India Post Releases New SOP for GDS Rule 3 Transfer 2025 Under APT 2.0 — Full Joining and Relieving Procedure Explained

Date: 23 October 2025   |   By: Postalprep Academy News Desk

The Department of Posts (Ministry of Communications, Government of India) has officially issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling the joining and relieving of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) under Rule-3 Transfer in the upgraded APT 2.0 portal. This update brings a complete digital transformation to the GDS transfer system, ensuring transparency, timely relieving, and online cancellation handling from the October–November 2025 transfer cycle onward.

🔹 Key Highlights of the GDS Rule 3 Transfer 2025 SOP

• New APT 2.0 environment to process all GDS Rule-3 transfer cases online.
• Relieving and joining procedures are now completely portal-based.
• Cancellation requests can be submitted only through the portal within 5 days of the transfer list release.
• System-generated relieving and joining reports available in standardized formats.
• Special provisions included for female GDS on maternity leave.
• Detailed rules for mutual transfers, disciplinary proceedings, resignation, promotion, death cases, and compassionate appointments.

📘 On-Request Transfer Procedure

When the final approved list is published, GDS employees may file a cancellation request within 5 days via the APT 2.0 portal. After this period, no further cancellations will be entertained. Relieving orders will then be generated, and GDS must join their new post within 5 days of being relieved. Failure to join within 5 days may lead to a break in service unless condoned by the competent authority.

Important Points:

• Cancellation requests not acted upon within 5 days will be auto-accepted.
• Female GDS on maternity leave are marked as “Deemed Relieved under Maternity Leave” and continue TRCA from their previous unit until physically relieved.
• System-generated relieving reports (Annexure-I) and joining reports (Annexure-II) will be uploaded for all stakeholders including DDOs, Divisional Heads, and GDS concerned.

🔄 Mutual Transfer Procedure

Mutual transfer cases follow the same 5-day cancellation window. If neither GDS cancels within 5 days, both are deemed to have accepted the transfer. The Divisional Head must propose a relieving date that cannot exceed the scheduled deadline. If not updated, the system will automatically relieve both GDS on the last scheduled date.

Special Cases:

• If one GDS cancels, only that GDS loses one transfer chance; the counterpart does not.
• Promotion, resignation, voluntary discharge, or dismissal of one GDS does not cancel the counterpart’s transfer.
• In case of death of one GDS, counterpart’s transfer is cancelled to allow compassionate appointment for next of kin within 6 months.
• Female GDS on maternity leave will be “deemed relieved” but counterpart continues in the old post until she joins after leave.

⚙️ Common Instructions for All Transfers

• No past work verification is required before relieving a GDS under Rule 3.
• Transfer cases must be relieved within stipulated schedule to avoid seniority issues.
• Personal files and records must be sent to the new division within 30 days of relieving.
• No TA/DA is admissible for on-request or mutual transfer.
• For ABPM/Dak Sevak → BPM transfer, the GDS must arrange Branch Office accommodation and undergo prescribed training.
• System will restrict non-10th-qualified GDS from applying for BPM posts.
• All data and TRCA details will be digitally transferred via the HRMS module integration.

📄 Relieving & Joining Formats (Standardized)

The Department has provided Annexure-I and Annexure-II formats for relieving and joining orders respectively. These must be used by Divisions and uploaded in APT 2.0 and HRMS modules for transparency and record verification.

🌐 Digital Monitoring and Compliance

CEPT will update the Rule-3 portal to include all features mentioned in the SOP. All Postal Circles are instructed to ensure strict implementation and compliance at the Divisional and Sub-Divisional levels. This move marks a major step toward a fully digital India Post GDS transfer management system under APT 2.0.

📢 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is APT 2.0 in India Post GDS Transfers?

APT 2.0 is the upgraded online portal for processing GDS Rule-3 transfers digitally — covering application, approval, relieving, and joining procedures.

2. What is the new SOP for GDS Rule 3 Transfer 2025?

The SOP issued on 23 October 2025 details step-by-step online procedures for relieving, joining, and cancellation of transfer requests through APT 2.0.

3. Can a GDS cancel transfer after 5 days of list publication?

No. The system automatically closes the cancellation window after 5 days from the transfer list release.

4. Is TA/DA admissible for Rule 3 Transfer 2025?

No, TA/DA is not admissible for either mutual or on-request transfers under this SOP.

5. What happens if a GDS fails to join within 5 days after relieving?

The period beyond 5 days is treated as a break in service unless condoned by the Head of Region or Circle.

Source: Official Letter F.No-17-31/2016-GDS (Pt.I), Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, dated 23 October 2025.

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