Are you looking for a government job after completing your 10th standard? The Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts offered by the Department of Posts, Government of India, might be the perfect opportunity for you. This article explains the complete India Post GDS eligibility criteria.
What is Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS)?
Gramin Dak Sevak, commonly known as GDS, are employees who work in post offices across rural India. They help in delivering mail, selling stamps, and providing various postal services to people in villages and small towns. The GDS posts include three main categories:
- Branch Post Master (BPM) – Manages a branch post office
- Assistant Branch Post Master (ABPM) – Assists the BPM in post office work
- Dak Sevak – Works in departmental offices for mail delivery and other services
Basic Eligibility Requirements for India Post GDS
Becoming a Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) is a dream for many 10th-pass students in India. It is a stable government job that allows you to serve your own community. But before you apply for the India Post GDS Recruitment 2025-26, you must know if you are eligible.
1. Age Limit for India Post GDS Posts
The age criteria for GDS recruitment are very clear and simple:
Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old Maximum Age: You should not be more than 40 years old
Your age will be calculated based on the last date of application submission. This means whatever your age is on the closing date of applications, that will be considered.
Age Relaxation Benefits
The good news is that some candidates get extra age relaxation. Here’s how it works:
- SC/ST Candidates: Get 5 years extra (can apply up to 45 years)
- OBC Candidates: Get 3 years extra (can apply up to 43 years)
- EWS Candidates: No age relaxation
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Get 10 years extra
- PwD + OBC: Get 13 years extra
- PwD + SC/ST: Get 15 years extra
2. India Post GDS Educational Qualification
This is the most important part for 10th pass students. The educational requirements are:
Compulsory Requirements:
10th Standard Pass Certificate: You must have passed your 10th standard examination from any recognized board in India. Your certificate should show:
- Passing marks in Mathematics
- Passing marks in English
Local Language Knowledge: You should have studied the local language of the area where you want to work at least up to 10th standard. For example, if you want to work in West Bengal, you should have studied Bengali. If you want to work in Tamil Nadu, you should have studied Tamil.
Special Note for Arunachal Pradesh
If you are applying for posts in Arunachal Pradesh, the rules are slightly different. You need to know:
- English OR Hindi (studied up to 10th standard)
- Any tribal local language or dialect of Arunachal Pradesh
For tribal languages, you will need a certificate from the Deputy Commissioner or authorized officer.
3. Other Important Qualifications
Apart from educational qualifications, you need to have:
- Computer Knowledge: Basic knowledge of using computers
- Cycling Skills: You should know how to ride a bicycle
- Other Income Source: You should have some other means of earning money besides the GDS salary to support yourself and your family
These requirements ensure that you can perform the duties properly and have financial stability.
Gramin Dak Sevak Reservation Benefits
The GDS recruitment follows the government’s reservation policy to ensure fair opportunities for all:
- SC/ST: Reservation as per state percentage
- OBC: Reservation as per state percentage
- EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 10% reservation
- PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 4% total (1% each for different disability categories)
Important Documents Required
To claim reservation benefits, you must have proper certificates:
- Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
- EWS Certificate (for economically weaker section candidates)
- Disability Certificate (for PwD candidates)
These certificates must be issued by competent authorities in the prescribed format.
Also Read: India Post GDS Salary 2026
Gramin Dak Sevak Physical Requirements and Disabilities
If you are a person with benchmark disability, you can apply for GDS posts. The following disabilities are acceptable:
- Low Vision (LV)
- Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- One Arm, One Leg, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, or Acid Attack Victim
- Specific Learning Disability or Intellectual Disability
You must have a valid disability certificate to claim these benefits.
Important Points to Remember
Who Cannot Apply for India Post GDS?
You cannot apply for GDS posts if:
- You have been dismissed or removed from any government job in the past
- You are currently holding an elective office (like MLA, MP, Councilor, etc.)
- You have been compulsory retired from government service
Key Facts About GDS Jobs
Before applying, understand these important points:
- Working Hours: GDS work for 4-5 hours per day only
- Retirement Age: You have to retire at 65 years
- Not Regular Employees: GDS are not regular government employees
- Salary Structure: You get Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), not a regular salary
- Rural Posting: Most GDS posts are in rural areas
Gramin Dak Sevak Salary and Benefits
The initial salary (TRCA) ranges are:
- BPM: Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 29,380 per month
- ABPM/Dak Sevak: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 24,470 per month
You also get:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- 3% annual increase in TRCA
- Gratuity benefits
- Service Discharge Benefits (similar to pension)
How to Check If You Are Eligible for India Post GDS Post?
Follow this simple checklist:
✓ Are you between 18-40 years old? (Add relaxation if applicable)
✓ Have you passed 10th standard with marks in Maths and English?
✓ Did you study the local language up to 10th standard?
✓ Do you have basic computer knowledge?
✓ Can you ride a bicycle?
✓ Do you have other income sources?
✓ Are you ready to work in rural areas?
If you answered “Yes” to all these questions, you are eligible to apply for GDS posts!
Remember, GDS posts require dedication and willingness to serve in rural areas. The job provides a stable income, government benefits, and the pride of serving the nation through postal services.
Also Read:India Post GDS Selection Process 2026
Important: Always check the official notification at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in for the latest updates and detailed information before applying.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Candidates should refer to the official notification for complete details and any updates.
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