Live Updated: April 1, 2026 • 9:22 PM IST
The Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications has released the India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 notification for 28,636 vacancies across 23 postal circles in India.
The first merit list of shortlisted candidates has been published on the official GDS portal and eligible candidates can now check their selection status.
This recruitment is one of the largest government job opportunities of 2026 for candidates who have completed Class 10. There is no written examination and no interview. Selection is done entirely on the basis of marks obtained in the Class 10 board examination.
Official portal: India Post GDS — indiapost.gov.in
Key Details of India Post GDS Vacancy 2026
Total vacancies: 28,636 posts across 23 postal circles. Posts available: Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS), Branch Postmaster (BPM), and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM). Eligibility: Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognized board with Mathematics and English as subjects.
Age limit: Minimum 18 years and maximum 40 years. Age relaxation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates as per government rules. Selection process: Merit based on Class 10 marks calculated up to four decimal places. No written exam or interview.
Application period: Registration was open from January 31 to February 14, 2026, and applications were accepted from February 2 to February 16, 2026. Current status: The first merit list (List I) of shortlisted candidates has been published.
Official notification: Department of Posts — indiapost.gov.in
How to Check India Post GDS Merit List 2026
Step 1: Visit the official GDS engagement portal at indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement.
Step 2: Click on “List I of Shortlisted Candidates Published” link on the homepage.
Step 3: Select your postal circle from the list.
Step 4: The merit list PDF will open showing candidate names, registration numbers, and post allotment details.
Step 5: Search for your name or registration number in the PDF using Ctrl+F on your device.
If your name appears in the merit list, you will be contacted by the Divisional Head or Unit Head of your assigned postal division for document verification. After successful verification, a system generated provisional engagement letter will be issued immediately.
Salary and Benefits
GDS employees receive Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) as their monthly pay. The current TRCA structure provides a minimum of ₹12,000 per month for GDS posts and up to ₹14,500 per month for BPM posts.
This allowance carries an annual increment of 3 percent. GDS employees also receive Dearness Allowance as declared by the government from time to time.
Important: GDS positions are not regular central government posts. GDS employees work 4 to 5 hours daily and are governed by the Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020.
However, GDS employees are eligible for departmental promotions to Postman and Mail Guard positions through departmental examinations.
Documents Required for Verification
Candidates shortlisted in the merit list should keep these documents ready for the verification process: Class 10 mark sheet and certificate, Aadhaar card, community or caste certificate (if applicable), date of birth proof, character certificate, computer proficiency certificate, local language proficiency proof, and passport size photographs.
Candidates selected for BPM posts must also be able to arrange accommodation for running the Branch Post Office at their own cost as per the official notification.
Official reference: Ministry of Communications — communications.gov.in
What to Do Next
If you have already applied and the merit list is published for your circle, check your name immediately. If selected, prepare all original documents for verification. If the merit list for your circle is not yet published, continue checking the official portal regularly as additional lists may be released in phases.
For candidates who missed this cycle, India Post conducts GDS recruitment regularly and the next cycle is expected later in 2026. Stay updated with notifications on the official website.