The Department of Posts (DoP), under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has launched a major recruitment drive for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) positions in 2026. This is one of the largest entry-level government job opportunities for 10th-pass candidates, offering stable employment in rural postal services without any written exam or interview. The process is purely merit-based on Class 10 marks.
This recruitment, officially known as Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026, covers posts like Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak. It targets filling vacancies in rural branch post offices across India, making it ideal for candidates in villages and small towns.
Key Highlights
- Total Vacancies: Approximately 28,636 to 28,740 (exact figure varies slightly across sources; provisional and circle-wise details released)
- Posts: Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak
- Advertisement Reference: Schedule-I, January 2026 (related to earlier ref. 17-37/2025-GDS)
- Application Mode: Online only
- Official Website: https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in or https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
- No Exam/Interview: Selection purely on merit list based on 10th marks (normalized if needed)
Important Dates (Latest Updates)
- Notification Release: Late January 2026
- Online Registration/Apply Start: January 31, 2026 (some sources mention January 30 or February 2)
- Last Date to Apply Online: February 14, 2026 (up to 5 PM)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: February 16, 2026
- Application Correction Window: Likely February 18–19, 2026
- Merit List/Result: Expected after February 28, 2026 (to be notified)
- Note: Apply early—last-minute server issues are common on closing days.
Eligibility Criteria
This is an accessible job for fresh 10th-pass candidates, especially in rural areas.
- Educational Qualification:
- Passed Class 10 (High School) with Mathematics and English as subjects.
- Basic computer knowledge is desirable (certificate preferred but not mandatory).
- Knowledge of Local Language: Must read, write, and speak the local language of the postal circle/division applied for (tested during engagement).
- Age Limit (as on last date, February 14, 2026):
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 40 years
- Age relaxation as per government rules (SC/ST: 5 years, OBC: 3 years, PwBD: 10 years, etc.)
- Nationality: Indian citizen
- Other: Physically fit to carry mail bags; preference for candidates residing in the same village/division.
Vacancy Distribution (Circle/State-Wise Highlights)
Vacancies are distributed across 23 postal circles. Exact division-wise and category-wise (UR/SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) details are available on the official portal (released February 3, 2026). Approximate major numbers:
- Uttar Pradesh: ~3,169 (Hindi)
- Maharashtra: ~3,553 (Marathi/Konkani)
- West Bengal: ~2,963 (Bengali/Hindi/English/Nepali)
- Madhya Pradesh: ~2,102 (Hindi)
- Tamil Nadu: ~2,009 (Tamil)
- Gujarat: ~1,782 (Gujarati)
- Kerala: ~1,691 (Malayalam)
- Jharkhand: ~908 (Hindi)
- Other states like Bihar (~1,344), Odisha (~1,191), Karnataka (~1,022), etc.
Jharkhand (including areas near Jamshedpur) has around 908 posts—check the official site for division-specific vacancies.
Salary and Benefits
- Basic Pay (varies by post):
- BPM: Starting ~₹12,000–₹14,500 per month (higher workload/responsibility)
- ABPM/Dak Sevak: Starting ~₹10,000–₹12,000 per month
- Total In-Hand: ₹12,000–₹25,000+ (including allowances like DA, incentives for rural postings, cash handling, etc.)
- Other Benefits: Time-bound promotions, medical facilities, leave, pension under NPS (after regularization), job security in government sector.
- Working Hours: 4–5 hours daily (part-time nature for most GDS posts)
Selection Process
- No Written Exam or Interview — Fully merit-based.
- Merit list prepared based on 10th marks (percentage normalized across boards).
- Higher marks get preference; tie-breakers may include age or other criteria.
- Shortlisted candidates undergo document verification, local language check, and medical fitness.
- Final engagement after police verification.
Application Process & Fee
- Visit indiapostgdsonline.gov.in or indiapost.gov.in → GDS Online Engagement.
- Register with basic details (name, mobile, email) to get registration ID/password.
- Fill the form, select preferred division/circle, upload photo/signature/10th certificate.
- Pay fee online or via challan at post office.
- Submit and take printout.
Application Fee:
- General/OBC: ₹100
- SC/ST/PwBD/All Female Categories: Exempted (₹0)
- Fee paid via e-challan at Head Post Office/GPO or online.
How to Prepare & Apply Tips
- Keep 10th marksheet ready (higher percentage increases chances).
- Choose division carefully—preference for local residents.
- Ensure local language proficiency.
- Apply well before February 14 to avoid technical glitches.
- Download official notification PDF from the portal for full details, vacancy tables, and FAQs.
This is a golden opportunity for 10th-pass youth, especially in rural and semi-urban areas like Jharkhand, to secure a government job with minimal competition and no exam pressure. Thousands of candidates apply every cycle—don’t miss the February 14, 2026 deadline!
For the most accurate and updated information (including exact vacancies in Jharkhand/Jamshedpur divisions), visit the official portal immediately: https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. Good luck! If you need help with specific steps or Jharkhand vacancies, let me know.
