India Post GDS Recruitment 2026: 23,757 Posts, 10th Pass, Apply Online from September 2

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 has been announced under the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-II, July-2026. The Department of Posts has invited applications for Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts across different postal circles and divisions.

The official notification is No. 17-12/2026-GDS dated August 20, 2026. The notification confirms that registration will begin on August 31, 2026, while the online application and fee-payment window will run from September 2 to September 21, 2026, up to 5:00 PM.

The current vacancy data published for this recruitment cycle shows 23,757 GDS vacancies across India. Importantly, the descriptive notification itself does not print the complete division-wise vacancy table; its Annexure-I provides the vacancy format and states that the detailed division-wise position will be available through the GDS portal.

This makes the recruitment particularly important for candidates who have completed Class 10 and are looking for a postal job where shortlisting is based on their Class 10 performance rather than a conventional written examination.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Overview

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The reported circle-wise vacancy data puts Karnataka at 1,116 posts, making it one of the larger individual circles in this recruitment.

India Post GDS Vacancy 2026: 23,757 Posts

The total number of vacancies reported for the July 2026 Schedule-II cycle is 23,757.

These vacancies are distributed among different postal circles, divisions and offices. The recruitment covers three categories of GDS engagement:

• Branch Postmaster (BPM)
• Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
• Dak Sevak

The vacancy distribution is not simply a single national pool. Candidates will see eligible posts according to factors such as their community, age, PwBD status and local language while selecting a division and post preference.

Selected Circle-Wise Vacancy Snapshot

The published vacancy table reports 1,116 vacancies for Karnataka, with Kannada as the prescribed local language.

Important: Candidates should not assume that every vacancy in a circle is available to everyone. The portal displays eligible posts after considering the candidate’s category, age, PwBD status and local language qualification.

Karnataka GDS Recruitment 2026: 1,116 Vacancies

For candidates from Karnataka, this recruitment deserves special attention.

The official notification lists Kannada as the prescribed local language for the Karnataka Postal Circle. Candidates applying for GDS posts in Karnataka must therefore satisfy the local-language requirement specified in the notification.

The currently published Karnataka vacancy figure is:

Karnataka Circle – 1,116 GDS Posts

The reported category-wise breakup is:

Candidates should nevertheless check the live GDS portal for the exact division, office, Post ID, TRCA and PIN code before making their final preference.

What Exactly Does a GDS Do?

One common mistake in GDS articles is to describe the job simply as “post office work”. The notification gives a much clearer picture.

Branch Postmaster (BPM)

A BPM is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Branch Post Office and related India Post Payments Bank activities. In a single-handed Branch Office, the BPM can have overall responsibility for the smooth functioning of the office, including mail conveyance and delivery.

A BPM may also be involved in:

• Postal operations
• Mail delivery and conveyance
• IPPB-related services
• Customer service centre activities
• Promotion of postal products and services
• Other duties assigned by supervising postal officers

A particularly important condition is that a selected BPM must arrange suitable accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost and reside in the post village where the Branch Office operates.

Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM)

ABPM duties include sale of stamps and stationery, delivery of mail, handling certain IPPB transactions and assisting the BPM in postal operations. An ABPM may also be asked to perform BPM duties when required.

Dak Sevak

Dak Sevaks may work in Post Offices, Sorting Offices, Mail Offices, Transit Mail Offices and Delivery Centres.

Their work can include:

• Handling mail and parcels
• Delivery of mail
• Handling mail bags
• Assisting in postal office operations
• Customer-related activities
• Other duties assigned by postal authorities

The notification also states that Dak Sevaks are required to reside within the delivery jurisdiction of the Post Office to which they are attached.

India Post GDS Salary 2026

GDS remuneration is paid through Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) rather than the regular Central Government employee pay structure.

According to the notification, the initial TRCA slabs are:

The notification also states that TRCA carries an annual increase of 3%, subject to the applicable conditions. GDS are additionally entitled to Dearness Allowance and certain social-security benefits under the applicable GDS rules.

One important clarification

GDS should not be treated as regular Central Government employees. The notification specifically states that their service conditions and entitlements are different from those of regular Central Government employees. GDS are governed by the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, as revised from time to time.

This is an important point candidates should understand before applying.

India Post GDS Eligibility Criteria 2026

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed the Secondary School Examination (Class 10) with passing marks in:

• Mathematics
• English

The qualification must be from a recognised Board of School Education in India. The candidate must also have studied the prescribed local language up to Class 10.

For Karnataka, the prescribed local language is Kannada.

Other Qualifications

The notification also specifies:

• Knowledge of computers
• Knowledge of cycling
• Adequate means of livelihood

Candidates selected for engagement are required to provide the prescribed undertakings relating to computer knowledge, cycling and an additional source of livelihood.

India Post GDS Age Limit 2026

The age requirement is:

• Minimum: 18 years
• Maximum: 40 years

Age is calculated as on the last date of submission of applications.

Age Relaxation

India Post GDS Application Fee

The application fee is ₹100 for applicants who are required to pay the fee.

The following candidates are exempted:

• Female candidates
• SC candidates
• ST candidates
• PwBD candidates
• Transwomen candidates

Fee-paying candidates should complete the payment within the prescribed application window. A pending or incomplete payment after the closing time can result in rejection, and the notification states that no additional time will be provided.

India Post GDS Selection Process 2026

This is the section that makes GDS different from many other government recruitment notifications.

The notification states that candidates will be shortlisted through a system-generated merit list.

The merit list is prepared using marks obtained in the Class 10 Secondary School Examination, with the percentage calculated to an accuracy of four decimal places.

How are grades converted?

Where a candidate’s Class 10 record contains only grades, the notification provides a 9.5 multiplication factor for converting grade points into marks.

For example:

The notification further explains how CGPA and marks/grade combinations are handled by the system.

What happens after shortlisting?

Shortlisted candidates must undergo physical verification of original documents. Candidates are required to report to the designated authority within 15 days from the date of shortlisting. Failure to report within the prescribed period can result in cancellation.

After successful verification, the candidate proceeds through the required pre-engagement formalities.

GDS Merit List: Why Your 10th Marks Matter So Much

For this recruitment, candidates should not approach the selection process like an ordinary competitive exam.

There is no syllabus to prepare for a written test in the notification. Instead, your Class 10 academic record becomes the central factor in the merit calculation.

This means applicants should be particularly careful while entering:

• Subject-wise marks
• Grade/points, wherever applicable
• Board details
• Passing year
• Name
• Date of birth
• Father’s/guardian’s name
• Mother’s name

The Department specifically instructs candidates to enter personal details exactly as they appear on the Class 10 marksheet.

The Department may also verify Class 10 marksheets through DigiLocker/API Setu or the concerned education board’s online system, where available.

India Post GDS Important Dates 2026

The first three application stages and their timings are directly specified in the official notification.

Photograph and Signature Requirements

This is an easy area to overlook, but a technically incorrect upload can create a problem.

Photograph

• Format: JPG/JPEG
• Size: 30 KB to 100 KB
• Recommended dimensions: 320 × 400 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 4:5
• DPI: 72–150
• Background: Plain white or light colour
• Face should occupy around 70–80%
• Photograph should be clear and properly focused

Signature

• Format: JPG/JPEG
• Size: 20 KB to 100 KB
• Recommended dimensions: 300 × 120 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 5:2
• White background
• Black or blue pen
• Signature should occupy approximately 70–80% of the image

The notification warns that blurred photographs or miniature/blurred signatures may result in rejection.

How to Apply for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026

Candidates should complete the process in two stages.

Step 1: Complete One-Time Registration

Visit the official GDS portal and select the candidate registration option.

India Post GDS Online Engagement Portal

You need an active:

• Mobile number
• Email ID
• Class 10 board information
• Year of passing

Both mobile number and email ID are verified through OTP.

Step 2: Generate Registration Number

After successful registration, a unique registration number and password are provided. Keep the registration number safely because it will be required for the next stage.

Step 3: Login

Use the registration number and password received through SMS.

Step 4: Fill Educational Details

Enter the Class 10 board, passing year and marks exactly according to the marksheet.

Step 5: Select Division and Post Preferences

The system will display posts for which you are eligible.

This is an important step: you will only be considered for posts for which you have given preference. If selected for one preferred post, the other preferences can be forfeited according to the notification’s preference rules.

Step 6: Upload Photograph and Signature

Upload both files according to the prescribed specifications.

Step 7: Pay Fee

If you belong to a fee-paying category, complete the ₹100 payment.

Step 8: Preview the Application

Before final submission, check every detail carefully.

Step 9: Submit the Form

Complete the application before 5:00 PM on September 21, 2026.

Step 10: Save Proof

Download or print the submitted application details for future reference.

GDS Application Correction Window: Don’t Treat It as a Second Chance

A two-day correction window is available from September 23 to September 24, 2026.

However, candidates should not deliberately submit an inaccurate application expecting to fix everything later.

The notification states that after the correction window expires, no further correction request will be entertained. Once a modified application is resubmitted during the correction period, further corrections are not permitted.

Also, if a candidate starts modifying the application but does not finally submit the modified form within the specified time, the modifications are treated as null and void and the earlier application details remain applicable.

Documents Required at Physical Verification

Documents are not generally required to be attached as certificates during the initial application stage. However, shortlisted candidates must produce originals and two sets of self-attested copies during physical verification.

The notification lists documents such as:

• Class 10 marksheet
• Identity proof
• Caste certificate, where applicable
• PwBD certificate, where applicable
• EWS certificate, where applicable
• Transgender certificate, where applicable
• Date of birth proof
• Medical certificate
• Local/tribal language certificate where specifically applicable

A GDS Application Detail Many Candidates Miss

The Department says that GDS candidates should have another source of income besides the allowances paid by the Government for adequate means of livelihood for themselves and their family.

This is particularly important because GDS engagement is not the same as a regular Central Government job.

Similarly, selected BPM candidates have an additional responsibility: arranging suitable accommodation for operating the Branch Post Office and residing in the post village.

Therefore, candidates should consider the actual nature of the post, location and duties before selecting their preferences rather than choosing a post only because of the salary figure.

Who Should Apply for India Post GDS 2026?

This recruitment can be especially relevant for candidates who:

• Have passed Class 10
• Have good Class 10 marks
• Have studied the required local language
• Are comfortable working in postal/rural environments
• Meet the computer and cycling requirements
• Are within the prescribed age limit
• Prefer a merit-based recruitment process
• Are willing to satisfy the residence/service conditions applicable to their post

For Karnataka candidates, studying Kannada up to the required level is especially important because Kannada is the prescribed local language for the Karnataka Postal Circle.

Important Things to Check Before You Click Submit

Before final submission, candidates should personally verify these points:

1. Your name: It should match the Class 10 certificate.

2. Date of birth: Check it against the matriculation certificate.

3. Parents’ names: The notification specifically asks candidates to enter these details according to the Class 10 record.

4. Marks: Enter the correct marks/grade information.

5. Local language: Make sure you actually satisfy the prescribed language condition.

6. Division: Choose the division carefully.

7. Post preference: Give preference to every eligible post you genuinely want to be considered for.

8. Photo and signature: Check the preview after upload.

9. Fee: If applicable, ensure payment is successfully completed.

10. Final submission: Do not leave the application at the payment or preview stage.

The Department specifically advises applicants not to wait until the final day because heavy website traffic or technical problems may prevent successful submission.

India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 – Important Links

Checkout : Bank of Baroda Local Bank Officer Recruitment 2026

The Department’s own notification directs candidates to the GDS Online Engagement Portal for submission of applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 vacancy?

The current Schedule-II, July-2026 recruitment has 23,757 GDS vacancies across different postal circles and divisions.

2. Which posts are included in GDS Recruitment 2026?

The recruitment includes Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) and Dak Sevak posts.

3. What is the qualification for India Post GDS?

Candidates must have passed Class 10 with passing marks in Mathematics and English and must satisfy the prescribed local-language requirement.

4. What is the GDS age limit?

The basic age limit is 18 to 40 years, with applicable category-wise relaxation.

5. Is there a written exam for GDS selection?

The notification provides for a system-generated merit list based on Class 10 marks, followed by document verification and engagement formalities.

6. What is the GDS application fee?

The fee is ₹100 for candidates who are required to pay it. Female, SC, ST, PwBD and Transwomen candidates are exempted.

7. What is the Karnataka GDS vacancy?

The currently published Karnataka Circle vacancy is 1,116 posts, with Kannada as the prescribed local language.

8. When does GDS registration start?

One-Time Registration begins on August 31, 2026.

9. What is the last date to submit the GDS application?

The final date for online application and fee payment is September 21, 2026, up to 5:00 PM.

10. Can I apply for multiple divisions?

The notification specifies that an applicant can apply for vacant GDS posts in only one selected Division, with preferences among eligible posts displayed for that Division.

Final Takeaway

The India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Schedule-II, July-2026 is not a conventional recruitment where candidates prepare for a written examination. The important battle is your Class 10 merit, correct application data, local-language eligibility and careful post preference.

With 23,757 reported vacancies, including 1,116 vacancies in Karnataka, the recruitment is a significant opportunity for eligible 10th-pass candidates.

At the same time, applicants should read the service conditions carefully. GDS are not regular Central Government employees, BPM candidates have accommodation responsibilities, and selected candidates must satisfy the prescribed conditions relating to residence, computer knowledge, cycling and livelihood.

Registration starts on August 31, 2026, but the actual online application submission starts on September 2, 2026. The final application deadline is September 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Candidates should complete the process well before the deadline rather than waiting for the last few hours.