India Post has opened the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July 2026 recruitment process for the posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak. The recruitment process includes One-Time Registration followed by online application submission through the GDS engagement portal.
The One-Time Registration window runs from August 31 to September 19, 2026, and the application submission window runs from September 2 to September 21, 2026, up to 5:00 PM. Candidates should complete both stages within their respective deadlines and carefully check the circle- and division-wise vacancies before submitting their preferences.
The Department of Posts issued the recruitment under Notification No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated August 20, 2026. Selection will be based on a system-generated merit list, prepared primarily on the basis of Class 10 marks, without a conventional written examination or interview.
Table of Contents
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment | GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July 2026 |
| Posts | BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak |
| Qualification | Class 10 pass |
| Registration Window | August 31 to September 19, 2026 |
| Application Window | September 2 to September 21, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 21, 2026, up to 5 PM |
| Selection | Merit based on Class 10 marks |
India Post GDS Schedule-II Recruitment 2026 follows separate registration and application windows. Candidates can complete One-Time Registration between August 31 and September 19, 2026, while the online application window runs from September 2 to September 21, 2026. Applicants should complete both stages within the prescribed deadlines and check the relevant circle- and division-wise vacancies before submitting their preferences.
Important Dates
India Post has kept separate windows for registration and application submission. Candidates must first complete the One-Time Registration process before proceeding with the application.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| One-Time Registration Window | August 31 to September 19, 2026 |
| Online Application Window | September 2 to September 21, 2026 |
| Application and Fee Deadline | September 21, 2026, up to 5 PM |
| Edit/Correction Window | September 23 to September 24, 2026 |
| Correction Window Closes | September 24, 2026, up to 5 PM |
Vacancy
The Schedule-II recruitment covers vacancies for three categories:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Dak Sevak
The descriptive notification refers candidates to the portal for the tentative circle- and division-wise vacancy position. Although several reports are using a figure of more than 25,000 posts, a consolidated official total is not clearly stated in the descriptive notification.
Candidates should therefore check the official Vacant Posts section before choosing their circle, division and post preferences.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the GDS Schedule-II engagement should have passed the Secondary School Examination (Class 10) from a recognised board.
The required qualification includes passing marks in:
- Mathematics
- English
Candidates are also required to have studied the prescribed local language of the concerned postal circle/division up to Class 10, as applicable.
Applicants should carefully check the circle-wise language requirement before selecting a post preference.
Age Limit
The minimum age for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is 18 years, and the maximum is 40 years. The upper age limit is subject to relaxation for eligible categories as per the official notification.
The notification also makes it clear that the age will be determined as of 21-09-2026.
| Category | Permissible Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| EWS | No relaxation |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
Candidates should calculate their age carefully based on the application closing date and check whether they are eligible for any applicable age relaxation before submitting the form.
Application Fee
The prescribed application fee is ₹100 for eligible candidates.
Fee exemptions are available for specified categories under the GDS engagement rules. Candidates should verify their applicable fee status during registration before making payment.
Selection Process
There is no conventional written examination or interview for GDS selection.
Applicants are shortlisted through a system-generated merit list based primarily on Class 10 marks. Marks or grades are converted according to the methodology prescribed by the Department of Posts.
The general selection stages are:
- Online application
- System-generated merit list based on Class 10 marks
- Candidate shortlisting
- Document verification
- Final engagement is subject to the fulfilment of eligibility conditions
Selection should therefore not be confused with competitive recruitment examinations conducted through written tests.
Salary
GDS employees receive Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) according to the post and applicable rules.
The commonly prescribed TRCA slabs for GDS posts are:
| Post | TRCA Range |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster | ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster / Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 |
Candidates should note that Gramin Dak Sevaks are governed by specific GDS engagement rules and are not regular Central Government employees in the same way as departmental civil service staff.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Candidates can complete the India Post GDS Schedule-II recruitment process through the official GDS Online Engagement portal during the prescribed registration and application windows.
- Open the India Post GDS Online Engagement portal.
- Complete the One-Time Registration process within the prescribed registration period.
- Enter the required personal, contact and educational details.
- Save the generated registration details.
- Access the Schedule-II application facility during the application window.
- Select the eligible postal circle, division and post preferences.
- Upload the prescribed photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee, wherever applicable.
- Review all information carefully.
- Submit the application by September 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
- Save the submitted application details for future reference.
Candidates who discover an error after submission should use the official September 23-24 correction window rather than attempting a duplicate registration.
Documents and Details Candidates Should Keep Ready
Applicants should keep the following information available before registration:
- Class 10 marksheet/certificate
- Date of birth details
- Valid mobile number
- Active email address
- Category details, where applicable
- Local-language qualification information
- Recent photograph
- Signature
- Fee-payment details, where applicable
Original documents will be important during the later verification stage.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Only one valid registration should be created by a candidate. Multiple or duplicate registrations can create problems during scrutiny.
Candidates should also avoid unofficial messages or emails claiming to provide selection, appointment or payment assistance. The Department of Posts has specifically cautioned applicants that official communication is sent through authorised government domains.
Applicants should complete registration and the application well before the closing hours, rather than waiting until the final day.
