Lakhs of aspirants who applied for India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 can now check whether their name appears in the merit list. The Department of Posts has released the GDS 1st Merit List 2026 on 06 March 2026, with 2nd and 3rd merit lists also subsequently published. GDS selection is unique among all government recruitments — there is no written examination. Candidates are selected purely on the basis of their Class 10th (Matriculation) percentage marks. Candidates who score higher in their 10th board examination get priority in the merit list over those with lower marks, for the same division/post.
India Post GDS Merit List 2026 – Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | India Post – Department of Posts, Government of India |
| Posts | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS), Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) |
| Total Vacancies | 28,635 Posts |
| Application Period | 31 January – 14 February 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16 February 2026 |
| Correction Window | 18 – 19 February 2026 |
| 1st Merit List Released | 06 March 2026 |
| 2nd & 3rd Merit List | Released Subsequently |
| Selection Basis | Class 10th Percentage Marks (No Written Exam) |
| Application Fee | ₹100/- (General/OBC/EWS) | Free (SC/ST) |
| Official Website | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
India Post GDS 2026 – Complete Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 14 February 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 16 February 2026 |
| Form Correction Window | 18 – 19 February 2026 |
| 1st Merit List / Result Released | 06 March 2026 |
| 2nd Merit List | Released Subsequently |
| 3rd Merit List | Released Subsequently |
| Document Verification | After Each Merit List |
| Joining / Engagement | After DV |
India Post GDS 2026 – Application Fee (For Reference)
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS Candidates | ₹100/- |
| SC / ST Candidates | Free (No Fee) |
India Post GDS 2026 – Age Limit
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 40 Years |
| Age Relaxation | As per GoI norms for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen/Transgender candidates |
India Post GDS 2026 – Post Details & Eligibility (Total: 28,635 Posts)
| Post Name | Vacancies | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | 28,635 (Combined) | Class 10th pass with Mathematics and English as subjects from any recognized board + Knowledge of local/regional language |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | ||
| Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) – Other Posts |
GDS Selection is Merit-Based — No Written Exam:
India Post GDS recruitment does not involve a written examination. Candidates are selected based on an automatic merit list generated from their Class 10th (Matriculation) board examination marks. Higher percentage = higher position in the merit list = better chance of selection. The system applies a formula to normalize marks across different boards (CBSE, ICSE, state boards) to ensure fair comparison.
- Same marks, tie-breaking: When two candidates have identical 10th marks, the older candidate (by date of birth) gets priority.
- Board normalization: Marks from different boards may be normalized/adjusted by the India Post system for fair comparison.
- Multiple circles: India Post is organized into postal circles (UP Circle, Bihar Circle, Maharashtra Circle, etc.). Applications and merit lists are circle-specific — candidates apply within their state/circle.
How to Download India Post GDS Merit List / Result 2026 – Step-by-Step
- Visit the official India Post GDS portal: indiapostgdsonline.gov.in (direct link in Important Links below).
- On the homepage, navigate to the Result / Merit List section.
- Select your Postal Circle (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, etc.).
- Click on “GDS 1st Merit List 2026”, “2nd Merit List”, or “3rd Merit List” as applicable.
- The merit list will appear as a PDF. Use Ctrl+F to search for your Registration Number or Name.
- If your name appears, download the PDF and take a printout. You will receive confirmation via SMS/email on your registered contact details.
SMS and Email Notification: Selected candidates in the GDS merit list are also notified via SMS and email to their registered mobile number and email address. If you receive such a notification, it confirms your provisional selection. However, always download and verify directly from indiapostgdsonline.gov.in as well — do not rely solely on SMS.
What Happens After Your Name Appears in the India Post GDS Merit List?
- Document Verification (DV): Provisionally selected candidates receive a call letter for document verification at the designated divisional post office. Original documents — Class 10th certificate, marksheet, age proof, caste certificate, local language proof, and identity documents — are checked.
- Computer and Bicycle Requirements: For BPM posts, candidates must have access to a computer/mobile device and a bicycle (required for delivering mail). This is verified at the DV stage.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must meet basic medical fitness standards — specifically vision requirements for GDS posts.
- Final Engagement: After successful DV and medical check, selected candidates receive an Engagement Order from India Post and begin their work as GDS/BPM/ABPM.
3 Merit Lists — What If Not in 1st? India Post typically releases 2–3 merit lists. If you are not selected in the 1st merit list, there is still a possibility of appearing in the 2nd or 3rd list — this happens when candidates in the 1st list decline or fail to appear at DV, creating vacancies that are then filled from the waiting list. Keep checking indiapostgdsonline.gov.in for subsequent merit lists.
India Post GDS Merit List 2026 – Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Download India Post GDS 1st Merit List 2026 | Click Here – indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
| Download 2nd / 3rd Merit List | Available on Official Portal |
| Download Official GDS Notification | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
| Official India Post Portal | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – India Post GDS Merit List 2026
Q1. When was the India Post GDS 1st Merit List 2026 released?India Post officially released the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) 1st Merit List 2026 on06 March 2026. The 2nd and 3rd merit lists have also been subsequently released. Candidates can download all merit lists from indiapostgdsonline.gov.in by selecting their respective postal circle.
Q2. Is there a written exam for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?No. India Post GDS recruitment hasno written examination. Selection is based entirely on candidates’Class 10th (Matriculation) board marks. An automated merit list is generated based on 10th percentage — candidates with higher marks rank higher in the list for the same post/division.
Q3. How many posts are there in India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?The total vacancy is28,635 postsacross three post types: Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS). Posts are distributed across all postal circles in India — the number varies by circle and division.
Q4. What is the eligibility for India Post GDS 2026?The minimum eligibility isClass 10th passfrom any recognized board withMathematics and English as subjects. Additionally, candidates must have knowledge of thelocal/regional languageof the area where they apply. Age limit: 18–40 years with standard relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD.
Q5. What happens after being selected in the India Post GDS merit list?Selected candidates receive an SMS/email notification and are called forDocument Verification (DV)— original Class 10th certificates, age proof, caste certificate, language proof, and ID are verified. For BPM posts, a computer/mobile device and bicycle are also required. After DV and basic medical check, selected candidates receive an Engagement Order and begin work as India Post GDS.
Q6. What if I am not in the 1st Merit List — do I still have a chance?Yes. India Post releases2–3 merit listsfor this recruitment cycle. If candidates selected in the 1st merit list decline the offer or fail to appear at DV, their vacancies are filled from the next-ranked candidates in subsequent merit lists. Keep monitoring indiapostgdsonline.gov.in for 2nd and 3rd merit list releases — your chance may still come.
Q7. What was the application fee for India Post GDS Recruitment 2026?The application fee was₹100/-for General/OBC/EWS candidates.SC/ST candidates were completely exemptfrom the fee. The application window ran from 31 January to 14 February 2026, with fee payment until 16 February 2026. The process is now closed — this is for reference only.