The India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2026 is expected to be released inthe first week of May 2026 on the official India Post recruitment portal. This list will complete thelargest Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) recruitment drivein recent years, filling post offices in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal—the final states whose results were temporarily postponed due to election-related guidelines.
India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2026 Overview
The Department of Posts, operating under the Government of India, has officially published the third merit list for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Recruitment 2026. Released on 11 May 2026, this supplementary list includes 6,690 candidates who have been provisionally shortlisted across 19 postal circles for positions such as Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS).
This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 28,636 vacancies under Schedule-I, January 2026. The selection process is entirely merit-based, determined solely by a candidate’s marks obtained in their Class 10 (Matriculation) examination, and no written test was conducted.
With the conclusion of the document verification for the second merit list on 27 April 2026, the authorities have now issued this third list to fill remaining vacancies. Shortlisted candidates must complete their document verification between 11 May and 26 May 2026.
Click Here: GDS 3rd Merit List Download Link
| Particulars | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment Organisation | Department of Posts, India Post | |
| Post Names | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS), Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | |
| Total Vacancies | 28,636 | |
| 3rd Merit List Release Date | 11 May 2026 | |
| Total Candidates Shortlisted (3rd List) | 6,690 | |
| Document Verification Period | 11 May 2026 – 26 May 2026 | |
| Selection Basis | Class 10 marks (merit-based, no written examination) | |
| Official Websites | indiapost.gov.in | |
| Mode of Merit List | State‑wise / Circle‑wise PDF |
Important Dates
The following timeline outlines the India Post GDS 2026 recruitment schedule:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Merit List Released | March 6, 2026 |
| Second Merit List Released | April 10, 2026 |
| Document Verification (2nd List) Deadline | April 27, 2026 |
| Third Merit List (Expected Release) | May 10,2026 |
Vacancy Details & States with Pending Results
The India Post GDS 2026 recruitment drive aims to fill 28,636 posts for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS), Branch Postmaster (BPM), and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) across the country. So far, candidates shortlisted across the first two merit lists total approximately 39,765.
The third merit list is particularly significant for candidates from Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Their results were withheld during the release of the second list due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during the election period. With elections now concluded, these candidates can finally expect their results to be published alongside the third merit list for the remaining postal circles.
Selection Process
The India Post GDS selection process differs from most government examinations by eliminating a written entrance test entirely. The following illustrates how the selection pipeline operates from application to final appointment:
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Merit List Preparation → Document Verification → Medical Examination → Final Appointment Letter
The selection is purely merit-based, relying solely on a candidate’s Class 10 percentage. Grades or points from the matriculation certificate are converted into percentage scores, calculated with up to four decimal places. The system automatically generates the merit list using these scores, with no interview or physical test involved.
The third merit list will include candidates who were not selected in the first two rounds, shortlisted to fill vacancies from seats that reopened due to:
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Candidates who failed to complete document verification
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Selected individuals found ineligible upon scrutiny
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Candidates who did not accept their offer
Category-Wise Expected Cut-Off Marks
The GDS cut-off varies significantly by state, postal circle, and category. Unlike typical examinations with a pre-announced minimum score, the cut-off for GDS posts is determined by the percentage of the last candidate selected in each category and circle.
Given the high competition and reliance on Class 10 scores, cut-off marks have historically reached extremely high levels. Based on the data from the first and second merit lists across major states, the following trends can be observed:
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For the General (UR) category, cut-offs in high-demand circles frequently reach 100%, while other regions typically require between 90% and 98%.
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For OBC and EWS categories, cut-offs generally range from 85% to 97%, with populous states showing higher requirements.
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For SC and ST categories, cut-offs usually fall between 80% and 96%, depending on the state.
The table below presents sample cut-off percentages from the first/second merit lists across key states:
| State / Circle | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 100% | 100% | 100% | 95.00% | 100% |
| Maharashtra | 95.80% | 95.60% | 95.40% | 93.20% | 95.60% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 97.60% | 97.20% | 96.40% | 94.80% | 96.20% |
| West Bengal | 92.60% | 92.20% | 91.80% | 88.40% | 91.60% |
| Kerala | 95.00% | 95.00% | 95.00% | 92.80% | 95.00% |
| Tamil Nadu | 98.40% | 98.00% | 97.20% | 95.60% | 97.60% |
(Source: India Post GDS official merit list data from April 2026)
How to Check the India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2026
Once the third list is officially released, candidates can check their names by following these clear steps:
Step 1: Open your browser and go to the official India Post GDS engagement portal at indiapostgdsonline.cept.gov.in or indiapost.gov.in.
Step 2: On the homepage, locate and click on the “Selection List” or “Shortlisted Candidates” link under the Candidate Corner section.
Step 3: From the dropdown or list displayed, click on the link for “Shortlisted Candidates: Schedule-1, January 2026”.
Step 4: Select the state or postal circle you applied for.
Step 5: Click on the link for the Third Merit List PDF. The file will download or open in a new tab.
Step 6: Open the PDF and use the Ctrl + F shortcut. Enter your 7-digit registration number or your full name to search the document for your entry.
Step 7: If your name appears in the list, download the PDF and take a printout for future reference.
Documents Required for Verification
Selected candidates will need to produce original documents along with self-attested photocopies at the designated divisional office. Failure to complete the verification process by the deadline will result in the application being rejected. The full set of documents required includes:
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Class 10 Mark Sheet & Certificate (as the primary basis for selection)
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Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
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Caste Certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories)
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Residence / Domicile Certificate
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Recent Passport-Size Photographs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2026 be released?
The India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2026 is expected in the first week of May 2026, likely around May 2, though no exact date has been officially announced.
Q2. How many candidates have been shortlisted so far?
Across the first and second merit lists released on March 6 and April 10 respectively, approximately 39,765 candidates have been shortlisted provisionally.
Q3. Why were results for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal delayed?
The results for these states were withheld when the second merit list was released because the Model Code of Conduct was in effect due to ongoing elections. The third merit list is expected to include results for these states now that elections have concluded.
Q4. Is there any written exam for India Post GDS recruitment?
No, there is no written examination or interview. The selection is based entirely on a candidate’s Class 10 percentage.
Q5. What is the expected cut-off for the General category?
The expected cut-off for the General category varies by state, ranging from 92% to 100%, with highly competitive circles such as Delhi and Maharashtra often requiring a perfect 100%.
Q6. What should I do after checking my name in the merit list?
Selected candidates must complete document verification at the designated divisional office and carry all original documents along with self-attested photocopies. This will be followed by a medical examination before the final appointment letter is issued.
Q7. What happens to unfilled seats after the third merit list?
If any selected candidates fail to join or do not complete document verification in the third merit list, those seats may be carried forward to a subsequent (fourth) merit list, depending on departmental requirements.
Disclaimer:
This information has been compiled from the official India Post GDS recruitment notification and various government sources. Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the official India Post website (indiapostgdsonline.gov.in) for the most current and authoritative information regarding the release date, cut-offs, and selection process.
