GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026: Preparatory Exercise and Timelines Announced
GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026: Preparatory Exercise and Timelines Announced
The Department of Posts, Government of India, has issued instructions regarding the preparatory exercise and timelines for GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026. The directive has been communicated vide W/No. 17-37/2025-GDS, dated 31 December 2025, to all Chief Postmasters General and the GM, CEPT Bengaluru.
Download GDS Online Engagement January 2026 in PDF
Objective of the Exercise
The preparatory exercise aims to ensure accurate vacancy capturing, approval, and timely opening of the GDS Online Engagement Portal for Schedule-I, January 2026. Divisions and Circles are required to strictly adhere to the timelines prescribed for successful execution of the engagement process.
Key Timelines for GDS Online Engagement (Schedule-I, January 2026)
| Sl. No. | Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vacancy capturing by Divisions | 05.01.2026 to 12.01.2026 |
| 2 | Approval of vacancies by Circles | 12.01.2026 to 14.01.2026 (up to 1400 hrs) |
| 3 | Approval by Directorate | 14.01.2026 (from 1400 hrs onwards) |
| 4 | Online Registration by Applicants | 20.01.2026 to 04.02.2026 |
| 5 | Submission of online applications & fee payment | 25.01.2026 to 05.02.2026 (up to 23:00 hrs) |
| 6 | Application correction window (including fee, if any) | 08.02.2026 to 10.02.2026 (up to 23:00 hrs) |
| 7 | Release of First Merit List (Tentative) | 20.02.2026 |
Vacancies to be Included in Final Notification (as on 31.12.2025)
The following categories of vacancies shall be included:
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Vacancies arising between 01.01.2025 and 31.12.2025 due to resignation, transfer, discharge (including voluntary), termination, removal/dismissal, promotion, or long-term deputation (more than six months) to IPPB/APS.
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Unfilled vacancies of GDS Online Engagement Schedule, January 2025.
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All vacant BPM posts of Branch Post Offices.
Vacancies to be Excluded
The following vacancies must not be notified:
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Non-justified ABPM/Dak Sevak posts as per existing norms, except those in unbanked villages/LWE areas.
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Posts declared surplus or where proposals for declaring surplus have already been submitted.
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Vacancies caused due to death of GDS, which are reserved for compassionate engagement.
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Vacancies pending verification from:
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Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Uttar Pradesh (Allahabad Board)
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West Bengal Council of Rabindra Open School
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Bihar Open School Education and Examination Board, Patna
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Instructions to Circles, Divisions, and CEPT
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Circles must strictly adhere to timelines and complete the preparatory exercise.
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Vacancies must be frozen in GDS Roster Management under APT 2.0.
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CEPT has been requested to open the GDS Online Engagement Portal as per the approved schedule.
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Circles and Divisions must upload a certificate confirming completion of preparatory work, along with the total number of notified vacancies, in the portal.
Approval and Authority
The instructions have been issued with the approval of the Secretary (Posts).
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