Revised eligibility criteria for engagement to GDS posts

No. 17-39/6/2012-GDS

Government of India

Ministry of Communications & IT

Department of Posts

(GDS Section)

Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg

New Delhi- 110001

Dated: 14 Jan 2015

The review of selection criteria and eligibility conditions for engagement to GDS posts has been engaging the attention of the Department for quite some time. A Committee, namely the DKS Chauhan Committee, was constituted by the Department to look into various aspects related to the Gramin Dak Sevaks. Based on the recommendations made by the aforesaid Committee, it has been decided by the Department to revise the eligibility/ selection criteria for engagement to GDS posts.

The selection to GDS posts will now be based purely on the marks secured in an Objective Aptitude Test which will be conducted for the purpose at Circle level on six monthly basis. This will replace the present selection criteria which were based on marks secured in Matriculation/VIII Standard. The detailed selection process is being notified separately vide this Directorate’s letter No. 17-39/7/2012-GDS dated 14 Jan 2015. 

The eligibility conditions for engagement to the posts of GDS have also been revised and comprehensive instructions on the subject are issued as given below. The revised eligibility conditions & criteria of selection will be effective for the vacancies notified on or after 01.04.2015. The engagement process initiated before 01.04.2015 shall be finalized as per the existing instructions.

The minimum and maximum of age for the purpose of engagement to GDS posts shall be 18 and 30 years respectively as on the date of notification of the vacancy. The maximum age shall be relaxable by 03 years to those belonging to OBC categories and 05 years in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST. 

Note: Maximum age of casual labourers shall be 35 years [38 years for OBC & 40 years for SC/ST], further relaxable to the extent of number of years of service as provided in the relevant provision concerning casual labourers serving in the Department and engaged on or before 01.09.1993.

(i) ‘Secondary School Examination pass certificate’ of 10th standard conducted by any recognized board of school education in India shall be a mandatory educational qualification for all approved categories of Gramin Dak Sevaks referred to in Rule 3 (d) of the GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 201 l as amended from time to time. 

(ii) The candidates for all approved categories of GDS referred to in (i) above will be required to furnish at least 60 days’ duration basic computer training certificate from a recognized Computer Training Institute. Computer Training Certificates from Central Government/State Government/University/Boards, etc. will also be acceptable for this purpose. Certificates from Private Computer Training Institutes shall also be acceptable subject to their recognition by Head of Postal Circle concerned based on their reputation, credibility and quality of education. This requirement of basic computer knowledge certificate shall be relaxable in cases where a candidate has studied computer as a subject in Matriculation or Class XII or higher educational qualification and in such cases, a separate certificate will not be insisted upon. 

The condition of residence shall apply as stipulated in Rule 3-A (vii) of GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011. However, this condition shall not be a pre-requisite for candidates for the purpose of applying to the GDS post or selection thereto and the selected candidate shall be required to comply with the prescribed condition within the time stipulated in the rule ibid, after selection but before engagement. 

The condition of adequate means of livelihood shall apply as stipulated in Rule 3-A(iii) of GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules, 2011. However, this condition shall not be a pre-requisite for candidates for the purpose of applying to the GDS post or selection thereto and the selected candidate shall be required to comply with this prescribed condition within 30 days after selection but before engagement.

On engagement as GDS, the person so engaged shall be required to furnish security in such manner as may be prescribed from time to time. The existing security amount in case of GDS Branch Postmaster & other approved categories of GDS is Rs. 25000/- & Rs. 10000/- respectively. 

Terms and Conditions of engagement to GDS posts shall apply as stipulated in Rule 3-A & 29-A of GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules, 2011.

The instructions issued by the Department vide No. 19-1 l/97-ED & TRG dated 27.11.1997 providing for adequate representation of SC/ST/OBC communities will continue to apply. Similarly, the instructions providing for adequate representation of physically challenged persons issued vide No. 21-8/92-ED & TRG dated 22.04.1994 shall also continue to apply. These provisions do not require maintenance of reservation rosters and no provision of carry forward. The categories belonging to physically challenged as allowed for PA/SA examination by the Department will only be allowed to apply and compete. However, in the event of their selection; their engagement shall be subject to consideration of capacity of the candidate to perform the job in consultation with the prescribed medical authorities in accordance with the existing provisions.

(Surendra Kumar)

Assistant Director General (GDS)

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