India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Schedule-II July-2026 Notification, Eligibility, Fee, Merit List & Apply Online
India Post has released the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 for engagement to GDS positions including Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak. The notification is issued by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications and is dated 20 August 2026. Eligible candidates can participate through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal during the prescribed registration and application period.
1. India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Introduction
The Department of Posts has opened another GDS engagement cycle for eligible candidates seeking postal service opportunities across different Circles and Divisions. The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is particularly relevant for candidates who have completed Class 10 and meet the prescribed age, local-language and other conditions.
Unlike recruitment processes that require a written examination followed by multiple competitive stages, the GDS engagement process is primarily merit based. The Department prepares a system-generated merit list using Class 10 performance, including the prescribed treatment of grades, grade points and CGPA wherever applicable.
The notification covers three broad GDS roles: Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak. The exact post availability is division-wise and candidates should check the official portal before selecting their preferred posts.
The notification also makes it clear that GDS personnel are not regular Central Government employees and their service conditions are governed by the applicable GDS Rules. The normal engagement involves work of four to five hours a day, subject to the applicable rules and duties.
2. India Post GDS Recruitment Process – Major Highlights
Here is a candidate-friendly overview of the recruitment. The vacancy position is intentionally described as Circle/Division-wise because the descriptive notification directs candidates to the GDS portal for the available vacancy position rather than giving a single consolidated vacancy figure in the notification.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Department | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India |
| Recruitment | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement |
| Schedule | Schedule-II, July-2026 |
| Notification Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Posts | Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak |
| Vacancy Position | Division/Circle-wise; candidates should check the official GDS portal for the available posts |
| Qualification | Class 10 / Secondary School Examination with Mathematics and English |
| Age Limit | 18 to 40 years, subject to applicable relaxation |
| Selection | System-generated merit list based mainly on Class 10 performance |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Basic TRCA – BPM | ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 |
| Basic TRCA – ABPM/Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 |
What does a GDS actually do?
A BPM is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Branch Post Office and related postal/IPPB activities. Depending on the office, the BPM may also handle mail conveyance, delivery and customer service responsibilities.
An ABPM assists with postal operations, mail delivery, stamps and stationery, IPPB transactions, customer service and other duties assigned by the Department. The ABPM may also perform BPM-related duties when required.
A Dak Sevak may work in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices, Transit Mail Offices, Delivery Centres or other Department of Posts establishments. Duties can include handling mail and parcels, delivery work, postal transactions and assistance in the functioning of the office.
Salary / TRCA
GDS personnel receive Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA). The notification specifies the initial basic TRCA slabs as follows:
- BPM: ₹12,000 – ₹29,380.
- ABPM/Dak Sevak: ₹10,000 – ₹24,470.
- TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to the applicable conditions.
- Dearness Allowance and specified social-security/other benefits are applicable under the GDS rules.
Candidates should not compare the GDS TRCA directly with the salary structure of regular Central Government employees because GDS engagement is governed by separate service conditions.
3. India Post GDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
The eligibility conditions are one of the most important parts of this recruitment. Candidates should check both the basic qualification and the local-language requirement before selecting a Division.
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Maximum age: 40 years.
- Age is considered as per the closing date of online application submission.
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| EWS | No age relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
Candidates who are unsure about their eligibility based on date of birth can use our Government Job Age Calculator before proceeding with the application.
Educational Qualification
The basic educational requirement is a Class 10 Secondary School Examination pass certificate from a recognized board, with passing marks in Mathematics and English. The notification also requires the candidate to have studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10.
Local Language Requirement
The local language requirement is important because eligibility and available posts are linked to the Circle, Division and language studied by the candidate. The candidate should have studied the relevant local language at least up to the 10th standard, subject to the special provisions mentioned in the notification.
The notification contains special provisions for Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim and Nagaland. Candidates applying in these areas should carefully check the specific language/proficiency rules instead of relying only on the general eligibility requirement.
- Arunachal Pradesh: specific provisions apply for English/Hindi and notified tribal languages/dialects.
- Goa: Konkani/Marathi-related language conditions apply.
- Sikkim: English plus the specified eligible local-language arrangement applies.
- Nagaland: English or Hindi plus knowledge of the notified tribal local languages/dialects is specified.
Other Required Qualifications
- Knowledge of computers.
- Knowledge of cycling.
- Adequate means of livelihood.
These are not merely optional skills mentioned for general awareness. The notification includes undertakings relating to computer knowledge, cycling and adequate means of livelihood at the engagement stage.
Reservation
Reservation is applicable according to the rules and conditions specified for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and PwBD categories. Candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation must possess the required valid certificate in the prescribed format and produce the original documents during physical verification.
The notification specifically states that EWS candidates receive reservation according to the prescribed rules but do not receive an additional upper-age relaxation. Candidates claiming OBC benefits should also ensure that they satisfy the applicable non-creamy-layer condition on the relevant date.
4. India Post GDS Application Fee 2026
The prescribed application fee is ₹100 for applicants who are required to pay the fee. The notification provides fee exemption for female applicants, SC/ST applicants, PwBD applicants and Transwomen applicants.
Eligible fee-paying candidates can use the available online payment methods such as credit/debit card, net banking or UPI. The Department advises candidates to complete the payment within the prescribed application window. A fee payment that remains incomplete after the closing time can result in rejection.
5. India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
The selection process is where this recruitment differs significantly from many other government jobs. There is no conventional written examination mentioned as a selection stage. Candidates are shortlisted through a system-generated merit list.
- Online registration: Create the required One-Time Registration using an active mobile number and email ID.
- Online application: Enter educational details, select the eligible Division and indicate post preferences.
- Merit preparation: The system prepares the merit list using Class 10 marks or the prescribed grade/point conversion.
- Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates are informed through the portal and registered communication channels.
- Physical document verification: Original documents are checked by the designated authority.
- Pre-engagement formalities: Candidates complete required formalities, including prescribed basic training and accommodation-related requirements where applicable.
- Provisional/final engagement: Engagement remains subject to successful verification and other required checks.
How is the GDS Merit List Calculated?
The merit list is based on the Class 10 Secondary School Examination. Where marks are available, the marks obtained are used. Where only grades/grade points are available, the Department applies the prescribed conversion method.
| Grade | Grade Point | Conversion Factor |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 10 | 9.5 |
| A2 | 9 | 9.5 |
| B1 | 8 | 9.5 |
| B2 | 7 | 9.5 |
| C1 | 6 | 9.5 |
| C2 | 5 | 9.5 |
| D | 4 | 9.5 |
Where CGPA is available, the notification specifies multiplication by 9.5 for conversion into marks. Where both individual grades and CGPA are available, the higher resulting marks are considered according to the prescribed procedure.
Tie-Breaking in Merit
When candidates have the same merit position, the Department has prescribed a priority sequence involving factors such as date of birth and category/gender-related criteria. The Department also retains the right to introduce additional criteria where required to resolve a tie.
6. India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
| Activity | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Online One-Time Registration | 31 August 2026 to 19 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM |
| Online Application & Fee Payment | 2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM |
| Correction / Edit Window | 23 September 2026 to 24 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM |
7. Important Links – India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Official GDS Online Engagement Portal:
Apply Online / Candidate Login
Detailed Notification:
Download India Post GDS Schedule-II July-2026 Notification
Candidates should rely on the official India Post GDS portal for the live Division-wise vacancy position, application status, shortlist information and subsequent updates.
Before Uploading Your Photograph and Signature
The application requires a recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format. Candidates should check the portal instructions carefully before uploading these files. If you need to resize an image before uploading, you can also use our online image compressor for government job applications .
8. India Post GDS Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Therefore, candidates should not spend time searching for a GDS written-exam syllabus for this recruitment. The core selection mechanism is the system-generated Class 10 merit list.
| Selection Element | What Candidates Should Know |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | Not prescribed as the shortlisting stage in this notification |
| Class 10 Marks | Primary basis for merit generation |
| Grades / Grade Points | Converted by the prescribed system method where applicable |
| CGPA | Converted using the prescribed 9.5 factor where applicable |
| Document Verification | Required for shortlisted candidates |
| Medical Certificate | Required at physical verification as applicable under the notification |
What Should Candidates Prepare?
Since there is no written examination, preparation should be practical rather than exam-oriented:
- Keep the original Class 10 marksheet ready.
- Check your name, parents' names and date of birth against your Class 10 record.
- Confirm that Mathematics and English requirements are satisfied.
- Verify the local language studied in Class 10.
- Keep category certificates ready if claiming reservation.
- Ensure your photograph and signature meet the portal requirements.
- Keep your mobile number and email account active throughout the recruitment process.
- Check the GDS portal regularly after submitting the application.
Application Process – A Safer Way to Apply
The application process has two major parts: One-Time Registration (OTR) and the subsequent online application. Candidates should use their own active mobile number and email ID because important communication and registration recovery functions are linked to these details.
- Create your One-Time Registration on the official GDS portal.
- Verify your mobile number and email through OTP.
- Enter personal details exactly as recorded in the Class 10 certificate.
- Log in during the application window.
- Enter your Class 10 board, passing year and marks/details.
- Select the eligible Division and arrange post preferences carefully.
- Upload the prescribed recent photograph and signature.
- Preview the complete application before final submission.
- Pay the fee if you belong to a fee-paying category.
- Save the registration/application details for future reference.
9. Document Verification and Joining – What Happens After Shortlisting?
Shortlisted candidates must report to the designated Divisional or Unit authority for physical verification within the prescribed period. The notification states that candidates who fail to report within the stipulated 15-day period can be treated as non-turned-up and their candidature can be cancelled.
Candidates should carry original documents along with the required self-attested copies. Depending on the candidate's circumstances, these can include the Class 10 marksheet, identity proof, caste certificate, PwBD certificate, EWS certificate, transgender certificate, date-of-birth proof and the prescribed medical certificate.
Candidates applying in the special-language states may also need the relevant certificate proving knowledge or proficiency in the prescribed local language/dialect.
Candidate Checklist Before Final Submission
- ☑ Confirm age eligibility.
- ☑ Confirm Class 10 qualification.
- ☑ Confirm Mathematics and English requirements.
- ☑ Confirm the local language requirement for your selected Division.
- ☑ Check your Class 10 marks carefully.
- ☑ Make sure name, parents' names and date of birth match the Class 10 certificate.
- ☑ Keep photograph and signature ready in the required format.
- ☑ Check whether you are exempt from the ₹100 fee.
- ☑ Select Division and post preferences carefully.
- ☑ Save your registration number and application information.
10. Conclusion
The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Schedule-II is an important opportunity for eligible Class 10 pass candidates because the recruitment does not require the conventional written examination used in many other government recruitment processes. Instead, the candidate's Class 10 academic performance plays a central role in merit generation.
However, a high Class 10 percentage alone does not guarantee engagement. Candidates must also satisfy the age, local-language, category, computer, cycling, livelihood and other applicable conditions, select an eligible Division and successfully complete document verification.
Candidates should therefore avoid rushing through the form. The safest approach is to verify eligibility first, enter Class 10 information exactly as recorded, review post preferences carefully and regularly monitor the official GDS portal for shortlist and subsequent engagement updates.
Disclaimer
This article has been independently written in simplified language for candidates and is intended for informational and educational purposes. It is not the official notification of the Department of Posts. Eligibility, vacancy availability, dates, reservation conditions, application rules and engagement procedures are subject to the official notification and subsequent instructions issued by India Post. Candidates should always verify the latest information on the official GDS Online Engagement Portal before submitting an application.
11. Frequently Asked Questions – India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
What is India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Schedule-II, July-2026 is an online engagement process for Gramin Dak Sevak positions such as BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak under the Department of Posts.
What is the qualification for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
The basic qualification is passing the Class 10 Secondary School Examination with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognized board, along with the applicable local-language requirement.
What is the age limit for GDS Recruitment 2026?
The general age range is 18 to 40 years, subject to the category-wise upper-age relaxations specified in the notification.
Is there a written exam for India Post GDS 2026?
No conventional written examination is prescribed as the shortlisting stage in this notification. Shortlisting is based on a system-generated merit list using Class 10 marks and the prescribed conversion method for grades, grade points and CGPA where applicable.
How is the GDS merit list prepared?
The merit list is generated using Class 10 Secondary School Examination performance. Where grades or grade points are applicable, the Department follows the prescribed conversion procedure. The resulting percentage is used for merit generation.
What is the application fee for GDS Recruitment 2026?
The prescribed fee is ₹100 for candidates who are required to pay it. Female candidates, SC/ST candidates, PwBD candidates and Transwomen candidates are exempted according to the notification.
What is the salary of India Post GDS?
The notification gives an initial TRCA slab of ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 for BPM and ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 for ABPM/Dak Sevak, along with applicable allowances and benefits under the GDS rules.
How many vacancies are available in GDS Schedule-II July-2026?
The descriptive notification does not provide a single consolidated vacancy number in its main text. Vacancy details are arranged division-wise, and candidates are directed to the official GDS portal for the available vacancy position. Candidates should therefore check the live portal rather than relying on an unverified total quoted elsewhere.
What are the important dates for GDS Schedule-II July-2026?
One-Time Registration is scheduled from 31 August to 19 September 2026. Online application and fee payment are scheduled from 2 September to 21 September 2026. The correction window is scheduled for 23 and 24 September 2026, with the prescribed closing time of 5:00 PM.
Can I submit more than one GDS registration?
No. The notification permits only one registration per candidate and specifically warns against duplicate or multiple registrations.
Does GDS require a computer qualification?
The notification lists knowledge of computers as one of the other qualifications and provides for an undertaking relating to computer literacy at the engagement stage.
Is cycling required for GDS?
Knowledge of cycling is listed among the other qualifications. The notification also provides for a declaration relating to the ability to ride a bicycle and/or drive a two-wheeler for performing GDS duties.
When will the GDS merit list be released?
The notification does not provide a fixed merit-list publication date in the schedule reproduced above. Candidates should monitor the official GDS Online Engagement Portal for shortlisting results and subsequent document-verification instructions.
What documents are required after GDS shortlisting?
Shortlisted candidates may need to produce their Class 10 marksheet, identity proof, applicable category or disability certificates, EWS certificate, date-of-birth proof, medical certificate and other documents relevant to their eligibility. Special local-language certificates may also be required in specified states.
Check eligibility → verify Class 10 details → select the correct Division → submit carefully → monitor the official portal.
The official portal remains the final authority for live vacancies, application status, shortlisting and subsequent engagement updates.
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