India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: Online Apply for BPM & ABPM Posts

Your Application Timeline and Age Eligibility Decoded for India Post GDS 2026

Act Fast: The 12-Day Application Window

India Post has opened a tight application window for GDS recruitment starting from 20 January 2026. Candidates have only 12 days to submit their applications, with the deadline strictly set for 31 January 2026 at 11:59 PM IST. What's unique is the post-submission correction window from 1st to 3rd February 2026, allowing you to fix any errors after applying. This three-day window is crucial for those who might have made mistakes while filling their forms under time pressure.

Age Calculation and Relaxation Rules Explained

Your age eligibility is calculated as on 1 January 2026, not the application date. The standard age bracket is 18 to 40 years, but significant relaxations apply. SC/ST candidates get 5 extra years, bringing their maximum age to 45 years. OBC candidates receive 3 years of relaxation, making their upper limit 43 years. The most substantial relaxation is for PwD candidates who get 10 additional years. Your SSC certificate date of birth must exactly match your application details, as discrepancies commonly lead to rejection during verification.

Three Rural Postal Roles and Their Mandatory Entry Gates

Understanding the Three Pillars of Rural Postal Service

India Post offers three distinct GDS positions, each with specific responsibilities. The Branch Postmaster (BPM) manages the entire branch office, handling financial transactions and overall operations. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) assists with counter services and mail delivery. The basic Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) focuses primarily on mail delivery in rural areas. Your selection depends on both your merit ranking and the preferences you indicate during application, with BPM being the most senior position among the three.

The Non-Negotiable Educational and Skill Requirements

The educational requirement is strictly Class 10 pass with Mathematics and English as subjects. What many candidates miss is the local language requirement - you must have studied and passed the local language of the postal circle you're applying to in your 10th standard. Additionally, a basic computer training certificate from a recognized institution is mandatory for all posts. Final year students cannot apply, and higher qualifications like graduation provide no advantage in selection - your 10th marks alone determine your merit position.

State-wise GDS Vacancies and Time Related Continuity Allowance

How to Find Your State's Actual Vacancy Count

India Post doesn't provide a single nationwide vacancy figure for GDS recruitment. Instead, vacancies are distributed circle-wise through separate annexures attached to the main notification. You must check the specific annexure for your postal circle to know exact vacancy numbers for BPM, ABPM, and GDS posts. These annexures also show category-wise distribution (UR, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) and location details. The total vacancies vary significantly by state, with larger states typically having more openings across their rural post offices.

Understanding Your Earnings as a Gramin Dak Sevak

Selected candidates receive Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), which functions as their monthly salary. BPMs earn in a higher slab (₹12,000 – ₹29,380) due to their supervisory responsibilities. ABPM and GDS staff receive ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 based on their role and location. In addition to TRCA, you get Dearness Allowance revised quarterly and other benefits. The pay increases through annual increments, and you also receive allowances for performing additional duties or working in special areas.

Fee Rules and the Mandatory Digital Document Checklist

Who Pays and Who Doesn't: The Fee Structure

The application fee for India Post GDS is kept minimal at ₹100 for UR, OBC, and EWS candidates to ensure accessibility. Complete fee exemption is provided to all female candidates regardless of category, along with SC, ST, and PwD candidates. This exemption policy encourages wider participation from underrepresented groups. Remember that the fee, once paid, is non-refundable under any circumstances - even if you later discover you're ineligible or decide not to proceed with your application.

Preparing Your Digital Documents for Upload

You need clear scanned copies of specific documents for upload during application. The 10th standard marksheet is most critical as your percentage determines your merit ranking. For reserved category candidates, valid caste or PwD certificates in prescribed format are essential. The basic computer course certificate from a recognized institute must be uploaded. Also prepare proof of local language qualification - usually your 10th marksheet showing you passed the relevant language subject. All documents should be in PDF or JPEG format within specified size limits.

No Exam, No Interview: How GDS Selection Really Works

The Pure Merit-Based Selection System

India Post GDS recruitment follows a 100% merit-based system without any written test or interview. Your selection depends entirely on your 10th standard marks converted to percentage up to four decimal places. Higher qualifications like 12th or graduation don't add any points. The system is completely transparent - candidates with higher percentages rank higher. If two candidates have identical percentages, the older candidate gets preference based on date of birth. This eliminates subjective elements from the selection process.

From Application to Appointment: The Complete Journey

After application closure, India Post prepares circle-wise merit lists based on 10th marks. Candidates are then called for document verification in order of merit. You must produce all original certificates during verification. Any discrepancy between your application and original documents leads to immediate cancellation. Successful candidates receive engagement orders for their preferred posts based on availability and merit rank. The entire process from application to final appointment typically takes 2-3 months, with state-wise variations in timeline.

Step-by-Step Application Guide and Essential Resources

Navigating the Online Application Process

Start your application at the official India Post GDS portal. First, complete registration using your mobile number and email - both will receive important updates. While filling the form, carefully select your postal circle, division, and preferred posts in order of priority. Upload clear documents within specified size limits. If you belong to fee-paying categories, complete the online payment through available gateways. Finally, download and print your application form for future reference. Remember you can make corrections from 1st to 3rd February 2026.

Staying Updated Through Official Channels

The only authentic source for all information is indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. All notifications, merit lists, and updates appear here first. The India Post main website also carries relevant information. During the application period, technical help desk support is available for issues like payment failures or upload problems. For accurate vacancy details, download the circle-wise annexure from the notification section. Avoid third-party websites that may charge money for "assistance" - the entire process is free except for the application fee where applicable.

• False Information Leads to Permanent Debarment: Providing incorrect details or fake certificates will result in permanent disqualification from all future India Post recruitments, not just cancellation of current application.
• Cycling Knowledge is Mandatory: For delivery posts like ABPM and GDS, you must know how to ride a bicycle as rural mail delivery requires cycling between villages. This is a practical job requirement.
• Merit List is Final: Once published, the merit list will not be revised except for genuine clerical errors detected by India Post. No requests for re-evaluation of marks will be entertained.
• No Urban Transfers Guaranteed: GDS engagement is strictly for rural post offices. Selected candidates cannot demand transfers to urban locations during their service period.
• Engagement Under Specific Rules: Appointment is made under GDS Conduct and Engagement Rules, 2020, which govern service conditions, duties, and disciplinary matters.
• Single Application Per Candidate: You can apply only once for GDS recruitment 2026. Multiple applications from same candidate will lead to cancellation of all applications.
• Mobile Number and Email Ownership: The mobile number and email used for registration must remain active throughout the recruitment process for receiving updates and alerts.
• No TA/DA for Document Verification: Candidates called for document verification must bear their own travel and accommodation expenses. No allowances are provided.

Understanding Service Conditions and Reservation Rules

What to Expect as a Gramin Dak Sevak

As a GDS, you'll work up to 5 hours daily (8 hours for BPM) with flexibility based on mail volume. You get 20 days of paid leave annually along with other leave types. Your initial engagement is for 5 years, extendable based on performance. The role involves community interaction in rural areas, requiring good interpersonal skills. While not a regular government employee, you receive many benefits similar to permanent staff. Medical facilities are provided as per GDS rules, and there's scope for advancement within the postal department over time.

Reservation Category Documentation Requirements

For reserved category candidates, certificates must be in the prescribed format and valid. EWS certificates should be for the financial year 2025-26. OBC candidates need non-creamy layer certificates as per central list. PwD candidates must submit disability certificates from authorized medical boards. All certificates must show you belong to the state of the postal circle you're applying to. During document verification, original certificates must be produced - photocopies or downloaded prints won't suffice for final selection.

Accessing Complete Official Documents for GDS 2026

For comprehensive information, download all official documents from the India Post GDS portal. The main notification PDF contains the complete recruitment rules applicable nationwide. More importantly, download your circle's specific annexure to know exact vacancy numbers and locations. Annexure II helps verify if you meet the local language requirement for your chosen circle. The user manual provides technical guidance for smooth application submission. These documents are essential references throughout the recruitment process and should be kept handy until final selection.