India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 28000+ Posts

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Complete Details for 28,740 Gramin Dak Sevak Vacancies

The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, Government of India has announced a major recruitment opportunity through the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 notification. Under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026, the organization is inviting applications from eligible Indian citizens to fill 28,740 Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) positions across 23 postal circles throughout India. This recruitment notification, bearing reference number 17-37/2025-GDS (Pt.I), was officially released on January 31, 2026, marking one of the largest recruitment drives by India Post in recent times.

About India Post GDS Posts

The Gramin Dak Sevak scheme was introduced to provide postal services in rural areas of India. GDS personnel play a vital role in connecting remote villages with the mainstream postal network. The current recruitment covers three main categories of posts:

• Branch Postmaster (BPM): Responsible for managing branch post offices in rural areas, handling cash transactions, maintaining accounts, and supervising postal operations
• Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM): Assists the Branch Postmaster in daily operations and assumes charge in their absence
• Dak Sevak: Handles mail delivery, collection, and other postal services in assigned rural areas

Educational Qualification Requirements

Candidates applying for India Post GDS recruitment 2026 must possess the minimum educational qualification of 10th Standard (SSE) passing certificate from a recognized Board. Importantly, candidates must have secured passing marks in both Mathematics and English subjects in their 10th standard examination. The marks obtained in the 10th standard will form the basis of merit list preparation, making academic performance crucial for selection.

Additional requirements include:

• Computer knowledge is desirable and may be advantageous during selection
• Knowledge of the local language of the area of posting is mandatory
• Candidates must be able to ride a bicycle (for Dak Sevak posts involving delivery duties)

Age Limit and Relaxations

The prescribed age limit for GDS recruitment 2026 is 18 to 40 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications (February 16, 2026). Age relaxation is available as per Government of India norms:

• SC/ST candidates: 5 years
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates: 3 years
• PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 10 years (15 years for SC/ST PwD)
• Ex-Servicemen: As per existing rules

Salary Structure and Benefits

The remuneration for GDS posts is attractive and varies according to the post and working hours:

Branch Postmaster (BPM): The pay scale ranges from ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 per month, depending on the office categorization and number of hours worked. BPM posts in larger branch offices with higher workload command better remuneration.

Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak: The monthly remuneration ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹24,470, again depending on the specific post category and working hours allocated.

Additionally, GDS employees are entitled to:

• Annual increment based on satisfactory performance
• Bonus payments as per prevailing rules
• Insurance coverage under Postal Life Insurance (PLI)
• Leave entitlements including casual leave and medical leave
• Severance grant on completion of continuous engagement

Selection Process

The India Post GDS 2026 selection process is entirely merit-based. Unlike many government recruitments, there is no written examination or interview. Selection is made purely on the basis of marks obtained in the 10th standard examination. The merit list will be prepared circle-wise and category-wise (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS).

In case of candidates having equal marks, the following tie-breaking criteria will be applied in sequence:

1. Higher percentage of marks in Mathematics
2. Higher percentage of marks in English
3. Date of birth (older candidate gets preference)
4. Alphabetical order of names

Important Dates to Remember

Candidates must carefully note the following important dates for GDS online application 2026:

• Notification Release Date: January 31, 2026
• Online Application Start Date: January 31, 2026
• Online Application End Date: February 16, 2026 (up to 5:00 PM)
• Application Correction Window: February 18-19, 2026 (tentative)
• Merit List Publication: To be announced later

How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026

The application process is completely online. Candidates must follow these steps to successfully submit their application:

1. Visit Official Website: Go to https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
2. Read Notification: Download and carefully read the detailed notification PDF
3. Register: Click on "Apply Online" and complete the registration process using your mobile number and email ID
4. Fill Application Form: Enter all required details including personal information, educational qualifications, address, and post preferences
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of:
   • Recent passport-size photograph (JPG format, 20-50 KB)
   • Signature (JPG format, 10-20 KB)
   • 10th standard mark sheet (PDF format, maximum 200 KB)
   • Category certificate (if applicable)
6. Select Preferences: Choose your preferred postal circles and post offices (up to 10 preferences can be given)
7. Submit Application: Review all entered information and submit the application form
8. Print Application: Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference

No application fee is required for India Post GDS recruitment 2026, making it accessible to candidates from all economic backgrounds.

Documents Required

Candidates should keep the following documents ready in scanned format before starting the online application:

• 10th Standard mark sheet and certificate
• Date of Birth proof
• Caste/Category certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
• EWS certificate (if claiming EWS reservation)
• PwD certificate (for disabled candidates)
• Domicile/Residential certificate
• Character certificate
• Recent passport-size photographs

Circle-Wise Vacancy Distribution

The 28,740 GDS vacancies are distributed across 23 postal circles in India. Major circles with significant vacancies include Uttar Pradesh Circle, Bihar Circle, West Bengal Circle, Madhya Pradesh Circle, and Maharashtra Circle. Candidates can apply for multiple circles and should carefully check the detailed annexure provided in the official notification for exact vacancy numbers in their preferred locations.

Important Instructions

• Candidates must apply only through the official India Post GDS portal; applications through any other mode will not be accepted
• Multiple applications from the same candidate will be rejected
• Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply
• Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying
• False information or fake documents will lead to cancellation of candidature
• Selection is subject to character and antecedent verification
• GDS employees can be terminated with one month notice from either side

This India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for 10th pass candidates to secure a stable government-affiliated job with decent remuneration and benefits. The merit-based selection without examination makes it particularly attractive for academically strong candidates. Interested eligible candidates should apply online before the February 16, 2026 deadline and keep checking the official website for updates regarding merit list publication and further selection procedures.

Job Highlights & Eligibility

• Official Website
• Download Notification PDF