India Post has started the recruitment process for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) for the 2026 cycle, and applications have been invited for 28,740 posts in various postal circles across the country. This recruitment drive is intended to fill the posts of Branch Post Master (BPM), Assistant Branch Post Master (ABPM), and Gramin Dak Sevak through an online engagement process.The recruitment process for Gramin Dak Sevaks has been carried out through the GDS Online Engagement Portal, where candidates are required to register and submit their application forms along with the application fee within the stipulated time period.Timeline of the recruitment processThe application process opens on January 31, 2026, and candidates can submit their forms until February 14, 2026. The registration fee can be paid up to February 16, 2026, by 5 pm. Applicants will have a limited window to make corrections to their submitted forms on February 18, 2026, and February 19, 2026. The first merit list is scheduled for release on February 28, 2026.
Vacancy distribution across postal circlesIndia Post has notified 28,740 vacancies across 23 postal circles. The largest number of posts have been announced for Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, while smaller allocations have been made for circles such as Delhi and Punjab.
Who can apply for India Post GDS postsApplicants must be between 18 and 40 years of age and should have passed Class 10 from a recognised board. According to the notification, the candidates should have studied Mathematics, English and their local language up to Class 10.Besides educational qualifications, candidates should have basic computer skills. Candidates should also be able to ride a cycle and have adequate means of livelihood as specified for GDS engagement.What is the selection process for GDS? The selection process for India Post GDS is totally merit, based. There is no written test for these posts. The selection is done by preparing a merit list on the basis of marks obtained in Class 10.Merit lists of the different circles are published and the candidates who are shortlisted are informed for document verification as per the schedule of the respective postal circles.How to apply step by stepCandidates must apply online through the official website indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. The first stage of the process is registration which involves furnishing personal and educational details.Upon registration, the applicants have to pay the application fee through online mode.After the fee payment is made, the candidates/ can fill the application form, upload the scanned copies of documents as per the requirements and submit the form. The applicants should take a printout of the submitted application for further references.Application fee and salary detailsA registration fee of Rs 100 is required before submitting the online application. According to the notification, the monthly pay for GDS and ABPM posts ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 24,470. For BPM posts, the pay scale ranges from Rs 12,000 to Rs 29,380 per month.These pay structures apply as per the norms specified by India Post for GDS engagement under the 2026 recruitment cycle.
