India Post Expands PwBD Reservation for GDS Jobs, New Disability Categories Approved

India Post Expands PwBD Reservation for GDS Jobs, New Disability Categories Approved

Department of Posts has issued a fresh order expanding reservation coverage for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs) in the engagement of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS), marking another step towards inclusive employment in rural postal services.

The order, dated January 6, 2026, revises and broadens the list of disability sub-categories considered suitable for GDS posts across the country.

Issued by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications, the Office Memorandum follows earlier instructions released in 2019 and 2022 on PwBD reservation in GDS engagement.

The revision comes after a detailed review conducted by the Department’s Reservation Cell, in line with existing government guidelines on reservation for persons with disabilities.

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As per the revised norms, posts of Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevak will now be open to candidates with disabilities including Low Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, One Arm, One Leg, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, Both Legs disability, and spinal infirmity or deformity without associated neurological or limb dysfunction.

The revised list also includes candidates with specific learning disabilities, intellectual disability, and multiple disabilities drawn from the approved categories, except cases involving both deafness and blindness together.

The Department clarified that the changes have been approved by the competent authority after examining requests for inclusion of additional sub-categories. The revised suitability list is intended to ensure fair access to GDS engagement while maintaining functional requirements of postal duties in rural and semi-urban areas.

Gramin Dak Sevaks form the backbone of India’s rural postal network, handling mail delivery, basic banking services, and public interface at branch post offices.

With this expansion of PwBD categories, eligible candidates with benchmark disabilities will have wider opportunities to participate in GDS recruitment drives, including upcoming large-scale engagements expected in 2026.

The order takes effect immediately and will apply to future GDS engagements conducted by India Post. Circles and recruiting authorities have been directed to implement the revised disability categories while processing GDS applications, reinforcing the government’s broader push for inclusive growth and equal opportunity in public employment.