India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 has officially released the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-I, January-2026, offering a golden opportunity for 10th pass candidates to join the Department of Posts. This recruitment covers posts like Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak across multiple postal circles in India.
The selection process is merit-based, requires no written examination, and applications are accepted online only through the official India Post GDS portal. If you are looking for a stable government job with social security benefits, this recruitment is worth applying for.
What is India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is conducted by the Department of Posts, Government of India, to engage eligible candidates as Gramin Dak Sevaks in rural and departmental post offices.
Key Highlights:
- Recruitment type: Direct engagement
- Exam: No written test
- Selection: 10th class merit
- Job location: Across India
- Application mode: Online only
Important Dates – GDS Recruitment 2026
Official Schedule
- Online Registration: 31 January 2026 to 14 February 2026 (till 5:00 PM)
- Application Submission & Fee Payment: 02 February 2026 to 16 February 2026 (till 5:00 PM)
- Edit / Correction Window: 18 February 2026 to 19 February 2026 (till 5:00 PM)
Only one registration per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications lead to direct cancellation.
GDS Posts Included in Recruitment 2026
1. Branch Postmaster (BPM)
BPM is the head of a Branch Post Office and handles overall operations.
Main Responsibilities:
- Day-to-day postal & IPPB operations
- Customer service and product promotion
- Mail delivery and conveyance in single-handed BOs
- Supervising ABPMs (if posted)
Residence Rule:
- Must reside in the same village
- Must arrange accommodation for the Branch Post Office
2. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
ABPM assists the BPM in operational work.
Main Responsibilities:
- Sale of stamps and stationery
- Mail delivery and exchange
- IPPB transactions
- Support in CSC services
Residence Rule:
- Must live within the delivery jurisdiction of the BO
3. Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks work in Sub Post Offices, Head Post Offices, and RMS units.
Main Responsibilities:
- Mail sorting and delivery
- IPPB services
- Assisting Postmasters
- Handling mail bags and dispatch
Residence Rule:
- Must reside within HO/SO delivery area
India Post GDS Salary 2026 (TRCA Details)
GDS employees are paid Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) along with Dearness Allowance.
Salary Structure
- BPM: ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 per month
- ABPM / Dak Sevak: ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 per month
Additional Benefits:
- Annual 3% increment
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- GDS Gratuity
- Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (similar to NPS)
Eligibility Criteria for GDS Recruitment 2026
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 40 years
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years
- PwBD + SC/ST: 15 years
EWS: No relaxation
Educational Qualification
- Must have passed 10th standard (SSE)
- Mathematics and English must be passed subjects
- Board must be recognized by Govt. of India/State Govt.
Local Language Requirement
- Candidate must have studied local language up to Class 10
- Language details vary by circle (Annexure-III)
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit: indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
- Complete one-time registration
- Fill application form carefully
- Upload photograph & signature
- Pay fee (if applicable)
- Submit and take printout
Do not re-register for corrections. Use edit window only.
Photo & Signature Upload Guidelines
Photograph:
- Format: JPG/JPEG
- Size: 30 KB – 100 KB
- Dimensions: 320 × 400 px
- Background: White/light
- Face coverage: 70–80%
Signature:
- Format: JPG/JPEG
- Size: 20 KB – 100 KB
- Dimensions: 300 × 120 px
- Ink: Blue/Black pen
- Background: White only
Selection Process – No Exam
Selection Method:
- Based on 10th class marks
- System-generated merit list
- No interview or written test
Document Verification:
- Original certificates required
- Verification by Divisional Head
- Medical certificate mandatory
Failure at any stage leads to cancellation.
Training & Joining Process
- 3 days mandatory basic training
- Joining within 30 days
- Accommodation arrangement required (for BPM)
Why Apply for India Post GDS 2026?
- Central government job
- No exam stress
- Job security
- Rural posting advantage
- Social security benefits
FAQs
Q1. Is there any exam for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
No, selection is purely based on 10th class merit.
Q2. Can I apply for more than one GDS post?
No. Only one registration and one application is allowed.
Q3. What is the salary of India Post GDS in 2026?
Salary ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹29,380 per month plus DA.
Q4. Is residence mandatory for GDS posts?
Yes. Candidates must reside within the prescribed jurisdiction.
Q5. When will the GDS merit list be released?
Merit list will be published on the official GDS portal after application scrutiny.
