India Post GDS Online Engagement 2026:
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication, Government of India, has released the official notification for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026. This comprehensive recruitment drive offers opportunities for eligible candidates to join India Post as Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak across various postal circles in India.
Key Highlights of India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
- Notification Number: 17-37/2025-GDS (Pt. I)
- Notification Date: January 28, 2026
- Registration Start Date: January 31, 2026
- Application Submission Start: February 02, 2026
- Application Mode: Online only
- Official Website: https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
Important Dates for GDS Online Engagement 2026
| Activity | Schedule |
| Online One-Time Registration | 31.01.2026 to 14.02.2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Submission of Online Applications & Fee Payment | 02.02.2026 to 16.02.2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | 18.02.2026 to 19.02.2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
GDS Vacancy Details 2026
The Department of Posts is recruiting for the following positions:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Dak Sevak
The exact number of vacancies varies by Circle and Division. Division-wise vacancy positions will be available on the official portal.
Eligibility Criteria for GDS Posts 2026
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 40 years (as on the last date of application submission)
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): 10 years
- PwBD + OBC: 13 years
- PwBD + SC/ST: 15 years
- EWS: No relaxation
Educational Qualification
- 10th Standard (SSE) pass certificate from a recognized Board of School Education
- Passing marks in Mathematics and English are mandatory
- Knowledge of local language at least up to 10th standard
- Computer knowledge (required)
- Knowledge of cycling (required)
Special Provisions: Special language provisions apply for Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and Sikkim. Candidates must refer to the official notification for detailed requirements.
GDS Salary and Allowances 2026
Gramin Dak Sevaks are paid emoluments in the form of Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) with an annual increase of 3%, subject to fulfillment of conditions.
| Category | TRCA Slab |
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | Rs. 12,000/- to Rs. 29,380/- |
| ABPM / Dak Sevak | Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 24,470/- |
Additional Benefits:
- Dearness Allowance as per Government norms
- GDS Gratuity
- Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (similar to NPS)
Read More: India Post GDS Salary 2026, Salary Structure & In-hand Salary
Application Fee for GDS Recruitment 2026
- General/OBC/EWS Candidates: Rs. 100/-
- SC/ST/PwBD/Female/Transgender: No Fee
Payment Mode: Online only (Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
Note: Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application for GDS posts:
Step 1: One-Time Registration
- Visit the official website: https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
- Click on ‘Candidate Login/Register’ button
- Select ‘New Candidate Registration’
- Enter valid mobile number and email ID (will be verified via OTP)
- Fill in personal details accurately
- Create password and submit
- Note your registration number for future reference
Step 2: Fill Online Application Form
- Login using registration number and password
- Fill personal details, educational qualifications
- Select Circle and Division based on local language studied
- Upload recent photograph (JPG/JPEG, 30-100 KB, 320×400 pixels)
- Upload signature (JPG/JPEG, 20-100 KB, 300×120 pixels)
- Review all details in preview mode
Step 3: Pay Application Fee
- Make online payment if applicable
- Complete payment within 10 minutes
- Keep transaction details for future reference
Step 4: Final Submission
- Submit the application before 5:00 PM on the closing date
- Take a printout for future reference
Selection Process for GDS Posts
Selection is based on merit list prepared from 10th standard marks:
- Merit list based on percentage of marks in 10th standard (up to 4 decimal places)
- For grade-based marksheets, grades will be converted using multiplication factor of 9.5
- In case of tie, preference given based on DOB, gender, and category
- Shortlisted candidates called for document verification within 15 days
- Physical verification of original documents by Division/Unit Head
- 30 days to complete pre-engagement formalities after offer
Documents Required for Verification
Shortlisted candidates must carry original documents and two self-attested photocopies:
- 10th standard marksheet
- Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID)
- Caste certificate (if applicable, in prescribed format)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- EWS certificate (if applicable)
- Date of Birth proof
- Medical certificate from Government Hospital/PHC
- Local language proficiency certificate (for Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Goa)
Important Instructions for GDS Applicants
- Only one registration permitted per candidate; multiple applications will be rejected
- Mobile number and email ID cannot be changed after registration
- Name, father’s name, mother’s name, DOB must match 10th certificate exactly
- No documents to be uploaded during application; only photo and signature required
- Applications with blurred photographs/signatures will be rejected
- Correction window available for 2 days after application closing date
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues
- GDS are not regular government employees; governed by GDS Rules 2020
GDS Service Conditions
- Not regular Central Government employees
- Working hours: 4-5 hours per day
- Retirement age: 65 years
- Governed by GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020
- BPMs must arrange accommodation for Branch Post Office at own cost
- Must have another source of income for livelihood
- Required to serve mostly in rural areas
Job Profile of GDS Posts
Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Day-to-day postal operations of Branch Post Office
- India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) operations
- Marketing and promotion of postal products and services
- Overall responsibility of smooth functioning including mail delivery
- Must reside in the post village
Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Sale of stamps/stationery
- Conveyance and delivery of mail at doorstep
- IPPB transactions
- Assist BPM in postal operations
- Must reside within delivery jurisdiction of Branch Office
Dak Sevak
- Sale of stamps/stationery and mail delivery
- IPPB deposits/payments/transactions
- Work in sorting offices of Railway Mail Service
- Receipt-dispatch of mailbags, transhipment
- Must reside within delivery jurisdiction of Head/Sub Post Office
Reservation Policy
- SC/ST: As per state reservation percentage
- OBC: As per state reservation percentage
- EWS: 10% reservation
- PwBD: 4% (1% each in Low Vision, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Locomotor Disability, and Specific Learning Disability categories)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for multiple divisions?
No, you can apply for posts in only one division. However, you can give preferences for multiple posts within that division.
Q2: Is there any written exam or interview?
No, selection is purely merit-based on 10th standard marks. There is no written exam or interview.
Q3: What if I have only grades in my 10th marksheet?
Enter your grades as they appear. The system will automatically convert grades to marks using a multiplication factor of 9.5.
Q4: Can I edit my application after submission?
Yes, a 2-day correction window (February 18-19, 2026) is provided after the application closing date. However, mobile number and email ID cannot be changed.
Q5: Are GDS posts permanent government jobs?
No, GDS are not regular Central Government employees. They are governed by GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020 and work 4-5 hours per day.
Q6: What is the selection process timeline?
After the application deadline, merit lists will be released. Shortlisted candidates must appear for document verification within 15 days and complete joining formalities within 30 days of provisional engagement offer.
Q7: Do I need to arrange accommodation for all GDS posts?
Only Branch Postmasters (BPMs) need to provide accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost. ABPMs and Dak Sevaks do not need to arrange office accommodation but must reside within the delivery jurisdiction.
Important Links
- Official Website: https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
- Department of Posts Official Website: www.indiapost.gov.in
- GDS Rules 2020: Downlaod PDF
Conclusion
The India Post GDS Online Engagement 2026 is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking part-time government-related employment in postal services. With positions available across multiple circles and divisions, eligible candidates should carefully read the official notification, ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, and submit their applications before the deadline. The online application process is straightforward, but candidates must be careful about filling accurate details as per their 10th standard certificates. Mark your calendar for the important dates and prepare all necessary documents in advance for a smooth application process.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification dated January 28, 2026, available on the India Post GDS Online Engagement portal for complete and authentic information. The Department of Posts reserves the right to modify or cancel the notification at any time.
