Date:<\/strong> 23 October 2025 | By:<\/strong> Postalprep Academy News Desk<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Department of Posts (Ministry of Communications, Government of India) has officially issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)<\/strong> for handling the joining and relieving of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) under Rule-3 Transfer<\/strong> in the upgraded APT 2.0 portal<\/strong>. This update brings a complete digital transformation to the GDS transfer system, ensuring transparency, timely relieving, and online cancellation handling from the October\u2013November 2025 transfer cycle<\/strong> onward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong> unless condoned by the competent authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n APT 2.0 is the upgraded online portal for processing GDS Rule-3 transfers digitally \u2014 covering application, approval, relieving, and joining procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. The system automatically closes the cancellation window after 5 days from the transfer list release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, TA\/DA is not admissible for either mutual or on-request transfers under this SOP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The period beyond 5 days is treated as a break in service unless condoned by the Head of Region or Circle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udd39 Key Highlights of the GDS Rule 3 Transfer 2025 SOP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\ud83d\udcd8 On-Request Transfer Procedure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Important Points:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\ud83d\udd04 Mutual Transfer Procedure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Special Cases:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\u2699\ufe0f Common Instructions for All Transfers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\ud83d\udcc4 Relieving & Joining Formats (Standardized)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf10 Digital Monitoring and Compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udce2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. What is APT 2.0 in India Post GDS Transfers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. What is the new SOP for GDS Rule 3 Transfer 2025?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Can a GDS cancel transfer after 5 days of list publication?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Is TA\/DA admissible for Rule 3 Transfer 2025?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. What happens if a GDS fails to join within 5 days after relieving?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n