India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 28,740 Gramin Dak Sevak Posts
New Delhi, January 23, 2026 - The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has announced a major recruitment drive for the post of Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) for the year 2026. This recruitment cycle aims to fill a substantial number of vacancies across various circles in India, offering a significant employment opportunity for eligible candidates nationwide.
According to official sources, the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 notification details indicate a total of 28,740 posts available for the positions of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak. The online application process for these positions is scheduled to begin in February 2026. This recruitment initiative is part of India Post's efforts to strengthen its rural postal network and ensure efficient service delivery in remote areas.
The selection process for the India Post GDS Vacancy 2026 is distinctive as it relies entirely on merit, specifically based on the candidates' performance in their 10th-grade board examinations. There will be no written test or interview for this recruitment drive, simplifying the application process for thousands of hopefuls. Candidates holding a high school degree (Class 10th) with knowledge of the local language are encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, age limits, and local language proficiency requirements. The official notification and online application portal will be available on the designated website, indiapostgdsonline.gov.in, starting from February 2026. Prospective applicants are advised to prepare all necessary documents, including academic certificates and identification proofs, well in advance of the application window opening.
Key Details: India Post Gramin Dak Sevak Recruitment 2026
The table below provides a summary of the essential information regarding the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026. Candidates should pay close attention to the application start date, last date for submission, and official website details to ensure they do not miss any deadlines.
| Recruitment Authority | Department of Post, India Post |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Branch Postmaster (BPM) Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 28,740 Posts |
| Application Start Date | February 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date to Apply | Not Available (To be announced in February 2026 notification) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Not Available (To be announced in February 2026 notification) |
| Selection Process | Merit List based on 10th Class Marks |
| Application Fee | General/OBC/EWS: ₹100/- SC/ST/PWD/Female: No Fee |
| Official Website | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
| Source of Information | Sarkari Result All |
Understanding the Roles of Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS)
The India Post GDS Recruitment drive aims to hire individuals for three primary roles within rural post offices. Understanding these roles is crucial for candidates before applying, as they have distinct responsibilities and requirements. The roles are Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak.
1. Branch Postmaster (BPM):
The BPM is the head of a small post office (Branch Post Office) located in rural areas. Key responsibilities include managing the post office's daily operations, handling customer interactions, ensuring timely delivery of mail and parcels, and supervising the work of ABPMs and Dak Sevaks. BPMs are also responsible for promoting government schemes, especially financial services offered by India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), and maintaining financial records. This role requires a strong sense of responsibility and basic managerial skills.
2. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak:
The ABPM assists the BPM in running the branch post office. Their duties often involve selling stamps and stationery, making deposits, and processing withdrawals. A significant part of the ABPM's job is often related to door-to-door mail delivery and collection within the designated area. The term "Dak Sevak" is sometimes used interchangeably with ABPM or refers to a similar role focused purely on postal operations and delivery. Dak Sevaks may also be assigned duties related to sorting mail at the divisional office.
Both BPM and ABPM roles are part-time positions with specific working hours, generally ranging from 4 to 5 hours per day. This structure allows individuals to pursue other opportunities or agricultural activities while serving their community through India Post.
Eligibility Criteria for India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
Before proceeding with the online application, candidates must carefully review the eligibility criteria set by India Post. Failure to meet any of the requirements will lead to rejection of the application during the document verification stage.
Age Limit (as of the date of notification):
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 40 years
Age Relaxation: The upper age limit is relaxable for candidates belonging to specific categories as per government rules. The typical relaxation periods are as follows:
- Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST): 5 years relaxation
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 3 years relaxation
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS): No relaxation
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD): 10 years relaxation
- PWD + OBC: 13 years relaxation
- PWD + SC/ST: 15 years relaxation
Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have successfully passed the Secondary School Examination (Class 10th) from a recognized Board of School Education in India.
- It is mandatory for candidates to have studied Mathematics and English as subjects in their Class 10th examination.
Local Language Requirement:
- Candidates must have studied the local language of the respective state/circle up to at least Class 10th. For example, a candidate applying for a post in Uttar Pradesh must have studied Hindi in Class 10th.
- Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak the local language of the circle they are applying to.
Knowledge of Cycling:
- Candidates must have knowledge of cycling. This requirement is necessary for duties involving mail delivery and movement within the village/area. A declaration to this effect will be required during the application or document verification process.
Basic Computer Knowledge:
- A basic understanding of computer operations is often required. While not always mandatory to have a certificate, candidates may need to provide proof of basic computer knowledge or undergo training if selected.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for the Gramin Dak Sevak Vacancy 2026 is highly streamlined and transparent. It completely avoids written examinations and interviews, making it unique among major government recruitments.
1. Merit List Preparation:
India Post creates a merit list based entirely on the marks obtained by candidates in their 10th-grade board examination. The selection is automatically generated by a system that ranks candidates based on their percentage. Higher percentages are given preference. If two candidates have the same percentage, tie-breaking rules (like date of birth, higher educational qualification) are applied.
2. Document Verification:
Once the initial merit list is published, selected candidates receive a notification to appear for a document verification round. During this phase, candidates must present original copies of all their educational certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), residence proof, and other relevant documents. The details in the application form must match the originals precisely.
3. Final Selection:
After successful document verification, a final selection list is prepared. Candidates on this final list are offered appointment letters for the GDS posts.
Application Process: How to Apply Online for GDS 2026
The application process for the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is entirely online through the official portal indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. The process consists of three main stages: Registration, Fee Payment, and Application Submission.
Stage 1: Registration (Part-I)
- Visit the official website: indiapostgdsonline.gov.in.
- Click on the 'Registration' link on the homepage.
- Fill in basic details such as name, mobile number (which will be verified via OTP), email ID, date of birth, gender, and category.
- Provide your 10th-grade certificate details, including the board name and passing year.
- Once submitted, a unique registration number will be generated. Keep this number safe for future reference.
Stage 2: Fee Payment (Part-II)
- Candidates belonging to the General, OBC, and EWS categories must pay an application fee of ₹100/-.
- Candidates from SC, ST, PWD, and female candidates are exempt from paying the fee.
- The fee can be paid online using debit cards, credit cards, or net banking.
- A payment confirmation receipt should be printed for record-keeping.
Stage 3: Apply Online (Part-III)
- Log in using the registration number and other details.
- Select the circle for which you wish to apply.
- Fill in detailed information, including preferred posts and circles.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents: photograph, signature, 10th-grade mark sheet, and a community certificate (if applicable).
- Review all information thoroughly before final submission.
- Take a printout of the final submitted application form for future reference.
Understanding GDS Salary Structure and Perks
The salary for Gramin Dak Sevaks is calculated based on the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) system. The earnings depend on the specific role (BPM or ABPM/Dak Sevak) and the number of working hours. The new pay scale system for GDS provides a structured compensation package.
TRCA Slabs and Pay Scales:
| GDS Role | Working Hours per Day | TRCA Pay Scale (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | 4 Hours | ₹12,000/- to ₹29,380/- |
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | 5 Hours | ₹14,500/- to ₹35,480/- |
| ABPM / Dak Sevak | 4 Hours | ₹10,000/- to ₹24,470/- |
| ABPM / Dak Sevak | 5 Hours | ₹12,000/- to ₹29,380/- |
In addition to the basic TRCA, GDS employees also receive Dearness Allowance (DA) and other allowances as applicable from time to time. This remuneration makes the GDS position a highly sought-after opportunity in rural areas, offering stable government employment.
Important Links for GDS Recruitment 2026
For direct access to the application portal and official notification, candidates should regularly check the following links. The official notification provides in-depth information about vacancies in each circle and specific eligibility requirements.
- Official Website: indiapostgdsonline.gov.in
- Official Notification Download (Link active in February 2026)
- Apply Online Registration Link (Link active in February 2026)
- Official Source: Sarkari Result All
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
This section addresses common queries candidates have regarding the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 process.
Q: What is the minimum educational qualification required to apply for India Post GDS?A: The minimum educational qualification required is a pass in the 10th-grade (Secondary School Examination) from a recognized Board. Candidates must have passed in Mathematics and English as core subjects and also studied the local language of the respective circle up to Class 10th.
Q: Is there any written examination for the GDS recruitment 2026?A: No, there is no written examination for the selection of Gramin Dak Sevak. The selection process is strictly based on the merit list prepared using the percentage marks obtained by candidates in their 10th-grade board examination.
Q: How many vacancies are available in the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 cycle?A: The official notification for the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 has announced a total of 28,740 posts for Gramin Dak Sevak, Branch Postmaster, and Assistant Branch Postmaster roles across different circles in India.
Q: What is the age limit for applying to the GDS posts?A: The minimum age limit is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 40 years. Age relaxation is applicable for candidates belonging to SC/ST (5 years) and OBC (3 years) categories as per government rules.
Q: What documents are required for the GDS online application?A: Candidates need to have scanned copies of their 10th-grade mark sheet, proof of date of birth, caste certificate (if applicable), recent passport-size photograph, and signature. Make sure all documents are clearly legible and adhere to the specified file size requirements.
Q: What is the salary structure for a GDS?A: The salary for GDS posts is based on the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) system. For BPMs working 4 hours, the minimum TRCA is approximately ₹12,000/- per month, while for ABPM/Dak Sevaks working 4 hours, it starts from ₹10,000/- per month. These figures increase with additional working hours and include allowances like DA.
Q: When will the application process start for the India Post GDS Vacancy 2026?A: The online application process for the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is scheduled to start in February 2026, as per the official notification details. The exact dates will be announced shortly on the official website indiapostgdsonline.gov.in.
Q: Do I need to know cycling for the GDS job?A: Yes, knowledge of cycling is a mandatory requirement for all GDS posts. This requirement is to ensure candidates can perform mail delivery duties effectively, especially in rural areas where post offices are often spread out.