Looking for stable government employment without facing competitive exams? The massive GDS recruitment drive by India Post is your perfect opportunity. We have exciting news as India Post Opens 28740 GDS Recruitment Drive for 2026. This significant recruitment initiative offers 10th pass candidates the chance to secure government positions without taking any written examination.
According to official sources, the India Post GDS recruitment 2026 notification is scheduled for release on January 31, 2026. Importantly, interested candidates can submit their online applications from January 31 to February 14, 2026. What makes this opportunity particularly appealing is the straightforward selection process – candidates will be evaluated solely based on their Class 10 marks for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS), Branch Postmaster (BPM), and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) positions. In addition, the final merit list for this recruitment drive is expected to be released by February 28, 2026. If you’re eligible and interested, we recommend preparing your documents ahead of time to ensure a smooth application process.
India Post Announces 28740 GDS Vacancies for 2026
The Department of Posts has officially announced its massive Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) recruitment drive for 2026. This nationwide initiative aims to fill 28,740 positions across 23 postal circles throughout India. The official notification will be released on January 31, 2026, detailing the complete recruitment process for candidates interested in securing a government job with India Post.
What is India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 represents a significant employment opportunity primarily targeting candidates who have completed their 10th standard education. Essentially, this recruitment process is designed to fill various postal service positions in rural and semi-urban areas to enhance connectivity in remote regions. The selection process is uniquely merit-based, relying completely on candidates’ Class 10th marks without any written examination or interview.
The recruitment falls under the authority of India Post, which operates under the Ministry of Communications and maintains one of the world’s largest postal networks. This network provides essential services, including mail delivery, banking, insurance, and parcel service,s even in the most remote areas of the country.
Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply. These include:
- Educational qualification: Secondary School Examination pass certificate (10th standard) with passing marks in Mathematics and English
- Age requirements: Between 18 and 40 years
- Knowledge of local language: Candidates should have studied the local language at least up to the 10th Standard
Furthermore, once the application period concludes, an automated selection system generates a provisional merit list based on academic performance in the 10th standard. This approach streamlines the recruitment process while ensuring fair selection based on academic merit.
Which posts are included under GDS?
The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 encompasses three primary positions, each with distinct responsibilities and salary structures:
Branch Postmaster (BPM): These professionals manage the day-to-day postal operations of Branch Post Offices and India Post Payments Bank activities. Their responsibilities include marketing and promotion of departmental products and services, operating Customer Service Centers, and overseeing branch functions. BPMs receive a monthly salary ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹29,380.
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM): These staff members assist BPMs with postal operations as prescribed by the department. Their duties include selling stamps and stationery, mail delivery, and handling deposits/payments/transactions for India Post Payments Bank. ABPMs earn between ₹10,000 and ₹24,470 monthly.
Dak Sevak: These personnel handle mail delivery, sell stamps/stationery, and process financial transactions. Moreover, they may work in sorting offices of the Railway Mail Service and handle mail bag receipt, dispatch, and transhipment. Their salary structure matches that of ABPMs, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 per month.
How many vacancies are available state-wise?
The 28,740 vacancies announced for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 are distributed across 23 postal circles throughout India. Maharashtra leads with the highest allocation of 3,553 vacancies, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 3,169 positions. The complete state-wise breakdown is as follows:
| State/Circle | Vacancies | State/Circle | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 3,553 | Uttar Pradesh | 3,169 |
| West Bengal | 2,982 | Madhya Pradesh | 2,120 |
| Tamil Nadu | 2,009 | Gujarat | 1,830 |
| Kerala | 1,691 | Bihar | 1,347 |
| Chhattisgarh | 1,155 | Odisha | 1,191 |
| North Eastern | 1,014 | Karnataka | 1,023 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1,060 | Jharkhand | 908 |
| Assam | 639 | Rajasthan | 634 |
| Telangana | 609 | Himachal Pradesh | 520 |
| Uttarakhand | 445 | Haryana | 270 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 267 | Punjab | 262 |
| Delhi | 42 | Total | 28,740 |
Nonetheless, officials have noted that these figures are tentative and may be updated in the final notification. Candidates are advised to check the official notification for the most accurate vacancy information.
India Post Opens Online Application Window
The online registration window for the much-awaited India Post GDS recruitment 2026 is set to open soon. Aspiring candidates should mark their calendars as the Department of Posts has established a clear timeline for this massive recruitment drive, offering ample opportunity for interested applicants to secure these coveted government positions.
When does the GDS online form start and end?
The GDS online form submission period has been officially scheduled with specific dates. Candidates can submit their applications online from January 31 to February 14, 2026. The entire application process follows a structured timeline:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Detailed notification release | 31st January 2026 |
| Beginning of online application | January 31, 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 14th February 2026 |
| Online fee payment last date | 14th February 2026 |
| Release of merit list | 28th February 2026 |
The application process requires a mandatory registration step before candidates can proceed to complete their applications. First, candidates must register on the portal and subsequently complete the actual application form within the specified timeframe.
What is the official GDS website?
The official portal for India Post GDS recruitment is indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. This is the only authentic website for submitting applications for the GDS recruitment 2026. The portal serves multiple functions:
- Registration and application submission
- Fee payment
- Application status checking
- Application correction during the designated window
- Merit list publication
After successful registration, candidates can apply to any one Division in any circle. However, the visibility of circles depends on whether the candidate has studied the mandatory language required for that particular circle in the 10th class. This is an important consideration when selecting which postal circle to apply for.
The portal generally opens twice a year—typically in January and July. For the current recruitment cycle, candidates should specifically focus on the January 2026 window to ensure they don’t miss this opportunity. The registration process is mandatory and serves as the first step in the application journey.
India Post Sets Eligibility Criteria for GDS Posts
Candidates interested in the India Post GDS recruitment 2026 must fulfill specific eligibility requirements established by the postal department. These criteria ensure qualified individuals are selected for these crucial rural postal service roles.
What is the educational qualification required?
The educational qualification for India Post GDS recruitment 2026 is straightforward yet specific. Firstly, candidates must have completed the Secondary School Examination (Class 10th) from a recognized board with passing marks in Mathematics and English as either compulsory or elective subjects. A higher qualification is neither required nor given any additional weightage in the selection process.
Additionally, applicants must have studied the local language of the postal circle they’re applying to at least up to the 10th standard level. This requirement ensures candidates can effectively communicate with residents in rural areas. Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the local language is mandatory for all GDS positions.
What is the age limit and relaxation policy?
The standard age criteria for GDS recruitment 2026 stipulates that candidates must be between 18 and 40 years of age as calculated on the application deadline date. Nevertheless, the department offers age relaxations for various categories as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 |
| OBC | 3 |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 10 years |
| PwD + OBC | 13 |
| PwD + SC/ST | 15 |
Importantly, although EWS candidates receive no age relaxation, they are eligible for a 10% reservation in the recruitment process.
What other skills are mandatory for GDS roles?
Beyond academic qualifications and age requirements, several practical skills are essential for GDS roles. Basic computer knowledge is mandatory for all positions. This requirement can be fulfilled either through a Certificate in Computer Training (minimum 60 days) or by having studied Computer as a subject in Class 10 or higher.
Furthermore, knowledge of cycling is compulsory for all applicants. This skill is practical, considering that mail delivery duties in rural areas often require navigating through various terrains.
Apart from these specific skills, candidates must also demonstrate that they have adequate means of livelihood. Both married and unmarried individuals can apply for these positions. Correspondingly, candidates already employed in other government jobs must resign before engagement in GDS roles.
The complete verification of all eligibility criteria happens during document verification, making it vital for candidates to ensure they meet all requirements before applying through the GDS online form.
India Post Details Selection Process and Merit List
Unlike traditional government jobs, the India Post GDS selection follows a unique and straightforward approach. The entire process prioritizes transparency with clearly defined steps from application to final appointment for the GDS recruitment 2026.
How is the GDS merit list prepared?
The India Post GDS merit list is prepared entirely based on candidates’ 10th standard marks. There is no written examination or personal interview involved at any stage. This system-generated merit list evaluates academic performance by converting marks to a percentage calculated to four decimal places for maximum accuracy.
For applicants whose mark sheets show both grades and marks, only the total marks are considered. In cases where only subject-wise grades are available, marks are calculated for each subject using a multiplying factor of 9.5. This approach ensures candidates with higher academic performance receive preference in the selection process.
In case two or more candidates have identical marks, the tie-breaking follows this order:
- Older candidate gets preference
- If birth dates match, the order becomes: ST Female, SC Female, OBC Female, UR Female, followed by ST Male, SC Male, OBC Male, and UR Male.
What happens after the merit list is released?
Once the India Post GDS merit list is published, shortlisted candidates must undergo document verification. This critical step must be completed within 15 days of the result announcement. Candidates whose names appear in the list must report to their designated Divisional or Unit Head where the vacancy was notified.
For verification, candidates need to bring:
- Original 10th standard mark sheet
- Valid identity proof and birth certificate
- Caste/community certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Other relevant documents as specified
Besides original documents, two sets of self-attested photocopies must be submitted. Failure to report within the 15-day timeframe results in automatic cancellation of the application. The system marks such cases as “Non-turned up,” with no further verification allowed.
Is there any exam or interview involved?
Absolutely not. The India Post GDS recruitment process stands apart from most government recruitment drives as it involves no written examination or interview. Selection is based exclusively on 10th standard marks, making it accessible to candidates without specialized preparation.
This streamlined approach makes thIndia Post GDS recruitment process particularly attractive for candidates seeking government employment without facing competitive examinations. Following document verification, candidates undergo a medical fitness check as per India Post norms. Only afterward is the final selection confirmed and appointment letters issued.
India Post Shares Salary Structure and Job Role
Pay packages form a crucial incentive for candidates applying through the India Post GDS recruitment process. Let’s examine what successful applicants can expect in terms of compensation and responsibilities.
What is the salary for BPM, ABPM, and GDS?
The India Post GDS salary structure operates on a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) system rather than standard pay scales. Branch Postmasters (BPMs) receive monthly compensation ranging from ₹12,000 to ₹29,380. Meanwhile, Assistant Branch Postmasters (ABPMs) and Gramin Dak Sevaks earn between ₹10,000 and ₹24,470 monthly.
Salary variations depend primarily on working hours:
| Position | TRCA (4 Hours) | TRCA (5 Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| BPM | ₹12,000 | ₹14,500 |
| ABPM/Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 | ₹12,000 |
Plus, the annual package for BPM typically totals ₹1,44,000, whereas ABPM and GDS positions receive ₹1,20,000 yearly.
What are the job responsibilities?
Branch Postmasters manage the daily operations of rural post offices and India Post Payments Bank activities. They oversee mail conveyance, delivery services, and promote postal products.
Assistant Branch Postmasters support BPMs, handle stamps/stationery sales, doorstep mail delivery, and manage IPPB transactions.
Dak Sevaks (GDS) deliver mail, sell postal products, process financial transactions, and may work in Railway Mail Service sorting offices. Consequently, they serve as vital links between government services and rural communities. Importantly, GDS positions are not regular government employee roles, requiring only 4-5 hours of daily service.
Where to apply for the India Post GDS recruitment?
Candidates must exclusively submit their applications through the official online portal. As clearly stated by postal authorities, “The applications are to be submitted online through the portal only”. Applicants should not attempt to correspond with postal authorities regarding their submitted applications through any other means.
The application process follows these steps:
- Visit the official India Post GDS recruitment website
- Register by providing your name, mobile number, and email to receive a unique registration ID
- Log in using the registration details
- Fill in the required information in the application form
- Upload necessary documents, photographs, and signatures
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the form and print a confirmation page for future reference
Regarding the application fee, candidates must pay Rs. 100 for online submission of applications. Notably, all female/trans-woman candidates and all SC/ST candidates are exempted from this payment. The payment must be made online through the portal itself, and applications without fee payment (where required) will not be considered valid.