Indian Post GDS Recruitment 2026: The Ultimate Guide for 10th Pass Job Seekers
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, has officially released the Indian Post GDS Recruitment 2026 notification (Schedule-I, January 2026). This recruitment drive is a massive opportunity for candidates across India who have completed their 10th standard and are looking for a stable, respectable engagement with the Central Government. The department is inviting online applications for the posts of Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS), which encompasses the roles of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak.
What makes this recruitment unique is its selection process: there is no written examination. Selection is based purely on the merit of your 10th-class marks. If you have good grades in your matriculation, you have a high chance of securing this job. The registration process begins on 31 January 2026, but the window to submit the full application and pay fees starts from 02 February 2026. This comprehensive guide covers every detail you need to know—from salary structures and job profiles to the step-by-step application process.
Key Highlights: India Post GDS Notification 2026
The “Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-I, January-2026” is now live. Candidates are advised to read the notification carefully to understand the circle-wise vacancies.
- Recruiting Organization: Department of Posts, Government of India
- Post Names: Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak
- Total Vacancies: 28,000+ (Tentative)
- Qualification: 10th Pass (Secondary School Examination)
- Selection Basis: Merit List (Based on 10th Marks)
- Application Mode: Online
- Registration Dates: 31 Jan 2026 – 14 Feb 2026
- Application Dates: 02 Feb 2026 – 16 Feb 2026
Job Profile and Responsibilities
Understanding the role is crucial before applying. The GDS recruitment covers three distinct profiles, each with specific duties.
1. Branch Postmaster (BPM) The BPM is the head of the Branch Post Office (B.O.).
- Core Duties: Managing day-to-day postal operations and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) services.
- Management: Promoting government schemes, marketing postal products, and maintaining records.
- Team Lead: In offices with other staff, the BPM supervises the ABPM. In single-handed BOs, the BPM handles everything including mail delivery.
- Location: Must reside in the Post Village where the BO is located.
2. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) The ABPM supports the BPM in running the office.
- Core Duties: Sale of stamps/stationery, conveyance, and delivery of mail at the doorstep.
- Banking: Assisting in IPPB deposits/payments.
- Flexibility: May need to perform BPM duties in their absence.
- Location: Must reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the BO.
3. Dak Sevak Dak Sevaks work in Departmental Offices like Head Post Offices (HO), Sub Post Offices (SO), or Railway Mail Services (RMS).
- Core Duties: Sale of stamps, mail delivery, and handling mailbags (receipt/dispatch).
- RMS Work: Sorting mail and assisting the Postmaster/Sub-Postmaster.
- Location: Must reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the Post Office.
Indian Post GDS Vacancy Breakdown 2026
The recruitment is conducted across 23 postal circles to fill approximately 28,000+ (Tentative) vacancies. While the exact number of vacancies varies by division, the posts are classified as follows:
| Post Name | Role Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| BPM | Admin & Operations | Branch Post Office (Village level) |
| ABPM | Delivery & Assistance | Branch Post Office |
| Dak Sevak | Delivery & Sorting | Head/Sub Post Offices & RMS |
Eligibility Criteria for GDS Recruitment 2026
The Department of Posts is strict about eligibility. Ensure you meet these criteria as of 16 February 2026.
Educational Qualification (10th Pass)
- Mandatory: A Secondary School Examination (10th Class) pass certificate with passing marks in Mathematics and English.
- Local Language: You must have studied the local language of the applied Circle at least up to the 10th standard (as a compulsory or elective subject).
- Example: To apply for the Maharashtra Circle, you must have studied Marathi/Konkani.
- Other Requirements:
- Computer Knowledge: Basic ability to use smartphones/laptops.
- Cycling: Knowledge of cycling is a pre-requisite for all GDS posts (riding a scooter/motorcycle is also accepted).
- Livelihood: Candidates must have an adequate means of livelihood to support themselves, as the GDS income is supplemental.
Age Limit (As on 16.02.2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 40 Years
Upper Age Relaxation:
- SC / ST: +5 Years
- OBC: +3 Years
- PwD (Unreserved): +10 Years
- PwD + OBC: +13 Years
- PwD + SC/ST: +15 Years
- EWS: No age relaxation.
Salary Structure: TRCA Explained
GDS employees receive a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) plus Dearness Allowance (DA).
| Post Category | TRCA Slab (Working Hours: 4-5 hrs) |
|---|---|
| BPM | ₹ 12,000/- to ₹ 29,380/- |
| ABPM / Dak Sevak | ₹ 10,000/- to ₹ 24,470/- |
Note: This is the basic slab. With DA added, the in-hand salary is significantly higher. GDS employees are also covered under a Gratuity and Service Discharge Benefit Scheme.
Selection Process: No Exam, Direct Merit
The Indian Post GDS Selection Process 2026 is completely automated to ensure transparency.
- System-Generated Merit List: Selection is based on the marks obtained in the 10th standard. No weightage is given for higher education.
- Grades to Marks Conversion:
- If your board gives grades (e.g., A1, B1), they are converted using a multiplication factor of 9.5.
- Example: A1 Grade (10 points) = 10 x 9.5 = 95 Marks.
- Tie-Breaking Rule: If two candidates have the same marks, the merit is decided in this order:
- Older candidate (Date of Birth).
- ST Trans-woman > ST Female > SC Trans-woman > SC Female > OBC Trans-woman > OBC Female > EWS Trans-woman > EWS Female > UR Trans-woman > UR Female > Male candidates.
- Physical Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process has two main stages: Registration and Application Submission.
Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Dates: 31 Jan to 14 Feb 2026.
- Action: Visit the official portal. Click “Registration”. Enter your basic details (Name, Father’s Name, DOB, Community, Mobile, Email).
- Output: You will receive a unique Registration Number.
Step 2: Submit Application
- Dates: 02 Feb to 16 Feb 2026.
- Action: Log in using your Registration Number.
- Fill Details: Select the Circle you applied for. Enter your address and 10th-class marks subject-wise. Be extremely careful entering marks.
- Preferences: Select the Division and exercise your post preferences. You can select multiple posts.
- Uploads:
- Photo: Recent JPG (30-100 KB).
- Signature: Clear JPG (20-100 KB).
- Payment: Pay the ₹100 fee (if applicable).
- Print: Take a printout of the final application.
Important: A correction window will be open from 18-19 Feb 2026 to edit fields (excluding Mobile/Email), but it’s best to get it right the first time.
Documents Required for Verification
If shortlisted, you must produce the following in original and two self-attested copies:
- 10th/SSC Mark Sheet & Certificate.
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable.
- PwD Certificate (if applicable).
- Transgender Certificate (if applicable).
- Date of Birth Proof.
- Medical Certificate (from Govt Hospital).
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 28 January 2026 |
| Registration Start Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Registration End Date | 14 February 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Application Submission Starts | 02 February 2026 |
| Application Submission Ends | 16 February 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16 February 2026 |
| Correction Window | 18 – 19 February 2026 |
Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹ 100/- |
| Female / SC / ST / PwD / Transwomen | Free (Exempted) |
Essential Links for Indian Post GDS 2026
Direct links to the official resources are provided below. Use them to verify details and apply.
- Official Notification PDF: Download Notification Here
- Apply Online: indiapostgdsonline.gov.in
- Official Website: indiapostgdsonline.gov.in
- Whatsapp Channel for Government Jobs: Join WhatsApp
- Telegram Channel for Government Jobs: Join Telegram
The Indian Post GDS Recruitment 2026 offers a stress-free entry into government service. By removing the barrier of a competitive exam, the Department of Posts allows your school hard work to pay off directly. Whether you are aiming for the managerial role of a BPM or the field-active role of a Dak Sevak, ensuring your application is error-free is key. Gather your documents, double-check your marks, and submit your application well before the 16 February 2026 deadline!