India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Notification OUT: 10th Pass Eligible, Apply From September 2

29 August 2026 min read

The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India has released the India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July 2026 notification.

The recruitment is being conducted for vacant posts of:

Branch Postmaster (BPM)
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
Dak Sevak

across different Postal Circles and Divisions in India.

The official notification is No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026. Candidates can complete One-Time Registration from 31 August 2026, while the online application window opens on 2 September 2026.

One of the biggest attractions of India Post GDS recruitment is that there is no written competitive examination. Selection is primarily based on a system-generated merit list prepared from Class 10 marks.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Overview

The official India Post portal is currently displaying “Gramin Dak Sevak Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026” as the active notification.

India Post GDS 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should carefully note the application timeline.

India Post has also made it clear that only one registration per candidate is allowed. Multiple or duplicate registrations can result in cancellation of candidature.

India Post GDS Vacancy 2026

The Schedule-II recruitment covers vacancies for:

Branch Postmaster — BPM

Assistant Branch Postmaster — ABPM

Dak Sevak

Current recruitment reports indicate more than 25,000 vacancies across Postal Circles. However, candidates should check the official Vacant Posts section of the India Post GDS portal for the final Circle-, Division-, category- and office-wise vacancy position before applying.

The official notification itself states that the Division-wise vacancy position will be available on the portal.

Therefore, candidates should avoid relying on an unofficial WhatsApp or social-media vacancy table.

India Post GDS Eligibility 2026

Educational Qualification

The minimum educational qualification is:

Class 10 / Secondary School Examination Pass

Candidates must have passing marks in:

Mathematics
English

The Class 10 qualification must be from a recognised Board of School Education of the Government of India, State Government or Union Territory.

The official notification also states that equivalent qualifications from an unrecognised/other board will not be accepted.

Local Language Requirement

Applicants must have studied the prescribed local language at least up to Class 10 from a recognised board.

For West Bengal, the notification lists:

West Bengal — Bengali

There are separate provisions for areas such as Darjeeling/GTA and Sikkim. For example, the notification provides Bengali or Nepali for Darjeeling Division and Nepali for certain offices under the Gorkha Territorial Administration.

Candidates should check the exact local-language requirement against the post they want before applying.

Other Qualifications Required

Apart from Class 10 qualification, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:

Computer Knowledge

Candidates must have knowledge of computers and should be able to use a smartphone, laptop or computer for official work.

Cycling

Knowledge of cycling is required. The prescribed declaration also permits the ability to ride a bicycle and/or drive a two-wheeler scooter/bike for performing GDS duties.

Adequate Means of Livelihood

GDS candidates are required to declare that they have another source of income besides the allowances received from the Government.

India Post GDS Age Limit 2026

The prescribed age limit is:

Minimum Age — 18 Years

Maximum Age — 40 Years

Age is calculated as on the last date for submission of applications.

Age Relaxation

EWS candidates receive the applicable reservation benefit, but there is no separate upper-age relaxation for EWS.

India Post GDS Application Fee 2026

The application fee is:

₹100

for candidates who are required to pay the fee.

India Post has exempted the following applicants from fee payment:

All female applicants
SC candidates
ST candidates
PwBD candidates
Transwomen applicants

Payment can be made using available online modes including Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking and UPI.

Important

Once paid, the application fee is non-refundable.

Candidates should therefore confirm their eligibility before making payment.

India Post GDS Selection Process 2026

There is:

No Written Examination

No Interview

Selection is based on a:

System-Generated Merit List

The merit list is prepared from marks obtained in the candidate's Class 10 Secondary School Examination.

Marks are aggregated and calculated as a percentage up to four decimal places.

Therefore, candidates with strong Class 10 marks may have an advantage depending on:

Division selected
Post preference
Category
Available vacancies
Number and marks of competing applicants

How Is GDS Merit Calculated?

For candidates whose Class 10 marksheet contains numerical marks, the actual subject marks are considered according to the official rules.

For boards that award only Grades/Grade Points, India Post provides a system for conversion into marks.

Where CGPA is applicable, the notification specifies the relevant conversion process.

Important Warning

Do not manually enter Grades/Points as marks where the portal asks for actual marks.

India Post warns that incorrect entry of marks, Grades or Points can lead to cancellation of candidature.

What Happens If Two Candidates Have the Same Marks?

If two or more applicants have equal merit, India Post applies its notified tie-breaking priority.

The first criterion is:

Date of Birth — older candidate gets preference

This is followed by the detailed category/gender priority sequence prescribed in the notification.

India Post GDS Salary 2026

GDS employees receive Time Related Continuity Allowance — TRCA rather than a normal Central Government pay-level salary.

BPM Salary / TRCA

₹12,000 to ₹29,380

ABPM / Dak Sevak Salary / TRCA

₹10,000 to ₹24,470

TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to applicable conditions.

GDS employees are also eligible for Dearness Allowance on TRCA and certain other benefits provided under GDS rules.

Very Important: Is GDS a Regular Central Government Job?

Candidates should understand this before applying.

The official notification clearly states that:

GDS are not regular employees of the Department/Central Government.

Their pay, allowances and service benefits are not the same as those of regular Central Government employees.

They are holders of Civil Posts outside the regular civil services and their conditions are governed by the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020.

This distinction is important because many websites casually describe GDS recruitment simply as a regular “Central Government job.”

GDS Working Hours

According to the official notification, GDS are generally required to work:

Minimum — 4 hours per day

Maximum — 5 hours per day

They cannot be retained as a GDS beyond 65 years of age.

Branch Postmaster Job Profile

A Branch Postmaster is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Branch Post Office.

Major responsibilities include:

Postal operations
India Post Payments Bank operations
Marketing of India Post products/services
Customer Service Centre activities
Mail conveyance and delivery in applicable offices
Overall functioning of a single-handed Branch Office
Other duties assigned by postal authorities

BPM candidates have an additional important responsibility.

BPM Must Arrange Accommodation

The person selected as BPM must provide suitable accommodation for running the Branch Post Office at their own cost.

The selected BPM is also required to reside in the village where the Branch Post Office functions.

Candidates should consider this operational requirement before choosing BPM posts.

Assistant Branch Postmaster Job Profile

ABPM duties can include:

Sale of stamps and stationery
Mail delivery
Exchange of mail with Account Office
IPPB deposits/payments/transactions
Assistance to BPM
Marketing postal products and services
Customer Service Centre work
Acting for BPM when required
Other postal duties assigned by authorities

ABPM candidates are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Branch Post Office.

Dak Sevak Job Profile

Dak Sevaks may work in:

Post Offices
Sorting Offices
Mail Offices
Transit Mail Offices
Delivery Centres
Other Department of Posts offices

Their duties can include:

Mail and parcel delivery
Sale of stamps/stationery
IPPB transactions
Handling mailbags
Sorting-related work
Assistance in Post Office operations
Marketing and business procurement

How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026

The application process has two main stages:

Stage 1 — One-Time Registration

Registration opens on 31 August 2026.

Candidates need an active:

Mobile number
Email ID

Both are verified through OTP.

Candidates will also need their Class 10 Board and passing-year information.

After successful registration, a unique Registration Number is generated.

Stage 2 — Submit Online Application

Applications open on 2 September 2026.

Candidates should:

Log in using their registration details.
Complete personal information.
Enter Class 10 qualification and marks correctly.
Select the eligible Division.
Check the available posts.
Arrange post preferences carefully.
Upload the prescribed photograph.
Upload signature.
Preview the entire application.
Pay ₹100 fee if applicable.
Submit the final application.
Save the submitted application and registration details.

Candidates should complete the process before 21 September 2026 at 5 PM.

Can Candidates Apply for Multiple Divisions?

The official notification allows the applicant to apply for eligible vacant posts in one selected Division.

Within that Division, candidates can provide preferences for multiple eligible posts.

If a candidate becomes meritorious for more than one preferred post, only the highest applicable preference will ultimately be offered.

Therefore, preference order matters.

What Documents Are Uploaded During Application?

An important change candidates should notice is that the notification says candidates are not required to upload supporting documents with the initial application.

They must, however, upload the prescribed:

Recent Photograph

and

Signature

Supporting certificates are verified later if the candidate is shortlisted.

India Post GDS Correction Window

Candidates who make a mistake in registration or the application form will receive a two-day correction opportunity.

Correction Dates:

23 September to 24 September 2026

up to 5:00 PM.

Candidates should preferably avoid depending on the correction window and carefully check all details before initial submission.

What Happens After Application?

The broad recruitment process is:

Application → System-Generated Merit List → Shortlisting → Physical Document Verification → Provisional Engagement → Joining

The shortlist will be published on the official GDS portal.

Candidates may also receive information through their registered mobile number and email address. However, India Post says candidates should continue checking the portal because the Department is not responsible if an SMS/email is not received due to technical reasons.

Documents Required After Shortlisting

Shortlisted candidates must report for physical document verification.

They should carry applicable original documents along with two sets of self-attested photocopies.

Documents include:

Class 10 marksheet
Identity proof
SC/ST/OBC-related certificate, where applicable
PwBD certificate, where applicable
EWS certificate, where applicable
Transgender certificate, where applicable
Date of Birth proof
Medical certificate
Applicable local/tribal language certificate in special cases

A medical certificate from a Government Hospital, Government Dispensary or Government Primary Health Centre is compulsory at the document-verification stage.

15-Day Document Verification Rule

After being shortlisted, candidates must normally report to the designated Divisional/Unit authority for physical document verification within:

15 days from the date of shortlisting

Failure to report within this period can result in automatic cancellation of candidature.

What Happens After Document Verification?

If documents are successfully verified, the candidate receives a system-generated:

Offer of Provisional Engagement

The candidate then has 30 days to complete the required pre-engagement formalities and joining process.

These formalities can include:

Basic training of three days
Accommodation arrangement, where applicable
Required declarations
Other joining requirements

Failure to complete the joining requirements within the prescribed 30-day period can lead to cancellation, after which the vacancy may be offered to the next candidate.

DigiLocker Verification

India Post may verify Class 10 and other documents through:

DigiLocker
API Setu
Official Educational Board systems

Shortlisted candidates are therefore advised to ensure that their relevant documents and personal details available online are correct.

Any significant discrepancy can affect candidature.

West Bengal Candidates: Important Local Language Rule

For candidates applying to normal West Bengal Circle posts, the prescribed local language is:

Bengali

Candidates should have studied the prescribed local language up to the required Class 10 level.

However, separate language provisions apply in:

Darjeeling Division
Gorkha Territorial Administration areas
Sikkim-related posts

So West Bengal candidates should check the language shown against the exact vacancy before submitting preferences.

Is There Any GDS Written Examination?

No.

India Post GDS selection does not involve a written competitive examination under this notification.

Candidates are shortlisted based on their Class 10 marks through the system-generated merit list.

This means candidates do not need to prepare for a separate GDS CBT or written test for Schedule-II.

Is There an Interview?

No regular interview stage is prescribed.

Candidates who are shortlisted proceed to physical verification and engagement formalities.

Can 12th Pass or Graduates Apply?

Yes, candidates with higher qualifications may apply if they satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions.

However, their:

Class 12 marks
Graduation marks
Postgraduate marks

do not replace the Class 10 merit criteria.

Selection remains based primarily on the qualifying Class 10 marks under the notification.

Is a Computer Certificate Compulsory?

The official requirement is knowledge of computers.

Selected candidates must provide the prescribed undertaking declaring that they are computer literate and capable of using a smartphone/laptop/computer from the first day of engagement.

Candidates should follow the exact portal instructions regarding any supporting proof.

Important Instructions for Applicants

Before submitting the India Post GDS form, candidates should make sure that:

Name exactly matches the Class 10 marksheet.
Date of Birth is entered correctly.
Father's and mother's names match records.
Class 10 marks/grades are entered exactly as required.
Correct category is selected.
Valid reservation certificate will be available at verification.
Correct local language is selected.
Post preferences are arranged carefully.
Photograph and signature are clear.
Active mobile number and email ID are used.
Only one registration is created.
Application and applicable fee are completed before 5 PM on 21 September.

India Post specifically warns that incomplete applications, incorrect information and blurred/illegible photographs or signatures can lead to rejection.

Beware of Fake India Post Recruitment Messages

Candidates should use only official Department of Posts channels.

The official GDS portal has issued a security warning stating that recruitment communication comes only through authorised email domains ending in:

@indiapost.gov.in

@indiapostgdsonline.gov.in

Candidates should not share passwords, OTPs or personal documents with unknown individuals claiming to guarantee GDS selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 notification out?

Yes. The official GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 notification is now available on the India Post GDS portal. The notification bears No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026.

When does India Post GDS registration start?

One-Time Registration starts on:

31 August 2026

When can candidates submit the application form?

Online application submission begins:

2 September 2026

What is the last date to apply?

21 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM

What is the qualification for GDS?

Candidates must pass Class 10 with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognised board and satisfy the prescribed local-language requirement.

What is the age limit?

18 to 40 years

with applicable category-wise relaxation.

Is there a written examination?

No. Selection is based on a system-generated Class 10 merit list.

What is the application fee?

The fee is ₹100 for applicable candidates.

Female, SC/ST, PwBD and Transwomen applicants are exempt from paying the fee.

What is the GDS salary?

The notified TRCA slabs are:

BPM: ₹12,000–₹29,380

ABPM/Dak Sevak: ₹10,000–₹24,470

Are GDS regular Central Government employees?

No. The notification explicitly states that GDS are not regular employees of the Department/Central Government, and their service conditions differ from those of regular Central Government employees.

Can graduates apply?

Yes, if they meet all GDS eligibility requirements. However, selection is based on Class 10 merit rather than graduation marks.

What is the correction date?

23–24 September 2026

up to 5 PM.

Conclusion

The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Schedule-II notification is officially out, creating another major opportunity for Class 10-pass candidates seeking engagement with the Department of Posts.

Candidates can begin One-Time Registration from 31 August 2026, while actual application submission starts on 2 September 2026 and closes on 21 September 2026 at 5 PM.

The recruitment is particularly attractive because there is no written examination or interview. Selection is primarily based on Class 10 marks through a system-generated merit list.

However, candidates should understand the nature of the post before applying. GDS is not the same as a regular Central Government employee post, BPM candidates may

Have a question about your preparation?

Message us on WhatsApp — Bengali or English, we reply the same day.

Chat on WhatsApp