GDS Rule-3 Joining & Relieving SOP 2025 – Complete Guide (APT 2.0)

India Post has officially issued a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for joining and relieving of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) transferred under Rule-3 in the new APT 2.0 environment. This SOP is effective from the October–November 2025 transfer cycle.

Authority: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications
Order Date: 23 October 2025
Applies To: On-Request & Mutual Transfer of GDS

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📌 What Is New in GDS Rule-3 Transfer Under APT 2.0?

• Entire joining & relieving process is online
• Cancellation request window of 5 days only
• System-generated relieving & joining orders
• Special provisions for maternity leave cases
• Auto-deemed relieving in specific scenarios

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🟢 On-Request Transfer – Step-by-Step Process

1️⃣ Cancellation Window

After publication of the final transfer list, a GDS can submit a cancellation request within 5 days through the Rule-3 portal. No cancellation is allowed after this period.

2️⃣ Acceptance of Cancellation

• Accepted by Divisional Head before last relieving date
• If not acted upon → Auto-accepted by system
• Counts as one transfer chance

3️⃣ Relieving Order

After 5 days, relieving orders are issued. The system generates a Relieving Report (Annexure-I), which must be uploaded after signing. —

👩‍🍼 Special Rule: Female GDS on Maternity Leave

• Status updated as “Deemed Relieved – Under Maternity Leave”
• Physical relieving only after leave completion
• TRCA continues from old post
• Both posts remain blocked to avoid vacancy filling

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⏳ Joining at New Post

• Must join within 5 days of relieving
• Intervening period treated as Leave / LWA
• Delay beyond 5 days → Break in service (unless condoned)
• Joining Report generated (Annexure-II)

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🔁 Mutual Transfer – Important Rules

• Same 5-day cancellation window
• If one GDS cancels → only that GDS loses chance
• If none cancel → deemed acceptance
• Auto-deemed relieving if PR not initiated

Exceptional Cases

Situation	Effect
Promotion / Resignation	Counterpart transfer continues
Death of GDS	Transfer cancelled (compassionate vacancy)
Maternity Leave	Deemed relieved, physical relieving later

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📜 Common Instructions (Very Important)

• No past work verification required before relieving
• No TA/DA admissible
• Personal file must be transferred within 30 days
• Gradation list to be updated after joining
• BPM post requires prescribed training & qualification

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📄 Official Formats Included

• ✔ GDS Relieving Order – Annexure-I
• ✔ GDS Joining Order – Annexure-II

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🔚 Final Words

This SOP ensures transparent, time-bound, and digital handling of GDS Rule-3 transfers under APT 2.0. All Divisions and Circles must strictly follow these instructions to avoid service and seniority issues.

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