The Department of Posts has announced the India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026, opening 23,757 vacancies across postal circles. The recruitment is conducted under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July 2026, via Advertisement No. 17-12/2026-GDS, with the notification released on August 27, 2026. The process begins with One-Time Registration (OTR) on August 31, followed by online applications from September 2 to September 21, 2026.

Vacancies and Circle-wise Distribution

The recruitment targets positions such as Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak. Maharashtra has the highest single language-category allocation with 2,297 Marathi posts, followed by Tamil Nadu (2,118 Tamil posts) and Uttar Pradesh (1,691 Hindi posts). Other significant allocations include West Bengal (1,619 Bengali), Madhya Pradesh (1,450 Hindi), Jharkhand (1,379 Hindi), Kerala (1,373 Malayalam), North Eastern region (1,354 English/Hindi), Odisha (1,353 Oriya), Karnataka (1,116 Kannada), and Bihar (1,098 Hindi). These 11 circles account for 16,847 vacancies out of the total 23,757.

Key Dates and Application Process

  • Notification release: August 27, 2026
  • One-Time Registration (OTR): August 31 to September 19, 2026
  • Online application submission: September 2 (from 5 pm) to September 21, 2026 (till 5 pm)
  • Correction window: September 23 to September 24, 2026

Candidates can register on the official India Post website at in. The OTR is a preliminary step; the actual application form and fee payment open on September 2. To apply, candidates should visit the website, click on the GDS recruitment link, register, log in, fill the form, pay the fee, and submit.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must have passed the Secondary School Examination (SSE) of 10th standard with Mathematics and English from a recognized board. They should have studied the local language at least up to 10th standard. The age limit is 18 to 40 years as of September 21, 2026, with relaxation for eligible reserved categories. Candidates with equivalent qualifications from other boards are not eligible. Additionally, basic computer knowledge and ability to ride a bicycle are required.

Application Fee

A fee of ₹100 is applicable for male candidates from UR, OBC, and EWS categories. SC, ST, PwBD, female, and transwomen candidates are exempt from the fee.

Selection Process and Pay

The selection is merit-based, with no written examination. Shortlisting is done via a system-generated merit list prepared from 10th standard marks, converted to percentage with accuracy up to 4 decimals. Shortlisted candidates undergo document verification, medical examination, and pre-engagement formalities. After selection, SSE documents may be verified through API Setu/Digi Locker/Official Educational Board websites.

The Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) for BPM ranges from ₹12,000 to ₹29,380, and for ABPM/Dak Sevak from ₹10,000 to ₹24,470. The prescribed working period is generally four to five hours a day. BPMs must arrange accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost and reside within the post village. ABPMs and Dak Sevaks must live within the delivery area of the concerned post office.

Additional Information

Candidates are advised to check official communication via email IDs ending in in or in. They should ensure they have a DigiLocker account and relevant documents before applying.

Note: This article also mentions that the State Bank of India will close registration for Junior Associate posts on August 31, 2026, with prelims in September and mains in November, filling 7,680 posts. Eligibility includes a graduation degree, age between 20 and 28 years as of April 1, 2026, and an application fee of ₹750 for General/OBC/EWS candidates.