India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for BPM, ABPM, Dak Sevak Posts

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

Through this recruitment, eligible candidates can apply for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts in different post offices across India.

There are 23,757 tentative vacancies in different Postal Circles. Candidates must have passed 10th standard with passing marks in Mathematics and English. They must also have studied the required local language up to 10th standard.

The online application process will start in September 2026. Candidates should carefully check the vacancy available in their selected Division before applying.

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India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Overview

The vacancy numbers are tentative. The Department reserves the right to modify, cancel or revise the number of posts.

India Post GDS Vacancy 2026

The notification provides 23,757 tentative vacancies across different Postal Circles.

The above vacancy figures are taken from the uploaded Annexure-Ia vacancy statement.

Important: Odisha Vacancy

For Odisha Circle, the notification shows 1,353 vacancies for the Odia language.

Educational Qualification

The educational qualification is the same basic qualification for all GDS categories.

Candidates must also have studied the local language up to 10th standard from a recognised board. The required local language differs according to the Postal Circle and location.

For example, the local language prescribed for Odisha is Odia.

Candidates must also have:

• Knowledge of computers
• Knowledge of cycling
• Adequate means of livelihood

These are listed as other qualifications in the notification.

Age Limit

The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum age is 40 years.

Age will be calculated on the last date of submission of applications.

Salary / TRCA

GDS employees are paid Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA). The TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to the applicable conditions.

GDS employees are also eligible for Dearness Allowance and certain other allowances and social security benefits as per the GDS Rules.

Important: GDS posts are not regular Central Government employee posts. Their service conditions are governed by the GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020.

Selection Process

There is no written examination or interview mentioned for preparing the initial merit list.

Candidates will be shortlisted through a system-generated merit list based on marks obtained in the 10th standard examination. The marks are converted into percentage up to four decimal places.

If the marksheet contains only grades or CGPA, the Department has prescribed specific conversion rules.

Candidates should enter their marks/grades exactly as required in the application. Wrong information or wrong documents can lead to rejection.

How to Apply Online

Candidates have to apply online only through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal.

Step 1: Complete the One-Time Registration.

Step 2: Log in using the registration details.

Step 3: Enter personal and educational details.

Step 4: Select the eligible Division and give post preferences.

Step 5: Upload the required photograph and signature.

Step 6: Preview the application carefully.

Step 7: Pay the application fee, if applicable, and submit the application.

Only one registration is permitted for a candidate. Duplicate or multiple registrations are strictly prohibited.

Official Application Portal: India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal

Application Fee

The application fee is ₹100.

However, the fee is exempted for:

• All female candidates
• SC candidates
• ST candidates
• PwBD candidates
• Transwomen candidates

Eligible candidates can pay the fee through the available online payment methods.

Documents Required

At the time of online application, candidates are not required to attach documents with the application form. However, they must upload the prescribed recent photograph and signature.

At physical document verification, shortlisted candidates must carry the applicable original documents and two sets of self-attested photocopies, including:

• 10th marksheet
• Identity proof
• Caste certificate, if applicable
• PwBD certificate, if applicable
• EWS certificate, if applicable
• Transgender certificate, if applicable
• Date of Birth proof
• Medical certificate
• Local/tribal language certificate, where applicable

The medical certificate must be issued by a medical officer of a Government Hospital, Government Dispensary, Government Primary Health Centre, etc.

Important Dates

Important Things Candidates Should Know

GDS is different from a regular Central Government job. GDS employees normally work for 4 to 5 hours a day and cannot be retained beyond 65 years of age.

A selected BPM has to arrange accommodation for running the Branch Post Office at their own cost and must reside in the post village.

ABPMs and Dak Sevaks also have specific residence requirements mentioned in the notification.

Candidates should also remember that past experience or previous service is not considered for selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many GDS vacancies are available?
There are 23,757 tentative vacancies.

2. What is the qualification for GDS Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must pass 10th standard with passing marks in Mathematics and English.

3. What is the age limit?
The age limit is 18 to 40 years, subject to applicable relaxation.

4. What is the Odisha GDS vacancy?
Odisha Circle has 1,353 vacancies for the Odia language.

5. Is there a written examination?
The notification states that shortlisting will be based on a system-generated merit list prepared from 10th standard marks.

6. What is the GDS salary?
The basic TRCA slab is ₹12,000–₹29,380 for BPM and ₹10,000–₹24,470 for ABPM/Dak Sevak.

7. What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹100, but female, SC, ST, PwBD and Transwomen applicants are exempted.

8. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online application and fee payment is 21 September 2026 up to 5:00 PM.

9. Can a candidate apply in multiple Divisions?
No. A candidate can apply for GDS vacancies in only one selected Division and can give preferences for eligible posts in that Division.

10. Is GDS a regular Central Government job?
No. GDS are civil post holders outside the regular Civil Services of the Union and are governed by the GDS Rules.

Official Notification- Click Here

Official GDS Online Engagement Portal: indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement

Official Notification: The uploaded notification is GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026, Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026.