Scheduled Despatch Service
Department of Posts has the exclusive privilege of handling of mail in the country and performing all incidental services. However, in view of its security and other special requirements the Army has been permitted to make own arrangements in regard to the official mail of the three services.
Scheduled Despatch Service (SDS) is intended to provide facilities for receipt and despatch of mail at fixed hours.
All formations/units of Armed forces, Border Roads Organizations, Assam Rifles, other Para military forces under operational control of Army are entitled to SDS facilities.
Scheduled Despatch Service (SDS) is intended to provide facilities for receipt and despatch of mail at fixed hours.
All formations/units of Armed forces, Border Roads Organizations, Assam Rifles, other Para military forces under operational control of Army are entitled to SDS facilities.
Articles acceptable for despatch by SDS
Scheduled Despatch Service is not a parcel service and is primarily meant for despatch of official correspondence only.
Dentures can be sent by SDS. Such dentures will be securely packed in wooden packages wrapped with hessian cloth (tin box will not be used) of size not exceeding 15 cms X 10 cms and weight not exceeding 500 gms. These packages will be marked 'REGISTERED SDS DENTURES'.
There is however no objection to the despatch of 'crossed cheques', crossed Postal Orders officially issued to Formations, Units or officers. This particularly applies to despatch of Army Officers' Contributory Education Fund Cheques to Officers.
Non-inflammable X-ray films will be accepted for despatch if marked 'SAFETY FILM'.
Dentures can be sent by SDS. Such dentures will be securely packed in wooden packages wrapped with hessian cloth (tin box will not be used) of size not exceeding 15 cms X 10 cms and weight not exceeding 500 gms. These packages will be marked 'REGISTERED SDS DENTURES'.
There is however no objection to the despatch of 'crossed cheques', crossed Postal Orders officially issued to Formations, Units or officers. This particularly applies to despatch of Army Officers' Contributory Education Fund Cheques to Officers.
Non-inflammable X-ray films will be accepted for despatch if marked 'SAFETY FILM'.
Articles not to be sent as SDS
Under no circumstanses will explosives, arms, ammunition, inflammable material, liquids, clothing, equipment, postal orders, cash valuables, private mail or personal kit, books and other publications unless classified 'Confidential' an above, souvenirs, diaries, engagement pads, greeting cards, medicines, blank pay books, medals, railway warrants and private cheques are to be despatched by SDS. Despatches suspected of containing any of the above items will be queried with the originators.
Size and Weight of packages
All Official communication weighing up to 2 kgs will be accepted by SDS provided these conform to the following dimensions: -
Maximum Limits Cms
In roll form-
Single Dimension 80
Sum of length and twice diameter 100
In other than roll form-
Single dimension 60
Sum of length, breadth & Depth Combined 90
Minimum limits
In roll form-
Single dimension 10
Sum of length and twice diameter 17
In other than roll form 11x7
In roll form-
Single Dimension 80
Sum of length and twice diameter 100
In other than roll form-
Single dimension 60
Sum of length, breadth & Depth Combined 90
Minimum limits
In roll form-
Single dimension 10
Sum of length and twice diameter 17
In other than roll form 11x7
Restrictions in respect of classified books, pamphlets, orders, instructions, testing material, answer books, work study/project reports, medical and personal documents and other written or printed material: -
(a) In packages weighing up to 5 Kgs and conforming to the following dimensions:-
Maximum Cms
In roll form-
Length 80
Sum of length and twice diameter 100
In other than roll form 60x30x30
Maximum Cms
In roll form-
Single dimension 10
Sum of length and twice 17
In other than roll form 10x17
In roll form-
Length 80
Sum of length and twice diameter 100
In other than roll form 60x30x30
Maximum Cms
In roll form-
Single dimension 10
Sum of length and twice 17
In other than roll form 10x17
Such packages will not be accepted unless these are securely packed, cross-tied and sealed and are not likely to damage the mail owing to faulty packing
(b) In sealed bags weighing up to 20 Kgs and of dimensions limited to:-
Length 1 Meter
Length and girth combined 1.80 Meter
Length and girth combined 1.80 Meter
Addressing Tips
The correct addressing pattern for official and private mail is as under:-
(a) Official Mail (SDS)
Appointment/Designation of the addressee: _______ (Optional)
Name of the Unit ____________________________________
PIN: ______________________________________________
C/O 56 or 99 APO (as the case may be)
Name of the Unit ____________________________________
PIN: ______________________________________________
C/O 56 or 99 APO (as the case may be)
(b) Official Mail OIGS or OIGS/FOAS
Appointment/Designation of the addressee________________
Name of Org/Firm____________________________________
Street No/Street Name : _______________________________
Village____________________PO_______________________
City _________State____________PIN: __________________
Name of Org/Firm____________________________________
Street No/Street Name : _______________________________
Village____________________PO_______________________
City _________State____________PIN: __________________
(c) Official Mail OIGS or OIGS/FOAS
Army No: ____________________ Rank: _________________
Name : _________________________________ (On leave)
House No/Name _____________________________________
Street_______________________Village_________________
PO _______________________________________________
PIN : ____________________State: ____________________
Name : _________________________________ (On leave)
House No/Name _____________________________________
Street_______________________Village_________________
PO _______________________________________________
PIN : ____________________State: ____________________
(d) Private Mail(Incoming i.e. addressed to troops)
Army No : ________________Rank : ___________________
Name ____________________________________________
Name of the Unit____________________________________
PIN : _____________________________________________
C/O 56 or 99 APO (as the case may be)
Name ____________________________________________
Name of the Unit____________________________________
PIN : _____________________________________________
C/O 56 or 99 APO (as the case may be)