The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India has released the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July 2026 notification.

The recruitment notification, No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026, invites online applications from eligible candidates for engagement to the posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak in different offices across India.

Candidates interested in India Post GDS recruitment should carefully check the eligibility conditions, age limit, educational qualification, application dates, fee, selection process and other conditions before applying.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The notification states that the details of tentative vacancies in each Circle/Division are provided through Annexure-I and the GDS Online Engagement portal.

India Post GDS Important Dates 2026

According to the notification, the online registration and application process will be conducted in different stages.

Online One-Time Registration

31 August 2026 to 19 September 2026, up to 17:00 Hrs

Submission of Online Application and Fee Payment

2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026, up to 17:00 Hrs

Correction / Edit Window

23 September 2026 to 24 September 2026, up to 17:00 Hrs

Candidates should not wait until the last day to complete the application because the Department will not be responsible for difficulties caused by heavy website traffic or other technical issues.

India Post GDS Vacancy 2026

The notification provides a division-wise vacancy position through Annexure-I. The vacancy table contains details such as the name of the Division, office, Post ID, TRCA, account/record office, language and PIN code.

The notification specifically states that the division-wise vacancy position will be available on the GDS Online Engagement Portal.

Therefore, candidates should check the official portal for the latest vacancy position before selecting a Division and post preference.

India Post GDS Posts

The recruitment covers the following categories:

1. Branch Postmaster (BPM)

The BPM is responsible for the day-to-day postal operations of the Branch Post Office and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), as prescribed by the Department.

The BPM also performs marketing and promotion of products and services provided by the Department and various services through Customer Service Centres.

In a single-handed Branch Post Office, the BPM has overall responsibility for the smooth functioning of the office, including mail conveyance and delivery.

The notification also contains a residence/accommodation requirement for BPM candidates. Selected BPM candidates are required to provide accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost as per the applicable conditions.

2. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)

The job profile of an ABPM includes:

• Sale of stamps and stationery.
• Conveyance and delivery of mail.
• Exchange of mail with the Account Office.
• Deposits, payments and other IPPB transactions.
• Assisting the BPM in postal operations.
• Marketing and promotion of postal products and services.
• Performing duties assigned by the BPM.

An ABPM may also be required to perform duties of a BPM when ordered or when the BPM is unavailable.

3. Dak Sevak

Dak Sevaks may be engaged in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices, Transit Mail Offices, Delivery Centres and other offices of the Department.

Their duties may include:

• Handling mail, bags and parcels.
• Sorting and distribution of articles.
• Handling mail and parcels in Sorting/Mail/Transit Mail Offices.
• Handling mail and bags in Delivery Centres.
• Assisting in the functioning of Post Offices.
• Performing other duties assigned by the Postmaster/Sub Postmaster/Officer-in-Charge.

Dak Sevaks are also required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Post Office where applicable.

GDS Salary / TRCA 2026

GDS employees are paid Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) along with applicable allowances.

According to the notification, the initial engagement TRCA slabs are:

The notification also mentions that GDS are not regular employees of the Department/Central Government and their conditions of engagement differ from those applicable to regular Central Government employees.

GDS Age Limit 2026

The prescribed age limit for GDS engagement is:

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: 40 years

Age will be calculated as on the last date of submission of applications.

Relaxation in the upper age limit is available for eligible categories as prescribed in the notification. The notification provides, among others:

Educational Qualification for GDS

Candidates applying for GDS engagement must have passed Secondary School Examination (Class 10) with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognized Board.

The applicant must also have studied the local language of the respective Post Office Circle at least up to Class 10, as prescribed in the notification.

The notification also lists the following as other qualifications:

• Knowledge of computer.
• Knowledge of cycling.
• Adequate means of livelihood.

Local Language Requirement

Knowledge of the prescribed local language is an important eligibility condition for GDS recruitment.

The notification contains the Circle-wise list of local languages in Annexure-III.

For example, the prescribed local language for several major Circles includes:

• Bihar – Hindi
• Jharkhand – Hindi
• Uttar Pradesh – Hindi
• Uttarakhand – Hindi
• Rajasthan – Hindi
• Madhya Pradesh – Hindi
• Odisha – Odia
• West Bengal – Bengali/Hindi as applicable under the notification

Candidates should check the complete Circle-wise language table before applying.

GDS Application Fee

The prescribed application fee is ₹100 for applicants who are required to pay the fee.

However, the notification provides exemption from the application fee for:

• All female applicants
• SC applicants
• ST applicants
• PwBD applicants
• Transwomen applicants

The notification also states that once the fee has been paid, it will not be refunded.

How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026

Applications are to be submitted online through the official GDS Online Engagement portal.

The notification provides the following broad process:

Step 1 – One-Time Registration

Candidates have to complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the GDS Online Engagement Portal.

A valid mobile number and email ID are required. These are used for OTP verification and communication.

Once registration is completed, a registration number is generated for the candidate.

Step 2 – Fill Online Application

After registration, candidates can log in using their registration number and password.

The online application includes details such as:

• Personal details
• Board/Educational details
• Circle selection
• Division and post preference
• Photograph and signature upload
• Application fee, wherever applicable

Candidates should carefully preview the application before final submission.

Step 3 – Pay Application Fee

Candidates who are required to pay the fee must complete the payment within the prescribed application period.

The application process is considered complete only after successful submission and payment, wherever applicable.

Photograph and Signature Requirements

The notification specifies requirements for uploading the photograph and signature.

For the photograph, candidates are required to upload a recent image in the prescribed format and size. The recommended photograph dimensions are 320 × 400 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 4:5.

For the signature, the recommended dimensions are 300 × 120 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 5:2.

Candidates should ensure that the uploaded photograph and signature are clearly visible before final submission. Applications with blurred photographs or signatures may be rejected.

GDS Selection Process 2026

One of the most important points for candidates is that the GDS selection is based on a system-generated merit list.

According to the notification:

• Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of marks obtained in the Secondary School Examination.
• Marks are converted into a percentage for merit preparation.
• Where grades/points are awarded, the prescribed conversion procedure is applied.
• The Department may apply tie-breaking criteria where candidates have equal marks.

There is no conventional written examination mentioned as the basis of the merit list in this notification.

GDS Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates are required to attend the designated authority for document verification.

The documents mentioned in the notification include:

• Marks sheet
• Identity proof
• Caste certificate, where applicable
• PwBD certificate, where applicable
• EWS certificate, where applicable
• Transgender certificate, where applicable
• Date of Birth proof
• Medical certificate
• Certificate relating to local language, wherever applicable

Candidates should carry the original documents along with the required copies as prescribed.

GDS Selection and Engagement Process

After document and physical verification, the selected candidate may receive an offer of provisional engagement.

The notification specifies further pre-engagement formalities, including verification of documents and completion of the required conditions.

On successful completion of the prescribed formalities, the engagement is regularized as per the applicable rules.

GDS Division and Post Preference

A candidate can apply for one or more vacant GDS posts within one selected Division.

Candidates should carefully select their preferences because the notification contains specific provisions regarding post preference and forfeiture of candidature for remaining preferences after selection.

Candidates are therefore advised to check the vacancy details and post preference carefully before final submission.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates should keep the following points in mind:

1. Only one registration is permitted per candidate.
2. Multiple or duplicate registrations/applications are strictly prohibited.
3. Candidates should provide correct personal and educational information.
4. Name, father's name, mother's name and date of birth should match the Class 10/matriculation certificate.
5. Blurred or unclear photographs/signatures can result in rejection.
6. Candidates should verify the application before final submission.
7. The Department will not be responsible for non-receipt of SMS/email.
8. Candidates should regularly check the official GDS portal for updates.
9. Candidates should not share their registration number, password or other personal information with others.
10. Applicants should complete the application and fee payment well before the closing date.

The notification also advises candidates to carefully read the complete instructions before applying.

Official GDS Recruitment Website

Candidates should use only the official India Post GDS Online Engagement portal for registration and application.

Official Website:
https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in

The notification itself directs candidates to the GDS Online Engagement portal for submitting applications.

Important Note

This article is prepared from the Department of Posts' GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 notification, Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated 20 August 2026.

Candidates should read the complete official notification and verify the latest vacancy position, eligibility and application details on the official portal before submitting an application.