1st Merit List Released – 6 March 2026
India Post GDS Result 2026 — Download Merit List PDF
India Post has officially released the GDS 1st Merit List 2026 on 6th March 2026 for Schedule-I, January 2026. A total of 28,558 candidates have been shortlisted for Document Verification (DV) against 28,636 vacancies across 23 postal circles. DV deadline: 23 March 2026.
📋 Advt. No. 17-37/2025-GDS (Pt.I)
🏛️ India Post – Dept. of Posts
📍 23 Postal Circles
📊 Vacancies: 28,636
✅ Shortlisted: 28,558
🎓 10th Pass Eligible
OUT
Result Status
28,636
Total Vacancies
28,558
Shortlisted
23 Mar
DV Deadline
₹12,000
BPM Pay/Month
23
Postal Circles
📥 GDS 1st Merit List 2026 – Released on 6th March 2026
Schedule-I, January 2026 | Circle-wise PDF | 28,558 candidates shortlisted | DV by 23 March 2026
⬇ Download Merit List PDF – Official Portal
01
Important Dates – India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
Official Notification Released
31 January 2026
One-Time Registration (OTR) Window
31 Jan – 14 Feb 2026 (5:00 PM)
Online Application Submission
2 Feb – 16 Feb 2026 (5:00 PM)
Application Correction Window
18 – 19 February 2026 (5:00 PM)
GDS 1st Merit List (List I) Released
6 March 2026 ✅ OUT
Document Verification Deadline
On or before 23 March 2026
Provisional Engagement Letter
Issued immediately after successful DV
Pre-Engagement Formalities Deadline
Within 30 days of receiving engagement letter
02
Recruitment Overview
| Organization | India Post – Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India |
| Advertisement No. | 17-37/2025-GDS (Pt.I) — GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026 |
| Post Names | Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), Dak Sevak |
| Total Vacancies | 28,636 Posts across 23 Postal Circles |
| Candidates Shortlisted (1st List) | 28,558 candidates |
| Result Released On | 6th March 2026 ✅ |
| DV Deadline | On or before 23 March 2026 |
| Minimum Qualification | Class 10 pass with Maths, English and local language of postal circle applied |
| Age Limit | 18 – 40 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD as per Govt. rules) |
| Selection Basis | 100% Merit on Class 10 marks — No written exam, No interview |
| Official Result Portal | indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement |
03
Circle-wise Vacancy Details – All 23 Postal Circles
| Postal Circle / State | Vacancies | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Vacancy CirclesBest Opportunity | ||
| Maharashtra (MH, Goa) | 3,553 | Moderate |
| Uttar Pradesh | 3,169 | Very High |
| West Bengal (WB, Sikkim, A&N) | 2,963 | Very High |
| Tamil Nadu (TN, Puducherry) | 2,009 | High |
| Madhya Pradesh | 2,102 | Moderate |
| Mid Vacancy CirclesGood Opportunity | ||
| Kerala | 1,691 | High |
| Gujarat | 1,782 | Moderate |
| Bihar | 1,344 | Very High |
| Odisha | 1,191 | Moderate |
| Chhattisgarh | 1,155 | Moderate |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1,060 | Moderate |
| Karnataka | 1,022 | High |
| North Eastern (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal) | 1,014 | Low |
| Lower Vacancy CirclesHigher Competition | ||
| Assam | 639 | Moderate |
| Rajasthan | 634 | High |
| Telangana | 608 | High |
| Himachal Pradesh | 520 | Moderate |
| Uttarakhand | 436 | Moderate |
| Haryana | 270 | High |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 267 | Moderate |
| Delhi | 38 | Extreme |
| Punjab | 261 | High |
| Grand Total – All 23 Postal Circles | 28,636 | — |
Note: Maharashtra has the highest vacancies (3,553). Delhi has extreme competition for only 38 posts. North-Eastern Circle has lower competition due to smaller candidate pool. Verify exact circle-wise numbers in the official PDF at indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement.
04
How to Download GDS Merit List 2026 – Step by Step
1
Visit the Official India Post GDS Portal
Open your browser and go to indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement — this is the only authorised platform. Avoid third-party or unofficial sites.
2
Navigate to "Candidate's Corner"
On the homepage, locate the "Candidate's Corner" section on the left panel. Scroll down within that section to find the "Online Engagement" area.
3
Click "List of Shortlisted Candidates"
Click the link that reads "List of Shortlisted Candidates" or "GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026 – Shortlisted Candidates". A dropdown list of all 23 postal circles will appear.
4
Select Your Postal Circle
Click on the circle/state for which you submitted your application — for example, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, West Bengal, etc. Select List I (1st Merit List).
5
Download the Circle-wise PDF
The merit list PDF will open on your screen. Download and save it immediately. The PDF may be large (several MB). Wait for it to fully load before searching.
6
Search Your Registration Number (Ctrl+F)
Press Ctrl+F (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+F (Mac) to open the search box. Type your 7-digit Registration Number to quickly find your name. If found — you are shortlisted for Document Verification.
7
Note DV Date, Division & Documents Required
Against your name, the PDF will show your allocated Division, Post Name, DV date/remarks. Note all details and start arranging original documents immediately. DV must be completed on or before 23 March 2026.
05
What Details Are Shown in the GDS Merit List PDF?
| Column in PDF | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Division Name | The postal division under which the shortlisted post falls |
| HO / SO / BO | Head Office, Sub Office or Branch Office where the post exists |
| Post Name | BPM (Branch Postmaster), ABPM (Asst. Branch Postmaster) or Dak Sevak |
| Post Community | Category under which the vacancy exists — UR / OBC / SC / ST / EWS |
| Registration Number | Your 7-digit application registration number (use Ctrl+F to search) |
| Candidate Name | Full name as entered in the application form |
| Gender | Male / Female / Transgender |
| Community | Your applied category — UR / OBC / SC / ST / EWS / PwD |
| Class 10 % of Marks | Your percentage calculated up to 4 decimal places (the basis of selection) |
| DV Date / Remarks | Date, time and venue for Document Verification (if mentioned) |
| Documents to Verify | List of original documents required at the DV centre |
06
Selection Process – How GDS Merit List is Prepared
1
Merit List Based on Class 10 Marks Only
There is no written exam, no interview. Selection is done 100% on the basis of marks obtained in Class 10 (Secondary School Examination / SSLC / Matriculation). Marks are converted to a percentage calculated up to four decimal places. Candidates with higher Class 10 marks are shortlisted first within each circle and category.
2
Marks Calculation Rules
For mark sheets showing only marks: all compulsory + elective/optional subjects are added (extra subjects excluded). For mark sheets showing grades/grade points: Marks = Grade Point × 9.5. The calculated percentage is used for merit ranking. Passing all subjects as per board norms is mandatory to be considered in merit.
3
Tie-Breaking Order
If two candidates have the exact same Class 10 percentage: first preference goes to the older candidate (by date of birth). If still tied, the priority order is: ST Female → SC Female → OBC Female → EWS Female → UR Female → ST Male → SC Male → OBC Male → EWS Male → UR Male.
4
Circle-wise Merit List Published
India Post releases separate merit list PDFs for each of the 23 postal circles. The 1st Merit List (List I) for Schedule-I January 2026 was released on 6 March 2026. If vacancies remain after DV, additional lists (2nd, 3rd, etc.) will be released. Up to 4–5 merit lists can be released in a single cycle.
5
Document Verification (DV)
Shortlisted candidates are called to the Divisional Head Office of the division mentioned against their name in the PDF. DV must be completed on or before 23 March 2026. Bring original documents + 2 sets of self-attested photocopies. Non-attendance without prior intimation may result in disqualification.
6
Provisional Engagement Letter & Joining
After successful DV, a system-generated provisional engagement letter is issued immediately on the same day. Pre-engagement formalities — including police verification, medical examination, and other joining formalities — must be completed within 30 days of receiving the engagement letter.
No Written Exam
No Interview
100% Class 10 Marks
4 Decimal Accuracy
07
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Class 10 (Matriculation / SSC / SSLC) pass from a recognized Board of School Education in India. Mathematics and English must be compulsory or elective subjects. Must have studied the local language of the postal circle applied for up to Class 10 level as compulsory or elective subject.
Age Limit
Minimum: 18 years | Maximum: 40 years
SC / ST: Upper age relaxed by 5 years (max 45 years)
OBC: Upper age relaxed by 3 years (max 43 years)
PwD (General): Additional 10 years over above limits
PwD (SC/ST): Additional 15 years; PwD (OBC): Additional 13 years
SC / ST: Upper age relaxed by 5 years (max 45 years)
OBC: Upper age relaxed by 3 years (max 43 years)
PwD (General): Additional 10 years over above limits
PwD (SC/ST): Additional 15 years; PwD (OBC): Additional 13 years
Additional Skills Required
Basic computer knowledge is expected for managing postal operations at the branch. Knowledge of cycling is required for rural mail delivery (especially for Dak Sevak and ABPM posts). Candidate must have adequate means of livelihood as per GDS engagement rules.
Nationality & Preference
Must be a citizen of India. Preference is given to candidates who have studied in the same state/postal circle where they are applying, as local language proficiency is mandatory and verified during DV.
⛔ Key Disqualification Criteria
- Candidates without Mathematics or English in Class 10 are not eligible to apply.
- Candidates without the local language of the applied postal circle at Class 10 level will be rejected at DV.
- GDS is an extra-departmental / gramin engagement — it is not a regular government service. CGHS and other Central Govt. employee benefits are not applicable.
- Candidates with more than two living children as on the application cut-off date may be ineligible (exceptions apply as per rules).
08
Application Fee
General / OBC / EWS (Male)
₹100
Online payment only
Female Candidates
FREE
Fully exempted
SC / ST Candidates
FREE
Fully exempted
PwD / Transwomen
FREE
Fully exempted
💳 Payment accepted via: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI, Mobile Wallet / Cash Card. Fee is non-refundable once paid. Application period is now closed — this is for reference only.
09
Expected Cut-Off Marks – GDS 1st Merit List 2026 (Category-wise)
General / UR
84%–94%
Most circles
OBC
80%–88%
Circle-dependent
EWS
78%–86%
Circle-dependent
SC
72%–82%
Circle-dependent
ST
68%–78%
Circle-dependent
PwBD
60%–72%
Circle-dependent
Important: The actual cut-off for each circle and category is simply the Class 10 percentage of the last selected candidate in that merit list. Actual cut-offs vary significantly by circle — high-vacancy circles like Maharashtra may have lower cut-offs, while Delhi (38 posts) may see cut-offs above 94% for UR. Always check the merit list PDF for actual cut-offs.
10
Documents Required for Document Verification (DV)
Academic Documents
Original Class 10 marksheet and pass/board certificate. School Leaving Certificate / Transfer Certificate showing date of birth. Proof of studying local language of the applied circle at Class 10 level.
Category Certificate (If Applicable)
SC / ST: Caste certificate issued by competent authority.
OBC: Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate, recent and within validity period.
EWS: Income and Asset certificate in Central Govt. prescribed format.
PwD: Valid disability certificate from a government hospital (min. 40% disability).
OBC: Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate, recent and within validity period.
EWS: Income and Asset certificate in Central Govt. prescribed format.
PwD: Valid disability certificate from a government hospital (min. 40% disability).
Computer Knowledge Certificate
Certificate proving at least 60 days of basic computer training from a recognized institute. This is mandatory for engagement. Some boards include basic computer in the Class 10 curriculum — if studied, the board certificate itself may suffice.
Identity & Other Documents
Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport / Driving Licence). 2–3 recent passport-size photographs (same as uploaded in application). Printout of merit list PDF showing your name and registration number. 2 sets of self-attested photocopies of all documents listed above.
⛔ Critical DV Instructions – Do Not Miss
- Carry original documents — originals are verified in person and returned after verification.
- Report at the Divisional Head Office mentioned against your name in the merit list PDF, strictly on or before 23 March 2026.
- Failure to attend DV without prior written intimation to the divisional head will result in cancellation of provisional selection.
- Any forged document or incorrect information found at DV will lead to immediate disqualification and may result in legal action.
- After successful DV, complete all pre-engagement formalities (police verification, medical) within 30 days of receiving the provisional engagement letter. Missing this deadline cancels the offer.
11
Salary – TRCA (Time Related Continuity Allowance)
Branch Postmaster (BPM)
₹12,000
to ₹29,380 / month
Manages a Branch Post Office independently. Handles postal, banking and insurance services for rural community.
Asst. Branch Postmaster (ABPM)
₹10,000
to ₹24,470 / month
Assists BPM in daily branch operations. Also handles mail delivery and postal services in the assigned area.
Dak Sevak
₹10,000
to ₹24,470 / month
Works in departmental post offices for mail sorting, delivery and other postal services. Posted in urban/semi-urban areas.
💡 GDS employees receive TRCA (Time Related Continuity Allowance) — not a regular pay scale. Additionally, Dearness Allowance (DA) is paid on TRCA and revised periodically. GDS employees are eligible for departmental promotion to Postman, Mail Guard and other regularpostal posts through competitive departmental exams after completing the required service period. They are also covered under a service gratuity scheme.
12
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The India Post GDS 1st Merit List 2026 (List I) was officially released on 6th March 2026 by the Department of Posts, Government of India. It is available on the official GDS Online Engagement Portal at indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement as circle-wise merit list PDFs for all 23 postal circles.
A total of 28,558 candidates have been shortlisted in the India Post GDS 1st Merit List 2026 for the document verification round. This is against the total of 28,636 vacancies announced under Schedule-I, January 2026. The slight difference is due to tie-breaking and category adjustments at the circle level.
Follow these steps to download your circle-wise merit list:
- Visit indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement
- Go to Candidate's Corner → Online Engagement
- Click "List of Shortlisted Candidates"
- Select your Postal Circle (State)
- Click List I (1st Merit List) to open the PDF
- Press Ctrl+F → type your 7-digit Registration Number
Shortlisted candidates must complete their document verification at the concerned Divisional Head Office on or before 23rd March 2026. The specific DV date and venue are mentioned against each candidate's name in the merit list PDF. Not attending on the given date without prior intimation may lead to cancellation of the provisional selection.
No. There is absolutely no written exam or interview. Selection for GDS, BPM, and ABPM posts is done entirely on the basis of marks obtained in Class 10 (Matriculation). The marks are converted into a percentage calculated up to four decimal places for precise merit ranking. Candidates with the highest Class 10 percentage in each circle and category are selected.
GDS employees are paid under the TRCA (Time Related Continuity Allowance) system:
- BPM (Branch Postmaster): ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 per month + DA
- ABPM / Dak Sevak: ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 per month + DA
Yes. If any vacancies remain unfilled after the 1st merit list — due to candidates not attending DV, failing document verification, or voluntarily withdrawing — India Post will release a 2nd Merit List and subsequent lists. Based on previous GDS recruitment cycles, up to 4 to 5 merit lists can be released in a single cycle. Candidates not shortlisted in List I should keep checking the official portal regularly.
Carry originals + 2 sets of self-attested photocopies of:
- Class 10 marksheet and pass certificate
- Class 10 certificate showing date of birth
- Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC NCL/EWS/PwD (if applicable)
- Computer knowledge certificate (minimum 60 days from recognized institute)
- Proof of studying local language at Class 10 level
- Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport)
- 2–3 recent passport-size photographs
- Printout of the merit list PDF showing your name
Yes. Selection shown in the merit list is provisional only. It can be cancelled if:
- Any discrepancy, forgery or ineligibility is found in documents at DV
- Candidate does not attend DV within the stipulated date without prior intimation
- Pre-engagement formalities are not completed within 30 days of receiving the provisional engagement letter
- Any misrepresentation found in the original application
Yes. Upon declaration of the result, shortlisted candidates are generally informed via SMS on their registered mobile number and email on their registered email ID. However, do not rely solely on SMS/email — always verify directly by downloading the circle-wise merit list PDF from the official portal indiapost.gov.in/gdsonlineengagement and searching your registration number.
A total of 28,636 vacancies have been announced under GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I, January 2026 for the posts of Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS), Branch Postmaster (BPM), and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) across 23 postal circles. Maharashtra has the highest with 3,553 posts and Punjab has the fewest with 261 posts.
Yes. GDS employees are eligible for departmental promotion to regular India Post posts such as Postman, Mail Guard, Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and other postal positions through competitive departmental examinations after completing the minimum required service period. This pathway allows GDS employees to transition into regular government employment over time.
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