The Department of Posts (India Post) has officially announced the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026. This recruitment is for the posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevaks in various offices across India.
If you are a 10th-pass student looking for a central government opportunity without a written exam, this is your chance. Below is the most detailed guide to help you navigate the application process.
1. Important Dates and Schedule (2026)
The application process is strictly time-bound. Mark your calendars to avoid the last-minute server rush.
| Event | Schedule Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 28th January 2026 |
| Online One-Time Registration (OTR) | 31.01.2026 to 14.02.2026 (up to 5 PM) |
| Application Submission & Fee Payment | 02.02.2026 to 16.02.2026 (up to 5 PM) |
| Edit/Correction Window | 18.02.2026 to 19.02.2026 (up to 5 PM) |
| Merit List Release (Tentative) | Expected Late February 2026 |
2. Salary and Allowances (TRCA Structure)
The GDS are not regular Central Government employees; they are holders of “Civil Posts” outside the regular civil services. They work for 4 to 5 hours daily and are paid in the form of Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA)
| Post Category | TRCA Slab (Monthly Pay) | Annual Increment |
|---|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 | 3% on TRCA |
| ABPM / Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 | 3% on TRCA |
Additional Benefits:Dearness Allowance (DA): Paid on TRCA as declared by the Govt. of India.Social Security: GDS Gratuity and Service Discharge Benefit Scheme (similar to NPS).
3. Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible?
A. Educational Qualification
- 10th Standard Pass: You must have a pass certificate of the Secondary School Examination with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognized board.
- Local Language: You must have studied the local language (as prescribed by the department) at least up to the 10th standard.
- Computer & Cycling: Knowledge of computers and cycling is mandatory.
B. Age Limits (As of Feb 16, 2026)
The age will be determined as on the last date of application submission.
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age: 40 Years
Age Relaxation Table:
| Category | Permissible Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| EWS | No Relaxation (10% reservation applies) |
| PwBD (General) | 10 Years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 Years |
| PwBD + SC / ST | 15 Years |
4. Brief Job Profile: What Will You Do?
i. Branch Postmaster (BPM)
- Managing day-to-day postal operations and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB).
- Overall responsibility for smooth functioning of the Branch Office (BO).
- Residence Requirement: Selected BPMs must provide accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost and reside in the post village.
ii. Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
- Sale of stamps/stationery and door-to-door delivery of mail.
- Assisting the BPM in overall postal operations.
- Residing within the delivery jurisdiction of the concerned Post Office.
iii. Dak Sevak
- Working in Head Post Offices (HO), Sub Offices (SO), or Railway Mail Services (RMS).
- Handling mailbags, receipt-dispatch, and sorting duties.
5. Document Upload Guide (Photo and Signature)
This is where most candidates fail! Your application will be rejected if your photo/signature is blurred or doesn’t meet the specs.
| Specification | Recent Photograph | Signature |
|---|---|---|
| File Format | JPG / JPEG only | JPG / JPEG only |
| File Size | 30 KB to 100 KB | 20 KB to 100 KB |
| Dimensions | 320 x 400 Pixels (Rec.) | 300 x 120 Pixels (Rec.) |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:5 (Width:Height) | 5:2 (Width:Height) |
| Background | Plain White / Light Coloured | Plain White Paper |
| Pen Color | N/A | Black |
Pro-Tip: Use the [PhotoKB.in Compression Tool] to perfectly match these 2026 specifications.
6. Application Fee
The application fee is ₹100 for general candidates.
- Fee Exempted (₹0): All Female applicants, SC/ST applicants, PwBD, and Transwomen.
- Payment Mode: Online via Credit/Debit card, Net Banking, or UPI.
7. The Selection Process (No Exam!)
Selection is based on a system-generated merit list.
- Automatic Ranking: The list is prepared based on 10th standard marks aggregated to a percentage with accuracy up to 4 decimals.
- Grade Conversion: If your marksheet has grades, they are converted using a multiplication factor of 9.5 (e.g., A1 Grade = 10 x 9.5 = 95%).
- Tie-Breaker Rules: If two people have the same marks, the order of priority is: Older in age > ST Female > SC Female > OBC Female > UR Female.
- Physical Verification: Shortlisted candidates must report for document verification within 15 days.
How to Apply Successfully?
- Step 1: Visit https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement.
- Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) to get your Registration Number.
- Step 3: Fill in personal and educational details exactly as per your 10th Marksheet.
- Step 4: Select your preferred Division and Post preferences.
- Step 5: Upload your photo/signature and submit.
How many vacancies are available in this cycle?
There are a total of 28,740 tentative vacant posts across different Circles and Divisions.
What is the last date to apply?
The online registration ends on February 14, 2026 (up to 1700 Hrs). The final submission of applications and fee payment can be done until February 16, 2026 (up to 1700 Hrs).
Is there a written exam or interview for selection?
No. Selection is based purely on a system-generated merit list derived from 10th-standard marks aggregated to a percentage with 4-decimal accuracy.
What is the age limit for applying?
The minimum age is 18 years and the maximum is 40 years as of the last date of application submission. Relaxations apply for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwBD (10–15 years).
What are the mandatory educational qualifications?
You must have a Secondary School Examination (10th standard) pass certificate with passing marks in Mathematics and English.