicants are exempted from the fee.

Q8. What is the salary of a GDS BPM?

Ans: The basic TRCA slab for BPM is ₹12,000 to ₹29,380.

Q9. What is the TRCA for ABPM and Dak Sevak?

Ans: The basic TRCA slab for ABPM/Dak Sevak is ₹10,000 to ₹24,470.

Q10. Can a candidate apply in multiple Divisions?

Ans: No. The notification states that an applicant can apply for vacant GDS posts in only one selected Division.

Q11. What happens if a candidate is eligible for more than one post?

Ans: The candidate must provide post preferences. If shortlisted for more than one preferred post, only the applicable post according to the preference order will be offered and the rights for the remaining posts will be forfeited.

Q12. Is computer knowledge required?

Ans: Yes. Knowledge of computers is specifically mentioned under the other qualifications.

Q13. Is cycling knowledge required?

Ans: Yes. Knowledge of cycling is specifically mentioned under the other qualifications.

Q14. Is another source of income required?

Ans: Yes. The notification states that a GDS should have another source of income besides the Government allowances for adequate means of livelihood.

Q15. What documents are required at verification?

Ans: Depending on the candidate, documents can include the Class 10 marksheet, identity proof, caste certificate, PwBD certificate, EWS certificate, transgender certificate, DOB proof, medical certificate and applicable local-language certificates.

Q16. When is the application correction window?

Ans: The correction window is scheduled from 23 September 2026 to 24 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.

Q17. Are GDS employees regular Central Government employees?

Ans: No. The notification specifically states that GDS personnel are not regular employees of the Department/Central Government and are governed by the GDS Rules.

Q18. Where can candidates apply?

Ans: Applications are submitted online through the official India Post GDS portal: https://www.indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement.

Final Words

India Post GDS Schedule-II July-2026 provides 23,757 vacancies for BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak posts across different Postal Circles and language categories. The selection process is based on the candidate’s Class 10 academic performance and system-generated merit list, followed by document verification and engagement formalities.

Candidates should carefully check the age, Class 10 qualification, Mathematics and English requirement, local-language requirement, computer/cycling knowledge, means of livelihood, selected Division and post preferences before submitting the application.

Official Links