India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: BPM and ABPM Jobs, Eligibility and Merit List
India Post offers job opportunities for candidates who have passed Class 10 through its Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) engagement process. The recruitment includes Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak positions in postal circles across India.
The India Post GDS recruitment 2026 July schedule announced 23,757 vacancies. The application window has now closed, and candidates are waiting for the first merit list. Selection is based on Class 10 marks, subject to the rules in the official notification. There is no conventional written examination for this recruitment. For other government job updates, explore Sarkari Naukri for Freshers 2026.
This guide explains the vacancies, eligibility criteria, BPM and ABPM duties, salary, selection process and how to check the GDS merit list online.
Latest update: The reported application deadline was 21 September 2026. The first merit list was expected in the third week of October, according to recruitment reporting. Candidates should check the official portal for the confirmed release date and any new announcements.
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Recruitment detail | Information |
| Recruiting department | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications |
| Recruitment name | Gramin Dak Sevak Online Engagement, Schedule-II, July 2026 |
| Posts | BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak |
| Total announced vacancies | 23,757 |
| Minimum qualification | Class 10 pass |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Maximum age | 40 years before applicable relaxation |
| Selection method | Class 10 marks-based merit list |
| Examination | No written examination |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application status | Closed |
| Merit list | Check the official GDS portal |
| Official portal | https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement |
The vacancy figure and recruitment schedule are based on the July 2026 recruitment notification and published recruitment updates. Always refer to the official notification for the rules applicable to your application.
What Are BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak Jobs?
The India Post GDS recruitment 2026 process covers three main categories of Gramin Dak Sevak positions. Although these roles are part of the same engagement process, their day-to-day responsibilities are different.
1. Branch Postmaster (BPM)
A Branch Postmaster manages the day-to-day work of a Branch Post Office. The role involves postal services, customer assistance and certain India Post Payments Bank services.
Main responsibilities include:
- Managing the daily operations of the Branch Post Office.
- Handling customer services and postal transactions.
- Promoting postal products and services.
- Supporting India Post Payments Bank activities as prescribed.
- Coordinating mail delivery and other office operations.
- Supervising the work of the branch where applicable.
Accommodation requirement: A selected BPM must arrange suitable accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost and reside in the village where the branch operates, subject to the official rules.
2. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
An ABPM supports the BPM and helps with postal and customer-facing services.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Selling stamps and postal stationery.
- Delivering mail to customers.
- Assisting with deposits, payments and other permitted banking transactions.
- Supporting daily postal operations.
- Promoting postal products and services.
- Performing additional duties assigned by the department.
ABPMs must follow the residence requirements for the delivery jurisdiction specified in the recruitment rules.
3. Dak Sevak
Dak Sevaks may work in post offices, mail offices, sorting offices and delivery centres. Their duties can include handling parcels, sorting mail, delivering letters and assisting with postal operations.
Candidates should read the job profile and location requirements carefully before accepting an offer.
India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
The July 2026 recruitment schedule announced 23,757 posts across postal circles. Vacancies are distributed among states, divisions, categories and individual posts.
Candidates should consult the official circle-wise vacancy list to identify available BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak positions in their preferred area.
| Vacancy information | Where to verify |
| Total vacancies | Official July 2026 notification |
| State and postal circle vacancies | Circle-wise Posts Notified section |
| BPM vacancies | Official vacancy annexure |
| ABPM vacancies | Official vacancy annexure |
| Dak Sevak vacancies | Official vacancy annexure |
| Category-wise reservation | Official notification and annexures |
The official notification provides the authoritative vacancy details. Do not rely on an unofficial state-wise list without checking it against the relevant annexure.
India Post GDS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates applying for the India Post GDS recruitment 2026 must meet the educational, age and other conditions stated in the official notification.
Educational qualification
Applicants must have passed Class 10 from a recognised board, with passing marks in Mathematics and English.
Candidates should verify that their board and qualification meet the exact conditions in the notification. Higher qualifications do not replace the requirement to satisfy the prescribed Class 10 eligibility criteria.
Age limit
The standard age limit is 18 to 40 years. Age is calculated using the closing date specified in the recruitment notification.
The reported closing date for this recruitment was 21 September 2026. Candidates should use that date when checking their eligibility under this schedule.
Age relaxation
The notification provides upper-age relaxation for eligible reserved categories.
| Category | Upper-age relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years |
| PwBD and OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD and SC/ST | 15 years |
| EWS | No additional age relaxation |
Candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation must have the required certificates in the prescribed format.
Local-language requirement
Applicants must have studied the relevant local language at least up to Class 10, subject to the special provisions listed in the notification for certain states.
For example, a candidate applying for a post in Karnataka should check the applicable local-language requirement for that postal circle. Candidates applying in other states must check the language specified for their chosen location.
Other requirements
Candidates must also satisfy the additional requirements in the notification, including:
- Knowledge of computers.
- Knowledge of cycling.
- Adequate means of livelihood.
- Compliance with the residence and job-specific conditions.
Read the official advertisement carefully because eligibility for a particular vacancy may depend on the location and post.
India Post GDS Salary 2026: BPM and ABPM Pay
GDS personnel receive Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), along with applicable allowances and benefits under the departmental rules. Their service conditions are different from those of regular Central Government employees.
The July 2026 notification lists the following basic TRCA slabs:
| Post | Basic TRCA slab |
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000–₹29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | ₹10,000–₹24,470 |
| Dak Sevak | ₹10,000–₹24,470 |
The amount payable depends on the applicable rules and service conditions. The notification also provides for a 3% annual increase in TRCA, subject to the prescribed conditions, and applicable Dearness Allowance.
These figures are TRCA slabs, not a guarantee that every new appointee receives the maximum amount. Candidates should check the official notification for the terms that apply to their engagement.
Is India Post GDS a permanent government job?
GDS personnel are not regular employees of the Department of Posts or Central Government in the same way as regular departmental staff. Their service is governed by the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, as amended.
Candidates should understand the employment conditions before accepting an offer.
India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
The India Post GDS recruitment 2026 selection process is based on a system-generated merit list prepared using Class 10 marks.
The general process includes the following stages:
- Merit-list preparation: The system calculates the prescribed percentage from Class 10 marks, grades or points according to the notification.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted according to merit, vacancy availability and applicable reservation rules.
- Document verification: Shortlisted candidates must present the original documents requested by the department.
- Eligibility checks: The department verifies educational qualifications, identity, category certificates and other eligibility conditions.
- Engagement formalities: Candidates who meet the requirements proceed according to the official engagement instructions.
There is no conventional written examination for the advertised GDS selection process. A high Class 10 percentage can help a candidate’s merit position, but selection is not guaranteed because it depends on the vacancies, category, location and other applicable rules. Freshers preparing for job opportunities can also check Jobs for Freshers in India.
India Post GDS Merit List 2026: Latest Update
Candidates who applied for the July 2026 schedule should monitor the official portal for the first merit list and subsequent selection lists.
Recruitment reporting published on 10 October indicated that the first merit list was expected in the third week of October. However, the report did not identify an officially confirmed release date.
For accurate information, candidates should check the official portal rather than relying on social media posts or unofficial PDF links.
How to check the GDS merit list
Follow these steps when the relevant merit list is published:
- Visit https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement.
- Open the recruitment or shortlisted-candidates section.
- Select the relevant postal circle.
- Look for the July 2026 recruitment schedule and the applicable merit-list PDF.
- Download the PDF and open it on your device.
- Search for your name or registration details, where provided.
- Read the instructions for document verification and the next stage.
If your name appears in the list, read the complete notice. Shortlisting does not remove the requirement to verify your documents and eligibility.
What details appear in a merit list?
Depending on the published format, the list may provide candidate details, registration information, category, division, marks or other selection information.
The exact fields can vary. Use the official PDF as the final reference.
What if your name is not in the first list?
Not being selected in the first list does not automatically mean that no further lists will be released. The department may publish additional lists according to vacancy availability and the recruitment rules.
However, candidates should not assume that another list is guaranteed. Monitor official announcements and follow any instructions or deadlines issued by the department.
Important Dates for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date or status |
| Notification | August 2026 |
| One-time registration | 31 August–19 September 2026 |
| Online application and fee payment | 2–21 September 2026 |
| Correction window | 23–24 September 2026 |
| Application status | Closed |
| First merit list | Expected in October 2026; confirm officially |
These dates relate to the July 2026 recruitment schedule. Any revised date or new announcement from India Post takes precedence over earlier reporting.
How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
The application window for this schedule has closed. Candidates who have already applied should use the official portal to check recruitment updates and their selection status.
For reference, the application process was as follows:
- Visit the official India Post GDS online engagement portal.
- Complete the one-time registration using the required personal details.
- Verify the information entered in the registration form.
- Fill out the online application and choose the eligible post preferences.
- Enter Class 10 marks, grades or points exactly as required by the notification.
- Upload the photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review the form carefully and submit it.
- Save the registration details and application confirmation for future reference.
Candidates should not submit duplicate registrations. The notification states that duplicate or multiple applications can result in cancellation of candidature.
Documents to Keep Ready for GDS Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates should prepare the documents requested in the official notice. These may include:
- Class 10 marksheet and pass certificate.
- Proof of date of birth, as accepted under the notification.
- Valid identity proof.
- Local-language qualification evidence, where required.
- Caste or category certificate, if claiming reservation.
- PwBD certificate, where applicable.
- Other declarations and documents specified by the department.
The official verification notice determines the final document requirements. Names, dates of birth and other details should match the application and supporting records.
Important Advice for GDS Candidates
Before accepting a post or attending document verification, keep these points in mind:
- Check the exact post, division and location in the merit list.
- Read the document-verification instructions carefully.
- Carry original documents and the requested copies.
- Keep your registered mobile number and email accessible.
- Do not pay anyone who promises a job or a place on the merit list.
- Use official websites to download recruitment notices and results.
- Understand the TRCA structure and service conditions before accepting engagement.
The Department of Posts warns applicants to be cautious about fraudulent calls and messages seeking money in connection with selection.
Official Links for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
| Purpose | Official link |
| GDS recruitment portal | https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement |
| India Post website | https://www.indiapost.gov.in/ |
| Recruitment notification | Available through the official GDS recruitment portal |
| Circle-wise vacancy details | Circlewise Posts Notified section |
| Merit list and selection updates | Official GDS portal |
Use the official portal to verify the latest recruitment status, merit-list PDF and document-verification schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies are available in India Post GDS recruitment 2026?
The July 2026 recruitment schedule announced 23,757 vacancies for BPM, ABPM and Dak Sevak positions across postal circles.
2. What is the qualification for GDS jobs?
Candidates must have passed Class 10 from a recognised board, including passing marks in Mathematics and English, and meet the local-language and other eligibility conditions.
3. Is there a written examination for GDS recruitment?
No conventional written examination is conducted for this GDS selection process. Shortlisting is based on a system-generated merit list prepared using Class 10 marks and the rules in the notification.
4. What is the age limit for BPM and ABPM jobs?
The standard age limit is 18 to 40 years, with applicable relaxation for eligible categories. For the July 2026 schedule, candidates should use the closing date specified in the notification to calculate age.
5. What is the salary for BPM and ABPM?
The basic TRCA slab is ₹12,000–₹29,380 for BPM and ₹10,000–₹24,470 for ABPM and Dak Sevak, subject to the applicable rules and conditions.
6. When will the India Post GDS merit list 2026 be released?
Recruitment reporting indicated that the first merit list was expected in the third week of October 2026. Candidates should check the official portal because the exact release date was not officially confirmed in the source reviewed.
7. Where can I download the GDS merit list?
Visit https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement, select the relevant recruitment and postal circle, and download the merit-list PDF when it is made available.
8. Can I apply now for the July 2026 GDS recruitment?
No. The application window for this schedule closed on 21 September 2026. Candidates should monitor the official portal for merit-list updates and future recruitment announcements.
Conclusion
India Post GDS recruitment provides opportunities for eligible Class 10 candidates to work in postal services as BPMs, ABPMs and Dak Sevaks. The July 2026 schedule announced 23,757 vacancies, with selection based on Class 10 marks rather than a conventional written examination.
Applicants who have already registered should check the official website for the merit list, selection status and document-verification instructions. Before accepting a post, review the location, duties, TRCA and service conditions carefully.
For the most reliable information, use the official India Post recruitment portal and avoid unofficial websites that claim to guarantee selection.
