The Department of Posts has released a communication regarding the Preparatory Exercise and Tentative Schedule for GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II (July 2026). The instructions have been issued to all Chief Postmasters General (CPMsG) and the General Manager, CEPT Mysuru, to ensure timely completion of activities before the next GDS recruitment cycle.
The Department informed that the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I (January 2026) concluded successfully on 22 July 2026. To facilitate the next recruitment cycle, a structured preparatory schedule has been announced for Circles, Divisions, and CEPT.
Tentative Schedule
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Configuration/Re-verification of Educational Boards by Circles | 27 July 2026 – 03 August 2026 |
| Vacancy Capturing by Divisions | 27 July 2026 – 03 August 2026 |
| Verification of Vacancies by Circles | 04 August 2026 – 05 August 2026 |
| Release of Descriptive Notification & Further Activities | To be intimated separately |
Vacancies to be Included
The final notification will include vacancies existing as on 30 June 2026, including:
- Vacancies arising due to resignation, transfer, voluntary discharge, termination, dismissal, promotion, or long-term deputation (more than six months) to IPPB or APS.
- Unfilled vacancies from GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I (January 2026) where selected candidates did not join or resigned after joining.
- Vacancies created due to GDS Limited Transfer Facility – May 2026 Cycle, irrespective of the 30 June cut-off date.
Vacancies to be Excluded
The following vacancies will not be included:
- Posts declared surplus or proposed to be declared surplus.
- Vacancies arising due to the death of a GDS where the mandatory six-month period has not elapsed, as these are reserved for compassionate engagement.
- Vacancies pending verification reports from certain educational boards, including:
- Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Uttar Pradesh (Allahabad Board)
- West Bengal Council of Rabindra Open School
- Bihar Open School Education and Examination Board, Patna.
Instructions to CEPT and Circles
The Department has directed CEPT and all Postal Circles to complete the educational board configuration within the prescribed timeline. CEPT will also issue the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for board configuration and open the APT 2.0 GDS Roster Management Portal for vacancy capturing during the scheduled period.
Conclusion
The release of the preparatory schedule marks the beginning of the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II (July 2026) recruitment process. Postal Circles, Divisions, and CEPT are expected to complete all preparatory activities within the stipulated timelines to ensure the timely publication of the official GDS recruitment notification. Candidates awaiting the next GDS recruitment should keep an eye on the Department's official announcements for the detailed notification and application schedule.
