Department of Posts Issues Revised Guidelines for Posting of Inspector Posts (IP) and Assistant Superintendent of Posts (ASP) in Directorate
The Department of Posts has issued revised guidelines for regulating the posting of Inspector Posts (IP) and Assistant Superintendent of Posts (ASP) cadres in the Postal Directorate, PLI Directorate, and Parcel & CCS Directorate. The new guidelines, issued by the Personnel Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi, on 19 June 2026, supersede the earlier instructions issued on 16 March 2023 and come into effect immediately.
Guidelines of IPASP_260620_201626.pdf
The revised framework has been introduced to streamline the deployment of IPs and ASPs in the Directorate and to address current administrative and operational requirements. The guidelines classify postings into three distinct categories:
Posting on Attachment Basis (Part-A)
Posting Against Sanctioned Strength of the Directorate (Part-B)
Posting of Officials Already Absorbed in the Directorate with Lien Terminated from Circles (Part-C)
Key Highlights
Attachment Basis Posting
Inspector Posts must complete at least two years of service in the IP cadre before becoming eligible for attachment in the Directorate.
ASPs are eligible without the two-year service condition.
Initial attachment will be for one year, extendable annually up to a maximum tenure of six years.
Pay and allowances will continue to be drawn from the parent Circle.
No Transfer Grant, TA, or DA will be admissible for joining or repatriation.
Lien will remain with the parent Circle throughout the attachment period.
Guidelines of IPASP_260620_201626.pdf
Posting Against Sanctioned Directorate Posts
IPs who have successfully completed probation and ASPs who have completed at least one year on attachment in the Directorate can apply.
Preference may be given to officials with longer service in the cadre or on attachment.
Officials will retain lien in their parent Circle.
Combined tenure, including attachment and sanctioned posting, shall not exceed six years.
Pay and allowances will be drawn at rates applicable to the Directorate.
Guidelines of IPASP_260620_201626.pdf
Existing Directorate Officials
For IPs and ASPs already working against sanctioned Directorate posts and whose lien has been transferred to the Directorate:
Maximum tenure in the Directorate has been fixed at six years.
Officials who have already completed six years will receive an extension up to 31 March 2027.
No repatriation will take place before 31 March 2027 unless transfer requests are considered and vacancies are available in preferred Circles.
Such officials must submit transfer requests indicating three preferred Circles within one month of the issue of the guidelines.
Guidelines of IPASP_260620_201626.pdf
Competent Authorities
The guidelines also clearly define competent authorities for various posting and tenure-related decisions:
Member (Personnel) – Posting against sanctioned Directorate strength and tenure extensions.
DDG (Personnel) – Initial attachment, attachment extensions, and rotational postings.
Director General (Postal Services) – Empowered to relax any provision of the guidelines in deserving cases.
Guidelines of IPASP_260620_201626.pdf
Conclusion
The revised guidelines bring greater clarity and transparency to the posting, tenure, transfer, and service conditions of IP and ASP officers working in the Directorate. By defining eligibility criteria, tenure limits, repatriation procedures, and administrative responsibilities, the Department aims to ensure better workforce management while balancing organizational requirements and career progression opportunities for officers.
Guidelines of IPASP_260620_201626.pdf