India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 (Schedule-II) — Overview
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications has issued Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20.08.2026 inviting online applications for engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) — Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak — across all postal circles in India. This is a Central Government engagement in which there is no written examination and no interview: candidates are shortlisted only on the basis of a system-generated merit list prepared from Class 10 marks.
The online application window runs from 2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026 (up to 1700 hrs), with a one-time registration (OTR) window opening earlier on 31 August 2026. This recruitment is one of the biggest opportunities of the year for 10th pass aspirants, as the minimum qualification is only Secondary School Examination with passing marks in Mathematics and English.
India Post GDS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Online One-Time Registration (OTR) | 31.08.2026 to 19.09.2026 (up to 1700 hrs) |
| Submission of online application & fee payment | 02.09.2026 to 21.09.2026 (up to 1700 hrs) |
| Correction / edit window | 23.09.2026 to 24.09.2026 (up to 1700 hrs) |
| Last date for issue of shortlist | Process closes after 31.12.2026 |
Note that the age cut-off date for this cycle is 21 September 2026, which is the same as the last date of application.
Posts, Eligibility and Salary (TRCA)
Gramin Dak Sevaks are engaged on a part-time basis and are paid a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) in the range of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 29,380 per month, depending on the category of post.
| Post Name | Eligibility & TRCA |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | 10th pass with Maths & English; TRCA Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | 10th pass with Maths & English; TRCA Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 24,470 |
| Dak Sevak | 10th pass with Maths & English; TRCA Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 24,470 |
The circle-wise and division-wise vacancy break-up is published along with the notification on the official GDS engagement portal. Job location is All India (postal circles), and candidates may apply for posts in only one Division.
Educational Qualification
- Secondary School Examination (10th standard) pass with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognised board.
- Equivalent qualifications are not accepted.
- The candidate must have studied the local language up to at least the 10th standard.
- Knowledge of computers and knowledge of cycling are required.
- Adequate means of livelihood — undertakings are required at the time of engagement.
- Past experience or service of any kind is not considered for selection.
Age Limit (as on 21 September 2026)
Minimum age: 18 years; Maximum age: 40 years. Age relaxation is available as under:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| EWS | No relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
All candidates — male, female and transgender — are eligible to apply.
India Post GDS 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| All candidates (General / OBC / EWS male) | Rs. 100 | For all posts applied for within the chosen Division |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD / Transwomen | Nil | Exempted from fee |
Fee can be paid online through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking or UPI. The payment must be completed within 10 minutes of opening the payment window, and fee once paid is not refunded. The last date for fee payment is the same as the application closing date, i.e. 21 September 2026 (1700 hrs).
Selection Process: How the GDS Merit List Works
There is no written test, no skill test and no interview. The selection is entirely automated and based on Class 10 marks.
| Stage | Mode | Duration / Timeline | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit List (system-generated from Class 10 marks) | No exam | Shortlisting for engagement; percentage computed to four decimal places | Shortlisting |
| Document Verification | Offline (physical verification at Divisional/Unit Head office) | Within 15 days of shortlisting | Qualifying |
Shortlisted candidates must also submit a compulsory medical certificate from a government hospital, dispensary or PHC. Pre-engagement formalities must be completed within 30 days.
Documents Required
- At the application stage: photograph and signature only (no other documents are to be uploaded).
- At verification: Class 10 marksheet, identity proof, date of birth proof, caste certificate, PwBD certificate, EWS certificate and transgender certificate (as applicable).
- Compulsory medical certificate from a government hospital / dispensary / PHC.
How to Apply Online for India Post GDS 2026
- Visit the official portal indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) between 31.08.2026 and 19.09.2026 (up to 1700 hrs).
- Log in and fill the online application between 02.09.2026 and 21.09.2026, selecting posts within a single Division.
- Upload only the photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the fee of Rs. 100 (if applicable) via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking or UPI within 10 minutes of opening the payment page.
- Submit the form and save/print the confirmation for future reference.
- Use the correction window on 23–24 September 2026 (up to 1700 hrs) if any edit is required.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Only one registration per candidate is permitted; duplicate registrations lead to cancellation.
- Mobile number and email ID cannot be changed at any stage and cannot be reused.
- Name, parents’ names and date of birth must exactly match the Class 10 marksheet.
- A candidate may apply for posts in only one Division.
- Report for document verification within 15 days of shortlisting and complete pre-engagement formalities within 30 days.
- Candidates dismissed, removed or compulsorily retired from government service or GDS, and persons holding elective office, cannot apply.
- The Department of Posts does not make phone calls to applicants — beware of fraudulent calls.
Official Links
- Apply Online / Candidate Login-Register: indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
- Official Website: indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
Candidates are advised to complete the OTR early, verify their Class 10 marksheet details carefully, and submit the application well before the 21 September 2026 deadline to avoid last-minute server load.
About the Author
k_jyothi
content writer with 4 years of experience in government job notifications and results. He covers SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railways, and State PSC recruitment updates, providing aspirants with accurate notifications, admit cards, answer keys, and results to support their exam journey.