Post Date: February 2, 2026
In a significant boost to government job opportunities, the Department of Post has officially announced the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 (Gramin Dak Sevak). This massive recruitment drive aims to fill approximately 28,740 vacancies across the country. If you have been searching for a stable and respectful government position, this could be your golden opportunity. The online application process began on January 31, 2026, and will remain open until February 14, 2026. This article serves as your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to understanding and successfully applying for these coveted post office vacancies in 2026.
Table of Contents:
Understanding Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Roles
Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand what a Gramin Dak Sevak does. GDS are the backbone of India’s rural postal network, providing essential postal, financial, and retail services in villages. The recruitment is primarily for three roles:
- Branch Post Master (BPM): Manages the branch post office.
- Assistant Branch Post Master (ABPM): Assists the BPM in daily operations.
- Dak Sevak: Handles delivery and other postal duties.
These positions are not just jobs; they are opportunities to serve the community and be a vital part of India’s communication infrastructure.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Department of Post, India Post |
| Post Name | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) – BPM, ABPM, Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 28,740 (Approximate) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 40 Years |
| Age Relaxation | As per Government of India rules |
| Essential Qualification | Class 10 Pass with Mathematics and English |
| Selection Process | Merit-Based (Class 10 marks) & Document Verification |
| Job Nature | Rural Postal Service |
Important Dates: Mark Your Calendar
Timing is everything. Missing a deadline can cost you this opportunity. Here are the critical dates for the India Post GDS Online Form 2026:
| Event | Start Date | Last Date |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Submission | 31 January 2026 | 14 February 2026 |
| Application Fee Payment | 31 January 2026 | 16 February 2026 |
| Final Submission & Payment | — | 16 February 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 18 February 2026 | 19 February 2026 |
| Merit List Release | To be announced soon (Expected February 2026) |
Pro Tip: Do not wait for the last day to apply. Technical glitches or server issues are common during peak hours close to the deadline.
Vacancy Distribution: Circle-Wise Breakdown
The post office vacancy 2026 is distributed across 23 postal circles in India. Knowing the vacancies in your state helps gauge the competition. Here is the detailed breakdown:
| Postal Circle / State | Local Language | Number of Posts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Konkani / Marathi | 3,553 | |
| Uttar Pradesh | Hindi | 3,169 | |
| West Bengal | Bengali / Hindi / English / Nepali | 2,982 | |
| Tamil Nadu | Tamil | 2,009 | |
| Madhya Pradesh | Hindi | 2,120 | |
| Gujarat | Gujarati | 1,830 | |
| Kerala | Malayalam | 1,691 | |
| Odisha | Oriya | 1,191 | |
| Chhattisgarh | Hindi | 1,155 | |
| Andhra Pradesh | Telugu | 1,060 | |
| Karnataka | Kannada | 1,023 | |
| North Eastern Region | Multiple* | 1,014 | |
| Bihar | Hindi | 1,347 | |
| Assam | Assamese / Bengali / Bodo / Hindi | 639 | |
| Jharkhand | Hindi | 908 | |
| Himachal Pradesh | Hindi | 520 | |
| Rajasthan | Hindi | 634 | |
| Uttarakhand | Hindi | 445 | |
| Telangana | Telugu | 609 | |
| Punjab | Punjabi / English / Hindi | 262 | |
| Haryana | Hindi | 270 | |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Hindi / Urdu | 267 | |
| Delhi | Hindi | 42 | |
| ** | Total | 28,740 |
*North Eastern includes states like Manipur, Mizoram, etc.
Eligibility Criteria for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Are You Qualified?
1. Educational Qualification (Mandatory)
- You must have passed the Class 10 (Secondary School Examination) from a recognized board.
- Compulsory Subjects: You must have studied Mathematics and English as subjects.
- Local Language: You must have studied the official language of the state/region (as listed in the table above) up to at least Class 10. This is crucial for effective communication in the role.
- Computer Knowledge: Basic computer training or knowledge is desirable, as operations are becoming digitized.
2. Age Limit (As on 01 January 2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 40 years
- Age Relaxation: Applicable as per Government of India norms for reserved categories (SC/ST, OBC, PwD, Ex-Servicemen). Candidates must check the official notification for exact details.
3. Other Requirements
- You should have a means of livelihood to support yourself, as the position may initially be on a time-bound engagement.
- Knowledge of cycling is an added advantage, especially for delivery roles.
Application Fee: Category-Wise Details
The application fee is nominal and varies by category. Payment can only be made online.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 100 |
| SC / ST Candidates | ₹ 0 (No Fee) |
| All Female Candidates | ₹ 0 (No Fee) |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | ₹ 0 (No Fee) |
Accepted Online Payment Modes:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI (IMPS)
- Mobile Wallets
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps meticulously to ensure a smooth and error-free application for the post office vacancy 2026.
Step 1: Registration
- Go to the official engagement portal: https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in.
- Click on the link “Registration” or “Apply Online” for GDS Recruitment 2026.
- Enter your basic details like Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, and Email ID to generate a Registration Number. Your mobile number and email must be active for OTPs and future communications.
Step 2: Fee Payment
- Log in using your new Registration Number and password.
- Navigate to the ‘Fee Payment’ section.
- Select your payment mode and pay the applicable fee (see table above). Save the payment receipt/transaction ID.
Step 3: Filling the Application Form
- After successful payment, the ‘Apply Online’ form will activate.
- Fill in all details carefully:
- Personal Details: Name, Father’s Name, Category, etc.
- Educational Details: Class 10 marks, board, year of passing, etc.
- Postal Circle & Division Preference: Choose your desired circle and division carefully. You can select multiple preferences.
- Address for Communication.
Step 4: Uploading Documents
Prepare scanned copies (in prescribed format: JPG/PDF, size: 50KB-1MB) of the following:
- Photograph: Recent passport-sized color photo.
- Signature: Your signature on white paper.
- Class 10 Marksheet: As proof of qualification and age.
- Category Certificate (if applicable): SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD certificate.
- Other relevant documents.
Step 5: Final Submission and Printout
- Review every section of the form thoroughly. Use the “Correction Window” (Feb 18-19) only if necessary, as edits are limited.
- Submit the application form.
- Download and print the final submitted application form for your records and future stages of the recruitment process.
Selection Process: How Will You Be Selected?
There is no written examination for the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026. The selection is completely merit-based, making your Class 10 marks extremely important.
- Merit List Generation: A merit list will be prepared circle-wise and category-wise based on the percentage of marks obtained in Class 10. Higher marks increase your ranking.
- Document Verification (DV): Candidates shortlisted in the merit list will be called for document verification at designated centers. You must present all original certificates and proofs.
- Final Appointment: Based on merit ranking and successful DV, candidates will be offered the post in their preferred division, subject to availability.
Salary and Benefits: What Can You Expect?
While GDS positions are time-bound engagements, they offer a respectable pay scale along with other benefits:
- TRCA (Time Related Continuity Allowance): This is the monthly remuneration.
- For ABPM/Dak Sevak: Ranges from ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 24,470 per month.
- For BPM: Ranges from ₹ 12,000 to ₹ 29,380 per month.
- Other Allowances: May include dearness allowance, annual increase, and other benefits as per India Post rules.
- Service Benefits: Includes paid leave, maternity leave, and contingency allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I am 42 years old but belong to the OBC category. Can I apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
A: Yes, likely. The upper age limit for OBC candidates is usually relaxed by 3 years. So, if the general limit is 40, OBC candidates can apply up to 43 years (as on 01-01-2026). Always confirm from the official notification.
Q2: I passed Class 10 but did not have Mathematics. Can I still apply?
A: No. Passing Class 10 with both Mathematics and English is a mandatory eligibility criterion. Your application will be rejected at the verification stage if you lack either subject.
Q3: How many posts can I apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?
A: You submit one application, but within it, you can indicate your preference for multiple postal circles and divisions. Your candidature will be considered for all based on your merit and preference order.
Q4: Is there any interview round?
A: No. In India Post GDS Recruitment 2026, the selection is purely based on the merit list from your academic marks, followed by document verification.
Q5: When will the merit list be declared?
A: The official notification states “Available Soon.” Typically, the first merit list is released a few weeks after the application window closes. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.
Q6: What is the job location for a GDS?
A: The position is primarily for rural areas within the postal division you select. You may be posted in a village or a small town branch post office.
Final Checklist Before You Apply
- I have my Class 10 marksheet (with Mathematics & English).
- I know my local language (studied till at least Class 10).
- I have a scanned photo and signature as per specifications.
- I have my category certificate (if applicable) ready.
- I have an active mobile number and email ID.
- I have a valid online payment method (debit/credit card/net banking).
- I have checked the vacancy details for my preferred postal circle.
The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is a transparent and merit-driven opportunity for lakhs of candidates seeking a government job. With nearly 29,000 post office vacancies on offer, thorough preparation of your application is key. Avoid last-minute rushes, double-check all details, and ensure your application reflects your credentials accurately. We wish you the very best in securing a position with the prestigious India Post!
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