The Indian Postal Department has announced the release of the much-anticipated 3rd merit list for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) recruitment 2024. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing recruitment process for 44,228 vacancies across various postal circles in India. The GDS positions, which include roles like Branch Postmaster (BPM) and Assistant Branch Postmaster (ABPM), play a crucial role in extending postal services to rural and remote areas of the country.
The release of the 3rd merit list comes after the successful publication of the 1st and 2nd merit lists earlier this year. This final list provides opportunities for candidates who were not selected in the previous rounds, offering them a chance to secure a position in the postal department. The recruitment process, which began with the application phase in July 2024, has been conducted entirely based on the merit of candidates’ 10th standard marks, without any written examination.
Understanding the India Post GDS Recruitment 2024
The Gramin Dak Sevak recruitment is a significant initiative by the Department of Posts to strengthen its rural network and improve postal services in remote areas. GDS employees are essential in bridging the gap between urban and rural postal services, ensuring that even the most distant villages have access to basic postal facilities.
The recruitment drive for 2024 has been one of the largest in recent years, with 44,228 positions available across various states and union territories. These positions are crucial for the functioning of Branch Post Offices in rural areas, where GDS employees often serve as the primary point of contact for postal services.
Key Features of the GDS Recruitment 2024
Vacancy Distribution:
The 44,228 vacancies are spread across different postal circles in India. Here’s a breakdown of vacancies in some major circles:
| Postal Circle | Number of Vacancies |
| Uttar Pradesh | 4,580 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 4,008 |
| Tamil Nadu | 3,789 |
| Maharashtra | 3,166 |
| Bihar | 2,558 |
| West Bengal | 2,540 |
| Rajasthan | 2,716 |
| Gujarat | 2,034 |
| Karnataka | 1,940 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1,355 |
Selection Process:
- Based entirely on 10th standard marks
- No written examination conducted
- Merit lists prepared for each postal circle
Application Period:
- Started: 15 July 2024
- Ended: 5 August 2024
Merit List Release Dates:
- 1st Merit List: 19 August 2024
- 2nd Merit List: 17 September 2024
- 3rd Merit List: 12 October 2024 (Current release)
3rd Merit List Details
The 3rd merit list, released on 12 October 2024, includes candidates who were not selected in the previous two rounds. This list is crucial as it fills the remaining vacancies and provides opportunities to more eligible candidates.
Key Points about the 3rd Merit List:
- Released for all postal circles except Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir
- Available on the official website: indiapostgdsonline.gov.in
- Candidates can check their status using their registration number
- Cut-off marks vary for each circle and category
How to Check the 3rd Merit List
Candidates can follow these steps to check their status in the 3rd merit list:
- Visit the official website indiapostgdsonline.gov.in
- Look for the “GDS Online Engagement Schedule, July-2024” section
- Click on the link for the 3rd merit list of your respective circle
- Download the PDF file
- Search for your registration number in the list
Post-Selection Process
Candidates whose names appear in the 3rd merit list should be aware of the following steps:
- Document Verification: Selected candidates will be called for document verification at their respective divisional offices.
- Required Documents:
- 10th class original marksheet
- Caste/community certificate (if applicable)
- PWD certificate (if applicable)
- Computer knowledge certificate
- Appointment: After successful document verification, candidates will receive provisional appointment letters.
- Training: Selected candidates may need to undergo basic training before joining their posts.
Cut-off Marks and Category-wise Selection
The cut-off marks for the 3rd merit list vary across different categories and circles. Here’s a general overview of the cut-off trend:
| Category | Approximate Cut-off Range |
| General | 75-85% |
| OBC | 70-80% |
| SC | 65-75% |
| ST | 60-70% |
| EWS | 70-80% |
Note: These are approximate ranges and may vary significantly between different circles.
Impact of GDS Recruitment on Rural Postal Services
The recruitment of Gramin Dak Sevaks is expected to have a significant positive impact on rural postal services:
- Improved Accessibility: More GDS employees mean better coverage of rural areas.
- Enhanced Service Quality: Fresh recruits bring new energy and improved service delivery.
- Digital Integration: GDS employees play a crucial role in introducing digital postal services in rural areas.
- Financial Inclusion: They assist in operating postal banking services, crucial for rural financial inclusion.
- Employment Generation: This large-scale recruitment provides employment opportunities in rural areas.
