New Delhi: The Department of Posts has activated its latest Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July 2026, opening a major recruitment opportunity for candidates seeking Branch Postmaster, Assistant Branch Postmaster and Dak Sevak roles across India.
The recruitment is being reported as covering more than 25,000 vacancies across different postal circles and divisions. One-Time Registration will begin on August 31, while candidates will be able to submit applications from September 2, 2026.
Recruitment for BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak Posts
India Post is inviting applications for three categories of Gramin Dak Sevak positions:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Dak Sevak
The official notification states that vacancies are available across different offices of the Department of Posts, while the detailed division-wise vacancy position is being made available through the GDS recruitment portal.
Media reports published Thursday put the overall number at more than 25,000 posts, making this one of the larger postal recruitment drives announced this year.
India Post GDS 2026 Important Dates
The official India Post portal has confirmed the complete application schedule.
One-Time Registration: August 31 to September 19, 2026
Online Application: September 2 to September 21, 2026
Last time for application submission: 5 PM on September 21
Correction Window: September 23 to September 24, 2026
Candidates must complete registration before submitting their final application.
Only one registration is permitted per candidate. India Post warns that duplicate or multiple registrations can lead to cancellation of candidature.
Who Can Apply?
The minimum educational qualification is a Class 10 pass certificate from a recognised school education board.
Candidates must have passed Mathematics and English in Class 10. They must also have studied the prescribed local language at least up to Class 10, subject to special provisions applicable in certain states.
Applicants are additionally required to possess:
- Basic knowledge of computers
- Knowledge of cycling
- Adequate means of livelihood
The official notification also includes specific local-language requirements for states including Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Sikkim and Nagaland.
Age Limit: 18 to 40 Years
Candidates must be at least 18 years old and not more than 40 years old as on the closing date for applications.
Upper-age relaxation is available for eligible reserved categories.
The notification specifies relaxation of:
- 5 years for SC/ST candidates
- 3 years for OBC candidates
- 10 years for PwBD candidates
- Higher relaxation for PwBD candidates belonging to OBC or SC/ST categories
EWS candidates receive reservation benefits but no additional upper-age relaxation.
No Written Examination for GDS Selection
One of the biggest attractions of India Post GDS recruitment is that candidates do not have to sit for a conventional written competitive examination.
Selection will be made through a system-generated merit list based on Class 10 marks, according to the recruitment rules reported with the notification.
Marks are calculated according to the Department’s prescribed methodology, with shortlisted candidates subsequently required to complete document verification and other pre-engagement formalities.
This makes Class 10 academic performance particularly important for candidates applying for the available posts.
GDS Salary: Up to ₹29,380 TRCA
Gramin Dak Sevaks are paid through the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) system rather than the regular Central Government employee pay structure.
The basic TRCA ranges specified by India Post are:
BPM: ₹12,000 to ₹29,380
ABPM/Dak Sevak: ₹10,000 to ₹24,470
TRCA carries an annual increase of 3% subject to applicable conditions, and GDS personnel are also eligible for Dearness Allowance and certain other benefits under the relevant rules.
India Post specifically clarifies that GDS personnel are not regular Central Government employees and that their service conditions and entitlements are different from those of regular government staff.
Working Hours and Job Responsibilities
GDS personnel are generally required to work for a minimum of four hours and a maximum of five hours per day, according to the official notification.
Branch Postmasters are responsible for day-to-day operations of Branch Post Offices, including postal and India Post Payments Bank services.
Assistant Branch Postmasters may handle mail delivery, stamps and stationery, IPPB transactions and assistance to BPMs.
Dak Sevaks can work in post offices, sorting offices, mail offices, transit mail offices and delivery centres, carrying out mail handling, delivery and other postal duties.
BPM Candidates Must Arrange Office Accommodation
Candidates applying for BPM posts should carefully read an important condition.
Selected Branch Postmasters must arrange accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost before engagement and must reside in the village where the post office operates.
ABPMs and Dak Sevaks are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of their respective post office.
Application Fee
The application fee is ₹100 for eligible UR, OBC and EWS male applicants, according to recruitment details published with the notification.
SC, ST, PwBD, female and transwoman candidates are exempt from payment of the application fee.
Candidates should confirm their applicable fee while submitting the online application.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Candidates must use the official India Post GDS Online Engagement portal.
The process broadly involves completing One-Time Registration using an active mobile number and email address, entering personal and Class 10 details, selecting the desired postal circle/division and post preferences, uploading a recent photograph and signature, paying the applicable fee and submitting the application.
India Post says important updates concerning shortlisting and provisional engagement will be sent to the registered mobile number and email address, although candidates should continue checking the official portal regularly.
Candidates Warned Against Fraudulent Messages
India Post has issued a specific security warning with the latest recruitment.
Candidates have been advised not to trust suspicious emails or messages claiming to represent the Department.
Official communications use email addresses ending in @indiapost.gov.in or @indiapostgdsonline.gov.in, and the Department says it will not be responsible for misleading recruitment messages circulated through unauthorised sources.
With registration beginning August 31 and applications opening September 2, candidates interested in the latest GDS recruitment should review the circle-wise vacancies, local-language requirements and eligibility conditions carefully before applying.
Source – Department of Posts, Government of India / Times of India
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