India Post has officially commenced the registration process for the highly anticipated Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) recruitment drive for the 2026 cycle. This nationwide initiative invites applications for a substantial 28,740 posts spread across various postal circles, offering significant employment opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Key Details and Application Process
Prospective candidates seeking engagement as Branch Post Master (BPM), Assistant Branch Post Master (ABPM), or Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) can now submit their applications exclusively through the official GDS Online Engagement Portal. The comprehensive notification clearly outlines all essential details including eligibility conditions, precise application timelines, fee structures, and the merit-based selection criteria.
Important Dates for India Post GDS 2026
According to the official notification released by India Post, the application window follows a strict schedule. The registration process will commence on January 31, 2026, and remain open until February 14, 2026. Applicants must ensure payment of the registration fee by February 16, 2026, up to 5 PM. A crucial correction window for applications will be available on February 18 and 19, 2026. The first merit list is scheduled for publication on February 28, 2026.
State-Wise Vacancy Distribution Across Postal Circles
The total of 28,740 vacancies has been distributed among 23 postal circles nationwide, reflecting a broad geographical spread. The detailed breakdown includes:
- Andhra Pradesh: 1,060 vacancies
- Assam: 639 vacancies
- Bihar: 1,347 vacancies
- Chhattisgarh: 1,155 vacancies
- Delhi: 42 vacancies
- Gujarat: 1,830 vacancies
- Haryana: 270 vacancies
- Himachal Pradesh: 520 vacancies
- Jammu and Kashmir: 267 vacancies
- Jharkhand: 908 vacancies
- Karnataka: 1,023 vacancies
- Kerala: 1,691 vacancies
- Madhya Pradesh: 2,120 vacancies
- Maharashtra: 3,553 vacancies
- North Eastern: 1,014 vacancies
- Odisha: 1,191 vacancies
- Punjab: 262 vacancies
- Rajasthan: 634 vacancies
- Tamil Nadu: 2,009 vacancies
- Telangana: 609 vacancies
- Uttar Pradesh: 3,169 vacancies
- Uttarakhand: 445 vacancies
- West Bengal: 2,982 vacancies
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
Candidates must follow a systematic online application process through the official portal:
- Visit the official website indiapostgdsonline.gov.in and access the GDS Online Engagement Portal.
- Complete the initial registration by accurately entering all required personal and educational details.
- Proceed to pay the mandatory application fee using the available online payment modes.
- Fill in the comprehensive application form and upload scanned copies of necessary documents as per specifications.
- Finally, submit the completed form and download a copy for personal records and future reference.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Methodology
Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to be considered for these positions. The age criterion mandates candidates to be between 18 and 40 years. Educational qualification requires passing Class 10 from a recognized board with compulsory study of Mathematics, English, and the local language up to the secondary level. Additional mandatory requirements include basic computer knowledge, cycling proficiency, and adequate means of livelihood. The selection process will be entirely merit-based, relying on Class 10 marks without any written examination component.
Application Fee and Salary Structure
A nominal registration fee of Rs 100 is required before final submission of the online application. The remuneration structure varies by position: Gramin Dak Sevak and Assistant Branch Post Master posts offer a pay scale ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 24,470 per month, while Branch Post Master positions provide salaries between Rs 12,000 and Rs 29,380 monthly.
This recruitment drive represents a significant opportunity for job seekers across India, particularly in rural regions, to secure stable government employment with India Post. Candidates are advised to carefully review the official notification, ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, and complete the application process within the stipulated deadlines to avoid last-minute complications.