New Delhi, March 22, 2025 – The India Post has officially announced the much-anticipated Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Merit List for January 2025, bringing relief and excitement to thousands of applicants across the country. Released on March 21, 2025, the first merit list marks a significant step in the recruitment process for 21,413 GDS vacancies, including positions such as Branch Postmaster (BPM), Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), and Dak Sevaks. Candidates can now check their status on the official website, indiapostgdsonline.gov.in.
Merit List Details and Scope
The India Post has prepared and published the merit list state-wise, covering 22 postal circles, based on candidates’ Class 10 board examination marks. These include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, North East, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. The India Post has shortlisted a total of 21,316 candidates in this initial round, designing the selection process to fill posts across rural postal networks nationwide.
The release of the merit list follows the closure of the application window, which ran from February 10 to March 3, 2025, with a correction period available from March 6 to March 8. The recruitment drive, announced by the Ministry of Communications’ Department of Posts, aims to bolster postal services in rural areas by recruiting qualified 10th-pass candidates.
How to Check the Merit List
Candidates eager to verify their selection can follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official India Post GDS portal at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “Shortlisted Candidates” section under the GDS Online Engagement Schedule-1 January 2025.
- Select the relevant state or postal circle from the list.
- Download the PDF file and search for your name or registration number.
The state-wise PDFs include details such as the names of post offices, posts applied for, cut-off percentages, and the respective divisional heads responsible for document verification.
Next Steps for Shortlisted Candidates
The India Post requires those named in the merit list to complete physical document verification by April 7, 2025. Candidates must bring two sets of original documents along with self-attested photocopies to their designated Divisional Head, as specified in the result notice. The verification process is crucial for final appointment confirmation, ensuring all eligibility criteria are met. Failure to comply with the deadline may result in disqualification.
India Post has emphasized that the shortlisting is provisional and subject to the successful verification of original documents. Candidates are advised to prepare accordingly and contact their respective postal divisions for any clarifications.
Recruitment Highlights
India Post has undertaken one of its largest recruitment drives in recent years, reflecting its commitment to strengthening rural postal services. The GDS roles are vital for last-mile connectivity, ensuring efficient mail delivery and basic financial services in remote areas. Candidates needed a Class 10 pass, basic computer skills, and sometimes bicycle-riding ability to be eligible for the posts.
The merit-based selection process, which relies solely on 10th-grade marks, eliminates the need for a written examination, making it accessible to a broader pool of applicants. Yet, aspirants question its fairness, seeking more criteria.
What’s Next?
India Post released the first merit list, but unlisted candidates hope for more rounds based on vacancies. India Post has not yet confirmed the timeline for additional merit lists but has urged applicants to stay updated via the official website.
The announcement has generated significant buzz, with many celebrating their selection while others await further updates. As of 4:15 AM PDT on March 22, 2025, the merit list continues to be a trending topic among job seekers, underscoring its importance in the landscape of government employment opportunities in India.
For the latest updates and detailed state-wise merit lists, candidates are encouraged to visit indiapostgdsonline.gov.in regularly. This recruitment drive employs thousands and strengthens India Post’s vital role in rural communities nationwide.