A post office reimagined by students
Conceived under the motto “Of the students, by the students, for the students,” the new extension counter is the result of close collaboration between CMS College students and India Post officials. The space combines service functionality with contemporary campus life offering an accessible postal counter alongside seating zones, charging points and creative corners designed for study and social interaction.
Design that prioritises sustainability and community
The Gen-Z counter embraces nature and reuse. A vertical garden, picnic-style seating and refurbished-tyre benches create a calming green ambience. The outdoor, café-style area is intentionally blended with greenery so students can work or relax while accessing postal services.
Student artwork decorates the interiors, celebrating Kottayam’s literary heritage “The Land of Letters” CMS College’s legacy, and India Post’s nationwide network. The result is a visually engaging space that invites community use beyond simple transactions.
Services and facilities geared for the digital generation
The extension counter houses a fully equipped MPCM booking desk, packaging materials, and a MyStamp printer. A work-friendly counter ledge provides multiple charging points for laptops and phones, supporting digital workflows and remote study. An indoor reading nook, bookshelf and board games add recreational value to the service point.
These features are designed to remove friction for students who juggle studies, internships and e-commerce activities while still requiring basic postal services like parcel dispatch, logistics and customised stamps.
Why the initiative matters
The CMS College counter represents India Post’s effort to modernise its outreach and stay relevant to younger users. By co-creating the space with students, India Post is testing a replicable model for campus counters that can increase footfall, expand service uptake and promote financial and digital inclusion.
Director Shri N.R. Giri noted that such counters can serve multiple community functions — from facilitating e-commerce shipments to acting as informal learning and collaboration hubs that foster civic engagement.
Campus creativity meets public service
Students led the planning and aesthetics, choosing sustainable materials and motifs that reflect local culture and nature. The refurbished-tyre benches and vertical garden underline a practical approach to circularity. Student artwork and college-curated displays make the counter feel familiar and inviting for the campus population.
Potential for replication across campuses
India Post has been experimenting with extension counters and innovative outlets nationwide. The CMS College initiative could become a blueprint for other academic institutions seeking basic postal services that also double as community spaces.
