SEO Title: Dak Saathi App Attendance for GDS: Pilot from 1 Oct 2026, Pan-India from 1 Dec India Post will start Biometric/OTP-based geo-tagged attendance for GDS through the Dak Saathi App. Read the key dates, phases and what BPMs need to know.
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Focus Keyword: Dak Saathi App attendance
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Big Change Coming for Gramin Dak Sevaks
If you are a Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) or a Branch Postmaster (BPM), this update is important for you.
The Department of Posts issued a letter on 24 September 2026 (File No. 17-14/2025-GDS) about a new attendance system. Attendance for GDS will now be marked through the Dak Saathi App using Biometric or OTP-based, geo-tagged attendance.
In simple words, your attendance will be recorded through the app, and your location will also be checked when you mark it.
Let us understand the full plan step by step.
What Is the Dak Saathi App?
- Dak Saathi is the new name of the My Employee App.
- CEPT Mysuru is developing the attendance module inside this app.
- It will run on the MDM-enabled devices that BPMs already use (the IPPB devices).
Why Is India Post Making This Change?
Earlier, the plan was to use the AeBAS application for attendance. But it had operational problems on the MDM-enabled IPPB devices.
So the department decided to build its own reliable, independent attendance system inside the Dak Saathi App.
This decision came after a review meeting chaired by Member (Personnel) on 18 September 2026.
Testing Has Already Started
- CEPT shared the Dak Saathi APK with IPPB (reported on 07.09.2026).
- IPPB pushed the app to 15 Branch Office devices in Madhya Pradesh Circle.
- The app is currently being tested in these 15 BOs.
- MP Circle has to send its field report by 28.09.2026. The report will cover:
- App stability
- Geo-fencing accuracy
- Authentication performance
- Operational issues faced
Rollout Plan: Important Dates
| Stage | What Happens | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Circles select pilot divisions | Each circle picks 2 divisions (1 rural/remote + 1 urban) | By 28.09.2026 |
| Phase-I (Pilot) | All BOs of the 2 selected divisions in every circle | From 01.10.2026 |
| Feedback from Circles | Field observations submitted | By 05.11.2026 |
| One-month performance report | Detailed report to Directorate | By 10.11.2026 |
| Phase-II (Pan-India) | All remaining BOs in the country | From 01.12.2026 |
Note: The letter mentions two feedback dates, 05.11.2026 for observations and 10.11.2026 for the one-month performance report. Please check with your divisional office for the exact deadline that applies to you.
What CEPT Has Been Asked to Do
- Push the app: Work with IPPB to install the stable Dak Saathi app on all MDM-enabled BPM devices.
- Prepare an SOP: Share a clear step-by-step process and technical requirements for marking attendance.
- Build an MIS Dashboard: For Directorate, Circle and Division levels. It will show attendance in real time, detect anomalies and help with leave reconciliation.
- Facial Attendance: Finish developing the facial recognition feature quickly. This will later replace the temporary OTP/biometric method.
Will Departmental Employees Also Be Covered?
Possibly, yes. The DDG (P) has been asked to study whether this attendance module can be extended to departmental staff too. This study will look at:
- Which cadres are eligible
- Which interim method is better: OTP or MANTRA biometric devices provided by circles
- Rules for using the app on personal mobile phones
So MTS, Postman and PA/SA staff may also see this system in the future. No final decision has been announced yet.
What Should GDS and BPMs Do Now?
- Check with your Divisional Office whether your division is selected for the Phase-I pilot.
- Keep your IPPB device updated and charged.
- Attend any sensitization session held by your division.
- Report any problem with the app (login, location, OTP) to your supervisor quickly.
- Remember that geo-tagging means attendance should be marked from your Branch Office location.
A Quick Word for Exam Aspirants
Many GDS friends are also preparing for promotion exams like GDS to MTS, GDS to Postman / Mail Guard, and later MTS to PA or Postman to PA. Circulars like this one are a good source for India Post GK and current affairs questions in the India Post Departmental Exam.
Keep a note of:
- The app name: Dak Saathi (formerly My Employee App)
- The developer: CEPT, Mysuru
- The old system replaced: AeBAS
- Pilot start date: 01.10.2026
- Pan-India start date: 01.12.2026
Questions like these can appear in your GDS to MTS mock test or Postal Assistant exam practice sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When will geo-tagged attendance start for GDS?
The pilot starts on 01.10.2026 in two divisions of every circle. The pan-India rollout starts from 01.12.2026.
Q2. Which app will be used?
The Dak Saathi App, which was earlier called the My Employee App.
Q3. Will facial attendance come?
Yes. CEPT has been asked to speed up the facial recognition feature. It will replace the OTP/biometric method once ready.
Q4. Why was AeBAS not used?
Because it had operational problems on the MDM-enabled IPPB devices used by BPMs.
Q5. Who signed this letter?
Gurvinder Singh, Assistant Director General (GDS), Department of Posts, New Delhi.
Final Words
This is a big step towards digital, transparent attendance in India Post. The first few months will be a testing phase, so small issues are expected. Your feedback during the pilot will help make the system better for everyone.
Stay connected with us for more India Post Latest News, India Post Circulars, and complete preparation support for GDS to MTS, GDS to Postman, and Postal Assistant exams.