Department of Post (India Post) has released the 1st Merit List for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026. A total of 28,636 GDS positions are available across all states/circles of India. The application process ran from 31 January to 14 February 2026. Candidates shortlisted in the merit list must now prepare for Document Verification.
India Post GDS recruitment is merit-based — no written examination. Selection is entirely based on Class 10th marks. Candidates with higher 10th percentage get preference. This is one of India's largest annual recruitments, offering permanent government job as Gramin Dak Sevak (Branch Postmaster, Assistant Branch Postmaster, Dak Sevak) in rural post offices.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Online Apply Start Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Online Apply Last Date | 14 February 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16 February 2026 |
| Application Submission Last Date | 16 February 2026 |
| Correction Window | 18 – 19 February 2026 |
| 1st Merit List Released | March 2026 (Available Now) |
| Document Verification | After merit list — Circle/Division wise schedule |
| Official Website | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
APPLICATION FEE
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST | NIL |
| All Female Candidates | NIL |
| PH (Physically Handicapped) | NIL |
| Payment Mode | Online — Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Mobile Wallet |
AGE LIMIT — As on 01 January 2026
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 40 Years |
| Age Relaxation — SC/ST | +5 Years (Max 45 Years) |
| Age Relaxation — OBC (NCL) | +3 Years (Max 43 Years) |
| Age Relaxation — PwBD | +10 Years (across all categories) |
| Age Relaxation — Ex-Serviceman | As per India Post / Dept of Posts norms |
TOTAL POSTS — CATEGORY-WISE
| Category | Number of Posts | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 12,696 | Open merit |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 2,719 | Income below Rs.8 lakh/year |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 5,694 | Non-creamy layer certificate required |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 3,942 | Caste certificate required |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 2,716 | Tribe certificate required |
| PwBD – A (Visual Impairment) | 260 | Disability certificate required |
| PwBD – B (Hearing Impairment) | 271 | Disability certificate required |
| PwBD – C (Locomotor/Cerebral Palsy) | 257 | Disability certificate required |
| PwBD – DE (Multiple Disability) | 81 | Disability certificate required |
| TOTAL | 28,636 Posts | All-India recruitment across 23 Postal Circles |
STATE / CIRCLE-WISE VACANCY (TOP STATES)
| State/Circle | Posts | Language | State/Circle (Others) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 3,553 | Konkani / Marathi | West Bengal: 2,963 Posts |
| Uttar Pradesh | 3,169 | Hindi | Tamil Nadu: 2,009 Posts |
| Kerala | 1,691 | Malayalam | Gujarat: 1,782 Posts |
| Odisha | 1,191 | Oriya | Karnataka: 1,022 Posts |
| Bihar | 1,344 | Hindi | North Eastern: 1,014 Posts |
| Madhya Pradesh | 2,102 | Hindi | Andhra Pradesh: 1,060 Posts |
| Assam | 639 | Assamese/Bengali/Hindi | Telangana: 608 Posts |
| Jharkhand | 908 | Hindi | Chhattisgarh: 1,155 Posts |
| Punjab | 261 | Punjabi/Hindi/English | Himachal Pradesh: 520 Posts |
| Uttarakhand | 436 | Hindi | Rajasthan: 634 Posts |
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
| Post Name | Gramin Dak Sewak (GDS) — Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant BPM, Dak Sevak |
| Minimum Education | Class 10th (Matric / High School) Pass from any recognized Board |
| Compulsory Subjects | Mathematics + English as separate subjects. Must have passed both. |
| Computer Knowledge | Basic computer knowledge required — BPM/ABPM posts require computer literacy |
| Local Language | Candidate must know the local language of the division where vacancy exists |
| Merit Basis | 100% merit-based on Class 10th aggregate marks. NO interview or written exam. |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
SELECTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merit List Preparation | Division-wise, category-wise merit prepared entirely on 10th marks. Higher 10th % = higher rank. |
| 2 | 1st Merit List Published | Released at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in — check your name state/circle wise |
| 3 | Document Verification | Shortlisted candidates called for DV — bring all original certificates |
| 4 | Final Appointment | Selected candidates issued joining letter for specific post office |
HOW TO CHECK INDIA POST GDS 1st MERIT LIST 2026
▶ Step 1: Visit indiapostgdsonline.gov.in (India Post GDS official website)
▶ Step 2: Click on 'Shortlisted Candidates – 1st Merit List 2026' link
▶ Step 3: Select your Circle / State from the dropdown list
▶ Step 4: The Merit List PDF will open — use Ctrl+F to search your Registration Number or Name
▶ Step 5: If your name/registration number appears, you are shortlisted for Document Verification
▶ Step 6: Note your DV date, time, and venue (mentioned in the notification/circle website)
▶ Step 7: Prepare all original documents: 10th Marksheet, DOB proof, Caste Certificate (if applicable), Computer Certificate, Local language proof, Aadhaar, 2 passport photos
▶ Step 8: Attend Document Verification on the scheduled date at the designated Post Office / Divisional Office
▶ What if NOT in Merit List: Keep checking — 2nd and 3rd merit lists will also be released if seats remain after DV.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
| What is GDS full form? | Gramin Dak Sevak — postal workers working in rural/semi-rural Branch Post Offices under Dept. of Posts |
| What is GDS pay? | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 14,500/month (Time Related Continuity Allowance — TRCA). Not a regular pay scale but a fixed allowance. |
| Is GDS a permanent govt job? | Yes — GDS is a permanent, pensionable position. Though not a regular civil servant, GDS has defined service conditions, leave, and gratuity benefits. |
| When is 2nd Merit List? | 2nd Merit List released after 1st DV round — typically 4-6 weeks after 1st merit list. Keep checking indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
| Can I get transferred? | GDS transfers are allowed within the same Division after completion of minimum 5 years of service. |
