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India Post GDS 2026

Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications

Mode

Online

Level

10th Pass

Vacancies

28,636

Fee

₹100 (Gen/OBC/EWS), Free (Women/SC/ST/PWD/Trans)

Last updated: July 4, 2026

Key dates

Notification

Jan 2026

Application Last Date

Feb 2026

1st Merit List

Apr 2026

4th Merit List

08 Jun 2026

Next Cycle Expected

Jan 2027

Quick Summary

India Post GDS 2026 recruits 28,636 Gramin Dak Sevaks (Branch Postmaster, ABPM, Dak Sevak) across 23 postal circles. Selection is purely merit-based on Class 10 marks — no written exam. Eligibility: Class 10 pass with 33%+ marks, age 18-40. TRCA starts at Rs. 10,000–12,000/month. Application fee Rs. 100 (Gen); free for women/SC/ST/PWD. 2026 cycle concluded with 4th merit list released June 8, 2026. Next cycle expected January 2027.

Eligibility

  • Class 10 (Secondary) pass from a recognized board — minimum 33% aggregate marks
  • Must have studied local language (Hindi or regional language) up to Class 10
  • Age: 18 to 40 years; SC/ST 5 years, OBC 3 years, PWD 10 years relaxation
  • Mandatory computer/basic IT knowledge certificate
  • Must be a resident of the post office delivery area (local candidate preference)

Syllabus

  • No written examination — selection purely on Class 10 marks
  • Class 10 aggregate percentage forms the merit score
  • Multiple merit lists released based on state, division, and circle vacancy
  • Document verification: Class 10 marksheet, age proof, caste/category certificate, computer certificate
  • Medical fitness test at district hospital after merit shortlisting

Exam Pattern

  • No written/online CBT examination — merit-based shortlisting only
  • Merit score = aggregate Class 10 marks percentage (all subjects)
  • State-wise, division-wise vacancy distribution across 23 postal circles
  • Multiple merit lists (up to 4 rounds) released to fill all vacancies
  • Engagement (not employment) — GDS are not regular govt servants but receive time-related continuity allowance (TRCA)

Exam overview

India Post GDS (Gramin Dak Sevak) is one of the largest central government recruitment drives in India with 28,636 vacancies in 2026. Unlike most government exams, GDS selection is purely merit-based on Class 10 marks — no written examination is conducted.

GDS posts include Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak. The engagement is made under the "Gramin Dak Sevak" scheme where selected candidates are paid Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) starting from Rs. 10,000–12,000 per month, with periodic increments.

With over 1.5 lakh branch post offices in rural India, GDS forms the backbone of India Post's last-mile connectivity. GDS can also appear in departmental exams to become Postal Assistants (PA/SA) and further progress to Group B/A positions in the postal department.

Preparation tip

Start with the syllabus topics listed above, then practice timed mock tests and revise previous year questions weekly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any exam for India Post GDS 2026?▼
No. India Post GDS selection is purely merit-based on Class 10 (Secondary) aggregate marks. There is no written examination, no CBT, and no interview. Candidates are shortlisted based on their Class 10 percentage, and merit lists are published state/circle-wise. Document verification is conducted after shortlisting.
What is the salary of India Post GDS 2026?▼
India Post GDS are paid Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) — not a regular salary. Branch Postmaster (BPM) receives TRCA of Rs. 12,000/month; Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) receives Rs. 10,000/month; Dak Sevak receives Rs. 10,009/month. Annual increment of 3% applies. There is no DA component, making the total slightly lower than regular government employees.
What is the difference between GDS BPM and ABPM?▼
Branch Postmaster (BPM) manages the branch post office — handles mail, savings accounts, IPPB transactions, and postal schemes. ABPM (Assistant Branch Postmaster) assists the BPM in delivery and counter operations. BPM gets slightly higher TRCA (Rs. 12,000 vs Rs. 10,000). Both posts are eligible for departmental promotions to Postal Assistant through internal departmental exams.
How many merit lists are released for India Post GDS?▼
Typically 3 to 4 merit lists are released for each GDS recruitment cycle to fill all vacancies. The first merit list covers majority of seats; subsequent lists fill remaining vacancies from candidates who did not join or could not complete document verification. The 2026 cycle saw 4 merit lists, with the final 4th list released on June 8, 2026.
Can GDS become a regular postal employee?▼
Yes. GDS can appear in the Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) departmental exam and Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (PA/SA) departmental exam conducted by India Post internally. On qualifying, they get absorbed as regular Group C employees. Many postal officers have risen from GDS to Group A positions through departmental promotions and LDCE exams.
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Official Website

https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in

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