India Post GDS Cut-off 2026: Circle-wise Marks and Your Chances
In short: GDS has no exam. Each division and category closes at the percentage of the last candidate selected. In the first 2026 list, unreserved cut-offs in big circles were mostly between 95% and 100%, and they come down a little in later supplementary lists.
Hinglish me: GDS me koi exam nahi hai. Aapke 10th ke percentage (4 decimal tak) se merit list banti hai. Apne circle aur category ki pichli list dekh kar chance samjho.
How the cut-off is decided
India Post does not announce a cut-off in advance. The merit list is prepared from Class 10 marks, converted to a percentage to four decimal places, separately for each post, division and category. The "cut-off" is simply the percentage of the last person selected in that list. That is why it differs from circle to circle and even between divisions in the same circle.
Not sure of your exact merit percentage? Work it out first with the GDS Percentage Calculator. It handles marks, CGPA and grades.
Unreserved cut-off: Schedule-I 2026, first merit list
| Circle | UR cut-off (%) |
|---|---|
| Kerala | 99.60 |
| Bihar | 99.00 |
| West Bengal | 98.60 |
| Karnataka | 98.60 |
| Tamil Nadu | 98.40 |
| Odisha | 98.20 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 97.60 |
| Maharashtra | 97.40 |
| Rajasthan | 95.40 |
Cut-offs usually fall slightly in later supplementary lists, because candidates who do not turn up for document verification are replaced. For example, in one UP division the UR cut-off fell from 98.5% in an early list to 97.83% in the fourth list. In Schedule-II 2026, some posts in UP and Delhi still closed at 100%.
2026 recruitment timeline
| Cycle | Key dates |
|---|---|
| Schedule-I (January 2026) | About 28,600 posts. Notification 31 January 2026, applications in February. Merit lists on 6 March, in April, on 11 May and on 8 June 2026. |
| Schedule-II (July 2026) | More than 25,000 posts reported. Notification 27 August 2026, registration 31 August to 19 September. First list on 13 October 2026, second list expected in mid-November. Supplementary lists can run until 31 December 2026. |
Eligibility checklist
- Education: Class 10 pass with passing marks in Mathematics and English, from a recognised board.
- Local language: you must have studied the local language of the circle at least up to Class 10.
- Age: 18 to 40 on the last date of application. Relaxation: SC/ST 5 years, OBC 3 years, PwBD 10 years (13 for OBC, 15 for SC/ST). No relaxation for EWS.
- Other: basic computer knowledge, knowledge of cycling, and adequate means of livelihood.
- Fee: ₹100. Women, SC/ST, PwBD and transwomen candidates do not pay.
Pay (TRCA)
| Post | Monthly TRCA range |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 |
| Assistant BPM / Dak Sevak | ₹10,000 to ₹24,470 |
The TRCA (Time Related Continuity Allowance) depends on the slab of the post, with a 3% annual increment and dearness allowance on top.
How to judge your chances
- Work out your exact merit percentage to four decimals.
- Look at the last list for your circle, your division and your category, not the national average.
- If you are within about 1% of the last selected candidate, apply widely within your circle. Divisions with more posts and fewer applicants close lower.
- Keep your documents ready. Supplementary lists move fast and give about 15 days for verification.
Two candidates with the same percentage are ranked by date of birth (older first), and then by a fixed category and gender order given in the notification.
Enter your 10th marks or CGPA and get your GDS merit percentage to four decimals.
GDS Percentage CalculatorSources and where to verify
This guide is for general information and planning only, based on rules as reported up to 9 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the official source, your employer or institution, or a qualified adviser before you act on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GDS cut-off for 2026?
There is no single cut-off. In the first Schedule-I 2026 list, unreserved cut-offs were reported at about 95% to 99.6% in large circles such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, UP, Bihar and Kerala. It differs by division and category.
Is there an exam for GDS 2026?
No. Selection is by a merit list based on Class 10 marks, followed by document verification.
What is the age limit for GDS?
The age limit is 18 to 40 years, with 5 years relaxation for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC and 10 years for PwBD.
What is the salary of a GDS Branch Postmaster?
The TRCA for a Branch Postmaster is ₹12,000 to ₹29,380 a month, and for an ABPM or Dak Sevak ₹10,000 to ₹24,470, plus DA.