The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has released the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 notification. The notification, numbered 17-12/2026-GDS, is dated 20 August 2026 and invites eligible candidates for engagement to Gramin Dak Sevak positions, including Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak in different offices of the Department of Posts.
The notification states that the tentative vacancy details for different Circles and Divisions are provided in Annexure-I. Applications are to be submitted through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal of India Post.
The recruitment process permits only one registration per candidate. The Department has specifically stated that duplicate or multiple registrations and applications are prohibited. If such applications are detected before or after engagement, the candidature may be cancelled or appropriate action may be initiated under the GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020.
India Post GDS Application and Correction Dates
According to the notification, the One-Time Registration (OTR) window was open from 31 August 2026 to 19 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM. The submission of online applications and fee payment was scheduled from 2 September 2026 to 21 September 2026, also up to 5:00 PM.
A separate correction window has been provided from 23 September 2026 to 24 September 2026, up to 5:00 PM. Candidates who need to correct permitted details in their registration or application can use this window.
The Department has clarified that candidates do not need to register again to correct mistakes. The notification provides a two-day edit/correction facility after the closing date of applications.
Educational Qualification for GDS Posts
The minimum educational qualification prescribed for GDS engagement is a Secondary School Examination (SSE) pass certificate of Class 10, with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognised Board of School Education conducted by the Government of India, State Governments or Union Territories in India. The notification also states that candidates holding equivalent qualifications from other boards are not eligible under the stated provision.
Applicants must also have studied the prescribed local language up to at least Class 10 from a recognised board. The post-wise local-language requirements are listed in Annexure-III of the notification.
In addition to the educational qualification, the notification lists knowledge of computers, knowledge of cycling and adequate means of livelihood as other qualifications for GDS engagement.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The prescribed minimum age for GDS engagement is 18 years, while the maximum age is 40 years. Age is determined as on the last date of submission of applications, subject to applicable relaxations.
The upper-age relaxation specified in the notification is five years for SC/ST candidates and three years for OBC candidates. There is no upper-age relaxation for EWS candidates. For Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, the relaxation is 10 years, while PwBD candidates belonging to OBC and SC/ST categories can receive 13 years and 15 years of relaxation respectively, subject to the prescribed conditions.
GDS Salary and TRCA
GDS personnel are paid through the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) system. The notification states that TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to fulfilment of the conditions specified under the GDS Rules. GDS personnel are also entitled to Dearness Allowance on TRCA, as declared by the Government of India from time to time.
The initial basic TRCA slabs mentioned in the notification are Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 29,380 for BPMs and Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 24,470 for ABPMs/Dak Sevaks.
The notification also notes that GDS personnel are not regular employees of the Department or Central Government, and their emoluments, allowances and other entitlements are not at par with regular Central Government employees.
GDS Job Profile
The duties vary according to the category of post. A Branch Postmaster is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Branch Post Office and India Post Payments Bank services. BPM duties can also include marketing and promotion of postal products and services and responsibilities relating to mail conveyance and delivery.
An appointed BPM is required to arrange accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost and must reside in the post village where the Branch Office is functioning.
An Assistant Branch Postmaster can be responsible for the sale of stamps and stationery, mail conveyance and delivery, IPPB transactions, assistance in postal operations and promotional activities. ABPMs may also perform combined BPM duties when ordered or when a BPM is unavailable.
Dak Sevaks may be engaged in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices, Transit Mail Offices, Delivery Centres and other offices of the Department. Their responsibilities can include handling and delivery of mail and parcels, assisting in Post Office operations and other duties assigned by senior officials.
Selection Process Based on Class 10 Merit
The selection process for GDS engagement is based on a system-generated merit list. The merit list is prepared using marks obtained in the Class 10 Secondary School Examination, with marks or converted grades aggregated into a percentage accurate to four decimal places.
Where a candidate’s Class 10 record contains only grades, the Department will convert grades into marks using a multiplication factor of 9.5. The notification provides the applicable conversion for grades from A1 through D. Where CGPA is available, it is also converted by multiplying the CGPA by 9.5.
Candidates are not required to independently convert their grades or points into marks while completing the application. The conversion is carried out by the system for preparing the merit list.
Application Fee
The application fee prescribed in the notification is Rs. 100 for applicants for the notified posts in their chosen Division. However, female applicants, SC/ST applicants, PwBD applicants and Transwomen applicants are exempted from payment of the fee.
The Department states that the fee, once paid, will not be refunded. Applicants who are required to pay the fee must complete the payment within the prescribed application deadline.
Document Verification and Engagement
After shortlisting, candidates are informed through SMS and email regarding the result and physical verification schedule. The Department has also advised applicants to regularly check the GDS Online Engagement Portal because non-receipt of SMS or email due to technical or other reasons will not make the Department responsible for separate communication.
Shortlisted candidates must report to the designated Divisional or Unit Head within 15 days of shortlisting for physical verification. The documents required, as applicable, include the marksheet, identity proof, caste certificate, PwBD certificate, EWS certificate, transgender certificate, date-of-birth proof and a compulsory medical certificate issued by an authorised government medical facility.
After successful verification, a system-generated offer of provisional engagement is issued. Candidates then have 30 days from the date of the provisional engagement offer to complete pre-engagement formalities, including prescribed basic training of three days and arrangements such as accommodation where applicable.
The Department may also verify Class 10 records through API Setu, DigiLocker or the official website of the concerned educational board, where the documents are available online. Candidates are therefore advised to ensure that their online educational records contain accurate details.
Official GDS Recruitment Portal
Applications for the India Post GDS engagement are submitted online through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal. The notification specifies that applications received through any other mode will not be entertained.
The Department has also advised candidates to carefully read the complete notification and instructions before applying. The notification is available in English and Hindi, with the English version prevailing in case of any dispute.
The India Post GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026 notification therefore sets out the eligibility requirements, application procedure, fee structure, Class 10-based merit system, job responsibilities, TRCA slabs, reservation provisions and document-verification requirements for the notified GDS engagement process.