India Post GDS 2026 Third Merit List / Result – 12 May 2026

India Post GDS 2026 Third Merit List Out – 12 May 2026

The Department of Posts has released the India Post Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) 2026 Third Merit List on 12 May 2026 at the official portal indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. This is the third round of selection for the 28,635 GDS vacancies notified in January 2026. Candidates who missed out in the first and second merit lists should check this list immediately — their name may appear based on remaining vacancies and their 10th standard marks.

What Is India Post GDS Third Merit List?

India Post releases multiple merit lists — called the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd merit lists — because not all selected candidates in earlier rounds accept the offer or complete the document verification process. When a candidate from the 1st or 2nd list declines the posting or fails DV, their vacancy is carried forward and filled by the next eligible candidate in the 3rd list. The selection is purely based on your Class 10 aggregate marks — there is no written exam, no interview.

Each postal circle publishes a separate merit list for its divisions. So if you applied for multiple circles, check the result on each respective circle portal.

Key Dates at a Glance

Circle-Wise Vacancy Breakdown (Total: 28,635)

Vacancies are distributed across 22 postal circles. The table below shows the vacancy count by circle for this recruitment cycle:

How to Check / Download the 3rd Merit List

Follow these steps to download your merit list PDF from the official portal:

1. Open your browser and go to indiapostgdsonline.gov.in
2. On the homepage, click on "Merit List" or "Result" tab
3. Select "3rd Merit List" from the dropdown
4. Choose your Postal Circle (e.g. Maharashtra, UP, Bihar)
5. Select your Division within the circle
6. The PDF of the merit list will open — search your name or registration number using Ctrl+F
7. Download the PDF for reference — you will need it at the Document Verification stage

Document Verification – What Happens After Merit List

If your name appears in the 3rd merit list, you must attend Document Verification (DV) at the allotted Postal Division office. The DV date will be communicated via the official portal and/or SMS to your registered mobile number. Missing DV will result in cancellation of your selection — even if your name is in the merit list.

Documents Required for Document Verification

Carry originals + self-attested photocopies of all the following:

Name Not in 3rd List – Is There a 4th Merit List?

India Post may or may not release a 4th merit list depending on whether vacancies remain after the 3rd list DV process is complete. In the 2025 recruitment cycle, 3 merit lists were released before the process concluded. If significant vacancies remain unfilled after the 3rd list, a supplementary or 4th merit list could be issued — but it is not guaranteed. Keep checking the official portal indiapostgdsonline.gov.in for any new announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is selection for GDS based on a written exam?
No. There is absolutely no written exam for GDS recruitment. Selection is done purely on the basis of your Class 10 aggregate marks. The candidate with the highest 10th marks in the applied division gets selected first.

Q2: How is the GDS merit list calculated?
Your merit is calculated using your overall percentage in Class 10 (all subjects combined). In case of a tie, the older candidate gets preference. If age is also the same, the candidate whose name comes first alphabetically (A to Z) gets priority.

Q3: Can I apply for Document Verification from multiple circles?
You can apply to multiple circles at the time of application, but if selected in more than one, you must choose one circle. You cannot hold a selection in two circles simultaneously. Accepting DV in one circle automatically forfeits your selection in others.

Q4: What is the cut-off percentage for GDS 3rd merit list?
The cut-off varies by circle, division, category (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS), and gender. It depends on the number of applicants vs. vacancies in each division. Typically, popular circles like Maharashtra and UP have higher cut-offs. The exact cut-off for the 3rd list is not separately published — the merit list itself shows who is selected.

Q5: What is the job profile of a Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS)?
GDS work at post offices in rural areas. Main duties include delivering mail, collecting speed post & registered letters, handling financial services (savings accounts, money orders, insurance), and assisting in postal operations. Working hours are typically 4–5 hours per day. The Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) starts at approximately ₹10,000–₹14,500/month depending on category and circle.

Q6: What documents are mandatory for a computer certificate during DV?
You need a basic computer course certificate from a recognized institution (government-recognized or accredited institute). The course should cover fundamentals of computers, MS Office, and internet basics. If you don't have this certificate yet, you must obtain it before your DV date as it is mandatory for GDS appointment.