Published on: 11 August 2026 | Category: India Post Departmental Exam, GDS to Postman, GDS to MTS, Answer Key
Quick Summary (Read This First)
The Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle, has published the Final Answer Keys for the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) / Competitive Examination (CE) for promotion and recruitment to the posts of Postman (PM), Mail Guard (MG) and MTS.
Here are the main points in one place:
- Exam date: 12.07.2026 (Sunday)
- Final answer key released on: 10.08.2026
- Circle: Delhi Circle, Meghdoot Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
- Letter No.: Rectt/R-2/PM-MG-MTS/2026/KW
- Vacancy year: 2026
- Posts: Postman, Mail Guard, MTS
- Papers covered: Paper-I, Paper-II and Paper-III (MCQ portion)
- Series: A, B, C and D
- Total deleted questions: 12 in Paper-I, 4 in Paper-II, none in Paper-III
If you appeared in this exam, the deleted-question list below is the first thing you should check — it directly changes your qualifying marks.
What Is This Exam?
This is the departmental route through which India Post fills Postman, Mail Guard and MTS posts. It runs in two streams:
- LDCE (Limited Departmental Competitive Examination) — for existing employees such as GDS seeking promotion
- CE (Competitive Examination) — for recruitment
For most Gramin Dak Sevaks, this is the very first step on the promotion ladder:
GDS → MTS / Postman / Mail Guard → PA / SA → LSG → HSG-II → HSG-I → PS Group B
Deleted Questions — Check This First
This is the most important part of the notification. If a question you answered was deleted, no marks will be given for it, no matter what you wrote.
Paper-I (50 Questions) — 3 Questions Deleted in Each Series
| Series | Deleted Question Numbers |
|---|---|
| Series A | 8, 11, 24 |
| Series B | 27, 40, 43 |
| Series C | 28, 31, 44 |
| Series D | 7, 20, 23 |
Paper-II (25 Questions) — 1 Question Deleted in Each Series
| Series | Deleted Question Number |
|---|---|
| Series A | 10 |
| Series B | 4 |
| Series C | 20 |
| Series D | 7 |
Paper-III (30 Questions, MCQ Portion)
No questions deleted. The full key stands as published.
What Happens Because of Deleted Questions?
The official letter is very clear on this. Two rules apply:
- No marks will be awarded for a deleted question — whether you attempted it or not. Nobody gains, nobody loses.
- The minimum qualifying marks for that paper will be reduced on a pro rata basis. So the pass mark for Paper-I and Paper-II comes down automatically.
- Rounding off of the fraction — in the case of qualifying marks and overall — need not be applied.
In simple words: Paper-I is effectively evaluated out of 47 questions and Paper-II out of 24 questions, with the qualifying bar lowered in the same proportion.
How the Final Answer Key Was Prepared
The process followed the SOP circulated by the Postal Directorate vide letter no. A-34012/02/2022-DE dated 11.08.2022, along with its amendment dated 21.09.2023.
Here is how candidate objections were handled:
- Candidates submitted feedback/objections on the Provisional Answer Key.
- Moderation Committees examined the consolidated feedback and made recommendations on the questions under objection.
- Feedback of the concerned Paper Setters was also obtained.
- A High Level Committee deliberated and made its recommendations.
- The Competent Authority took the final decision on the answer key.
Very important: the decision of the Competent Authority on the answer key is final and binding. No representation or grievance in this regard will be entertained after this.
Paper-I: Final Answer Key (50 Questions)
| Q. No. | Series A | Series B | Series C | Series D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | C | C | C |
| 2 | C | B | C | B |
| 3 | C | B | C | C |
| 4 | C | C | D | D |
| 5 | B | C | C | C |
| 6 | B | C | C | B |
| 7 | C | C | B | DELETED |
| 8 | DELETED | C | D | B |
| 9 | D | A | B | C |
| 10 | A | D | A | D |
| 11 | DELETED | A | D | A |
| 12 | C | B | A | B |
| 13 | D | D | C | B |
| 14 | D | B | C | C |
| 15 | B | C | C | B |
| 16 | B | C | C | B |
| 17 | C | D | C | D |
| 18 | B | C | B | D |
| 19 | B | C | B | C |
| 20 | A | C | C | DELETED |
| 21 | D | C | D | A |
| 22 | C | B | C | D |
| 23 | B | C | C | DELETED |
| 24 | DELETED | D | C | C |
| 25 | B | C | B | B |
| 26 | C | B | B | B |
| 27 | D | DELETED | C | C |
| 28 | C | B | DELETED | C |
| 29 | B | C | D | C |
| 30 | C | D | A | D |
| 31 | C | A | DELETED | C |
| 32 | C | B | C | B |
| 33 | C | B | D | B |
| 34 | D | C | D | C |
| 35 | C | B | B | C |
| 36 | C | B | B | C |
| 37 | B | D | C | C |
| 38 | D | D | B | C |
| 39 | B | C | B | A |
| 40 | A | DELETED | A | D |
| 41 | D | A | D | A |
| 42 | A | D | C | B |
| 43 | C | DELETED | B | D |
| 44 | C | C | DELETED | B |
| 45 | C | B | B | C |
| 46 | C | B | C | C |
| 47 | C | C | D | D |
| 48 | B | C | C | C |
| 49 | B | C | B | C |
| 50 | C | D | C | C |
Paper-II: Final Answer Key (25 Questions)
| Q. No. | Series A | Series B | Series C | Series D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | C | C | A |
| 2 | C | C | A | A |
| 3 | D | C | A | C |
| 4 | A | DELETED | A | C |
| 5 | A | B | A | C |
| 6 | C | A | B | C |
| 7 | C | D | D | DELETED |
| 8 | C | C | C | B |
| 9 | C | B | B | A |
| 10 | DELETED | C | C | D |
| 11 | B | A | D | C |
| 12 | A | A | C | B |
| 13 | D | A | D | C |
| 14 | C | A | A | A |
| 15 | B | B | A | A |
| 16 | C | D | C | A |
| 17 | A | C | C | A |
| 18 | A | B | C | B |
| 19 | A | C | C | D |
| 20 | A | D | DELETED | C |
| 21 | B | C | B | B |
| 22 | D | D | A | C |
| 23 | C | A | D | D |
| 24 | B | A | C | C |
| 25 | C | C | B | D |
Paper-III: Final Answer Key (30 Questions, MCQ Portion)
| Q. No. | Series A | Series B | Series C | Series D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | C | D | A |
| 2 | A | A | A | D |
| 3 | A | A | C | A |
| 4 | B | D | A | B |
| 5 | C | A | C | A |
| 6 | A | B | A | B |
| 7 | A | D | B | C |
| 8 | D | A | A | A |
| 9 | A | C | A | B |
| 10 | B | A | B | A |
| 11 | D | C | C | C |
| 12 | A | B | A | A |
| 13 | C | A | A | C |
| 14 | A | A | D | A |
| 15 | C | B | B | D |
| 16 | B | A | C | B |
| 17 | A | A | B | B |
| 18 | C | B | A | B |
| 19 | A | B | B | B |
| 20 | A | B | B | C |
| 21 | A | B | B | A |
| 22 | B | C | B | A |
| 23 | B | B | A | A |
| 24 | B | A | C | B |
| 25 | B | B | A | A |
| 26 | C | B | A | B |
| 27 | B | B | A | B |
| 28 | A | A | B | A |
| 29 | B | C | B | B |
| 30 | B | A | B | C |
Please verify against the official PDF before calculating your final score. The official version is the only authoritative one.
How to Calculate Your Score
Follow these steps carefully:
- Find your series — check the letter (A, B, C or D) printed on your question booklet.
- Match your responses with the correct column above.
- Skip the deleted questions completely. Do not count them as right or wrong.
- Count your correct answers in each paper separately.
- Remember the reduced qualifying marks — since questions were deleted from Paper-I and Paper-II, the pass mark for those papers has been lowered pro rata.
- Keep a written record of your calculation for your own reference.
Where to Download the Official Answer Key
- CEPT, Mysore has been directed to upload the Final Answer Keys for Paper-I, Paper-II and Paper-III (MCQ Part) on the departmental website.
- Concerned candidates will also be informed through their respective Head of Divisions/Units.
- Visit www.indiapost.gov.in and look under the Notices / Circulars / Recruitment section.
What Happens Next?
After the final answer key comes the result. Based on how these examinations usually run, expect this sequence:
- Final Answer Key — done (10.08.2026)
- Evaluation of answer sheets as per the final key
- Declaration of result, with a merit list
- Division/unit allotment for selected candidates
- Issue of promotion or appointment orders
- Joining and training
Keep checking your office notice board and the departmental website. Divisional Heads are normally directed to display these results locally as well.
Missed It This Time? Here’s Your Plan for the Next Attempt
Do not lose heart. These exams come around, and consistency beats last-minute effort every time.
1. Collect Previous Year Papers
Start with GDS to Postman previous year question papers and GDS to MTS previous year question papers. Patterns repeat far more than most candidates expect. Aim for at least five years of papers.
2. Understand the Exam Pattern
The exam runs across three papers. Paper-I carries 50 questions, Paper-II carries 25, and Paper-III has a 30-question MCQ portion. Practise all three, not just the one you find easy.
3. Master Postal Rules
This is where most candidates lose marks. Postal Manual, Volume rules, savings schemes, IPPB and delivery procedures come up regularly.
4. Solve Answer Keys as Practice
Old final answer keys — like this one — are excellent revision tools. Attempt the paper first, then check against the key.
5. Take Weekly Mock Tests
A regular GDS to Postman mock test and GDS to MTS mock test routine will show exactly where you are losing marks, while there is still time to fix it.
6. Consider Structured Online Classes
If self-study has not been working, India Post departmental exam coaching with live classes, recorded classes, a question bank and doubt-clearing support can save you months of confusion.
Also Applicable in Other Circles
The exam pattern for GDS to Postman / Mail Guard / MTS is broadly similar across India. Only vacancy counts and cut-offs change from circle to circle.
Candidates from Delhi Circle, Punjab Circle, Haryana Circle, Rajasthan Circle, Uttar Pradesh Circle, Bihar Circle, Madhya Pradesh Circle, Maharashtra Circle, Gujarat Circle, Tamil Nadu Circle, Karnataka Circle, Kerala Circle, Odisha Circle, Assam Circle and West Bengal Circle can all use this key as practice material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When was the Delhi Circle PM/MG/MTS exam held? On 12.07.2026 (Sunday), for the vacancy year 2026.
Q2. When was the final answer key published? On 10.08.2026, vide letter no. Rectt/R-2/PM-MG-MTS/2026/KW.
Q3. How many questions were deleted? Twelve in Paper-I (three per series) and four in Paper-II (one per series). None in Paper-III.
Q4. Will I get marks for a deleted question? No. No marks are awarded for deleted questions, whether or not you attempted them.
Q5. Does the qualifying mark change? Yes. Minimum qualifying marks are reduced on a pro rata basis for papers where questions were deleted, and rounding off of fractions need not be applied.
Q6. Can I still raise an objection? No. The decision of the Competent Authority on the answer key is final and binding, and no representation or grievance will be entertained.
Q7. Where will the official key be uploaded? CEPT Mysore has been directed to upload it on the departmental website, and candidates will also be informed through their Head of Divisions/Units.
Final Word
Answer key day is nerve-wracking, but it is also the day you finally get clarity. Sit down calmly, find your series, skip the deleted questions, and count honestly.
If your score looks good — congratulations, start preparing mentally for joining and training. If it falls short, remember that the candidates who clear these exams are almost never first-timers. They are the ones who came back better prepared.
All the best to every candidate.