India Post has released the official notification for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 under Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026. The recruitment is being conducted for 28,636 GDS posts across multiple postal circles in India. Online registration has started from 31 January 2026, and the final date for submission of applications is 16 February 2026.
Recruitment Overview
The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has invited online applications for engagement of Gramin Dak Sevak posts. The recruitment includes Branch Postmaster, Assistant Branch Postmaster, and Dak Sevak positions. The notification has been issued under Advertisement No. 17-37/2025-GDS (Pt.I). Applications are accepted through online mode only via the official GDS engagement portal.
Vacancy Details
The total number of tentative vacancies notified for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is 28,636. State and circle-wise vacancy distribution is provided in the official annexure.
| Post Name | Category-wise Vacancies | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | As per Annexure-I | TRCA Slab | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | As per Annexure-I | TRCA Slab | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
| Dak Sevak | As per Annexure-I | TRCA Slab | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
Important Dates
Candidates should carefully note the schedule related to the recruitment process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 28.01.2026 |
| One-Time Registration Start | 31.01.2026 |
| Registration Last Date | 14.02.2026 (17:00 hrs) |
| Application Submission & Fee Payment | 02.02.2026 to 16.02.2026 (17:00 hrs) |
| Correction Window | 18.02.2026 to 19.02.2026 |
| Process of Engagement Closes | 30.06.2026 |
Age Limit & Relaxation
The age criteria for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 are as follows.
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| GDS (All Posts) | 40 years |
The minimum age is 18 years. Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities as per Government of India rules, subject to the limits mentioned in the notification.
Educational Qualification & Experience
Candidates must meet the prescribed educational and essential qualification criteria.
| Post | Qualification | Required Experience |
|---|---|---|
| GDS (BPM/ABPM/Dak Sevak) | 10th Standard pass with Mathematics and English | Not required |
The candidate must have studied the local language up to 10th standard. Knowledge of computers and cycling is mandatory. Adequate means of livelihood is required as per GDS rules.
Salary Structure
Gramin Dak Sevaks are paid emoluments in the form of Time Related Continuity Allowance.
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster | TRCA | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 | As per duty hours |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster | TRCA | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 | As per duty hours |
| Dak Sevak | TRCA | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 | As per duty hours |
Dearness Allowance on TRCA, GDS Gratuity, and Service Discharge Benefit Scheme are applicable as per rules.
Selection Process
Selection will be made purely on merit based on marks obtained in the 10th standard examination. No written test or interview will be conducted. The merit list will be system-generated with marks calculated up to four decimal places. Shortlisted candidates will be called for physical verification of documents by the concerned divisional authority.
How to Apply
- Visit the official India Post GDS online engagement portal.
- Complete One-Time Registration using mobile number and email ID.
- Log in with registration number and password.
- Fill the online application form carefully.
- Upload photograph and signature in prescribed format.
- Pay application fee if applicable.
- Submit the application and save the final copy.
Candidates can apply for posts in one selected division only.