The Department of Posts has officially released the notification for the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026, announcing a total of 28,740 vacancies across various postal circles. This massive recruitment drive aims to fill positions for Branch Postmaster (BPM) and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) in rural areas, offering a significant employment opportunity for Class 10 graduates nationwide.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Comprehensive Vacancy Breakdown
The 2026 recruitment cycle covers 23 postal circles, ensuring a widespread distribution of opportunities. Maharashtra leads the tally with the highest number of openings at 3,553, followed closely by Uttar Pradesh with 3,169 and West Bengal with 2,982 vacancies. Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also feature significant numbers, with 2,120 and 2,009 posts respectively.
Smaller circles like Delhi and Haryana have 42 and 270 openings, catering to local administrative needs. This state-wise allocation allows candidates to apply within their home circles, provided they meet the local language proficiency requirements, which remains a crucial criterion for Gramin Dak Sevak roles.
Important Dates for GDS Online Application
Prospective candidates must adhere to a strict timeline to ensure their applications are considered. The registration process commenced on January 31, 2026. The window for submitting online applications will remain open until February 14, 2026.
Following the submission deadline, a brief correction window will be provided between February 18 and February 19. During these 48 hours, applicants can rectify specific errors in their forms by paying a nominal fee. It is vital to finalize all details early to avoid last-minute technical glitches on the official portal.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
The eligibility for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 is designed to be inclusive. Applicants must have successfully completed their Secondary School Examination (Class 10) from a recognized board. Proficiency in the local language of the applied circle is mandatory. Additionally, candidates must fall within the age bracket of 18 to 40 years, though standard age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government norms.
Unlike many government exams, the selection for GDS posts is strictly merit-based. No written examination or interview is conducted. The system generates a merit list based on the marks obtained in Class 10. Even if a candidate holds higher qualifications, only the secondary school scores are factored into the final calculation to maintain a level playing field.
Salary Structure for BPM and ABPM Posts
The remuneration for these roles is categorized under the Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA). For the Branch Postmaster (BPM) position, the monthly pay scale is set between Rs 12,000 and Rs 29,380.
For Assistant Branch Postmasters (ABPM) and other GDS categories, the salary ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 24,470. While these roles are part-time in nature—usually requiring 4 to 5 hours of duty per day—they provide a stable government-backed income and serve as a vital link in India’s rural communication infrastructure.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
To apply for the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026, candidates must visit the official website: indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. The process involves three primary stages:
- Registration: Generating a unique registration number using a mobile number and email ID.
- Fee Payment: Paying the required application fee (Rs 100 for General/OBC; exempted for SC/ST and female candidates).
- Apply Online: Filling in educational details, uploading documents, and selecting post preferences.
The first shortlist is expected to be released on February 28, 2026. This list will detail the registration numbers of selected candidates along with the designated venues for document verification.
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