The Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle has released 917 vacancies for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) recruitment under the July 2026 cycle, offering a significant opportunity for 10th-pass candidates seeking central government employment. However, the cut off trends for this circle are among the highest in the country, with official data showing 100% cut offs across multiple categories in the January 2026 cycle.
Here is a complete breakdown of the Andhra Pradesh Post Office GDS 2026 details, cut off analysis, and application strategy.
Andhra Pradesh GDS Vacancy 2026: Key Numbers
The India Post GDS Online Engagement Schedule-II, July 2026 notification announced a total of 23,757 vacancies nationwide, with Andhra Pradesh allocated 917 posts .
| Recruitment Cycle | Andhra Pradesh Vacancies |
|---|---|
| July 2026 (Schedule-II) | 917 posts |
| January 2026 (Schedule-I) | 1,060 posts |
The application window for the July 2026 cycle ran from September 2 to September 21, 2026, with One-Time Registration (OTR) beginning on August 31, 2026 . The local language requirement for this circle is Telugu .
Andhra Pradesh GDS Cut Off 2026: Official Data
The GDS cut off is not a predetermined score. It represents the Class 10 percentage of the last candidate selected in a specific circle and category. Because there is no written exam, your 10th board marks are the sole basis for merit .
January 2026 First Merit List Cut Off
According to the official cut off data released with the first merit list on March 6, 2026, Andhra Pradesh recorded exceptionally high cut offs across categories :
| Category | Cut Off (%) |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 100 |
| OBC | 100 |
| SC | 100 |
| ST | 99.83 |
| EWS | 100 |
| PwBD | 99.66 |
This means only candidates with a perfect 100% in Class 10 were shortlisted in the first list for UR, OBC, SC, and EWS categories.
Fourth Merit List Cut Off (June 2026)
As the recruitment progressed through supplementary lists, cut offs for some positions showed variation. The fourth merit list, released on June 8, 2026, revealed the following for Andhra Pradesh :
ABPM (Assistant Branch Postmaster):
| Category | Cut Off (%) |
|---|---|
| UR | 100 |
| OBC | 100 |
| SC | 100 |
| ST | 100 |
| EWS | 100 |
For ABPM positions, all major categories remained at 100% even in the fourth list. This indicates that competition for Andhra Pradesh GDS posts is extremely intense and does not significantly relax through supplementary rounds.
Previous Year Cut Off Trends
For context, the previous year’s cut off for Andhra Pradesh was notably lower, indicating a rising competition trend :
| Category | Previous Cut Off (%) |
|---|---|
| UR | 95 |
| OBC | 95 |
| EWS | 93.4167 |
| SC | 93.4167 |
| ST | 93.4167 |
| PwD | 91.8333 |
The jump from 95% to 100% for UR and OBC categories highlights how the competition has intensified in the 2026 cycle.
Why Is the Andhra Pradesh Cut Off So High?
Several factors contribute to Andhra Pradesh’s extremely competitive cut off environment:
High Applicant Volume: Andhra Pradesh attracts a large number of applicants from boards where scoring standards are high. With 17,881 GDS employees currently in position out of a sanctioned strength of 19,487, the available opportunities are limited relative to the aspirant pool .
Merit-Only Selection: With no written exam or interview, the entire selection process hinges on Class 10 marks calculated to four decimal places. This pure merit system concentrates high scorers at the top of the list .
Limited Vacancies: The reduction from 1,060 posts in January 2026 to 917 posts in July 2026 further intensifies competition .
Local Language Requirement: The Telugu language requirement aligns with a large applicant pool from Andhra Pradesh and neighboring regions, increasing competition for each available post .
GDS Selection Process for Andhra Pradesh
The selection process follows the national GDS framework:
- Merit List Generation: System-generated merit list based on Class 10 marks, calculated to four decimal places
- Circle-Wise Shortlisting: Candidates ranked within the Andhra Pradesh Circle and their chosen division
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must verify original documents at designated Divisional Offices within the prescribed deadline
- Medical Examination: Shortlisted candidates undergo a basic medical examination before final engagement
For the January 2026 cycle, multiple merit lists were released for Andhra Pradesh:
| Merit List | Release Date | DV Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | March 6, 2026 | March 23, 2026 |
| 2nd | April 10, 2026 | April 27, 2026 |
| 3rd | May 11, 2026 | May 26, 2026 |
| 4th | June 8, 2026 | June 23, 2026 |
Tie-Breaking Rules: If two candidates have the same percentage, preference goes to the older candidate by date of birth. If ages are identical, the hierarchy follows: ST Female > SC Female > OBC Female > EWS Female > UR Female > ST Male > SC Male > OBC Male > EWS Male > UR Male .
Eligibility and Application Details for Andhra Pradesh Circle
Educational Qualification
- Passed Class 10 with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognized board
- Studied the local language (Telugu for Andhra Pradesh Circle) up to Class 10
Age Limit
- 18 to 40 years as on the last date of application
- Age relaxation: OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), PwBD (up to 15 years)
Application Fee
- ₹100 for UR/OBC/EWS male candidates
- Exempt: Female, SC, ST, PwBD, and Transwoman candidates
Salary (TRCA)
- BPM: ₹12,000 – ₹29,380 per month
- ABPM/Dak Sevak: ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 per month
- Annual increment of 3% on TRCA
Other Requirements
- Basic knowledge of computers
- Knowledge of cycling
- Adequate means of livelihood
Strategic Analysis: Should You Apply for Andhra Pradesh Circle?
The honest assessment: Andhra Pradesh is one of the toughest GDS circles in India.
With first merit list cut offs of 100% across UR, OBC, SC, and EWS categories, candidates with anything less than a perfect Class 10 score face extremely limited chances in the initial lists. Even the fourth merit list for ABPM positions remained at 100% across all categories, indicating that supplementary rounds do not significantly ease the competition .
Key Strategy Points for Applicants:
Monitor Supplementary Lists Closely: While ABPM cut offs remained at 100%, some positions may see minor relaxation in later rounds. Continued monitoring is essential if you narrowly miss the first list.
Consider Division Selection Carefully: Competition may vary across divisions within Andhra Pradesh. Remote or rural divisions might see slightly lower closing percentages than urban divisions like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, or Guntur.
Accuracy in Marksheet Entry: Since merit is calculated to four decimal places, even a minor discrepancy between your entered marks and your actual marksheet can lead to rejection during document verification .
Alternative Circles to Consider: If your Class 10 percentage is below 98%, consider applying to circles with higher vacancy counts and historically lower cut offs, such as Maharashtra (2,431 posts), North Eastern Circle (2,504 posts), or Tamil Nadu (2,118 posts) for the July 2026 cycle .
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Andhra Pradesh GDS cut off for January 2026?
The official first merit list cut off for Andhra Pradesh was 100% for UR, OBC, SC, and EWS categories, 99.83% for ST, and 99.66% for PwBD .
Is there a written exam for Andhra Pradesh GDS 2026?
No. Selection is based entirely on Class 10 marks, calculated to four decimal places. There is no written examination or interview .
How many vacancies are there in Andhra Pradesh GDS 2026?
The July 2026 cycle has 917 vacancies in the Andhra Pradesh Circle. The January 2026 cycle had 1,060 vacancies .
What is the salary for GDS in Andhra Pradesh?
BPM posts pay ₹12,000 – ₹29,380, while ABPM/Dak Sevak posts pay ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 as Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) .
Can I apply for multiple circles?
No. The GDS portal allows only one registration and one application per candidate. Choose your circle and division carefully based on vacancy count and competition level .
Conclusion
The Andhra Pradesh Post Office GDS 2026 recruitment presents a highly competitive landscape. With January 2026 cut offs reaching 100% across UR, OBC, SC, and EWS categories and July 2026 vacancies at 917 posts, candidates with exceptional Class 10 scores are the primary contenders. The fourth merit list data confirms that even supplementary rounds do not significantly lower the threshold for ABPM positions.
For candidates with 99%+ marks, Andhra Pradesh remains a viable option. For those below 95%, strategic consideration of higher-vacancy circles may yield better chances of selection.
Stay updated with official announcements at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in for merit list releases and document verification schedules.