India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 - Complete Details
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, Government of India, has announced a massive recruitment drive for 28,636 Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts under the Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026. This is one of the largest recruitment opportunities in the postal sector, offering positions across rural postal operations throughout India. The GDS recruitment provides an excellent opportunity for candidates to serve in their local areas while earning a respectable income and contributing to postal services in rural India.
Gramin Dak Sevaks form the backbone of India Post's rural operations, ensuring that postal and banking services reach the remotest corners of the country. GDS personnel handle various responsibilities including mail delivery, money order transactions, postal savings schemes, insurance services, and other financial services at branch post offices. This recruitment is a golden opportunity for candidates seeking government-affiliated employment near their homes with decent remuneration and job security.
About Gramin Dak Sevak Posts
The Gramin Dak Sevak system was established to extend postal services to rural areas where regular departmental post offices were not economically viable. GDS personnel are engaged on a contract basis but receive remuneration, allowances, and certain benefits similar to government employees. They work at Branch Post Offices (BPOs) and Extra Departmental (ED) delivery units across villages and small towns.
The main categories under GDS recruitment are Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevaks (Mail delivery personnel). BPM is responsible for managing branch post offices, handling all postal and banking transactions, maintaining accounts, and supervising staff. ABPM assists the BPM in office operations and takes charge in their absence. Dak Sevaks are responsible for delivering mail, parcels, and money orders to designated areas within their beat.
Post-wise Vacancy Distribution
The total number of vacancies is 28,636 posts distributed across all postal circles and divisions in India. The vacancies are spread across three main categories: Branch Postmaster (BPM) - approximately 8,000-9,000 posts with remuneration ranging from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 29,380 per month. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) - approximately 5,000-6,000 posts with remuneration from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 24,470 per month. Dak Sevak - approximately 14,000-15,000 posts with remuneration from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 24,470 per month.
Division-wise and circle-wise detailed vacancy information is available on the official GDS online portal. Candidates can view vacancies for their desired locations, apply accordingly, and indicate multiple preferences. Urban areas and district headquarters typically have BPM and ABPM posts, while rural areas have more Dak Sevak positions for mail delivery.
Educational Qualification Requirements
The minimum educational qualification for all GDS posts is passing the 10th standard (SSE - Secondary School Examination) from a recognized Board or its equivalent. Candidates must have passed both Mathematics and English subjects at the 10th standard level with passing marks. The pass certificates must be from a recognized State or Central Board of Secondary Education.
Candidates who have passed the National Open School Examination conducted by NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) are also eligible. Private or correspondence 10th standard certificates are accepted provided the board is recognized by the concerned State Government or Central Government. The educational qualification must have been obtained before the last date of online registration. Candidates appearing in 10th standard or awaiting results are not eligible to apply.
Additional Requirements
Computer knowledge is essential for all GDS posts. Candidates must have basic computer skills including operating computers, MS Office applications, internet browsing, and email operations. Familiarity with accounting software or financial applications is preferred for BPM and ABPM positions. Knowledge of the local language of the area for which applying is mandatory, as GDS personnel interact with rural customers who may not be fluent in Hindi or English.
For Dak Sevak posts, candidates must possess a valid driving license for two-wheeler vehicles (motorcycle/scooter) as mail delivery requires traveling within the designated beat area. Physical fitness is important as the job involves outdoor work, traveling in various weather conditions, and carrying mail bags. Cycling skills are advantageous for certain rural areas where motorized transport is not feasible.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The minimum age for applying is 18 years, and the maximum age is 40 years as on the closing date of online registration (14 February 2026 for registration, 16 February 2026 for final submission). This means candidates born between 17 February 1986 and 14 February 2008 are eligible. Age is calculated based on date of birth as recorded in the matriculation certificate or birth certificate issued by a competent authority.
Upper age relaxation is provided as per Government of India norms: SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation (up to 45 years), OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates get 3 years relaxation (up to 43 years), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) get 10 years relaxation (15 years for SC/ST-PwBD and 13 years for OBC-PwBD). Ex-servicemen get age relaxation equivalent to the length of service in armed forces plus 3 years, subject to a maximum age of 48 years. Widows, divorced women, and judicially separated women get certain relaxations as per departmental rules.
Reservation Policy
Vacancies are reserved for different categories as per Government of India reservation policy: 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 27% for Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non-Creamy Layer), and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) from the unreserved category. Horizontal reservation of 4% is provided for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) in suitable posts where their disabilities do not hinder job performance.
Additionally, certain percentage of vacancies in each circle are reserved for candidates domiciled or residing in that particular state or union territory. Priority is given to local candidates to ensure that rural postal services are managed by people familiar with the local geography, language, and community. Inter-state candidates can also apply but may get preference only after exhausting local candidates.
Salary and Remuneration
GDS personnel receive time-related continuity allowance (remuneration) based on the level and working hours of their post. Branch Postmaster posts carry remuneration ranging from Rs. 12,000 per month for 4-hour duty to Rs. 29,380 per month for 7-8 hour duty depending on the category and workload of the office. Assistant Branch Postmaster and Dak Sevak posts carry remuneration from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 24,470 per month depending on duty hours.
In addition to basic remuneration, GDS personnel receive Dearness Allowance (DA) linked to All India Consumer Price Index, which is revised twice a year. They are also entitled to annual increment, bonus as per productivity, risk allowance for handling cash, conveyance allowance for traveling (for Dak Sevaks), and other allowances as applicable. GDS personnel are covered under Group Insurance Scheme and postal life insurance at concessional rates.
Service Benefits
Although GDS personnel are not regular government employees, they enjoy several benefits. They are eligible for Provident Fund contribution with matching contribution from the Department. Gratuity is payable on completion of 5 years of continuous service. Leave entitlements include casual leave, earned leave, and medical leave as per rules. GDS personnel can avail loans from postal department at concessional interest rates.
After serving for a specified period (usually 5-10 years), GDS personnel become eligible to apply for regular departmental posts in India Post through reserved quotas. Many GDS personnel have been absorbed as Postmen, Mail Guards, Postal Assistants, and other departmental cadres through limited departmental competitive examinations. The experience gained as GDS is highly valuable for career progression within the postal department.
Selection Process
The selection of candidates is based on merit determined through an online application system. There is no written examination or interview for GDS recruitment. Selection is purely based on marks obtained in the 10th standard (SSE) qualifying examination. The merit list is prepared circle-wise, division-wise, and post-wise based on the percentage of marks in 10th standard.
In case of tie in percentage of marks, preference is given in the following order: Candidate with higher percentage in Mathematics subject, candidate with higher percentage in English subject, candidate older in age, and candidate whose name appears first in alphabetical order. Candidates should ensure accuracy of marks entered in the application form, as any discrepancy found during document verification will lead to rejection of candidature.
Important Dates
Online registration start date: 31 January 2026. Last date for online registration: 14 February 2026 at 5:00 PM. Last date for application submission: 16 February 2026 at 5:00 PM. Candidates must register first and then login to complete and submit the application. The portal will be closed after the deadline, and no applications will be accepted thereafter.
Merit list and division-wise selection lists will be published on the official GDS portal approximately 4-6 weeks after the last date. Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email and SMS registered during application. Document verification will be conducted at respective divisional offices as per schedule intimated to selected candidates. Joining formalities will be completed after satisfactory verification of all documents and medical fitness.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for GDS recruitment. Candidates from all categories can apply free of cost. This is to ensure that candidates from rural and economically weaker backgrounds can apply without financial burden. However, candidates must bear any internet charges, computer access charges, or documentation costs themselves.
How to Apply Online
Visit the official India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal at indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement. Read the detailed notification and guidelines carefully before starting the application. Click on "New Registration" and provide basic details including name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and create a password. An OTP will be sent to your mobile and email for verification.
After successful registration, login using your credentials. Fill the detailed application form providing accurate information about personal details, educational qualifications (10th standard board, year of passing, roll number, percentage of marks, marks in Mathematics and English), category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD), domicile state, and preferred postal divisions and posts. You can select multiple preferences in order of priority.
Upload scanned documents including recent passport size photograph (20-50 KB in JPG format), signature (10-30 KB in JPG format), 10th standard mark sheet (up to 200 KB in PDF format), caste certificate if applicable (up to 200 KB in PDF), and domicile certificate (up to 200 KB in PDF). Ensure all documents are clear and readable. Files exceeding size limits or in wrong format will not be accepted.
After uploading all documents, carefully review the filled information. Any mistake in name, date of birth, educational details, or category cannot be changed later. If everything is correct, submit the application. After submission, download and print the application form along with system-generated acknowledgment. This printout must be carried during document verification.
Documents Required for Verification
Selected candidates must bring original documents along with self-attested photocopies for verification at the time of joining: 10th standard certificate and mark sheet (for age proof and educational qualification), 12th standard certificate or higher qualification if any, Domicile certificate or residence proof of the state/UT, Caste certificate issued by competent authority (for SC/ST/OBC candidates), EWS certificate valid for the current financial year (for EWS candidates), PwBD certificate issued by authorized medical board (if applicable), Driving license for two-wheeler (for Dak Sevak posts), Recent passport size photographs, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, and bank account details with cancelled cheque.
Important Instructions and Guidelines
Candidates should apply only for the postal circle and divisions where they have domicile or permanent residence. Inter-circle transfers are generally not allowed for GDS personnel. Candidates must have knowledge of the local language and geography of the area where applying. Providing false information or fake certificates at any stage will lead to termination of engagement without any notice.
GDS engagement is contractual and can be terminated by the department with one month notice or one month remuneration in lieu thereof. GDS personnel must maintain discipline, punctuality, and integrity while handling postal and financial transactions. They are liable for any financial irregularities or misconduct. Regular attendance and maintaining prescribed working hours is mandatory.
Selected candidates will undergo orientation training for 7-15 days at the divisional training center covering postal operations, accounting, customer service, and departmental regulations. After successful completion of training and joining formalities, candidates will be deployed at their designated post offices or delivery beats.
Career Growth and Future Prospects
GDS engagement provides valuable experience in postal operations and customer service. After gaining experience, GDS personnel can apply for regular departmental posts through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) and sports quota. Many GDS personnel have been absorbed as Postmen, Postal Assistants, Sorting Assistants, and Multi-Tasking Staff through reserved quotas.
The Department of Posts periodically releases notifications for regular recruitment where GDS personnel get age relaxation and preference. The skills acquired during GDS service - accounting, customer handling, financial transactions, and operational knowledge - are highly beneficial for clearing departmental examinations and building a career in India Post.