The Department of Posts has released the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 notification for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts, offering 23,757 vacancies across the country. This is one of the most sought-after government job opportunities in India, mainly because there is no written exam — selection is based purely on your Class 10 marks. Here is a complete, simple breakdown of everything you need to know before applying.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Notification No. | 17-12/2026-GDS, dated 20 August 2026 |
| Posts | Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 23,757 |
| Job Location | All India (rural post offices) |
| Selection Mode | Merit list based on Class 10 marks (no written exam) |
| Official Website | indiapost.gov.in |
GDS Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 20 August 2026 |
| One-Time Registration (OTR) Starts | 31 August 2026 |
| One-Time Registration Ends | 19 September 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Online Application & Fee Payment | 2 September to 21 September 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | 23 September to 24 September 2026 |
| Merit List | To be announced separately |
A useful thing to understand here is that registration and application are two separate steps. You must first complete the One-Time Registration, and only then can you fill and submit your actual application during the application window.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Transwomen / All Female Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
Fee can be paid only through online modes such as debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable, so double-check your eligibility for a division before making the payment.
India Post GDS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Must have passed Class 10 (Secondary School Examination) with passing marks in Mathematics and English, from a board recognized by the Central or State Government
- Must have studied the local language of the applied circle at least up to Class 10 (the required language differs by state/circle)
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 40 years
- Age is calculated as on the last date of application submission (21 September 2026)
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| EWS | No relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
Other Requirements
- Basic knowledge of computers
- Ability to ride a bicycle
- Must have an adequate additional source of livelihood, since GDS is not a regular full-time government post
Vacancy Breakup (Category-Wise)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 10,640 |
| OBC | 4,433 |
| SC | 3,082 |
| ST | 2,773 |
| EWS | 2,160 |
| PwBD (all sub-categories) | 669 |
| Total | 23,757 |
Vacancies are further divided circle-wise and division-wise, with states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala offering some of the highest numbers of posts. The complete division-wise list is published separately on the official portal.
Pay Scale (TRCA)
| Post | Pay Scale (Time Related Continuity Allowance) |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| ABPM / Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 (GDS) employees also get an annual increment of 3%, Dearness Allowance, GDS Gratuity, and a Service Discharge Benefit Scheme. It’s important to note that GDS is not a regular central government post — pay and benefits differ from those of regular employees.
Selection Process
Unlike most government jobs, GDS recruitment does not involve any written exam or interview. The process is simple:
- Merit List – Prepared automatically based on your Class 10 marks, converted to a percentage
- Document Verification – Shortlisted candidates must visit the designated post office division with original documents
- Medical Certificate – Required from a government hospital or health centre
- Engagement – After successful verification, an offer of provisional engagement is issued
If your marksheet shows grades instead of marks, the system converts them using a standard formula, so you don’t need to do any manual conversion yourself.
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Visit the official portal: indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
- Complete One-Time Registration using a valid mobile number and email ID (both will be OTP-verified)
- Log in using your registration number and password
- Fill in personal details, Class 10 board details, and marks
- Select your preferred circle, division, and post(s) based on your local language and category
- Upload your photograph and signature as per the specified format
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit the form
A useful tip: your mobile number and email ID cannot be changed later, and all communication from the Department will happen only through these — so use details that are active and accessible to you.
Important Points to Remember
- Only one registration is allowed per candidate. Multiple or duplicate applications will lead to cancellation
- Fill in your name, date of birth, and other details exactly as per your Class 10 marksheet — mismatches can lead to rejection
- The Department does not make phone calls to applicants regarding selection — be cautious of any such calls asking for personal details
- Keep checking the official website regularly, since SMS/email alerts may not always reach you due to technical issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many vacancies are there in GDS Recruitment 2026?
There are 23,757 vacancies for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak posts.
Q2. Is there a written exam for GDS recruitment?
No, selection is based entirely on a merit list prepared using your Class 10 marks.
Q3. When does registration start?
One-Time Registration begins on 31 August 2026 and continues till 19 September 2026.
Q4. What is the application fee?
₹100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates. SC/ST, PwBD, Transwomen, and all female candidates are exempted.
Q5. What is the age limit for GDS Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must be between 18 and 40 years of age as on 21 September 2026, with relaxation available for reserved categories.
Q6. Where can I check circle-wise or division-wise vacancy details?
Detailed division-wise vacancy positions are published separately on the official GDS Online Engagement Portal.
Source: Official GDS Online Engagement Notification for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026, Schedule-II, July-2026, issued by the Department of Posts (Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS, dated 20.08.2026). For the complete notification and updates, visit indiapost.gov.in. More sarkari naukri..
