The India Post GDS Cutoff 2026 is one of the most important updates for people who applied for the Gramin Dak Sevak along with Branch Postmaster and Assistant Branch Postmaster jobs at the time. The Department of Positions – Government of India is expected to publish the first merit list and cut-off marks on the 28th of February in 2026 on the official website where candidates can download the circle-wise PDF and check their selection by checking their registration number against the merit list. For the 2026 recruitment cycle approx 28636 positions were offered in multiple postal circles. Selection for all these roles is based on the academic performance in the Class 10 {Matriculation} exam since no written exam is conducted for GDS positions.
How are cut-off points decided?
In the India Post GDS Cut Off 2026 procedure > marks obtained in the Class 10th exams are the only criteria for ranking candidates. No separate written test/interview/skill test forms part of the selection stages. The cut-off reflects the lowest percentage appearing in the merit list for each category within a postal circle
Category-Wise Cutoff:
| Category | Expected – Cut Off Range |
|---|---|
| General – UR | 85% to 95% |
| Other Backward Classes – OBC | 80% to 90% |
| Scheduled Caste – SC | 79% to 88% |
| Scheduled Tribe – ST | 75% to 85% |
| Economically Weaker Section – EWS | 75% to 83% |
| Persons With Benchmark Disability – PwBD | 65% to 80% |
Note: Cut-offs also vary by circle because states with more open positions and better applicants usually have slightly higher percentages than those with fewer applicants or less competition.
Importance of Cut Off by Circle and Category:
Understanding the India Post GDS Cut-Off 2026 for your circle and category is important because it directly affects your selection status. Candidates can’t compare their scores to a national standard because merit lists are made for each postal circle rather they have to look at the qualifying marks that were published for the circle they have applied to. For example: A candidate with 88% in Class 10 might get selected in one circle but might miss out in another where competition is tougher. Reserved category candidates often benefit from lower qualifying criteria within their own category lists thereby making the circle-wise aspect even more important.
Procedure to Download the Cut-Off and Merit Lists:
Candidates must take the steps that are listed below to check their results once the India Post GDS cut-off and merit lists are officially published:
Step 1: Go to the official India Post GDS website at https://www.indiapost.gov.in/ and select the “GDS Result 2026 – January Schedule 1.” or “Merit List PDF/Shortlisted Applicants” link.
Step 2: From the list of available PDFs – choose your postal circle or state. Open the PDF of your circle’s merit list on your device
Step 3: To see if your name is on the list open the search box by pressing Ctrl + F and typing in your registration number.
Step 4: Check the lowest percentage score that is listed for your category – this is basically the cut-off for selection in your circle.
Note:- The selected candidates will move on to the next phase of the process which includes document verification and any applicable medical examinations according to the postal department rules.
What takes place after the declaration of the merit list?
After India publishes the GDS first merit list and cut-off marks for 2026 are out – the candidates whose names appear in the merit list will be called for document verification which requires submission of valid identity proof along with the 10th marksheet in addition to caste certificates {if applicable} and other supporting documents. Following verification – the provisional engagement letters are issued based on vacancy availability and category reservation. If vacancies remain after the first list – the department may publish a second and subsequent merit list which offers another opportunity for those who missed selection.
Frequently Asked Question:
Q1. When will the India Post GDS cutoff 2026 be published online on its official website?
Ans:- The cut-off figures will be published along with the 1st merit list which is expected on the 28th of February of the year 2026 on https://www.indiapost.gov.in/.
Q2. How do you figure out the cut-off for the GDS hiring?
Ans: The cut-off marks are based on the lowest percentage in Class 10 that is on the merit list for each circle and category as selection is based only on merit.
Q3. Is it possible for the cut-off to be different in different circles or not?
Ans:- Yes- each postal circle publishes its own cut-off and variations occur due to vacancy numbers along with applicant strength and category reservation.