Massive India Post GDS Recruitment Drive Opens for 28,740 Rural Postal Positions
The Department of Posts has officially launched a significant recruitment campaign for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) positions across India's extensive rural postal network. This large-scale hiring initiative aims to fill a substantial 28,740 vacancies at the grassroots level, strengthening postal services in remote and rural areas nationwide.
Application Timeline and Process Details
The application window for these coveted government positions opened on January 31, 2026, and will remain accessible until February 14, 2026. Prospective candidates must submit their applications exclusively through the official GDS web portal. The registration fee payment deadline extends slightly beyond the application closure date, with payments accepted until February 16, 2026.
Unique Merit-Based Selection Without Examinations
In a departure from traditional government recruitment processes, the India Post GDS selection employs a completely examination-free approach. The entire selection mechanism relies on an automated system that evaluates candidates based solely on their academic performance in the Secondary School Examination (Class 10).
No written tests, interviews, or consideration of higher educational qualifications factor into the selection process at any stage. This streamlined approach makes these positions particularly accessible to candidates with strong foundational education but limited opportunities for advanced studies.
Detailed Merit Calculation Methodology
The selection process involves precise calculation of academic merit with remarkable specificity:
- Class 10 marks are converted to percentage format with precision extending to four decimal places
- Subject-wise marks from the original marksheet form the basis of calculation
- For boards providing grades instead of marks, India Post applies a standardized conversion formula: grade points multiplied by 9.5
- All converted marks undergo normalization to a maximum scale of 100
Candidates must provide academic information exactly as it appears on their marksheets. Applications containing discrepancies between provided marks and actual grades risk cancellation, though candidates may submit grades directly for subjects where their board only provides grade-based assessment.
Postal Circle-Specific Merit Lists and Tie-Breaking Protocol
Each postal circle prepares its own merit list, ranking applicants exclusively by their calculated percentage scores. The recruitment process includes a comprehensive tie-breaking mechanism for candidates achieving identical percentages:
- Primary resolution: Age preference, with older candidates receiving priority
- Secondary resolution: Category and gender-based priorities in this specific order:
- ST Female
- SC Female
- OBC Female
- UR Female
- ST Male
- SC Male
- OBC Male
- UR Male
Important Considerations for Applicants
Prospective candidates should note several critical aspects of this recruitment drive. The process represents a significant opportunity for rural employment through government service, with positions distributed across India's vast postal network. The exclusive focus on Class 10 performance creates unique accessibility for candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.
Applicants are strongly advised to consult the official notification thoroughly and monitor the India Post website regularly for updates, clarifications, and final merit list publications. The automated, transparent selection system aims to ensure fairness while efficiently processing the substantial number of applications expected for these 28,740 rural postal positions.
