Postal Department Announces Massive Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026: 28,740 Vacancies!
The Postal Department has officially released its much-anticipated January Schedule 1, 2026 notification, inviting applications for a significant 28,740 Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts. This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for eligible candidates looking to join the postal services. Both male and female candidates who have passed 10th class and are between 18 and 40 years of age are encouraged to apply. The online application process is set to commence shortly.
Key Highlights of the Recruitment
This notification covers a vast number of vacancies across various postal circles in India. The selection process is entirely merit-based, considering candidates’ marks in the 10th standard, eliminating the need for written exams or interviews. The comprehensive details regarding eligibility, application dates, salary, and job profiles are outlined below.
Important Dates to Remember
Candidates planning to apply for these Gramin Dak Sevak posts should note the following crucial dates:
- Online Application Starts: January 20th
- Last Date to Apply Online: February 4th
- Last Date for Fee Payment: February 5th
- Application Correction Window: February 8th to February 10th
- First Merit List Release: February 20th
Vacancy Details by Circle
A total of 28,740 vacancies have been announced under the January Schedule 1, 2026 notification. These positions are distributed across all postal circles nationwide. Specifically, Andhra Pradesh has 1,060 vacancies, while Telangana has 609 vacancies. States like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have a notably higher number of openings, indicating a widespread recruitment effort.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Gramin Dak Sevak posts, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Applicants must have passed the 10th class examination from a recognized board. Higher qualified candidates are also eligible to apply. No computer certificate is required for these positions.
- Age Limit: The minimum age for applicants is 18 years. The maximum age varies by category:
- General Candidates: Up to 40 years
- OBC Candidates: Up to 43 years
- SC/ST Candidates: Up to 45 years
- Physically Handicapped Candidates: Up to 50 years
Detailed Salary Structure
The salary for Gramin Dak Sevak posts, including Branch Postmaster (BPM) and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), is based on the Time Related Continuity Allowances (TRCA) slabs, along with other allowances.
- Branch Postmaster (BPM):
- Basic Pay (TRCA Slab I): ₹12,000
- Total (including DA & other allowances): Up to ₹19,000
- In-hand Salary (after deductions): Approximately ₹17,000
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM):
- Basic Pay (TRCA Slab I): ₹10,000
- Total (including DA & other allowances): Up to ₹16,000
- In-hand Salary (after deductions): Approximately ₹14,000
These figures incorporate various allowances and are representative of the actual take-home salary.
Job Responsibilities (BPM & ABPM)
The roles of Branch Postmaster (BPM) and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) involve distinct responsibilities crucial to the functioning of the postal department at the grassroots level.
- Branch Postmaster (BPM):
- Managing daily postal operations at the assigned branch post office.
- Providing services related to India Post Payments Bank (IPPB).
- Promoting and facilitating various Post Office schemes among the public.
- Taking full responsibility for the branch post office if working independently.
- May be required to perform duties typically assigned to an ABPM.
- Carrying out other duties as instructed by senior officials.
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM):
- Selling stamps and stationery items.
- Ensuring the door-to-door delivery of letters and parcels.
- Handling mail exchange with the account office.
- Managing transactions and services related to IPPB.
- Assisting the BPM in their daily tasks.
- Stepping in to perform BPM duties when the BPM is absent.
- Undertaking other tasks assigned by superiors.
Simplified Selection Process
The selection process for Postal GDS jobs is straightforward and merit-based. Applicants will be shortlisted directly based on the marks obtained in their 10th class examination. There will be no written examination, interviews, or skill tests conducted. Candidates who are shortlisted will proceed to a document verification stage, and upon successful verification, will be offered direct postings.
Application Fee Information
The application fee structure for the GDS recruitment is as follows:
- Exempted Categories: SC/ST candidates, PWD candidates, all female candidates, and transwomen applicants are exempt from paying any application fee and can apply online for free.
- Other Candidates: All other candidates are required to pay an application fee of ₹100, which must be paid online.
Required Documents for Online Application
Candidates must be prepared with the following documents for their online application:
- 10th Class Memo: Required for filling in academic details during the application process.
- Documents for Upload: Only two documents need to be uploaded:
- Recent Colored Passport-sized Photograph: The file size should be less than 50 KB, and the format must be JPEG or JPG.
- Signature Document: The file size should be less than 20 KB, and the format must be JPEG or JPG.
It is advisable to have these scanned documents ready in the specified formats and sizes to ensure a smooth application experience.
Online Preparation Resources
For those aspiring to prepare for various government job examinations from home, online coaching options are available. Resources for online classes covering Bank, Railways, and SSC exams offer comprehensive courses with a one-year validity for a nominal fee. Free demo videos and course content can be checked through relevant applications before enrolling.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates should visit the official website for India Post GDS online applications. The website has been updated with detailed information for 23 states, including Andhra Pradesh. Applicants can select their desired circle and division to view post-specific vacancies before applying. A detailed application process will be made available shortly to guide candidates through the submission.