Overview
India Post, also known as the Department of Posts, is one of the oldest and most widespread government organisations in India, with over 1,55,000 post offices across the country — making it the largest postal network in the world. India Post employs nearly 5 lakh people (including Gramin Dak Sevaks) and regularly recruits new staff for various positions ranging from village-level delivery personnel to administrative clerks in urban post offices.
For 12th Arts pass candidates, India Post offers several accessible job opportunities that provide government benefits, job security, and a structured promotion pathway. The application process is straightforward, and in many cases (like GDS), there is no written exam — selection is purely merit-based on academic performance. This guide covers every post office job available after 12th Arts with complete details on eligibility, salary, selection process, and career progression.
1. Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS)
GDS is the most commonly recruited position in India Post, with thousands of vacancies every year across all postal circles. GDS personnel deliver mail, sell stamps and stationery, and manage small branch post offices in rural areas.
Posts Under GDS:
- Branch Postmaster (BPM): Manages a small branch post office in a rural area. Handles savings accounts, money orders, and postal services.
- Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM): Assists the BPM in managing the branch post office.
- Dak Sevak: Delivers mail and parcels in assigned rural areas.
Eligibility:
- 10th pass from a recognised board (mandatory). 12th pass candidates also eligible.
- Age: 18 to 40 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
- Must be a resident of the area or village where the post office is located.
- Knowledge of the local language is mandatory.
- Basic computer knowledge is desirable.
Selection Process: There is NO written exam for GDS. Selection is based purely on merit — marks obtained in 10th standard (or 12th, if applicable). An auto-generated merit list is prepared based on marks. The process is simple and transparent.
Salary (TRCA — Time-Related Continuity Allowance):
- BPM: ₹12,000 to ₹14,500/month.
- ABPM/Dak Sevak: ₹10,000 to ₹12,000/month.
Note: GDS is not a regular government post — GDS employees are classified as "extra-departmental agents." However, they receive Dearness Allowance, Ex-Gratia Bonus, and other benefits. More importantly, they can appear for departmental exams to become regular Postman or Postal Assistant — converting their position into a full government job.
2. Postman / Mail Guard
Postman delivers mail, parcels, money orders, and other postal articles in urban and semi-urban areas. Mail Guards accompany mail during transit between post offices and railway mail services.
Eligibility:
- 10th pass or 12th pass from any recognised board.
- Age: 18 to 27 years (relaxation as per government norms).
- Knowledge of local language and bicycle riding ability.
Selection Process: Written Exam (conducted by the respective Postal Circle) → Merit List → Document Verification → Medical Examination.
Exam Pattern: 100 questions covering General Knowledge, Mathematics, English/Hindi, and Reasoning. Duration: 2 hours. Objective type (multiple choice).
Pay Scale: Pay Level 3 (Basic Pay ₹25,500). In-hand salary: ₹30,000 to ₹38,000/month (varies by city).
Career Growth: Postman → Head Postman → Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (through departmental exam) → Inspector of Posts (through LDCE).
3. Multi Tasking Staff (MTS)
MTS personnel perform general office support tasks in post offices — cleaning, peon work, file carrying, photocopying, basic computer data entry, and assisting senior staff.
Eligibility: 10th pass. No higher qualification needed. Age: 18 to 25 years.
Selection: MTS recruitment in India Post is done through SSC MTS (Staff Selection Commission Multi Tasking Staff) exam, which is a national-level exam.
Pay Scale: Pay Level 1 (Basic Pay ₹18,000). In-hand: ₹22,000 to ₹27,000/month.
4. Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant
This is the most sought-after clerical position in India Post. Postal Assistants work at post office counters — handling customer transactions, savings accounts, insurance, money orders, and speed post services. Sorting Assistants sort and process mail at Railway Mail Service (RMS) offices.
Eligibility: 12th pass from any recognised board (any stream). Age: 18 to 27 years. Basic computer knowledge and typing speed (35 WPM in English or 30 WPM in Hindi) required.
Selection Process: Written Exam → Typing/Computer Test → Document Verification → Medical Examination.
Exam Pattern: 100 questions on General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Duration: 60 minutes. Negative marking of 0.25 marks.
Pay Scale: Pay Level 4 (Basic Pay ₹25,500). In-hand: ₹32,000 to ₹42,000/month (depending on posting city and allowances).
Career Growth: Postal Assistant → Senior Postal Assistant → Inspector of Posts → Assistant Superintendent → Superintendent of Posts.
5. Benefits of India Post Jobs
- Job Security: Permanent government employment with no risk of layoff.
- Regular Salary Revisions: Pay increases with each Central Pay Commission (approximately every 10 years).
- Pension and Retirement Benefits: NPS, Gratuity, GPF (General Provident Fund).
- Medical Benefits: CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) coverage for the employee and family.
- Leave Benefits: Earned Leave, Casual Leave, Medical Leave, Maternity/Paternity Leave.
- Transfer Options: Can request transfers to different cities and states.
- Promotion Through Departmental Exams: Regular opportunities to move from Group C to Group B through Limited Departmental Competitive Exams (LDCE).
How to Apply – Step by Step
- GDS: Visit indiapostgdsonline.gov.in → Select your postal circle → Fill the application form → Upload documents → Submit. Selection is merit-based (no exam).
- Postman/Mail Guard: Visit the website of your postal circle (e.g., appost.in for Andhra Pradesh, maharashtrapost.gov.in for Maharashtra) → Apply when notifications are released.
- Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant: Apply through SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) exam at ssc.nic.in, or through state-level postal circle recruitment.
- MTS: Apply through SSC MTS exam at ssc.nic.in.
Conclusion
India Post offers some of the most accessible and stable government jobs for 12th Arts pass candidates. From the exam-free GDS recruitment (based purely on 10th marks) to the well-paying Postal Assistant position (₹32,000 to ₹42,000 in-hand), there are opportunities at every level. The combination of permanent government employment, regular pay revisions, comprehensive medical benefits, and clear promotion pathways makes post office jobs an excellent choice for Arts students seeking long-term career security. Start by monitoring the India Post website and SSC notifications regularly, and apply whenever vacancies are announced for your postal circle.