India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 – Complete Notification, Dates, Salary, Fees & Vacancy Details
The India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 has officially been announced by the Department of Posts, Government of India, with the notification dated 28 January 2026. This recruitment drive invites online applications for engagement to Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak posts across various postal circles. Online registration for GDS Recruitment 2026 begins on 31 January 2026, and the last date for submission of applications and payment of fees is 14 February 2026 up to 17:00 hours. The engagement process is fully merit-based, using Class 10 marks only, and does not involve any written examination or interview.
India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026
India Post continues to rely on the Gramin Dak Sevak system to strengthen rural postal services and last-mile delivery. GDS posts are engagement-based positions, not regular central government posts, but they offer a fixed Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) along with annual increments and applicable allowances.
This article explains every important aspect of India Post GDS Recruitment 2026, including dates, application fees, salary structure, vacancy details, eligibility, and selection process, strictly based on the official notification.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Key Overview
The GDS engagement process is conducted entirely online and follows a centralized, transparent system.
- Recruitment is based on merit only
- No examination or interview is conducted
Applicants are selected based on marks obtained in the Secondary School Examination.
Important Dates for India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026
All dates mentioned below are officially notified and must be followed carefully by applicants.
GDS Recruitment Schedule 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Issued | 28 January 2026 |
| Online Registration Start | 31 January 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 28740 |
| Application Submission Period | 02 February to 16 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 14 February 2026 (17:00 hrs) |
| Application Correction Window | 18–19 February 2026 |
| Final Engagement Process Closes | 30 June 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
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Applicants are advised not to wait until the last day to avoid technical issues.
Posts Available Under India Post GDS 2026
India Post engages candidates under three GDS categories:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Dak Sevak
Each post has different responsibilities, working hours, and TRCA slabs. Posting is location-specific, and candidates must be willing to work in rural or branch post offices.
Vacancy Details – How Vacancies Are Declared
The total number of vacancies is not released as a single consolidated figure in the notification.
Important vacancy facts:
- Vacancies are declared circle-wise and division-wise
- Detailed vacancy distribution is provided in Annexure-I
- Reservation applies for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories
Candidates must apply only for vacancies available in the circle they select.
Eligibility Criteria for India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification
- Passed Class 10 (Secondary School Examination) from a recognized board
- Must have studied local language up to Class 10
- Mathematics and English are mandatory subjects
Additional Requirements
- Basic computer knowledge
- Knowledge of cycling
- Adequate means of livelihood
Higher educational qualifications do not provide any additional advantage.
Age Limit and Relaxation Rules
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 40 years
Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules for:
- Scheduled Castes
- Scheduled Tribes
- Other Backward Classes
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities
Age is calculated as per the cut-off date mentioned in the notification.
India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 Salary Structure 2026 (TRCA)
GDS employees are paid under the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) system, depending on the post and working hours.
Salary Details (Monthly)
| Post | TRCA Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
| Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
Additional benefits include:
- 3% annual increment
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- GDS Gratuity
- Service Discharge Benefit Scheme
India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 Application Fee Details
The application fee structure is clearly defined in the notification.
- ₹100 for UR / OBC / EWS male candidates
- No fee for Female, SC, ST, PwBD, and Transgender candidates
The fee, once paid, is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Selection Process for India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026
There is no written examination and no interview.
Selection is based on:
- Marks obtained in Class 10
- Merit list prepared up to four decimal places
In case of a tie, priority is given as per the tie-breaking rules defined in the notification.
Job Conditions and Engagement Rules
GDS posts are not permanent government jobs.
Important conditions:
- Working hours: 4 to 5 hours per day
- BPM must arrange post office accommodation at own cost
- Transfer facility is generally not available
- Maximum engagement age: 65 years
Performance and conduct are continuously monitored.
FAQs
Q1: Is there any exam for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
No. Selection is purely based on Class 10 merit.
Q2: Are GDS posts permanent government jobs?
No. GDS posts are engagement-based and not regular civil service posts.
Q3: Can candidates edit their application after submission?
Yes, during the correction window on 18–19 February 2026.
Conclusion
The India Post Gramin Dak Sevak Recruitment 2026 provides a transparent and accessible opportunity for candidates seeking government-backed employment without competitive examinations. With clearly defined eligibility rules, merit-based selection, fixed salary structure, and officially notified dates, the recruitment process ensures fairness and simplicity. Candidates who carefully follow the notification guidelines, verify their eligibility, and submit accurate applications can confidently participate in the GDS engagement process and build a stable career with India Post.
| Notification Pdf | _GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January-2026.docx |
| Official Website | Click Here |