Sorting Assistant in Post Office: Salary, Eligibility & Career Growth

Sorting Assistant in Post Office: Salary, Eligibility & Career Growth

Sorting Assistant in Post Office-If you’re looking for a stable government job with a good salary and benefits, the Sorting Assistant (SA) post in the Indian Postal Department is a solid choice. Sorting Assistants play an essential role in handling and sorting mail in the Railway Mail Service (RMS) under RMS division of Post Office. Sorting Assistants work in RMS unit and Postal Assistants work in Postal Unit.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Sorting Assistant in Post Office—including salary, qualification, work profile, how to apply, and common comparisons like Which is better, PA or SA?

What is a Sorting Assistant in Post Office?

A Sorting Assistant in post office is a clerical-level employee who works mainly in the Railway Mail Service (RMS) or Mail Offices. Their main duty is to sort letters, parcels, and other postal articles based on the destination before dispatching them to the correct post office or delivery center.

They ensure that every piece of mail reaches the right place quickly and efficiently. Without Sorting Assistants, the postal delivery system wouldn’t run smoothly. It is solely responsibility of SA for correct sorting of all type of mail articles.

Sorting Assistant Work Profile

Here’s a quick look at the daily responsibilities of a Sorting Assistant in post office:

• Sorting and arranging postal articles based on routes and destinations.
• Dispatching and receiving mailbags at RMS offices.
• Operating mail sorting machines and updating records.
• Checking and verifying registered and insured articles.
• Preparing dispatch lists and maintaining entry logs.
• Assisting supervisors in managing workload and schedules.

Sorting Assistants in post office usually work in shifts—day or night—depending on the mail flow of RMS unit. The job can be physically demanding at times, but it’s well-structured and secure.

Sorting Assistant Qualification

You must meet the following educational and eligibility criteria to apply for the Sorting Assistant in post office:

Category	Requirement
Educational Qualification	Must have passed Graduation from a recognized Board or University.
Typing Skill	English typing speed of 30 wpm or Hindi typing speed of 25 wpm is required.
Age Limit	18 to 27 years (Age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC as per rules).
Other Requirements	Basic computer knowledge and communication skills.

How to Become a Sorting Assistant in Post Office

If you want to become a Sorting Assistant, here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet the qualification, typing skill, and age criteria.

Step 2: Apply through SSC CHSL Exam

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate level (CGL) exam for recruitment of Postal Assistants (PA) and Sorting Assistants (SA) in the Department of Posts.

• Visit the SSC official website.
• Fill the online form under CHSL Examination.
• Select “Department of Posts – Sorting Assistant” as your preferred post.

Step 3: Clear the CHSL Exam

The exam has three stages:

1. Tier I – Computer-based objective test.
2. Tier II – Descriptive paper.
3. Document Verification.

Step 4: Wait for Allotment

Based on your score and preference, you’ll be allotted as a Postal Assistant (PA) or Sorting Assistant (SA).

Step 5: Join the Training

After selection, candidates undergo departmental training at a Postal Training Centre before starting regular work.

Sorting Assistant Salary in Post Office (2025)

The Sorting Assistant salary in the postal department falls under Pay Level 4 (7th CPC).

Component	Amount (Approx.)
Basic Pay	₹25,500 per month
DA (Dearness Allowance)	₹11,000 – ₹13,000
HRA (House Rent Allowance)	₹2,500 – ₹7500
TA (Transport Allowance)	₹1,800 – ₹2,400
Gross Salary	₹38,000 – ₹42,000 per month

So, the Sorting Assistant salary ranges between ₹38,000 to ₹42,000 per month, depending on location and allowances.

What is the Highest Salary for Sorting Assistant?

With promotions and annual increments, the salary can reach up to ₹81,100 per month (Level 9) after several years of service.

Sorting Assistant vs Postal Assistant: Which is Better?

Both Postal Assistant (PA) and Sorting Assistant (SA) posts are recruited through the same SSC CHSL exam. However, there are slight differences:

Aspect	Postal Assistant (PA)	Sorting Assistant (SA)
Workplace	Works in Post Offices	Works in RMS Offices
Nature of Work	Customer service, account handling	Sorting, dispatching, managing mail flow
Working Hours	Regular (mostly day shift)	Shift-based (day or night)
Public Interaction	High	Minimal
Promotion Scope	Similar, some edge for promotion	Similar

Verdict:
If you prefer desk work and direct interaction with the public, go for Postal Assistant.
If you like organized, behind-the-scenes work and don’t mind shifts, Sorting Assistant is a great choice. Postal assistant job has rotational transfer after 03 year or tenure but sorting assistant has no rotational transfer currently.

Career Growth and Promotion

A Sorting Assistant in post office can move up the career ladder through departmental exams and seniority:

1. Lower Selection Grade (LSG)
2. Higher Selection Grade (HSG-II)
3. Higher Selection Grade (HSG-I)
4. Inspector of Posts(IPO)
5. Assistant Superintendent of Post Offices (ASPOs)
6. Superintendent of Post Offices (SPOs)

Each promotion comes with a higher pay level and responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the qualification for Sorting Assistant in Post Office?

You must have passed Graduation and possess typing skills (30 wpm in English or 25 wpm in Hindi).

2. What is the salary of Sorting Assistant in Postal Department?

The starting salary is around ₹38,000 to ₹42,000 per month including allowances.

3. How can I apply for the Sorting Assistant post?

You can apply through the SSC CGL Exam, which recruits candidates for the Department of Posts.

4. Which is better, PA or SA?

Both are good posts. Choose PA if you prefer office-based public work, or SA if you enjoy systematic sorting and night shifts.

5. What is the highest salary for Sorting Assistant?

With promotions, it can go up to ₹81,100 per month under Level 9 pay matrix.

6. What is the job profile of a Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant?

The job involves sorting, dispatching, record maintenance, and ensuring timely mail delivery in RMS or post offices.

Conclusion

The Sorting Assistant in Post Office is one of the most stable and respected clerical jobs under the Government of India. It offers a decent salary, good career growth, and the pride of serving the nation through the postal network.

If you have a 1Graduate qualification and want a secure job with benefits, this post is worth considering. With the right preparation for the SSC CGL exam, you can easily begin your career as a Sorting Assistant in the Indian Postal Department.

Also read this

Mail Guard in Post Office: Salary, Qualification & Work Details

Postal Assistant Job, Salary, Work & Qualifications

GDS Promotion: Rules, Structure & Process