The Department of Posts (India Post), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has announced the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026 for massive rural postal services recruitment. This is one of the largest entry-level government job drives for 10th pass candidates, offering roles like Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak in rural post offices across India.
With over 28,700 vacancies and merit-based selection (no exam), it’s a golden opportunity for rural youth seeking stable jobs with basic qualifications. Applications are active now — hurry as the deadline is approaching!
Key Highlights
- Total Vacancies: 28,740 (some sources mention slight variations like 28,635–28,740; confirm on official site)
- Post Names: Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) – Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak
- Conducting Body: Department of Posts (DoP), India Post
- Notification: Gramin Dak Sevak Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026 (Notification No. 17-37/2025-GD or similar)
- Official Website & Apply Portal: https://indiapost.gov.in/ → Recruitment section → Direct apply: https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in/ (or https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement)
- Job Nature: Contractual engagement in rural post offices; involves mail delivery, postal transactions, basic office work
Important Dates
Quick reference table (as per latest updates):
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Late January 2026 |
| One Time Registration (OTR) Start | 31 January 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 02 February 2026 / 31 Jan (some sources) |
| Last Date for Registration / Apply | 14 February 2026 (up to 17:00 hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 February 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 18–19 February 2026 |
| Merit List / Result | To be notified later |
Note: Today is February 08, 2026 (05:02 PM IST) — only about 6 days left to apply! Complete OTR and submission soon to avoid rush.
Application Fee (Category-Wise)
Very low and exemptions available:
| Category | Fee Amount | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹100 | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking) or Offline |
| SC / ST / Female / PwBD / Transgender | ₹0 (Exempted) | N/A |
Age Limit (As on 14 February 2026)
Relaxations as per government rules:
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | 18 Years | 40 Years |
| Reserved Categories | As per rules (extra 3–5 years for OBC/SC/ST etc.) |
Educational Qualification
Simple and accessible:
- Passed Class 10th (Matriculation / SSE) from a recognized board.
- Must have studied Mathematics and English as subjects.
- Knowledge of local language of the applied postal division (reading, writing, speaking).
- Basic computer knowledge desirable.
- Ability to ride bicycle (for delivery roles).
No higher education required — perfect for 10th pass candidates!
Vacancy Details
Total: 28,740 (circle-wise distribution released on official portal around 3 Feb 2026). Major states have high numbers:
| Postal Circle | Approximate Vacancies (Examples) |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | ~3,169 |
| Maharashtra | ~3,553 |
| West Bengal | ~2,963 |
| Madhya Pradesh | ~2,102 |
| Tamil Nadu | ~2,009 |
| Gujarat | ~1,782 |
| Kerala | ~1,691 |
| Others (Bihar, Odisha, Karnataka, etc.) | Varying from 600–1,500+ |
Full circle-wise & category-wise (UR/SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) list available on official portal after login or in notification PDF. Check for your state/circle.
Pay Scale / Remuneration
Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) + allowances:
| Post Name | Basic TRCA Range |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) / Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
Plus Dearness Allowance, other perks; good for rural areas.
Selection Process
Merit-based (no written exam):
- Merit List preparation based on Class 10 marks (percentage/grades normalized).
- Document Verification (original certificates, local language proof, etc.).
- Engagement as per merit, preferences, and vacancies in chosen division.
Tie-breaker: Higher marks in Maths/English, then age.
How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit official portal: https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in/ or https://indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) first (using valid mobile & email) — get Registration Number & Password via SMS/Email.
- Login with credentials.
- Fill application: Personal details (as per 10th certificate), education, category, local language, division/post preferences (select only eligible ones).
- Upload scanned photo & signature (as per specs).
- Pay fee (if applicable) online.
- Preview, verify all info, and submit before 14 Feb 2026.
- Download/print confirmation page for records.
Tip: Choose division carefully (based on local language & residence). Read full notification PDF on official site before starting.
Why Apply for This Job?
- Huge vacancies (28,740+) — high chance for 10th pass candidates.
- No exam — direct merit selection.
- Rural posting with job security & allowances.
- Low fee/exemptions for many categories.
- Opportunity in postal department (government job benefits).
Always refer to the official notification and portal (indiapostgdsonline.gov.in or indiapost.gov.in) for exact circle-wise vacancies, syllabus (if any), updates, or changes. Details compiled from official sources and reliable job portals.
