The Assam Postal Circle presents a unique opportunity for GDS aspirants in 2026. With 414 vacancies in the July 2026 cycle and a cut off profile that is notably more accessible than high-competition circles like Delhi or Himachal Pradesh, Assam deserves serious consideration. The January 2026 data shows a UR cut off of 95.57%, significantly lower than the 100% seen in several other circles.
Here is a complete breakdown of the Assam Post Office GDS 2026 details, cut off analysis, and strategic insights.
Assam GDS Vacancy 2026
The Department of Posts released two major GDS recruitment cycles in 2026. For Assam, the vacancy distribution is as follows:
| Recruitment Cycle | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| January 2026 (Schedule-I) | 639 |
| July 2026 (Schedule-II) | 414 |
The July 2026 cycle, conducted under Advertisement No. 17-12/2026-GDS, opened One-Time Registration on August 31, 2026, with applications accepted from September 2 to September 21, 2026 .
Division-Wise Vacancy Distribution in Assam (July 2026)
The 414 vacancies are distributed across Assam’s postal divisions as follows :
| Division | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Cachar Division | 87 |
| Nagaon Division | 80 |
| Sibsagar Division | 59 |
| Goalpara Division | 58 |
| Darrang Division | 57 |
| Guwahati Division | 47 |
| Nalbari Division | 9 |
| Dibrugarh Division | 7 |
| Tinsukia Division | 7 |
| RMS GH Division | 3 |
The local language requirements for Assam Circle include Assamese/Asomiya, Bengali, and Bodo .
Assam GDS Cut Off 2026: Official Data
The GDS cut off is not a pre-announced score. It represents the Class 10 percentage of the last candidate selected in a specific circle and category. Since there is no written exam, your 10th board marks are the sole basis for merit.
January 2026 Official Cut Off (First Merit List)
According to official data released with the first merit list on March 6, 2026, Assam’s cut offs were :
| Category | Cut Off (%) |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 95.57 |
| OBC | 94.85 |
| SC | 95.33 |
| ST | 85.16 |
| EWS | 94.42 |
| PwBD | 56 |
This cut off profile places Assam in a moderate-to-high competition tier. Unlike Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, or Bihar, where cut offs reached 99-100%, Assam’s UR cut off of 95.57% offers a more realistic target for candidates with strong-but-not-perfect academic records.
Division-Level Cut Off Examples (Third Merit List)
The third merit list, released on May 11, 2026, provides insight into division-level competition. For Cachar Division, actual shortlisted percentages included :
| Post | Category | Selected Candidate’s Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| ABPM | OBC | 94.43 |
| BPM | SC | 93.57 |
| BPM | UR | 95.29 |
| BPM | OBC | 99.71 |
| BPM | EWS | 88.33 |
This data reveals significant intra-division variation. While some BPM posts in Cachar Division required 99.71% for OBC candidates, others closed at 88.33% for EWS. This variation underscores the importance of post-specific and division-specific strategy.
Expected Cut Off for July 2026 Cycle
With 414 vacancies in the July 2026 cycle (down from 639 in January), competition will likely intensify. Based on previous trends and vacancy position, expected cut offs are :
| Category | Expected Cut Off (%) |
|---|---|
| UR | 94–97 |
| OBC | 93–96 |
| EWS | 92–95 |
| SC | 91–95 |
| ST | 84–91 |
| PwD | 70–85 |
Why Assam’s Cut Off Is More Accessible
Several factors make Assam’s GDS cut off more achievable than high-competition circles:
Moderate Vacancy-to-Applicant Ratio: While Assam has a substantial applicant pool, the 414 vacancies in July 2026 provide a reasonable number of opportunities relative to demand.
Language Diversity: The requirement for Assamese/Asomiya, Bengali, and Bodo languages creates separate competition pools. Candidates proficient in Bodo or Bengali may face less competition than those competing in the Assamese category.
Regional Application Concentration: Unlike Delhi or Himachal Pradesh, which attract applicants from across North India, Assam’s applicant pool is more regionally concentrated, reducing the volume of high-scoring out-of-state candidates.
Lower ST Competition: The ST cut off of 85.16% in January 2026 is notably lower than the 93-98% seen in other circles, making Assam particularly attractive for ST candidates.
GDS Selection Process for Assam
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 Assam Circle and their chosen division
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must verify original documents at designated Divisional Offices. For the third merit list, the DV deadline was June 23, 2026
- Supplementary Lists: If vacancies remain unfilled after verification, additional merit lists are released
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 Assam Circle
Educational Qualification
- Passed Class 10 with passing marks in Mathematics and English from a recognized board
- Studied the local language (Assamese/Asomiya, Bengali, or Bodo) 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 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 Assam Circle?
The honest assessment: Assam is one of the more balanced GDS circles in 2026.
With a UR cut off of 95.57% in January and expected UR range of 94–97% for July, Assam sits in a competitive but achievable middle ground. It is significantly more accessible than Delhi (100%), Himachal Pradesh (100%), or Bihar (99%), while still maintaining respectable standards.
Key Strategy Points for Applicants:
Choose Your Language Category Strategically: Assam Circle accepts Assamese, Bengali, and Bodo. If you are proficient in Bodo or Bengali, you may face less competition than in the Assamese category. Review the vacancy distribution by language to make an informed choice.
Target Lower-Competition Divisions: The division-wise data shows significant variation. Cachar Division (87 vacancies) is the largest, but competition may be higher there. Smaller divisions like Nalbari (9), Dibrugarh (7), or Tinsukia (7) may offer better odds if you can locate the specific post.
ST Candidates Have Strong Advantage: The ST cut off of 85.16% in January 2026 is among the lowest for any category in any circle. If you belong to ST, Assam is an excellent choice.
Monitor Supplementary Lists: As seen in the third merit list data, cut offs can vary widely at the division and post level. If you miss the first list, continuing to monitor subsequent lists is worthwhile.
Accuracy in Marksheet Entry: Merit is calculated to four decimal places. Ensure your entered percentage matches your marksheet exactly to avoid rejection during document verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Assam GDS cut off for January 2026?
The official first merit list cut off for Assam was 95.57% for UR, 94.85% for OBC, 95.33% for SC, 85.16% for ST, and 94.42% for EWS .
What is the expected cut off for Assam GDS July 2026?
Expected cut off ranges are 94–97% for UR, 93–96% for OBC, 92–95% for EWS, 91–95% for SC, and 84–91% for ST .
Is there a written exam for Assam 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 Assam GDS 2026?
The July 2026 cycle has 414 vacancies in the Assam Circle. The January 2026 cycle had 639 vacancies .
What is the salary for GDS in Assam?
BPM posts pay ₹12,000 – ₹29,380, while ABPM/Dak Sevak posts pay ₹10,000 – ₹24,470 as Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA) .
Conclusion
The Assam Post Office GDS 2026 recruitment offers 414 vacancies with a cut off profile that is competitive but achievable. The January 2026 UR cut off of 95.57% and ST cut off of 85.16% make Assam particularly attractive for candidates in the 90–96% range, as well as for ST applicants. With the July 2026 cycle expected to see UR cut offs in the 94–97% range, candidates with strong academic records have a realistic chance.
Strategic language category selection, division targeting, and continued monitoring of supplementary lists are key to maximizing your selection prospects. For those who narrowly miss the first list, the division-level variation seen in the third merit list data suggests that persistence can pay off.
Stay updated with official announcements at indiapostgdsonline.gov.in for merit list releases and document verification schedules.