India Post Revises GDS Transfer Priority: Transgender GDS Included in New Order of Priority
India Post Revises Order of Priority for GDS Transfers – Transgender GDS Included
The Department of Posts has issued an important amendment regarding the Limited Transfer Facility (LTF) for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). The amendment, issued through an Office Memorandum dated 15 September 2026, revises the order of priority for processing GDS transfer applications when two or more applications are received for the same vacant post.
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Revised Order of Priority
As per the amended Para 2 of the OM dated 10 October 2024, transfer applications will be processed online in the following order of priority:
- GDS with PwD (having benchmark disabilities)
- Female GDS on spouse ground, where the male spouse is working at the destination station in Central/State Government, their undertaking, PSU or subordinate organisations, subject to submission of the prescribed certificate.
- Male GDS on spouse ground, where the female spouse is working at the destination station in a non-transferable job under Central/State Government, their undertaking, PSU or subordinate organisations, subject to submission of the prescribed certificate.
- Date of engagement – a GDS who joined on an earlier date will receive preference over one who joined later.
- Female GDS, other than those applying on spouse ground.
- Transgender GDS, provided the applicant possesses a valid certificate issued under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, or a certificate issued by the competent authority/District Magistrate.
- Date of birth – the older applicant will be given preference.
- Date and time of application – an applicant who submitted the application earlier will receive preference.
Transgender GDS Now Specifically Covered
A significant feature of the amendment is the specific inclusion of Transgender GDS in the order of priority. Transgender GDS possessing a valid certificate under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, or one issued by the competent authority/District Magistrate, are placed at priority number six in the revised list.
This provides a clearly defined category for consideration during the online processing of transfer applications where multiple GDS applicants seek the same vacant post.
Spouse Ground – Important Condition
The Department has reiterated that preference on spouse ground will be available only when the spouse of the GDS is working in the Central Government, State Government, or any subordinate organisation or undertaking of the Central/State Government.
The GDS applying under the spouse category must upload the employer certificate in the prescribed format, namely Annexure-I or Annexure-II, while submitting the transfer application.
Changes to Online Transfer Portal
The General Manager, CEPT, Mysuru has been requested to make the necessary technical modifications to the Rule 3 Online Transfer Portal. The portal is to capture the relevant category and requisite certificate before notification of the next online transfer cycle.
Other Rules Remain Unchanged
The Department has clarified that all other terms, conditions and provisions of the earlier OM No. 17-31/2016-GDS (Pt. I), dated 10 October 2024, will continue to remain unchanged.
Key Takeaway
The latest amendment brings Transgender GDS into the formal order of priority for Limited Transfer Facility applications, while retaining the existing priority categories and conditions. The necessary changes are also being made to the online transfer portal ahead of the next online transfer cycle.