India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 for BPM, ABPM & Dak Sevak Posts
Notification No: 17-37/2025-GDS (Pt.I): The Department of Posts, Government of India, has invited online applications for engagement as Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). This recruitment drive is for the posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak across various postal circles in India. The online application submission will be active from February 02, 2026, to February 16, 2026.
The Department of Posts has announced its first schedule for the online engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) for the year 2026. This is a massive, nationwide opportunity for candidates who have passed their 10th standard to join the postal network in their local areas. The GDS cadre includes Branch Postmasters (BPM), who manage the Branch Post Offices; Assistant Branch Postmasters (ABPM), who assist in operations and sales; and Dak Sevaks, who are involved in mail delivery and other departmental duties.
A key feature of the GDS engagement is its unique selection process, which is completely merit-based and does not involve any written examination or interview. Candidates are shortlisted based on a system-generated merit list derived from the marks obtained in their 10th standard examination. This makes it a highly accessible opportunity for candidates with a strong academic record. It is important to note that GDS are not regular government employees but are holders of Civil Posts outside the regular civil services, with their emoluments paid in the form of a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA).
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 (Important Points)
Candidates must carefully review the schedule and instructions. The entire process, from registration to application, is online.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, Govt. of India |
| Post Names | Gramin Dak Sevak (BPM, ABPM, Dak Sevak) |
| Total Vacancies | To be announced (Detailed circle-wise list in Annexure-I) |
| Online One-Time Registration | 31 January to 14 February 2026 |
| Online Application & Fee Payment | 02 February to 16 February 2026 (up to 17:00 Hrs) |
| Edit/Correction Window | 18 February to 19 February 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Job Type | Not a regular Govt. job (Civil Post outside regular services) |
| Job Location | Various Postal Circles/Divisions across India |
| Official Website | indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement |
Vacancy and Emoluments (TRCA) Details
The number of vacancies is extensive and distributed across all postal circles in India. The detailed circle-wise, division-wise, and post-wise vacancy list will be available in Annexure-I on the official portal. GDS are paid a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) instead of a regular salary.
| Category | TRCA Slab |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000/- to ₹29,380/- |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) / Dak Sevak | ₹10,000/- to ₹24,470/- |
Application Fee
- For all male applicants of UR, OBC, and EWS categories: ₹100/-
- For all Female applicants, SC/ST applicants, PwBD applicants, and Transwomen applicants: NIL (No Fee)
The fee must be paid online. Fee once paid will not be refunded.
Eligibility Criteria (as on the date of notification)
Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility conditions regarding education, age, and other qualifications.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification |
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| Other Qualifications |
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| Age Limit (as on the last date of application) |
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Selection Process
The selection process for Gramin Dak Sevaks is unique and does not involve any competitive examination. The selection is based purely on merit.
- System-Generated Merit List: Applicants will be shortlisted based on a merit list automatically generated by the online system.
- Basis of Merit: The merit list will be prepared based on the marks obtained in the 10th standard examination. The system will aggregate the marks to a percentage with an accuracy of up to four decimal places. For boards that award grades/points, the marks will be calculated by the system using a multiplication factor of 9.5.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be called for physical verification of their original documents at the respective Divisional/Unit Head's office.
- Final Engagement: An 'Offer of provisional engagement' will be issued immediately after successful document verification.
Exam Pattern
There is no written examination for the GDS engagement process. Selection is made exclusively based on the merit of marks obtained in the 10th standard. Therefore, there is no exam pattern or syllabus to prepare for.
PET (Physical Efficiency Test)
There is no Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for the GDS posts. However, candidates must declare that they have knowledge of cycling, which is considered essential for performing the duties of a GDS.
How to Prepare for Selection
Since the selection is merit-based, no exam preparation is needed. The key is to ensure an accurate and flawless application.
- Accurate Marks Entry: This is the most critical step. You must enter your 10th standard marks/grades exactly as they appear on your mark sheet. Any error can lead to the cancellation of your candidature during document verification.
- One Registration Only: A candidate is allowed only one registration. Submitting multiple or duplicate applications is strictly prohibited and will lead to disqualification.
- Document Readiness: Although documents are not uploaded during the initial application (except for photo and signature), you must have all original documents (10th mark sheet, community certificate, PwBD certificate, etc.) ready for physical verification.
- Preference Selection: After selecting a Division, you will see a list of eligible posts. You must carefully give your preferences. You will only be considered for the posts for which you provide a preference.
Best Books for Preparation
As there is no written test, no preparation books are required. Your 10th-grade performance is the sole selection criterion.
| Candidates should focus on carefully reading the detailed notification and instructions to ensure they fill the application form correctly. |
How to Apply Online
The application is a two-part process: One-Time Registration and Application Submission.
- Part 1 (One-Time Registration): Visit the official portal: https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement. Click on "New Candidate Registration" and complete the OTR process by providing your mobile number, email, and other personal details. You will receive a unique Registration Number.
- Part 2 (Application Submission): Log in to the portal using your Registration Number. The application submission and fee payment window is from February 02 to February 16, 2026.
- Fill out the online application form with your educational details, and upload your recent photograph and signature.
- Select your preferred Division and give your preferences for the vacant posts listed.
- Pay the application fee of ₹100 online (if applicable).
- Preview your application carefully before final submission.
- Download and take a printout of the final submitted application form for your records.
Documents Needed to Apply (for Uploading)
During the online application, only your photograph and signature need to be uploaded.
- Recent Photograph: JPG/JPEG format, size between 30 KB to 100 KB.
- Signature: JPG/JPEG format, size between 20 KB to 100 KB.
However, you must have all original documents ready for physical verification if you are shortlisted.
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Download from Official Website |
(FAQs)
- Q1: Is there a written exam for the GDS selection?
No, there is no written examination. The selection is based purely on the merit of marks obtained in the 10th standard.
- Q2: What is the salary of a Gramin Dak Sevak?
GDS are not paid a regular salary. They receive a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA). The TRCA slab for a Branch Postmaster (BPM) starts at ₹12,000, and for an ABPM/Dak Sevak, it starts at ₹10,000.
- Q3: I am still awaiting my 10th class results. Can I apply?
No, candidates must have already passed their 10th standard examination as of the date of notification to be eligible.
- Q4: Can I apply for GDS posts in more than one state or circle?
No, a candidate can only register once and can only apply for vacant posts in one selected Division. Applying for multiple divisions is not allowed.
