The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India has released the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 notification for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 cycle. This recruitment drive is being conducted for eligible candidates for engagement to the posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak in different postal circles and divisions across India.
A total of 23,757 Gramin Dak Sevak vacancies are available under this recruitment cycle. Candidates who have passed Class 10 with the required subjects and satisfy the other eligibility conditions can submit their applications online through the official India Post GDS portal.
The official portal confirms that fresh One-Time Registration (OTR) is open from 31 August 2026 to 19 September 2026 at 5:00 PM, while the online application submission and applicable fee payment window is from 02 September 2026 to 21 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. The application correction window is scheduled for 23 September to 24 September 2026.
The India Post GDS recruitment is particularly important for candidates looking for a government postal opportunity after Class 10 because the selection process is based on a system-generated merit list using Class 10 marks, rather than a conventional written examination. Candidates shortlisted in the merit process are subsequently required to complete document verification and other prescribed formalities.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Latest Update
The India Post GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 registration process is currently active.
Candidates must remember that this is a fresh registration cycle. India Post has specifically stated on the official portal that candidates applying for Schedule-II, July-2026 are required to register afresh and registration numbers generated in previous schedules will not be valid for this cycle.
The recruitment covers the following posts:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Dak Sevak
A total of 23,757 posts have been announced.
There is no separate written examination or interview for preparing the initial merit list. Candidates are shortlisted through a system-generated merit list based primarily on their Class 10 marks, subject to the rules and eligibility conditions mentioned in the notification.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Recruitment Name | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement |
| Schedule | Schedule-II, July-2026 |
| Notification Number | 17-12/2026-GDS |
| Posts | BPM, ABPM, Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 23,757 |
| Qualification | 10th Pass |
| Required Subjects | Mathematics and English |
| Local Language | As prescribed for the selected circle |
| Application Mode | Online |
| OTR Start Date | 31 August 2026 |
| OTR Last Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 02 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 September 2026 |
| Correction Window | 23–24 September 2026 |
| Selection Process | Class 10 Merit List + Document Verification |
| Written Exam | No |
| Interview | No |
| Job Area | Various Postal Circles/Divisions |
| Official Portal | India Post GDS Online Engagement |
The official India Post portal currently identifies this recruitment as GDS Online Engagement – Schedule II, July-2026.
India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
India Post has announced 23,757 vacancies under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026.
The vacancies are distributed across different postal circles, divisions, offices, categories and local-language requirements. Therefore, candidates should check the official Circlewise Posts Notified section before making their post/division preferences.
Posts Included
| Post Name | Vacancy |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | Included in total |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | Included in total |
| Dak Sevak | Included in total |
| Total | 23,757 |
The vacancy list is published circle/division-wise on the official GDS portal.
Major Circle-Wise Vacancy Examples
The 23,757 vacancies are spread across India. Some of the larger vacancy figures reported from the official vacancy distribution include:
| Postal Circle | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 2,431 |
| Tamil Nadu | 2,118 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,691 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1,450 |
| Jharkhand | 1,379 |
| Kerala | 1,373 |
| Odisha | 1,353 |
| Karnataka | 1,116 |
| Bihar | 1,098 |
Candidates should not rely only on a state-level total because GDS vacancies are ultimately notified at the circle/division/post level. The official portal provides the detailed vacancy information and local-language requirements.
India Post GDS 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should carefully remember the separate dates for registration and application submission.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 20 August 2026 |
| One-Time Registration Start | 31 August 2026 |
| One-Time Registration Last Date | 19 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Online Application Start | 02 September 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 21 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Edit/Correction Window | 23–24 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Merit List | To Be Announced |
| Document Verification | After shortlisting |
The official portal confirms the OTR and application deadlines and separately lists the correction window.
Important
Candidates should not confuse the OTR last date of 19 September 2026 with the final application submission date of 21 September 2026.
Completing OTR alone does not complete the recruitment application. Eligible candidates must also complete the online application process and applicable fee payment within the prescribed period.
India Post GDS Application Fee 2026
The application fee for eligible candidates is ₹100.
Certain categories are exempted from paying the application fee according to the recruitment rules.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS eligible candidates | ₹100/- |
| SC | Exempted |
| ST | Exempted |
| PwBD | Exempted |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| Transwomen Candidates | Exempted |
Candidates who are required to pay the fee should complete the payment through the payment facility provided by the official portal.
The fee is generally non-refundable, so candidates should carefully check their eligibility and application details before making payment.
India Post GDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions prescribed by the Department of Posts.
The main eligibility requirements include:
- Class 10 qualification
- Mathematics and English as required subjects
- Knowledge of the prescribed local language
- Required age
- Basic computer knowledge
- Cycling knowledge/ability as prescribed
- Other conditions specified in the official notification
Educational Qualification for India Post GDS 2026
Candidates must have passed the Secondary School Examination (Class 10) from a recognized Board.
The candidate should have passed Mathematics and English as subjects.
In addition, the candidate must have studied the prescribed local language of the relevant postal circle/division up to Class 10.
This local-language requirement is extremely important.
For example, candidates applying for vacancies in a particular circle must ensure that they have studied the required language at the prescribed level.
Therefore, candidates should check the language mentioned against the specific vacancy before selecting a division.
Local Language Requirement
One of the most important conditions of India Post GDS Recruitment is knowledge of the relevant local language.
The candidate should have studied the prescribed local language at least up to the 10th Standard.
The local language differs from one postal circle to another.
For example:
- Bihar – Hindi
- Uttar Pradesh – Hindi
- Jharkhand – Hindi
- Maharashtra – Marathi/Konkani as applicable
- Tamil Nadu – Tamil
- Karnataka – Kannada
- Kerala – Malayalam
- Odisha – Odia
The actual language applicable to a particular post should always be checked in the official vacancy list.
Candidates should not select a post merely because it has a large number of vacancies. The candidate must satisfy the local-language requirement for that post.
India Post GDS Age Limit 2026
The prescribed age range is:
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years
The age is considered with reference to the prescribed closing date of the application.
Age relaxation is available to eligible reserved categories according to Government rules.
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD | As per applicable rules |
| PwBD + OBC | As per applicable rules |
| PwBD + SC/ST | As per applicable rules |
| Other eligible categories | As per Government rules |
Candidates should calculate their age using the date of birth recorded in their official educational documents.
India Post GDS Salary 2026
GDS posts are governed by the Department of Posts’ GDS rules and have Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) rather than the regular Central Government employee pay structure.
The indicative TRCA slabs are:
| Post | TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 per month |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 per month |
| Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 per month |
Other admissible allowances and benefits are provided according to applicable GDS rules.
It is important to understand that GDS engagement is not the same as a regular Central Government employee appointment. The Department of Posts specifically states that GDS service conditions are governed by the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, as amended from time to time.
Important Information About GDS Job
Candidates should understand the nature of GDS engagement before applying.
GDS are not regular employees of the Department/Central Government in the same manner as regular departmental employees. They are governed by the applicable GDS rules.
The Department of Posts states that GDS generally work for a minimum of four hours and maximum of five hours per day, subject to the relevant rules and engagement requirements.
For BPM posts, the selected candidate may be required to arrange suitable accommodation for running the Branch Post Office at their own cost as prescribed.
Candidates should therefore read the official notification and service conditions carefully before applying.
India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
One of the biggest attractions of the India Post GDS recruitment is that there is no traditional written examination.
The selection process generally includes:
- Online Application
- System-Generated Merit List
- Shortlisting
- Physical Document Verification
- Medical/Pre-engagement Formalities
- Provisional Engagement
- Final Engagement
Merit List Based on Class 10 Marks
The merit list is prepared using the marks obtained by candidates in their Class 10/Secondary School Examination.
The marks are calculated according to the prescribed procedure, including conversion rules where grades/points are involved.
The merit list is system-generated.
This means candidates with stronger Class 10 academic records can have a better chance of appearing higher in the merit list, subject to category, vacancy, division, language and other applicable conditions.
There is no separate written examination for preparing the GDS merit list.
Is There Any Exam for India Post GDS 2026?
No.
There is no separate competitive written examination for the GDS selection process.
Candidates are shortlisted through the merit process based on their qualifying Class 10 performance.
However, candidates who are shortlisted must complete document verification and other prescribed formalities.
This is why candidates should provide correct educational marks and other details while filling out the application.
India Post GDS Merit List 2026
The India Post GDS merit list is expected to be generated after the application process is completed and the Department completes the necessary processing.
The merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s Class 10 marks, calculated according to the prescribed rules.
Candidates should understand that merely having a high percentage does not guarantee selection.
Selection also depends on:
- Postal circle
- Division
- Post preference
- Category
- Vacancy
- Local language eligibility
- Merit position
- Document verification
- Other applicable conditions
India Post may publish shortlisted candidate lists in multiple stages depending on the recruitment process.
India Post GDS 2026 Document Verification
Candidates whose names appear in the shortlist are required to undergo document verification.
Candidates should keep their original documents and required copies ready.
Important documents may include:
- Class 10 marksheet
- Class 10 certificate
- Date of birth proof
- Aadhaar card or approved identity document
- Category certificate
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Local-language proof, where required
- Other eligibility documents
- Photograph
- Other documents specified by the Department
Candidates should ensure that the details in their application match their original documents.
Any false information or discrepancy can result in cancellation of candidature.
Documents Required for India Post GDS Application 2026
Before starting the application process, candidates should keep the following information ready:
Personal Information
- Name
- Father’s/Mother’s name
- Date of birth
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Aadhaar details, where required
- Address
Educational Information
- Class 10 board
- Year of passing
- Class 10 roll number
- Marks/grades
- Mathematics marks
- English marks
Other Information
- Category certificate
- PwBD information, if applicable
- Local-language information
- Photograph
- Signature
- Other details required by the application portal
Candidates should use an active mobile number and email address because important recruitment-related communication may be sent through these channels.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official India Post GDS portal.
Step 1 – Visit the Official GDS Portal
Open the official India Post GDS Online Engagement portal.
Step 2 – Complete One-Time Registration
Click on the registration option and enter the required:
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Personal details
- Date of birth
- Other required information
Verify the required details through OTP.
Step 3 – Save Registration Number
After successful registration, note down the registration number and other login information.
Important: Previous GDS schedule registration numbers are not valid for the July 2026 Schedule-II cycle. Fresh registration is required.
Step 4 – Login
Login to the GDS application portal using your registration credentials.
Step 5 – Complete Application Form
Enter:
- Personal details
- Educational details
- Category
- Local-language details
- Postal circle/division preferences
- Post preferences
Step 6 – Upload Required Information
Upload the photograph, signature and other documents/information in the prescribed format.
Step 7 – Pay Application Fee
Candidates who are not exempted should pay the applicable ₹100 fee.
Step 8 – Submit the Form
Check every detail carefully before final submission.
Step 9 – Save the Application
Download or print the submitted application/confirmation details for future reference.
India Post GDS Post Preferences
Candidates should carefully select their preferences.
The major posts include:
Branch Postmaster – BPM
The BPM generally manages the Branch Post Office and performs various postal and related duties.
Assistant Branch Postmaster – ABPM
ABPMs assist in postal operations and perform duties assigned under the applicable GDS rules.
Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks perform various postal and delivery-related duties according to the requirements of the concerned office.
Candidates should carefully read the job responsibilities and service conditions before selecting preferences.
Important Instructions for India Post GDS 2026
Candidates should follow these instructions:
- Complete fresh registration for the July 2026 Schedule-II cycle.
- Do not use registration details from an earlier GDS cycle.
- Enter Class 10 marks exactly as shown in the official marksheet.
- Check the prescribed local language before selecting a vacancy.
- Verify your category carefully.
- Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Submit the application before 21 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- Do not wait until the final day.
- Keep your registered mobile number and email active.
- Keep the application confirmation safely.
- Check the official portal regularly for merit-list updates.
- Do not share your registration number or sensitive login information with unauthorized persons.
- Follow only official Department of Posts communications.
The official GDS portal also warns candidates against fraudulent or unauthorized communications and states that official Department communications use authorized email domains.
India Post GDS 2026 Preparation Strategy
Although there is no written examination, candidates should still prepare their application carefully because selection is merit-based.
1. Check Your Class 10 Marks
Your Class 10 academic performance is one of the most important factors in the merit process.
Check:
- Total marks
- Subject marks
- Mathematics marks
- English marks
- Passing year
- Board details
2. Check Local Language Eligibility
Before choosing a division, confirm that you studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10.
3. Select Preferences Carefully
Do not randomly select a division or post.
Check:
- Vacancy
- Local language
- Category vacancy
- Distance/location
- BPM/ABPM/Dak Sevak requirements
- Other conditions
4. Keep Documents Ready
Candidates shortlisted for verification will need original documents.
Keeping them ready in advance can prevent problems later.
5. Avoid False Information
India Post verifies educational and other information. Incorrect marks, false certificates or misleading information can result in cancellation.
India Post GDS 2026 – Bihar Vacancy
Candidates from Bihar should pay particular attention to the Bihar Postal Circle vacancy list.
The reported Bihar Circle vacancy count for this recruitment cycle is 1,098 posts.
The local language requirement for Bihar is Hindi, subject to the exact vacancy notification and applicable rules.
Candidates should not treat the circle total as a single job vacancy. The actual posts are distributed among different divisions/offices, categories and post types.
Therefore, Bihar candidates should open the official circle-wise vacancy list and check their preferred division before submitting the application.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Advantages
The GDS recruitment is popular among Class 10 pass candidates for several reasons:
- No written examination
- Class 10 merit-based selection
- Large number of vacancies
- Multiple postal circles
- Multiple post options
- Government postal department engagement
- Rural employment opportunities
- Opportunity to work in the postal network
However, candidates should also understand that GDS is a distinct engagement category and should not assume it is identical to a regular Central Government post.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Important Points
Before applying, remember these key points:
Total Vacancies: 23,757
Minimum Qualification: 10th Pass
Required Subjects: Mathematics and English
Age Limit: 18–40 Years
Application Fee: ₹100 for applicable candidates
Selection: Class 10 Merit
Written Exam: No
Interview: No
OTR Last Date: 19 September 2026
Application Last Date: 21 September 2026
Correction Dates: 23–24 September 2026
Application Mode: Online
Frequently Asked Questions – India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is the recruitment/engagement process for Gramin Dak Sevak, including BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak posts under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are available in India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
A total of 23,757 vacancies have been announced for the Schedule-II, July-2026 cycle.
Q3. What is the qualification for India Post GDS 2026?
Candidates should have passed Class 10/Secondary School Examination from a recognized Board with the required passing marks in Mathematics and English.
Q4. Is there any written exam for India Post GDS?
No. The GDS selection process is based on a system-generated merit list prepared using Class 10 marks, followed by the prescribed verification and engagement formalities.
Q5. What is the age limit for GDS Recruitment 2026?
The general age requirement is 18 to 40 years, with applicable relaxation for eligible reserved categories.
Q6. What is the last date to apply for India Post GDS 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 21 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Q7. What is the last date for GDS registration?
The fresh One-Time Registration deadline is 19 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Q8. What is the India Post GDS application fee?
The applicable application fee is ₹100. Eligible women, SC/ST, PwBD and transwomen candidates are exempted according to the recruitment rules.
Q9. What is the salary of India Post GDS?
The TRCA slab is ₹12,000–₹29,380 for BPM and ₹10,000–₹24,470 for ABPM/Dak Sevak, subject to applicable rules.
Q10. Can a candidate use an old GDS registration number?
No. Candidates applying for the July 2026 Schedule-II cycle are required to register afresh. Previous schedule registration numbers are not valid for this cycle.
Q11. Is knowledge of the local language compulsory?
Yes. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed local-language requirement for the vacancy/division they apply for.
Q12. What is the selection process for India Post GDS 2026?
Selection is based on a system-generated merit list using Class 10 marks, followed by document verification and other prescribed engagement formalities.
Q13. Can 10th pass candidates apply for GDS?
Yes. Eligible 10th pass candidates can apply if they satisfy all other conditions, including Mathematics, English, local language, age and other prescribed requirements.
Q14. When will the India Post GDS merit list be released?
The merit list date has not been announced on the official portal yet. Candidates should regularly check the official GDS portal for updates.
India Post GDS 2026 Important Links
| Action | Click Here |
|---|---|
| GDS Recruitment 2026 Apply Online | Apply Online – Official GDS Portal |
| GDS 2026 Notification | Available on Official Portal |
| Circle-Wise Vacancy | Circlewise Posts Notified |
| Registration Instructions | Registration Instructions |
| Application Instructions | Application Instructions |
| India Post Official Website | Official Website |
| India Post Recruitment/Vacancies | Recruitment / Vacancies |
The official GDS portal currently provides the notification, circle-wise posts, registration instructions, application instructions, fee instructions and correction instructions in one place.
Conclusion
The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for candidates who have completed Class 10 and want to work with the Department of Posts. Under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026, a total of 23,757 vacancies have been announced for Branch Postmaster, Assistant Branch Postmaster and Dak Sevak posts.
The most important feature of this recruitment is that candidates are shortlisted through a system-generated merit list based on Class 10 marks, and there is no conventional written examination or interview.
Candidates should pay special attention to the local-language requirement, educational qualification, age limit, vacancy/division selection and accuracy of Class 10 marks entered in the application.
The fresh registration window is open until 19 September 2026 at 5:00 PM, while the final application submission and applicable fee payment deadline is 21 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. The correction facility will be available from 23 September to 24 September 2026.
Candidates should complete the application well before the deadline and keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference. After the application process, applicants should regularly check the official India Post GDS portal for the merit list, shortlisted candidate information, document verification instructions and subsequent engagement updates.