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India Post GDS Merit List 2026 is out. India Post released the 1st merit list for Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) engagement on 12 October 2026, with separate PDFs for each postal circle, including Kerala. GDS selection does not involve an exam: candidates are shortlisted only on the basis of their Class 10 marks. If your name is on the list, you must complete document verification at the post office named against your registration number.
This guide explains how to check the GDS 1st merit list for the Kerala circle, the documents needed for verification and what to do if your name is not in the first list.
India Post GDS Merit List 2026 – Highlights
Key facts about the India Post GDS Merit List 2026 at a glance:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | India Post, Department of Posts |
| Posts | Gramin Dak Sevak – BPM, ABPM, Dak Sevak |
| Selection basis | Class 10 (SSLC) marks – no written exam |
| 1st merit list date | 12 October 2026 |
| List format | Circle-wise PDF (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, etc.) |
| Official portal | indiapostgdsonline.gov.in |
How to Check the GDS 1st Merit List 2026 (Kerala Circle)
Follow these steps to find your name in the India Post GDS Merit List 2026.
- Open the official GDS portal indiapostgdsonline.gov.in.
- On the home page, find the section for shortlisted candidates / results.
- Select Kerala (or your circle) from the list.
- Open the 1st merit list PDF.
- Press Ctrl+F (or use “Find” on mobile) and search for your registration number.
- Note the post office, division and the Document Verifying Authority shown against your name.
Documents for GDS Document Verification
Every candidate selected in the India Post GDS Merit List 2026 must verify these documents.
Shortlisted candidates must report to the Document Verifying Authority within the time given in the list. Carry the originals and two sets of self-attested photocopies:
- SSLC / Class 10 marks sheet
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC)
- EWS certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Transgender certificate (if applicable)
- Date of birth proof
- Medical certificate from a government medical officer
- Computer training certificate (if asked)
- Photo ID and a printout of your online application
Engagement letters are issued only after successful verification. If you do not report on time, your selection may be cancelled and the post offered to the next candidate.
GDS Salary (TRCA)
Candidates engaged through the India Post GDS Merit List 2026 receive TRCA as shown below.
Gramin Dak Sevaks receive a Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), not a regular pay scale. As per the current Department of Posts structure:
| Post | TRCA per month (₹) |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | 12,000 – 29,380 |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) / Dak Sevak | 10,000 – 24,470 |
The amount depends on working hours (4 or 5 hours) and the TRCA slab of the branch office.
Name Not in the 1st List? What Next
Not finding your name in the India Post GDS Merit List 2026 does not end your chances.
- India Post usually publishes 2nd, 3rd and further merit lists for vacancies that remain unfilled after verification.
- Keep checking the official portal every week.
- Your rank depends on your SSLC percentage, the posts you selected and the reservation category of each post.
How the GDS Merit List Is Prepared
The India Post GDS Merit List 2026 is prepared automatically from the details you entered in your online application. The main factors are:
- SSLC / Class 10 marks: Marks are converted to a percentage, and candidates with higher marks rank higher.
- Post preference: You are considered only for the posts and divisions you selected, in your order of preference.
- Reservation: Each GDS post is reserved for a particular category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS or PwD). You are shortlisted only for posts that match your category.
- Tie-breaking: If two candidates have the same marks, the rules in the notification decide who ranks higher.
Duties of a Gramin Dak Sevak
| Post | Main duties |
|---|---|
| Branch Postmaster (BPM) | Manages the Branch Post Office, handles postal and banking (IPPB) work, maintains records and supervises ABPMs |
| Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM) | Delivers mail, sells stamps and stationery, supports IPPB and other services |
| Dak Sevak | Assists in sub post offices and head post offices with mail handling and delivery |
A BPM must usually stay in the village where the Branch Post Office is located after engagement. Read the conditions in the GDS notification before you join.
Tips for Smooth Document Verification
- Check that your name, date of birth and marks in the application exactly match your SSLC certificate.
- Get the medical certificate from a government medical officer before the verification date.
- Carry the original caste or EWS certificate in the format accepted by the Department of Posts.
- If you selected multiple divisions, report to the Document Verifying Authority named against your name in the India Post GDS Merit List 2026, not to any other office.
- Keep extra photocopies and passport-size photos in case the office asks for them.
We will update this page when the next India Post GDS Merit List 2026 is released.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the India Post GDS merit list 2026 released?
The 1st merit list was released on 12 October 2026.
Is there an exam for GDS?
No. Selection is based only on Class 10 marks, followed by document verification.
Where can I download the Kerala GDS result?
On indiapostgdsonline.gov.in, under the Kerala circle list.
Will there be a 2nd merit list?
Usually yes, if vacancies remain after document verification of the first list.
See also: India Post Jobs | Government Exam Results.
Disclaimer: Kerala Job News is not part of India Post. This article is based on the merit list announcement as reported at the time of writing; TRCA figures follow the Department of Posts structure and may be revised. Always check the official list and instructions on indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. India Post never asks for money to give a GDS job.
