The Department of Posts (DoP) has issued a new circular on POS device management. Postal Circles can now manage SBI POS devices at their own level and move them from one post office to another within the same Circle.
The circular was issued by the Project Management Unit (PMU), Dak Bhawan, New Delhi, and was digitally signed on 14 September 2026.
If you work at a post office counter as a Postal Assistant, SPM or supervisor, this update matters for your daily work.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issued By | Department of Posts, Project Management Unit (PMU) |
| Letter No. | Te-51/10/2020-Tech |
| Date Signed | 14 September 2026 |
| Addressed To | All Heads of Circles |
| Subject | SOP for POS Device Management and transfer/re-mapping of POS devices |
| Signed By | Muhammad Sahid, ADG (PMU-II) |
| POS Devices Required | 37,621 |
| POS Devices Deployed by SBI | 35,187 |
| Devices Still to Be Deployed | 2,434 |
POS Device Deployment Status
SBI has been supplying POS (Point of Sale) machines to post offices across India.
- Total requirement: 37,621 devices
- Already deployed: 35,187 devices
- Still pending: 2,434 devices
- Progress: about 93.5% of the target has been met
The circular says the remaining devices are expected to be deployed shortly.
What’s New: Circle-Level Device Management in APT
CEPT has added a new feature in the APT application. It allows Postal Circles to manage SBI POS devices themselves.
This includes:
- Whitelisting of POS devices
- Other device management tasks
CEPT has also prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for this. The SOP has been sent to all Circles along with the circular for information and necessary action.
Transfer and Re-mapping of POS Devices Now Allowed
Many Circles had asked for permission to move POS devices between post offices. The Directorate has now approved this.
Circles can transfer or re-map POS devices from one post office to another within the same Circle.
This is especially useful in these cases:
- Closed post offices: Devices lying unused can be moved.
- Merged post offices: Extra devices can be shifted where needed.
- Relocated post offices: Devices can be re-mapped to the new setup.
- Surplus devices: Offices with extra machines can give them to offices that need them.
Important: All transfers and re-mapping must be done strictly as per the SOP and the system procedures. Transfers are allowed within the same Circle only.
Why This Update Matters
- No more idle machines. Devices at closed or merged offices can now be put to use.
- Faster service. Post offices without POS machines can get them sooner.
- Less waiting for the Directorate. Circles can handle device tasks themselves through APT.
- Better digital payments. More working POS machines means more card and digital payments at counters.
What Post Office Staff Should Do
- Read the SOP shared by your Circle Office.
- Report surplus or unused devices to your Division if your office has any.
- Request a device through proper channels if your office needs one.
- Don’t move devices on your own. All transfers must follow the SOP and approval process.
Useful for Exam Preparation Too
Circulars like this are useful for the India Post GK and India Post Current Affairs sections of departmental exams. Remember these points:
- POS stands for Point of Sale.
- CEPT is the Centre for Excellence in Postal Technology, based in Mysuru.
- APT refers to the Advanced Postal Technology application used in post offices.
- PMU stands for Project Management Unit.
If you are preparing for the PA SA Departmental Exam, the MTS to PA Departmental Exam or the Postman to PA Departmental Exam, keep a short note of such circulars. Along with India Post Previous Year Question Papers and regular India Post Mock Tests, this can help you score better. Good MTS to PA Online Classes or Postman to PA Coaching often cover current circulars too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is this circular about?
It shares the SOP for POS device management and allows Circles to transfer and re-map POS devices between post offices.
Q2. How many POS devices has SBI deployed?
SBI has deployed 35,187 devices against a requirement of 37,621.
Q3. Can POS devices be moved to another Circle?
No. Transfers are allowed only within the same Circle.
Q4. Where is the POS device management feature available?
In the APT application, added by CEPT.
Q5. In which cases can devices be transferred?
Mainly for closed, merged or relocated post offices, or where surplus devices are available.
Q6. Who signed the circular?
Muhammad Sahid, ADG (PMU-II), Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.
Final Words
This is a practical step by India Post to make the best use of every POS machine. With Circle-level control in the APT application, devices can reach the post offices that need them faster. Post office staff should read the SOP carefully and follow the proper process.
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