What are Postmaster Grades I, II & III?

• These were distinct posts within India Post created to head certain categories of Post Offices (POs) — Grade I being heads of major branch/HO/POs, Grade II & Grade III for other levels. 

• For example, a recruitment-rule document lists “Postmaster Grade-III (Level-7)” among non-gazetted staff of Group C. 

• However, a major order from October 2019 merged the Postmaster Grades I/II/III cadre into the “General Line” cadre (LSG, HSG-II, HSG-I) of Group C roles. 

Key Features

• Recruitment / Eligibility: Earlier rules indicated that existing officials at certain levels (e.g., LSG, HSG) could apply for Postmaster Grade posts. 

• Responsibilities: These posts were meant to head POs and oversee operations including mail, savings bank services, etc. (See reference to “Manager, Grade II/III; Assistant Manager, Grade II/III … Lower Division Clerk” under Postal Manual) 

• Pay-scale: For example, the RTI manual table shows Postmaster Grade-II in Level 6 (“9300-34800, GP 4200”) and Postmaster Grade-III in Level 7 (“9300-34800, GP 4600”). 

Important Change: Merger with General Line

• On 10 July 2019 (and a follow-up on 31 October 2019), the Department of Posts ordered that the Postmaster Cadre (Grades I/II/III) be merged with the General Line Cadre—so that Grade I personnel merged with LSG (Level 5), Grade II with HSG-II (Level 6), and Grade III with HSG-I (Level 7).

  This means the distinct “Postmaster Grade I/II/III” titles are largely phased out and integrated into a unified “General Line” structure.

Career / Promotion Outlook (Historically)

• For Postmaster Grade-III, the rules indicated that 25% of Sr. Postmaster vacancies could be filled by promotion of Grade-III (with 2 years service) and 75% by Inspectors of Posts via LDCE. 

• Before the merger, there was a path: from lower grades → Postmaster Grade I/II/III → Senior Postmaster → potentially higher. After merger, the path aligns with the General Line cadre’s structure.

• As an example for related cadres: Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants were eligible (in one source) for Postmaster Grade 1 after 5 years service, and then to higher grades. 

Current Relevance

• Because of the 2019 merger, if you are applying now you will likely apply under the revised Recruitment Rules for the “General Line” cadre (LSG/HSG-II/HSG-I) rather than separate Postmaster Grade I/II/III titles.

• When you view notifications or do preparation, check whether the post you are targeting is still labelled “Postmaster Grade-I/II/III” or has been redesignated under LSG/HSG titles.

• Always refer to the latest official Recruitment Rules / cadre restructuring documents for your circle.