Kamal Ghorui
The India Post has already released the first merit list for the Gramin Dak Sevak recruitment (GDS) 2026 on March 6, 2026. Candidates who applied for the recruitment can check the state-wise merit list on the official website, indiapost.gov.in.Many applicants are now waiting for the second merit list. However, the department has not announced any official date for releasing the next list yet.
Document verification deadline
The document verification (DV) process for candidates shortlisted in the first merit list is currently underway. According to the official schedule of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates must complete their document verification by March 23, 2026.Once the verification process ends, the department will review how many vacancies remain unfilled.
When will the second merit list be released?
Usually, the next merit list is released after the document verification process is completed.During verification, some candidates may fail to submit the required documents or may not report for the process. In such cases, those vacancies remain unfilled.After reviewing the remaining seats, India Post releases additional merit lists to fill the vacant positions.Based on previous recruitment trends, the second merit list is generally released around three to four weeks after the first list. If a large number of vacancies remain, the department may continue to release further lists.In some previous recruitment cycles, the selection process continued up to the sixth or seventh merit list before all posts were filled.
About India Post GDS recruitment 2026
The recruitment drive aims to fill 28,636 posts of Gramin Dak Sevak across the country.The results are announced in the form of a state-wise merit list in PDF format for each postal circle. Candidates can download the list by visiting the official website and checking the “Candidate Corner” section under the “List of Shortlisted Candidates” link.
Selection process
The selection process for the GDS recruitment is fully merit-based.The merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained by candidates in the Class 10 (Secondary School Examination). No written examination or interview is conducted for the recruitment.The recruitment has received a large number of applications because the minimum eligibility requirement is Class 10 qualification and the number of vacancies is quite high. During the selection process, only one registration per candidate is considered valid.
What shortlisted candidates must do
Candidates whose names appear in the merit list must complete the document verification at the Divisional Office of the division where they have been selected.They must carry their original documents along with two sets of photocopies. The required documents include:
- Class 10 marksheet
- Identity proof
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Residence certificate
After successful verification, candidates will undergo a medical examination, following which the final appointment letter will be issued.Candidates who do not find their names in the first merit list should regularly check the official website of India Post, as more merit lists may be released if vacancies remain.
