India Post GDS 2nd Merit List 2026
India Post GDS Recruitment 2026
- India Post has officially released the 2nd Merit List for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026 on 10th April 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 28,636 vacancies across various postal circles in India, including positions for Branch Post Master (BPM) and Assistant Branch Post Master (ABPM). The selection process for these roles is entirely merit-based, relying on the marks obtained by candidates in their Class 10th examinations, with no written test required.
- The 2nd merit list specifically shortlists 10,963 candidates who were not selected in the initial round or to fill vacancies created by candidates who did not complete the document verification process. Shortlisted candidates are required to report to their respective divisional offices for the Document Verification (DV) stage by the deadline of 27th April 2026.
- This supplementary list covers 18 major circles, excluding Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, where results may be processed differently or at a later date. Candidates can verify their status using their 7-digit registration number or name in the circle-wise PDF files available on the official portal.
- The recruitment process is highly competitive, as it offers a significant opportunity for individuals with a 10th-grade qualification to enter the government sector. The roles of BPM and ABPM are crucial for maintaining the postal network in rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring the delivery of essential services.
- If vacancies remain after the second round of document verification, India Post may release a 3rd merit list tentatively by mid-May 2026. Candidates are advised to keep their original documents ready and stay updated via the official website for further announcements regarding subsequent lists.
Important Dates
Vacancy Details – Post Wise
| Circle Name | Shortlisted Candidates (2nd List) |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 555 |
| Bihar | 998 |
| Chhattisgarh | 754 |
| Delhi | 28 |
| Gujarat | 869 |
| Haryana | 148 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 168 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 202 |
| Karnataka | 520 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 1015 |
| Jharkhand | 548 |
| Maharashtra | 1687 |
| North East | 646 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1653 |
| Uttarakhand | 225 |
| Rajasthan | 334 |
| Punjab | 140 |
| Odisha | 473 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Not Mentioned |
| SC / ST | Not Mentioned |
| PH / PWD | Not Mentioned |
| Female | Not Mentioned |
| Ex-Servicemen | Not Mentioned |
| Payment Mode | Not Mentioned |
Age Limit
Not Mentioned
Educational Qualification
- Secondary School Examination pass certificate of 10th standard with passing marks in Mathematics and English.
- The candidate should have studied the local language at least up to 10th standard.
- Knowledge of cycling is a prerequisite for all GDS posts.
Salary & Pay Scale
Selection Process
Exam Pattern
Documents Required
- Original 10th Class Marksheet/Certificate
- Caste/Community Certificate (if applicable)
- PWD Certificate (if applicable)
- Transgender Certificate (if applicable)
- Date of Birth Proof
- Identity Proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card)
- Two sets of self-attested photocopies of all documents
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit the official India Post GDS portal at https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in.
- On the homepage, look for the ‘GDS Online Engagement Schedule-I January 2026’ section.
- Select your respective postal circle from the list provided.
- Click on the link titled ‘Supplementary List – II’ to download the 2nd Merit List PDF.
- Open the PDF and use the search function (Ctrl+F) to enter your 7-digit registration number.
- If your name appears, note the divisional office assigned for document verification.
- Report to the designated office before 27th April 2026 with all required documents.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the GDS Selection Criteria
The India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) recruitment is unique because it does not involve a traditional written examination or interview. The selection is purely automated and based on the marks obtained in the 10th standard. To succeed in such a system, candidates must ensure that their application data, especially their marks and circle preferences, are entered with 100% accuracy. Even a minor discrepancy between the marks entered online and the physical marksheet can lead to disqualification during the Document Verification (DV) stage.
Document Verification Strategy
Shortlisted candidates in the 2nd merit list have a limited window (until 27th April 2026) to complete their verification. It is crucial to organize all original documents well in advance. Candidates should carry at least two sets of self-attested photocopies. If you belong to a reserved category, ensure your caste certificate is in the format prescribed by the Central Government. Missing the DV deadline is often treated as a forfeiture of the seat, and the vacancy is then passed to the next candidate in the 3rd merit list.
What to do if not selected?
If your name is not in the 2nd merit list, do not lose hope. India Post often releases multiple supplementary lists (3rd, 4th, etc.) depending on the number of vacancies that remain unfilled after the initial rounds of DV. The 3rd merit list is tentatively expected by mid-May 2026. Candidates should regularly monitor the official portal. Additionally, since selection is based on 10th marks, candidates with lower percentages should look for circles or divisions with historically lower cut-offs in future recruitment cycles.
Career Progression for GDS
While the GDS role (BPM/ABPM) is an engagement rather than a permanent civil post initially, it offers a clear pathway into the Department of Posts. After completing a specific period of service (usually 3 to 5 years), GDS employees are eligible to appear for Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) for promotion to permanent cadres like Postman, Mail Guard, and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS). This makes the GDS position an excellent entry point for those seeking a long-term career in the Indian postal system.
Local Language and Cycling Skills
Apart from academic merit, candidates must be proficient in the local language of the circle they apply for. This is mandatory as the job involves direct interaction with the local public. Furthermore, the ability to ride a bicycle is a mandatory requirement for the field-heavy roles of Dak Sevaks and ABPMs. Candidates should ensure they meet these functional requirements to avoid issues during the final joining process.