If you passed Class 10 with Mathematics and English and your age is between 18 and 40 years, you can check your name in the India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2026 now — the list went live on 11 May 2026.
1. 5‑SECOND SUMMARY TABLE – INDIA POST GDS 3RD MERIT LIST 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications (India Post) |
| Advertisement No. | 17-37/2025-GDS |
| Post Name(s) | Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS), Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) |
| Total Vacancies | 28,636 (circle‑wise distribution in notification) |
| Essential Qualification | Class 10 (Matriculation) pass with Mathematics and English |
| Age Limit | 18–40 years (as on 16 February 2026) |
| Application Dates | Registration: 31 Jan – 14 Feb 2026; Fee payment: 31 Jan – 16 Feb 2026; Correction window: 18–19 Feb 2026 |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS males); Free for SC/ST/PwD/Female/Transwomen |
| 1st Merit List | 6 March 2026 |
| 2nd Merit List | 10 April 2026 (DV closed 27 April 2026) |
| 3rd Merit List | Released on 11 May 2026 |
| Shortlisted in 3rd List | 6,690 candidates |
| Official Website | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
Why this job matters
The Gramin Dak Sevak engagement under Advt. No. 17-37/2025-GDS is one of the most accessible central government careers for 10th‑pass youth. No exam. Just your matriculation marks decide your fate. With a stable TRCA pay scale, job security, and zero application fee for reserved categories and women, it’s no surprise that 6,690 hopeful names have just appeared on the India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2026. Don’t celebrate yet — your name in the PDF is just step one. The real test is document verification, and it starts now.
2. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA – CHECK BEFORE APPLYING
Age Limit (as on 16 February 2026)
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 40 years
- Age Relaxation (upper limit extension):
- SC/ST: +5 years
- OBC (Non‑Creamy Layer): +3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): +10 years (additional as per rules)
Educational Qualification
- All posts (GDS, BPM, ABPM): Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognised board.
- Compulsory subjects in Class 10: Mathematics and English.
- Basic computer knowledge and ability to ride a cycle are also required.
Language Requirement
You must have studied the local language of the postal circle up to Class 10 and be able to read, write, and speak it fluently. For West Bengal, the local language is Bengali (exception for Nepali mother‑tongue candidates in specific divisions).
Pay Scale (TRCA Slab)
| Post | Monthly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) / Gramin Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 |
Tie‑Breaking Rule
If two candidates have the same Class 10 percentage, preference goes first to the older candidate, and then to the candidate with higher marks in Mathematics.
3. SELECTION PROCESS – STAGE BY STAGE
The India Post GDS recruitment is purely merit‑based — no written exam, no interview.
- Merit List Generation: System calculates Class 10 percentage up to four decimal places. No negative marking.
- Circle‑wise Shortlisting: Candidates are placed against vacancies in their chosen postal circle.
- Third Merit List (11 May 2026): 6,690 candidates shortlisted; includes previously held‑back states (Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal) now fully released.
- Document Verification (DV): You must report to your divisional office within 15 days of the list publication (i.e., by 26 May 2026) with all original documents.
- Medical Examination: A basic fitness test follows successful DV.
- Final Appointment: Appointment letter issued after clearing all stages.
Category‑Wise Expected Cut‑Off (Class 10 Percentage) – 3rd List
| Category | Expected Cut‑Off Range |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 85% – 95% |
| OBC | 80% – 90% |
| SC | 80% – 88% |
| ST | 79% – 85% |
| EWS | 75% – 83% |
| PwBD | 65% – 80% |
Note: Actual cut‑offs vary by state and circle. The third list often sees a marginal dip compared to the first two lists.
4. QUICK LINKS – APPLY & DOWNLOAD
📄 Download Official Notification PDF (Advt. 17-37/2025-GDS) – Read the complete advertisement.
🔗 India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2026 Direct Link – Check your name now.
📘 State‑wise 3rd Merit List PDF – Navigate to your state and download.
✍️ Apply Online (Future Cycles) – Registration portal for upcoming vacancies.
5. HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE INDIA POST GDS 3RD MERIT LIST 2026 – STEP‑BY‑STEP
The list is live — here’s exactly what you need to do right now:
- Go to the official GDS portal: Type indiapostgdsonline.gov.in in your browser (never click random links from YouTube or WhatsApp).
- Find the “Shortlisted Candidates” tab: Under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule‑I, January 2026 section, click “Selection List / Supplementary List”.
- Select your postal circle: Choose your state (e.g., West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, etc.).
- Open the PDF: The gds 3rd merit list pdf will open in a new tab. If it doesn’t, right‑click and “Save link as”.
- Search your name instantly: Press
Ctrl + F(orCmd + Fon Mac), type your 7‑digit registration number or your full name as in the application. - Download and print: If your name appears, save the PDF and print at least two copies — one for yourself and one for verification day.
- Check the DV date: The reporting date and venue are often mentioned inside the PDF or will be communicated separately. Do not delay. DV deadline is 15 days from the list date, which means 26 May 2026.
My advice: Keep your scanned documents (photo, signature, Class 10 mark sheet, caste certificate, Aadhaar) already saved on your phone and in cloud storage. On verification day, many candidates fumble because they bring photocopies instead of originals — don’t be that person. Carry a plastic folder with all originals, one set of self‑attested photocopies, and two extra passport‑size photos.
6. VACANCY & RESERVATION DETAILS
Total notified vacancies: 28,636
Category‑wise break‑up (as per official notification)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 12,696 |
| OBC | 5,694 |
| SC | 3,942 |
| ST | 2,716 |
| EWS | 2,719 |
| PwD | 869 |
| Total | ~28,636 |
State‑wise highlights (top circles)
| Postal Circle | Approx. Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 3,169 |
| Maharashtra | 3,553 |
| West Bengal | 2,982 |
| Tamil Nadu | 2,009 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 2,120 |
| Kerala | 1,691 |
| Gujarat | 1,830 |
| Bihar | 1,347 |
| Karnataka | 1,023 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1,060 |
| (Full circle‑wise break‑up available in the official notification PDF.) |
7. IMPORTANT POINTS & PRO‑TIPS
- Third list is out – act now: The India Post GDS 3rd Merit List 2026 was officially published on 11 May 2026. Waiting lists for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal are now released. If you belong to these states, check immediately.
- DV deadline is tight: You have only 15 days from the list date, i.e., until 26 May 2026, to report for document verification. Miss this, and your candidature is cancelled.
- Document checklist: Original Class 10 mark sheet, valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID), caste certificate (if applicable), EWS certificate (if applicable), medical fitness certificate, residence/tribal certificate, passport‑size photographs (4‑5), and a printed copy of your application form.
- Fee relaxation note: If you are a female candidate, a transgender woman, SC/ST, or PwD, you paid ₹0 as application fee. That’s correct — your selection is fully valid.
- No exam, no stress — but be precise: The selection is purely merit‑based. The tie‑breaker rule is crucial: if two candidates have identical percentages, the older candidate gets preference, followed by higher Mathematics marks.
- Scam alert: India Post never demands money for DV or appointment letters. If anyone calls asking for payment, report it to the divisional office immediately.
8. SOURCE & VERIFICATION
- Primary Source: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications – Notification No. 17-37/2025-GDS dated 31 January 2026.
- Recent Updates: India Post GDS Online Portal – Selection List page for Schedule‑I, January 2026, updated on 11 May 2026.
- Supplementary Data: Official press notes, PIB, and verified reports from The Hindu, Indian Express, Times of India, and NDTV Education.
- Last Updated: 16 May 2026.
- Fact‑Check Note: All figures are drawn from the official notification and the final published merit list. Still, candidates are advised to cross‑verify their details on indiapostgdsonline.gov.in before acting.
9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
India Post GDS 3rd merit list 2026 kab aayegi? Is it out now?
Haan, ab intezaar khatam. 11 May 2026 ko official website par third merit list release ho chuki hai. Abhi jaao, direct link se PDF kholo aur apna registration number search karo.
I’m from West Bengal — is the 3rd merit list 2026 available for me?
Yes! The earlier hold due to the election code has been lifted. The india post gds 3rd merit list 2026 pdf west bengal is now live on the portal. Search for “West Bengal” circle and download the PDF immediately.
How many candidates have been selected in the GDS 3rd merit list 2026?
A total of 6,690 candidates have been provisionally selected in this round across all postal circles.
What is the direct link to check my name in the 3rd merit list?
The direct official link is https://indiapostgdsonline.gov.in/SelectionLists.aspx. Select your circle and the PDF will open. No third‑party site is required.
What is the GDS 3rd merit list cut off 2026 for OBC and SC candidates?
As per trends, the OBC cut‑off hovers between 80–90%, and SC between 80–88%. However, cut‑offs drop slightly in the third list, so even if you missed earlier lists, check now — you might have made it.
By what date do I have to complete document verification?
Document verification must be completed within 15 days of the list publication. Since the list came out on 11 May 2026, the last date for DV is 26 May 2026. Do not wait for a separate call letter.
What after the GDS 3rd merit list 2026? Will there be a 4th list?
After the DV for the 3rd list, India Post will review remaining vacancies. If posts are still unfilled, a 4th supplementary list may be issued. Keep your documents ready and don’t lose hope — many candidates secure their appointment in the third and fourth rounds.
