Breaking News: India Post Office Announces Mega Recruitment Drive for 28,740 Gramin Dak Sevak Posts in 2026
New Delhi, 20 January 2026 - The India Post Office, a crucial government service provider, has officially released its notification for the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026, announcing a massive vacancy count of 28,740 Gramin Dak Sevak posts. This announcement has generated significant excitement among job seekers across the country, particularly those who have completed their secondary education. The notification, which was initially anticipated in late 2025, marks one of the largest recruitment drives by India Post in recent years. This recruitment drive aims to strengthen the postal network in rural and semi-urban areas by filling critical positions like Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak.
According to the official notification, applications are invited from eligible Indian citizens for these vacancies across various Postal Circles in India. The recruitment process for these 28,740 posts will follow a merit-based system, eliminating the need for a traditional written examination. The primary criterion for selection will be the academic performance of candidates in their 10th grade examination. This approach simplifies the application process and provides a fair opportunity for candidates from diverse backgrounds to join the India Post network.
For individuals seeking government employment and serving their local communities, this India Post Office GDS recruitment 2026 presents a compelling opportunity. The positions offer stable employment with competitive remuneration based on a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) structure. As a Gramin Dak Sevak, an individual plays a pivotal role in delivering essential postal services and facilitating government schemes in rural areas, acting as a crucial link between the community and the larger postal infrastructure.
Key Details of the Gramin Dak Sevak Recruitment 2026
This section outlines the essential details required for prospective candidates applying for the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026. Candidates must carefully review all eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, age limits, and technical requirements, before submitting their applications. The process is fully online, requiring candidates to visit the official portal and complete the registration and application steps within the specified timeframe.
| Recruitment Name | GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | India Post Office (Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications) |
| Total Number of Posts | 28,740 Posts (Approximate) |
| Post Names | Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Educational Qualification | 10th Pass (High School Exam) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 Years (with age relaxation for specific categories) |
| Selection Process | Merit List based on 10th Marks (No Written Exam) |
| Official Website | https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in/ (Official Portal) |
Eligibility Criteria for GDS Posts 2026: Educational Qualification and Age Limit
The India Post Office GDS Recruitment 2026 sets forth specific eligibility requirements that all applicants must fulfill to be considered for the 28,740 posts. These criteria ensure that candidates possess the necessary academic background and meet the demographic requirements for the Gramin Dak Sevak role.
Educational Qualification:
The primary educational requirement for the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026 is completion of the 10th grade from a recognized educational board. Candidates must have passed the Secondary School Examination (Class 10th) with minimum passing marks. Furthermore, a crucial requirement often overlooked by applicants is the mandatory study of the local language of the respective state or postal circle at least up to the 10th standard. For example, a candidate applying for a position in the Kerala postal circle must have studied Malayalam as a subject up to Class 10th. This ensures effective communication with the local populace in rural areas where the GDS operates.
Age Limit:
The age criteria for the GDS recruitment stipulate that applicants must be between 18 and 40 years of age as on the specified cut-off date. The government provides significant age relaxation for candidates belonging to reserved categories, making these positions accessible to a broader range of applicants. The age relaxation details are as follows:
- SC/ST Category: 5 years age relaxation (up to 45 years)
- OBC Category: 3 years age relaxation (up to 43 years)
- Physically Handicapped (PwD) Category: 10 years age relaxation
Other Requirements:
In addition to academic qualifications, candidates must demonstrate basic computer knowledge. While a formal certificate might not be mandatory in all circles, candidates are often required to possess skills in handling basic computer operations. Furthermore, knowledge of cycling or the ability to ride a scooter/motorcycle is a prerequisite for most Gramin Dak Sevak roles, as the work often involves delivering mail over long distances in rural settings. A certificate demonstrating computer knowledge from a recognized institute, lasting at least 60 days, is highly beneficial and often required during the document verification stage.
Application Process Guide for GDS Recruitment 2026
Applying for the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026 is an entirely online process. Candidates need to visit the official portal provided by India Post to register and complete the application form. The application process generally involves four main stages: Registration, Fee Payment, Application Form Filling, and Document Upload.
Step 1: Registration
All new applicants for the India Post Office GDS 2026 recruitment must first register on the official portal. This involves providing basic personal details such as name, mobile number, email address, date of birth, and Aadhaar card number. Upon successful registration, candidates will receive a unique registration number, which must be saved carefully for future reference.
Step 2: Fee Payment
Following registration, candidates (General/OBC/EWS Male) are required to pay a non-refundable application fee. The application fee for the GDS recruitment 2026 is typically Rs. 100/-. However, female candidates and candidates belonging to the SC/ST/PwD categories are often exempted from paying the fee. Payment can be made online through various methods, including credit/debit cards or net banking.
Step 3: Application Form Filling
After successful fee payment, candidates must proceed to fill out the detailed application form. This includes entering academic details (10th marks/percentage, Board name, passing year), preferred circle/division choices, and personal information. Candidates must exercise caution while entering their academic marks, as the selection process relies heavily on this data. Any discrepancy found during document verification can lead to disqualification.
Step 4: Document Upload
The final step involves uploading scanned copies of essential documents. This typically includes a recent photograph, signature, 10th-grade mark sheet, and 10th-grade passing certificate. Candidates must ensure that all documents adhere to the specific file size and format requirements mentioned in the official notification. An error in document uploading can result in the rejection of the application.
The application process for the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026 is critical, and candidates are advised to verify all information thoroughly before final submission. For detailed instructions, candidates should refer to the official notification available on the India Post GDS portal or check reliable sources like Sarkari Result All (https://www.sarkariresultall.in/).
Selection Process: Merit List Based on 10th Marks
The selection process for the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026 differs significantly from most government job recruitments as there is no written examination. The selection will be purely merit-based, specifically on the percentage obtained by the candidate in their 10th grade examination. The India Post Office will prepare a merit list based on the marks of all applicants within each specific postal circle and division. Candidates with higher percentages in their 10th standard will be prioritized for selection.
Preparation of Merit List:
The selection body will collate the 10th grade marks data submitted by all applicants. Based on these marks, a merit list will be generated for each circle and division, taking into account the reservation policy (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) and the candidate's preferences. In cases where multiple candidates have the same percentage, the tie-breaking criteria will be applied. These criteria usually include factors like date of birth (older candidate prioritized) and specific higher education qualifications.
Document Verification:
Following the release of the merit list for the Gramin Dak Sevak 28,740 posts, selected candidates will be called for document verification. This is a crucial step where candidates must produce all original documents uploaded during the application process. These documents include:
- 10th Grade Mark Sheet and Certificate
- Birth Certificate (if not mentioned on 10th certificate)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Computer Knowledge Certificate (if specified in notification)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of local language study in Class 10th
Candidates failing to produce original documents that match the information provided in their application form will face disqualification. The verification process ensures the integrity of the selection and validates the eligibility claims made by the candidates.
Salary Structure and Job Profile for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS)
The salary for a Gramin Dak Sevak is determined based on the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) structure, which depends on the working hours. There are two distinct working hour slabs for GDS positions (Branch Postmaster) and ABPM/Dak Sevak roles.
Branch Postmaster (BPM) Salary:
The Branch Postmaster (BPM) typically manages a branch post office in a rural area. The job responsibilities include managing cash transactions, handling accounts, promoting schemes like savings accounts, and ensuring timely delivery of mail. The working hours for a BPM are typically 4 to 5 hours per day.
- 4 hours/day slab: Rs. 12,000/- per month (TRCA)
- 5 hours/day slab: Rs. 14,500/- per month (TRCA)
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak Salary:
The Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak roles involve supporting the BPM in day-to-day operations and delivering mail and parcels to households within the designated area. The working hours are typically 4 to 5 hours per day for ABPM/Dak Sevak positions.
- 4 hours/day slab: Rs. 10,000/- per month (TRCA)
- 5 hours/day slab: Rs. 12,000/- per month (TRCA)
It is important to note that the GDS positions are part-time roles, offering flexibility for individuals to pursue other opportunities or studies alongside their work. The salary figures mentioned above are starting values and may vary slightly based on specific allowances and changes in government regulations. The India Post Office GDS Recruitment 2026 offers a stable income source and valuable experience in public service.
Important Dates and Links for GDS Recruitment 2026
Candidates must keep track of the key dates related to the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026. While specific start and end dates for the application window in 2026 are subject to official announcement, candidates should be prepared in advance. The official notification provides the definitive timeline for the application process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | Not Available (Notification released in late 2025/early 2026) |
| Application Start Date | Not Available |
| Application Last Date | Not Available |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Not Available |
| Merit List Release Date | Not Available |
| Document Verification Dates | Not Available |
| Important Links | Description |
|---|---|
| Apply Online/Official Website | Direct link to the India Post GDS official application portal. |
| Download Official Notification | Link to download the detailed notification for GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about GDS Recruitment 2026
1. What is the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026, and how many posts are available?The GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026 is a large-scale recruitment drive conducted by India Post for the position of Gramin Dak Sevak. The notification has announced a total of approximately 28,740 posts across various circles in India. These positions include Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak roles.
2. Is there a written exam for GDS selection in 2026?No, there is no written examination for the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026. The selection process is strictly based on merit, determined by the percentage obtained by the candidate in their 10th-grade board examination. A merit list is prepared based on these marks, and candidates with higher percentages are given priority.
3. What are the key eligibility criteria for the 28,740 GDS posts?The primary eligibility criteria include passing the 10th-grade (Secondary School Examination) from a recognized board. The candidate must also have studied the local language of the respective state up to the 10th standard. The age limit for applicants is typically between 18 and 40 years, with age relaxation for reserved categories like SC/ST and OBC.
4. How much salary does a Gramin Dak Sevak get?The salary for a Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) is based on the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA). The typical monthly salary for a Branch Postmaster (BPM) ranges from Rs. 12,000/- to Rs. 14,500/-, while an Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) or Dak Sevak receives between Rs. 10,000/- and Rs. 12,000/-, depending on the specific working hours (4 or 5 hours per day).
5. How do I apply for the GDS recruitment 2026?Applications for the GDS Post Office Recruitment 2026 must be submitted online through the official India Post GDS portal (indiapostgdsonline.gov.in). The process involves registration, payment of the application fee (if applicable), filling out the detailed application form with academic and personal information, and uploading necessary documents such as 10th mark sheet and photo/signature.
6. What documents are required for the GDS document verification process?Selected candidates will be required to present original documents during the verification phase. These include the 10th-grade mark sheet and passing certificate, date of birth proof, caste certificate (for reserved categories), computer knowledge certificate (if required by the specific notification), and other relevant documents as specified in the official notification.
7. What is the role of a Branch Postmaster (BPM) and an Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)?A Branch Postmaster (BPM) is responsible for managing the daily operations of a branch post office, including promoting government schemes, handling accounts, and managing financial transactions. An Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) assists the BPM in these duties and handles mail delivery, often acting as a bridge between the post office and the community.