India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) 2026: 44,228 Vacancies Announced
The Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, has officially published the mega recruitment notification for 44,228 Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) vacancies, including Branch Postmaster (BPM) and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) / Dak Sevak positions across 23 postal circles in India. India Post GDS is one of the largest direct-recruitment drives in the country because the selection is conducted purely on merit based on 10th standard board marks without any written examination or entrance test. Candidates who have passed secondary school with English and Mathematics as compulsory subjects are eligible to apply online. This article provides a comprehensive overview of circle-wise vacancies, selection criteria, salary allowances, and merit list rules.
1. India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Key Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Department of Posts, Government of India |
| Designations | Branch Postmaster (BPM) & Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) / Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 44,228 Posts (Covering All 23 Postal Circles in India) |
| TRCA Allowance (Salary) | BPM: Rs. 12,000 – Rs. 29,380 | ABPM/Dak Sevak: Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 24,470 per month |
| Selection Methodology | 100% Merit Based on Class 10th (Matriculation) Marks |
| Official Portal | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
2. Circle-Wise Mega Vacancy Distribution
| Postal Circle Name | State / Region | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Uttar Pradesh Circle | 7,988 |
| Bihar | Bihar Circle | 2,540 |
| Rajasthan | Rajasthan Circle | 2,714 |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP Circle | 4,011 |
| Maharashtra | Maharashtra & Goa | 3,154 |
| West Bengal | WB, Sikkim & A&N Islands | 2,550 |
| Tamil Nadu & Southern Circles | TN, Kerala, Karnataka, AP, Telangana | 11,280 |
| Other Circles & North East | Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Odisha | 9,991 |
| Total Nationwide Posts | All India 23 Circles | 44,228 |
3. Detailed Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification: Secondary School Examination pass certificate of 10th standard with passing marks in Mathematics and English conducted by any recognized Board of School Education in India.
- Local Language Requirement: The candidate must have studied the official local language of the respective postal circle up to at least the 10th standard.
- Computer Knowledge & Cycling Skills: Basic computer training certificate (60 days) and knowledge of cycling / two-wheeler riding is required.
- Age Limit: 18 to 40 years. Upper age relaxations: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and 10 years for PwD applicants.
4. Selection & Automated Merit List Process
Selection is entirely transparent and automated based on the system-generated merit list using the candidate’s 10th standard percentage or grade points (CGPA converted using the multiplying factor 9.5). No human interference or interview is involved. Shortlisted candidates undergo original document verification at the designated Head Post Office.
5. Previous Cycle Expected Cutoff Percentage Analysis
| Circle / Region | General (UR) Expected Cutoff | OBC / EWS Expected Cutoff | SC / ST Expected Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Circles (UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, MP) | 94.00% – 98.50% | 92.50% – 96.00% | 88.00% – 93.50% |
| Western & Central Circles (MH, Gujarat) | 88.50% – 93.00% | 86.00% – 91.00% | 82.00% – 87.50% |
| Southern Circles (TN, Kerala, Karnataka) | 89.00% – 94.50% | 87.00% – 92.50% | 83.00% – 88.00% |
| North Eastern & Hill Circles | 82.00% – 88.00% | 80.00% – 85.50% | 76.00% – 82.00% |
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there any exam fee for female and SC/ST candidates in GDS 2026?
No, application fee is completely exempted for all female candidates, SC/ST candidates, and PwD applicants.
Q2: Can I apply for multiple posts or divisions in GDS?
Yes, candidates can submit up to 20 division/post preferences within their chosen postal circle in a single application.
Ram Avtar is the Founder and Lead Career Analyst at Govt Results Alert. With over 6 years of experience analyzing Government Recruitment Notifications, SSC, Banking, and Railway examination patterns, he leads our fact-checking team to deliver authentic, timely, and verified job alerts directly from official government gazettes.
