Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) recruitment is unlike most jobs covered on this site. There is no written test and no interview. A computer builds a merit list from the marks you scored in Class 10, and the Department of Posts engages candidates in order of merit. That makes the process fair and simple, but it also means that the details of how your marks are entered and how your documents are checked decide everything. An error that cannot be corrected, a missed deadline or a misunderstanding about the nature of the job cannot be repaired later by studying harder.
This guide explains the Andhra Pradesh circle's process from the Department of Posts' own notification, including the arithmetic of the merit list, the pay structure, the documents, and the change of portal that happened in 2026. As on October 2026 the facts come from the GDS Online Engagement notification of 7 February 2025 and the India Post GDS pages that I opened on the date of writing. Rules are fixed by each notification, so read the one for the schedule you apply to. Related reading: the Andhra Pradesh government exams 2026 overview, and the Telugu edition of this post, AP పోస్టల్ GDS గైడ్.
What a Gramin Dak Sevak is, and what it is not
The notification states plainly that GDSs are not regular employees of the Department or the Central Government, and their emoluments, allowances and entitlements are not on a par with those of central government employees. Their service conditions are governed by the Department of Posts, Gramin Dak Sevaks (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, and not framed under Article 309 of the Constitution. They hold civil posts outside the civil services of the state. A GDS is required to work a minimum of four hours and a maximum of five hours a day, cannot be retained beyond 65 years of age, and is expected to have another source of income besides the allowance, to have adequate means of livelihood.
This is the single most important paragraph for a first-time applicant. If you imagine a full-time salaried central government job, the structure will disappoint you. If you want a rural postal role with fixed hours, a modest allowance and the chance to pursue other work or study, it can suit you. Decide this before applying, not after.
The three kinds of GDS posts
| Post | What the notification says the job involves |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | Day-to-day operations of the Branch Post Office and India Post Payments Bank services, marketing of the Department's products, and, in a single-handed office, overall responsibility including mail conveyance and delivery |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | Sale of stamps and stationery, conveyance and delivery of mail at the doorstep, counter transactions including Payments Bank services, assisting the BPM |
| Dak Sevak | Work in Sub Post Offices, Head Post Offices and Railway Mail Service sorting offices, handling mailbags, assisting postmasters, marketing and other assigned work |
A BPM has a special burden. The selected candidate has to provide accommodation for the Branch Post Office at their own cost, must live in the post village, and must submit a declaration with details of the accommodation before engagement. An ABPM or Dak Sevak must live within the delivery jurisdiction of the post office concerned. These residence rules are not formalities. They are why local choice matters when you fill in preferences.
Eligibility
As on October 2026, the following conditions come from the Department of Posts notification No. 17-02/2025-GDS dated 7 February 2025 (Schedule-I, January 2025). The text of a later schedule can differ, so verify it for the schedule you are applying to.
- Age: at least 18 and at most 40 years, counted on the last date for submission of applications. The upper limit is relaxed by five years for SC and ST, three years for OBC, ten years for persons with disabilities, thirteen for PwD with OBC and fifteen for PwD with SC or ST. There is no relaxation for EWS candidates.
- Education: a pass in the Secondary School Examination (Class 10) with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognised board.
- Local language: the candidate must have studied the local language at least up to Class 10. For the Andhra Pradesh circle, which covers Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, the language is Telugu.
- Other conditions: knowledge of computer, knowledge of cycling and adequate means of livelihood. These are supported by undertakings in prescribed formats, submitted by selected candidates at the time of engagement.
- Not eligible: people who were dismissed, removed or compulsorily retired from government service or from GDS service as a penalty; people holding an elective office.
Notice that no computer course certificate is demanded at the application stage in this notification. Candidates give an undertaking about computer knowledge at engagement. Some web pages claim that a computer training certificate is mandatory. For the schedule I read, the formal requirement was the undertaking. Check your schedule's annexures.
Pay: how TRCA works
GDSs are paid a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), not a salary on a pay matrix. As on October 2026, the Schedule-I notification gives the initial slabs below.
| Category | Basic TRCA slab (Rs per month) |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster | 12,000 to 29,380 |
| ABPM and Dak Sevak | 10,000 to 24,470 |
TRCA carries an annual increase of three percent, subject to the conditions in the GDS Rules, and Dearness Allowance is payable on TRCA as declared by the Government of India. GDSs are also entitled to other allowances and social security benefits, which include a GDS gratuity and a Service Discharge Benefit Scheme that the notification describes as akin to the National Pension System for regular employees. The slab is a range, so the exact starting amount for a particular post depends on the post and on the Department's current orders. Check the vacancy list and the notification for your schedule.
Vacancies in the Andhra Pradesh circle
The Department publishes circle-wise vacancy tables. As on October 2026, the table published with Schedule-I of January 2025 lists the following for the Andhra Pradesh circle, with Telugu as the language.
| Category | Posts |
|---|---|
| UR | 553 |
| OBC | 239 |
| SC | 157 |
| ST | 63 |
| EWS | 159 |
| PwD (A, B, C and DE sub-categories) | 7, 14, 22 and 1 |
| Total | 1,215 |
The same table lists 21,413 posts across all circles, and Telangana has its own circle with 519 posts. The Andhra Pradesh circle's candidates therefore compete for Andhra Pradesh posts, and Telangana is a different circle with a different list.
For the Schedule-II cycle of July 2026, the circle-wise table is on the new portal under "Circlewise Posts Notified". I could not open that table and am not quoting its numbers. Look at it directly, because the number of vacancies and the category-wise split decide your realistic chance.
The 2025 and 2026 schedules and the change of portal
As on October 2026, the Department of Posts runs GDS engagement in schedules.
| Schedule | Registration | Application | Edit window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule-I, January 2025 | 10 February to 3 March 2025 | Same period | 6 to 8 March 2025 |
| Schedule-II, July 2026 | 31 August to 19 September 2026 (5 pm) | 2 to 21 September 2026 (5 pm) | 23 to 24 September 2026 (5 pm) |
Under Schedule-I of 2025 the process of engagement was to close, with no further list of shortlisted candidates, after 30 June 2025, although the Department reserved the right to extend the dates.
The earlier portal at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in displays a notice that it is no longer active and points to the new website, which is at indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement, with the candidate login on a separate India Post domain. The new portal's notice on Schedule-II says that candidates must register afresh, because registration numbers generated in previous schedules are not valid, and that the correction window is closed. It also carries a security warning: the Department communicates only through official email IDs ending with @indiapost.gov.in or @indiapostgdsonline.gov.in, and it is not responsible for misleading messages from other sources.
As on October 2026, Schedule-II has closed for registration, application and correction. If you did not apply, the next step is to wait for the next schedule, and prepare in the meantime. If you applied, the next stage is the release of the shortlist lists on the portal.
Applying: registration, fee, and what you upload
The process in the Schedule-I notification has two stages. First you register on the portal with a mobile number and an email ID, each verified by OTP, and these can be used for only one registration. You also need your Class 10 board and year of passing, and Aadhaar if available. Then you submit the application, in which you give present and permanent addresses, your Class 10 marks, and your preferences.
- Fee: Rs 100. The notification exempts all female and transwoman candidates, all SC and ST candidates and persons with disabilities. Payment is online through cards, net banking or UPI, and gateway charges are borne by the candidate. Fee once paid is not refunded.
- Uploads: only a recent photograph (jpg or jpeg, not exceeding 50 KB) and a signature (jpg or jpeg, not exceeding 20 KB). No other document is attached at the application stage.
- Division and preferences: you apply for one or more posts in only one selected division. After you select the division, the portal lists the posts you are eligible for, based on community, age, disability status and the local language you studied, and you rank them. If you are shortlisted for more than one, only the first one in your order of preference is offered, and your rights to the others are forfeited.
- Correction window: three days after the closing date, and only for changes other than the mobile number and the email ID. After the window closes, no change is allowed under any circumstances. A change that moves you into a fee-paying category requires the fee.
The practical lesson is that preferences are ranked. Fill in posts in an order that reflects where you want to live and work, because you will be offered the first post for which your merit is sufficient.
The merit list: how your marks become a rank
The notification states that applicants are shortlisted on the basis of a system-generated merit list. It is prepared from the marks obtained in the Class 10 examination, aggregated to a percentage and computed to an accuracy of four decimal places. The rules are as follows.
- If your mark sheet shows marks, the system uses your marks. If it shows both marks and grades, it uses the marks.
- If your board gives only grades, the system converts them using a multiplication factor of 9.5 on the grade point. A grade point of 10 (A1) becomes 95, 9 (A2) becomes 85.5, 8 (B1) becomes 76, and so on. You enter the grades or points, and the system does the conversion. You are not supposed to convert them yourself.
- If a CGPA is given, the marks are the CGPA multiplied by 9.5. Where both subject grades and CGPA are given, the higher of the two results is taken.
- For a board that gives both a percentage and grade points, the merit is based on the percentage, and entering grade points instead can lead to disqualification.
- Where a board awarded a bare pass certificate in a particular year, the system gives a uniform 66.67 percent in that case. The notification mentions this for one board in 2020-2021.
A worked example shows why accuracy matters. Suppose a candidate has 560 marks out of 600. The percentage is 560 divided by 600, that is 93.3333 percent. Another candidate with a CGPA of 9.6 has 9.6 times 9.5, that is 91.2 percent. The first candidate ranks ahead. If that second candidate's mark sheet also lists subject grades, the system would compute both figures and take the higher one. These small distinctions are the only thing that separates adjacent ranks, so a mistake of a single mark is serious.
If candidates tie, the order of preference is set out in the notification: the older candidate by date of birth first, then in order ST transwoman, ST female, SC transwoman, SC female, OBC transwoman, OBC female, EWS transwoman, EWS female, UR transwoman, UR female, and then the male and transmale categories in a similar sequence. The Department also keeps the right to add criteria for ties.
Name, date of birth and parents' names must be entered exactly as in the Class 10 certificate. Applications with incomplete data, wrong documents or an illegible photograph or signature are rejected. If a mark sheet is on DigiLocker, the Department says it will verify authenticity through the API Setu portal, and applicants give consent for that.
After shortlisting: verification and engagement
A shortlist is published on the portal, and candidates are informed by SMS and email. The following steps apply, from the Schedule-I notification.
- Document verification within 15 days. The shortlisted candidate must go to the Divisional or Unit Head of the division where the post is notified, within 15 days of shortlisting. A candidate who does not turn up is marked "Non-turned up" and the candidature is cancelled automatically.
- Documents to carry. Originals and two sets of self-attested photocopies: marks sheet, identity proof, date of birth proof, caste certificate, PwD certificate, EWS certificate and a medical certificate from a government hospital, dispensary or primary health centre. The medical certificate is described as compulsory.
- Offer of provisional engagement. If there is no discrepancy, a system-generated offer is issued immediately.
- Pre-engagement formalities within 30 days. These include a basic training of three days and, for a BPM, arranging accommodation. Failure ends the candidature.
- Provisional and final orders. An order of provisional engagement follows, pending verification from issuing authorities and a police antecedent report. A final order of engagement is issued when the reports arrive.
A caste certificate not in the prescribed format can be submitted within 15 days of the offer, failing which the candidature is rejected. For OBC, the candidate must not be in the creamy layer as on the closing date of application. For EWS, a certificate of the relevant financial year valid on the last date of application is accepted, and the candidate must hold a valid certificate at verification. Prior experience of any kind is not considered in selection.
A candidate's checklist before applying
- Read the notification of the current schedule in full, including the annexures.
- Confirm that you have passed Class 10 with passing marks in Mathematics and English, and that Telugu was studied up to Class 10.
- Fix a date to check the age limit against the last date of application, not the notification date.
- Keep the Class 10 mark sheet in front of you while filling in marks, and enter subject marks exactly.
- Choose one division, and rank the posts in it with your living arrangements in mind.
- Prepare photograph and signature files within the size limits.
- Keep a working mobile number and email that are yours alone.
- Note the three-day correction window and use it if you made an error.
- Collect caste, EWS, disability and medical certificates before the shortlist, not after.
- Ignore any call or message asking for money. The Department says it does not make phone calls to applicants.
Common mistakes
- Entering grades as marks, or the reverse. Follow the instructions for your board, and do not convert grades yourself.
- Entering a percentage where the portal asks for subject marks. Wrong data leads to cancellation.
- Choosing posts by pay alone. A BPM's accommodation and residence duties are major commitments.
- Missing the 15-day verification window. The system cancels the candidature automatically.
- Assuming a mobile number or email can be shared. They cannot be reused for another registration.
- Treating the job as regular central employment. The notification itself says GDSs are not regular employees.
- Trusting forwarded messages. Use only the official portal and the official email IDs the Department names.
Beyond the job: realistic expectations
The allowance is tied to hours, not to a pay level, and the notification says the Sevak should have another source of income. Many people treat the role as part of a larger plan: a stable local engagement with fixed hours that leaves time for study, a small business or farm work. It can also be a first step into postal work, since GDS serve in post offices and handle services including Payments Bank transactions. Whether a route from GDS into departmental posts exists, and in what quota, is governed by the Department's recruitment rules, which I did not verify here. Read the rules before building a plan on it.
Daily life depends on the post. A BPM runs an office, handles cash, savings accounts and the day's accounts, and must be present in the village. An ABPM or Dak Sevak spends much of the day on delivery and counter work. For delivery, the knowledge of cycling is a condition, and it is declared by an undertaking. The weather, distance and workload vary a great deal by division, so look at the offices listed in your division's vacancy list before ranking them.
Key facts for the exam and for the application
- GDS engagement is run by the Department of Posts, which is under the Ministry of Communications.
- GDS are governed by the GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2020, and work four to five hours a day.
- Eligibility is Class 10 pass with Mathematics and English, Telugu studied for the Andhra Pradesh circle, and age 18 to 40.
- TRCA slabs in Schedule-I 2025 were Rs 12,000 to 29,380 for BPM and Rs 10,000 to 24,470 for ABPM and Dak Sevak, with a three percent annual increase.
- Merit is the Class 10 percentage to four decimals, with a factor of 9.5 for grades.
- Fee is Rs 100, with exemption for women, transwomen, SC, ST and PwD candidates.
- The Andhra Pradesh circle had 1,215 posts in Schedule-I, January 2025, and Telangana is a separate circle.
- Schedule-II, July 2026 ran from 31 August to 21 September 2026 with correction on 23 and 24 September.
Ten practice MCQs
1. In the GDS notification, a Sevak must work for: a) 2 to 3 hours b) 4 to 5 hours c) 6 to 8 hours d) 8 hours or more Answer: b. The GDS Rules set a minimum of four and a maximum of five hours.
2. The educational qualification for GDS is: a) Intermediate b) Graduation c) Class 10 with passing marks in Mathematics and English d) Class 8 Answer: c.
3. The maximum age for an unreserved candidate is: a) 35 b) 38 c) 40 d) 42 Answer: c. SC and ST get five years more, OBC three.
4. For a board giving only grades, the multiplication factor used to convert to marks is: a) 9 b) 9.5 c) 10 d) 8.5 Answer: b. A CGPA of 9.0 would become 85.5.
5. A candidate has a CGPA of 8.8. The marks used for merit would be: a) 83.6 b) 88 c) 79.2 d) 85.5 Answer: a. 8.8 multiplied by 9.5 is 83.6.
6. Which of these is exempt from the GDS application fee? a) OBC male b) EWS male c) A female candidate d) General male Answer: c. The exemption includes all female, transwoman, SC, ST and PwD candidates.
7. After being shortlisted, the candidate must report for document verification within: a) 7 days b) 15 days c) 30 days d) 60 days Answer: b. The 30 days apply to pre-engagement formalities after the offer.
8. The Branch Postmaster must: a) Be a graduate b) Provide accommodation for the Branch Post Office c) Pass a written test d) Hold a driving licence Answer: b. The residence and accommodation conditions are in the notification.
9. The local language for the Andhra Pradesh postal circle is: a) Telugu b) Hindi c) Kannada d) Tamil Answer: a. The circle covers Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.
10. If there is a tie in merit, which is considered first? a) Gender b) Date of birth, older first c) Place of residence d) Marks in Mathematics Answer: b. The category order applies after age.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a written test for GDS? No. The notification says that the merit list is system generated from Class 10 marks.
Can I apply to several divisions? In the Schedule-I notification, a candidate applies for posts in only one selected division. Check the schedule you apply to.
Do I need a computer certificate? The notification lists knowledge of computer as a condition, supported by an undertaking at engagement. It does not ask for a certificate at the application stage.
What if my marks were entered wrongly? Use the three-day correction window. After it closes, no change is allowed.
Can a person from Telangana apply to the Andhra Pradesh circle? The circle is defined by posts in Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, and local language and division eligibility are enforced by the portal. Telangana has a separate circle.
Is a GDS a government employee? The notification says GDSs are holders of civil posts outside the regular civil services and not regular employees of the Department.
How do I avoid fraud? Do not pay anyone, and trust only the official portal and emails from the domains named by the Department.
Related reading
- Andhra Pradesh government exams 2026
- AP government schemes notes
- AP High Court district staff recruitment
- AP municipal clerical and accounts jobs
- AP Lab Technician
- Telugu edition of this guide
Practise on Pareeksha
GDS selection does not need a mock test, but if you want to add a written-exam option to your plan, you can practise General Knowledge and English on Pareeksha.in with timed mock tests. The platform offers 10 Lakh+ MCQs, 100+ Exams and 5,000+ Full-Length Mocks.
Sources and verification
Official pages and documents opened for this post, as on 7 October 2026:
- Department of Posts, Notification No. 17-02/2025-GDS dated 7 February 2025, GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2025 (the model notification with Annexures I to III published on the GDS Online portal).
- Department of Posts, circle-wise posts table (Final Post Consolidation) for Schedule-I, January 2025.
- India Post GDS Online portal home page and instruction pages (indiapostgdsonline.gov.in and indiapostgdsonline.cept.gov.in), including the notice that the old site is no longer active.
- India Post GDS Online Engagement page (indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement) with the Schedule-II, July 2026 dates and security notice.
Not verified: the Schedule-II circle-wise vacancy table and its detailed notification, whose figures I could not open; the exact rules of any schedule other than Schedule-I 2025 (age, fee and pay may change); the promotion route from GDS to departmental posts; and the list of offices in any particular division. Please read the current notification on the official portal.
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