India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 23,757 Posts, Eligibility, Fee and Dates
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India has invited online applications for engagement to vacant Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts under GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July 2026.
According to the official notification dated August 20, 2026, eligible candidates can apply for GDS posts including Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak. The detailed vacancy annexure lists a total of 23,757 posts across postal circles.
The One-Time Registration (OTR) process begins on August 31, 2026, while submission of the online application and fee payment will begin on September 2, 2026.
Candidates interested in India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 should check the eligibility requirements, local language conditions, application fee, vacancies and important dates before applying.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Department | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Post | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) |
| Posts | BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak |
| Total vacancies | 23,757 |
| Notification date | August 20, 2026 |
| One-Time Registration | August 31 – September 19, 2026 |
| Application submission & fee payment | September 2 – September 21, 2026 |
| Correction window | September 23 – September 24, 2026 |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Maximum age | 40 years |
| Minimum qualification | 10th standard pass |
| Application mode | Online |
| Selection | System-generated merit list based on 10th marks |
The dates and eligibility requirements above are taken from the official GDS Online Engagement notification.
GDS Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should note that registration and application submission are separate stages.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GDS notification | August 20, 2026 |
| One-Time Registration begins | August 31, 2026 |
| Last date for One-Time Registration | September 19, 2026, up to 5:00 PM |
| Online application & fee payment begins | September 2, 2026 |
| Last date for online application & fee payment | September 21, 2026, up to 5:00 PM |
| Application correction window | September 23–24, 2026, up to 5:00 PM |
The official notification specifically states that One-Time Registration is open from August 31 to September 19, while application submission and fee payment are open from September 2 to September 21.
Candidates should therefore not confuse the September 19 registration deadline with the September 21 application deadline.
India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
The official Annexure-Ia lists 23,757 vacancies across postal circles.
The vacancies include posts reserved across categories such as UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS and PwBD categories.
State/Circle-wise GDS vacancies
| Postal Circle | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 917 |
| Assam | 414 |
| Bihar | 1,098 |
| Chhattisgarh | 762 |
| Delhi | 16 |
| Gujarat | 499 |
| Haryana | 87 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 335 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 340 |
| Jharkhand | 1,379 |
| Karnataka | 1,116 |
| Kerala | 1,373 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1,450 |
| Maharashtra | 2,431 |
| North Eastern | 2,614 |
| Odisha | 1,353 |
| Punjab | 122 |
| Rajasthan | 1,009 |
| Tamil Nadu | 2,118 |
| Telangana | 419 |
| Uttarakhand | 452 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,691 |
| West Bengal | 1,762 |
| Total | 23,757 |
The figures above consolidate the language-wise entries in the official Annexure-Ia. For example, Assam has separate entries for Assamese/Asomiya, Bengali and Bodo, while Maharashtra has separate Konkani/Marathi and Marathi entries.
The detailed division-wise vacancy position is available through the GDS Online Engagement Portal.
GDS Recruitment 2026 Eligibility
Candidates must satisfy the age, educational qualification, local-language and other requirements prescribed by the Department of Posts.
Age Limit
The prescribed age limit is:
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 40 years
The candidate's age is determined as on the last date of submission of the application.
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| EWS | No relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
These relaxations are specified in the official notification.
GDS Educational Qualification 2026
For GDS engagement, candidates must have passed the Secondary School Examination (10th standard) from a recognized board.
The notification specifically requires:
- 10th standard pass certificate
- Passing marks in Mathematics
- Passing marks in English
Candidates with an equivalent qualification from another board that does not meet the prescribed requirement are not eligible under the notification.
Local Language Requirement
Candidates must have studied the local language prescribed for the post up to the 10th standard from a recognized board. The post-wise local languages are provided by the Department in its notification/annexures.
There are special provisions for candidates applying in certain states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim and Nagaland, where specific local-language/dialect requirements apply.
Candidates applying in these states should therefore carefully check the applicable language requirement before submitting their application.
Other Qualifications for GDS Posts
Apart from the 10th qualification, the notification specifies the following requirements:
- Knowledge of computers
- Knowledge of cycling
- Adequate means of livelihood
These are listed under the "Other Qualifications" section of the official notification.
India Post GDS Application Fee
The application fee is ₹100 for applicants who are required to pay the fee.
However, the fee is exempted for:
- All female applicants
- SC applicants
- ST applicants
- PwBD applicants
- Transwomen applicants
Eligible candidates who need to pay the fee can use online payment methods including recognized credit/debit cards, net banking and UPI.
The Department also states that the fee, once paid, will not be refunded, so candidates should ensure that they are eligible for the selected Division before making the payment.
GDS Salary and Emoluments
GDS employees receive emoluments in the form of Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA).
The official notification provides the following initial TRCA slabs:
| Post | TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
| Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
The TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to the applicable conditions. GDS employees are also entitled to Dearness Allowance and certain other allowances and social-security benefits under the applicable GDS Rules.
Important note about GDS employment
GDS posts should not be confused with regular Central Government employee posts.
The official notification clearly states that GDS employees are not regular employees of the Department/Central Government, and their emoluments and other entitlements are not at par with regular Central Government employees.
GDS employees generally work four to five hours a day, according to the notification.
What Are BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak Posts?
The GDS recruitment includes different types of posts.
Branch Postmaster (BPM)
A BPM is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Branch Post Office and India Post Payments Bank-related operations.
The role can include postal operations, mail conveyance and delivery, marketing of postal products and services, and other duties assigned by senior officers.
A candidate selected as BPM is required to arrange accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost and must reside in the village where the Branch Post Office operates.
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
ABPM duties include activities such as:
- Sale of stamps and stationery
- Mail conveyance and doorstep delivery
- IPPB deposits and payments
- Assisting the BPM
- Marketing postal products and services
- Other duties assigned by superiors
ABPMs are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Post Office.
Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks may be engaged in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices, Transit Mail Offices, Delivery Centres and other offices of the Department.
Their responsibilities can include:
- Sale of stamps and stationery
- Mail and parcel delivery
- Handling mail bags and parcels
- IPPB transactions
- Assisting in Post Office operations
- Other duties assigned by the Department
Dak Sevaks are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the Post Office to which they are attached.
GDS Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
There is no written examination mentioned as the basis for the GDS merit list in this notification.
Candidates are shortlisted through a system-generated merit list based on their marks in the 10th standard Secondary School Examination.
The marks are aggregated into a percentage calculated to the accuracy of four decimal places.
If a candidate's marksheet contains only grades/points, the Department has prescribed a conversion method using a multiplication factor of 9.5.
Therefore, candidates should enter their Class 10 details carefully while completing the application.
What happens after the merit list?
Shortlisted candidates are required to undergo physical verification of original documents.
The Department will publish the shortlisted candidates on the GDS Online Engagement Portal and communicate results and verification information through registered mobile numbers and email addresses as an additional communication method. Candidates are also advised to regularly check the portal.
Documents Required for Verification
Candidates do not need to attach documents to the initial application in the usual manner, although the notification requires a recent photograph and signature to be uploaded on the portal.
Shortlisted candidates will need to carry applicable original documents and two sets of self-attested photocopies during physical verification.
These can include:
- Class 10 marksheet
- Identity proof
- Caste certificate
- PwBD certificate
- EWS certificate
- Transgender certificate
- Date of birth proof
- Medical certificate
- Applicable local/tribal language or dialect certificate
The medical certificate from an appropriate government medical facility is specifically listed as compulsory.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Applications are accepted online only through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal.
The application process has two main parts:
Step 1: One-Time Registration
Candidates need to register on the GDS Online Engagement Portal and obtain a unique registration number.
An active mobile number and email ID are required and are verified through OTP.
Candidates should keep their Class 10 board and year of passing information ready during registration.
Step 2: Submit the Online Application
After registration, candidates can log in and complete the online application.
The application requires educational information, division selection and post preferences.
According to the notification, a candidate can apply for one or more vacant GDS posts within only one selected Division. The eligible posts available to the candidate are displayed based on factors including community, age, PwD status and local languages studied.
Candidates should carefully select their post preferences because they will not be considered for a post for which they have not indicated a preference.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Candidates who are not exempted must pay the applicable ₹100 fee online.
Step 4: Submit and Save the Application
After completing the application and payment, candidates should save the registration/application details for future reference.
Important Things Candidates Should Know
Only one registration is allowed
The Department allows only one registration per candidate. Duplicate or multiple registrations/applications are prohibited and can lead to cancellation of candidature.
Check your 10th marks carefully
Since the merit list is based on Class 10 marks, candidates should enter their educational details exactly as they appear in their Class 10 marksheet.
Keep your registered mobile number and email active
Important information is communicated using the registered contact details, although candidates are also advised to regularly check the official portal.
GDS candidates need another source of income
The notification states that a GDS should have another source of income besides the allowances paid by the Government to ensure adequate means of livelihood for themselves and their family.
BPM candidates need accommodation
Candidates selected as BPM must arrange suitable accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost and reside in the post village.
GDS Recruitment 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for GDS Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application and complete fee payment is September 21, 2026, up to 5:00 PM.
What is the last date for GDS One-Time Registration?
The One-Time Registration window closes on September 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
How many vacancies are available in GDS Recruitment 2026?
The official Annexure-Ia lists 23,757 vacancies across the postal circles covered by this recruitment.
What is the educational qualification for GDS Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must have passed the 10th standard Secondary School Examination, including passing marks in Mathematics and English, from a recognized board meeting the notification's requirements.
What is the GDS age limit?
The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 40 years, subject to applicable age relaxations.
Is there an examination for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
The official notification states that candidates will be shortlisted through a system-generated merit list based on their Class 10 marks.
What is the GDS application fee?
The application fee is ₹100 for candidates who are required to pay it. Female, SC, ST, PwBD and Transwomen applicants are exempted from the fee.
What is the GDS salary?
The initial TRCA slab is ₹12,000–₹29,380 for BPM and ₹10,000–₹24,470 for ABPM/Dak Sevak.
Where can I apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
Applications are submitted online through the official India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal.
Bottom Line
The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is offering 23,757 vacancies for Gramin Dak Sevak posts including BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak.
For candidates who have passed Class 10 and meet the other requirements, the key dates to remember are September 19 for One-Time Registration and September 21 for application submission and fee payment.
Since GDS selection is based on a system-generated merit list using Class 10 marks, candidates should carefully enter their educational details and make sure they satisfy the applicable local-language and other eligibility requirements before submitting the application.
Source: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India - GDS Online Engagement Notification, Schedule-II, July 2026 and Annexure-Ia
Official Notification Link
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