Published on: 13 August 2026 Category: India Post Departmental Exam | MTS to PA | Postman to PA | Karnataka Circle | Latest News
Important Update for Karnataka Circle Candidates 🎉
The Karnataka Postal Circle has released the list of candidates qualified and permitted to appear for the Data Entry Skill Test (DEST).
This is for the LDCE for promotion to the PA/SA cadre for the vacancy year 2026, based on the written examination held on 28.06.2026.
If you are a Postman, Mail Guard or MTS in Karnataka Circle who appeared in this exam, this page has everything you need — the DEST date, venue, timing, the full rules, and the preference form deadline.
⚠️ Two Deadlines You Cannot Miss
1. DEST on 16.08.2026 (Sunday) — only 3 days away.
2. Preference form must reach the Circle Office by 18.08.2026 — this is even more critical, and many candidates miss it.
Today is 13 August 2026. Please act immediately on both.
Quick Summary (Read This First)
- Circle: Karnataka Circle, Bengaluru – 560 001
- Issued By: O/o the Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle
- Letter No.: R&E/DEST/Dealings
- Letter Date: 12.08.2026
- Signed By: Narayana M, Assistant Director (R&E)
- Exam Name: LDCE for promotion to PA/SA cadre
- Written Exam Date: 28.06.2026
- Vacancy Year: 2026
- DEST Date: 16.08.2026 (Sunday)
- DEST Venue: Postal Training Centre (PTC), Mysuru — held centrally for the whole circle
- Reporting Time: 08.30 AM
- Test Time: 09.30 AM onwards, in shifts / batches
- Centre Supervisor: Shri B. Narasappa, Deputy Director, PTC, Mysuru
- Shortlisting Ratio: 3 times the notified vacancies
- Preference Form Deadline: 18.08.2026 (must reach Circle Office)
Total Candidates Qualified for DEST
| List | Who It Is For | Total Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Postman / Mail Guard / MTS qualified under LDCE | 739 |
| Category B | Qualified PwBD candidates | 17 |
| Grand Total | 756 |
Category A – Region-Wise Breakdown (739 Candidates)
The list is arranged region-wise. Here is where to look for your section.
| Sl. No. Range | Region | Approx. Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 197 | BG HQ (BG East, BG GPO, BG Sorting, BG South, BG West, Channapatna) | 197 |
| 198 – 432 | NK – North Karnataka (Bagalkot, Ballari, Belagavi, Bidar, Chikodi, Dharwad, Gadag, Gokak, Haveri, Kalaburagi, Karwar, Koppal, Raichur, RMS HB, Sirsi, Vijayapura, Yadgiri) | 235 |
| 433 – 739 | SK – South Karnataka (Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Davangere, Hassan, Kodagu, Kolar, Mandya, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Nanjangud, Puttur, RMS Q, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Udupi) | 307 |
Details given for each candidate: CO/Region, Division/Unit, Roll Number, Name, Present Designation, Category (UR/SC/ST), Date of Birth, Feeder cadre, Date of entry in feeder cadre, and Date of entry in present cadre.
Category B – PwBD Candidates (17 Qualified)
| Sl. | Region | Division / Unit | Roll Number | Name | Designation | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NK | Dharwad | 2126412619 | Manjunath B Ilachi | MTS | UR-VH |
| 2 | BG HQ | BG Sorting | 2226718883 | M Mahesh | MTS | SC-OH |
| 3 | NK | RMS HB | 2126739389 | Raghavendra | MTS | UR-OH |
| 4 | SK | Mangaluru | 2126597122 | Karadigudd Mahesh | MTS | UR-VH |
| 5 | SK | RMS Q | 2126729125 | Ramesha S | MTS | UR-OH |
| 6 | NK | Bagalkot | 2126361354 | Pavitra Abakari | MTS | UR-VH |
| 7 | BG HQ | BG Sorting | 2126718930 | Megha Badiger | MTS | UR-VH |
| 8 | NK | NK RO | 2126120023 | Ningappa Jatagonda | MTS | UR-VH |
| 9 | BG HQ | BG Sorting | 2226718921 | Sagar | MTS | SC-VH |
| 10 | BG HQ | BG South | 2126330734 | Vivekanand S Patil | MTS | UR-VH |
| 11 | NK | Gokak | 2126433103 | Prakash Ulligaddi | MTS | UR-HH |
| 12 | NK | Chikodi | 2126402354 | Subhasha Patil | MTS | UR-OH |
| 13 | SK | Mysuru | 2126607356 | Tulasi G | Postman | UR-OH |
| 14 | NK | Karwar | 2126463865 | Vinayaka Jagadeesh Totada | MTS | UR-HH |
| 15 | BG HQ | BG East | 2326320398 | Shivanand Talwar | MTS | ST-OH |
| 16 | NK | Belagavi | 2326381878 | Shadakshari Shivanna | Postman | ST-OH |
| 17 | NK | Kalaburagi | 2126453604 | Siddalingappa | Postman | UR-OH |
👁️ VH Candidates Are EXEMPTED from DEST
This is a very important point that many candidates overlook.
As per the Directorate’s clarification issued vide letter no. 17-08/2018-SPN-I(pt.) dated 21.11.2022, VH (Visually Handicapped) candidates are exempted from appearing for DEST.
From the Category B list, 7 candidates carry the VH sub-category (Sl. No. 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10). They do not need to appear at PTC Mysuru on 16.08.2026.
But please note carefully: VH candidates are exempted from DEST, not from the preference form. The circle has specifically instructed that preference forms of VH candidates must also be collected and sent. Do not skip this.
Candidates with OH and HH sub-categories are not exempted and must appear for DEST.
📋 DEST Exam Pattern – What Exactly Will You Face?
The revised parameters issued by the Directorate vide letter no. 17-08/2018-SPN-I dated 19.12.2022 will apply.
For PA / SA (Paper-III):
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 15 minutes |
| Maximum Marks | 25 |
| Task | Data entry skill test on computer |
| Key Depressions | 1000 key depressions (± 5%) |
| Qualifying Marks – Gen / OBC / EWS | 75% |
| Qualifying Marks – SC / ST / PWD | 60% (if not exempted from skill test) |
Work out what this means for you: 1000 key depressions in 15 minutes is roughly 67 key depressions per minute. That is not fast. But you need 75% accuracy if you are Gen/OBC/EWS — and that is where candidates fail. Accuracy matters far more than speed here.
💻 Free Official Practice Link – Use It Today
The Department has uploaded a functional prototype of the DEST application on the CEPT website:
🔗 https://cept.gov.in/exam.html
Candidates have been specifically advised to familiarise themselves and practise from this link. This is the actual interface you will face on exam day. Do not go in blind — spend at least an hour on it before 16 August.
🎫 What to Carry on Exam Day – Both Are Mandatory
Candidates will be allowed for DEST only on production of:
- Hall Permit issued by your Region
- Departmental ID Card
Without the Hall Permit or ID, candidates shall not be allowed to attend DEST. There is no exception to this.
Your Hall Permit will carry a rubber stamp with your Region Name, Category (A or B), Venue (PTC Mysuru), Date (16-08-2026), Time (09.30 AM onwards), and the signature of the APMG / Assistant Director. Regions will send these to your Division to hand over to you.
If you have not received your Hall Permit yet, contact your divisional office today.
📝 The Preference Form – Do Not Take This Lightly
This is the part that decides where you will actually be posted. Read every line.
Deadline: The Regions must send the original preference forms (arranged division-wise) so as to reach the Circle Office positively on 18.08.2026.
Who must submit: All qualified candidates appearing for DEST — including VH candidates who are exempted from DEST.
Where to submit: At your concerned DO / Unit, countersigned by SDH / DH / Unit Head.
Order of Preference for Cadre
You must first rank these three cadres (1 / 2 / 3):
- Postal Assistant (Circle Office & Regional Offices)
- Postal Assistant (Post Office)
- Sorting Assistant (RMS / MMS)
After ranking the cadres, you give your order of preference for Divisions / Units within each cadre.
⚠️ Five Rules That Can Cost You a Posting
- You will NOT be considered for any cadre you have not opted for. If you skip Postal Assistant (Post Office), you will not appear in that merit list at all — even if vacancies exist.
- You will NOT be considered for any Division / Unit you have not listed. A candidate lower in merit than you, who did list that division, will get it instead.
- Give preference only for Divisions where vacancies have been notified. Division-wise vacancies will be notified separately as an addendum to the notification.
- Order of preference once exercised is FINAL and shall not be changed. There is no correction window.
- You are considered for your 1st preferred cadre across all opted Divisions first, then your 2nd preferred cadre, and so on.
Practical advice: Do not restrict yourself to two or three divisions near your home unless you are certain your merit position is very high. Candidates lose regular posts every year purely because of a short preference list.
You must also sign a declaration confirming that you understand you will not be considered for divisions you did not opt for, and that you will not be considered for re-allotment if candidates decline in later result lists.
📌 Other Important Points from the Letter
- The list is NOT in merit order. The circle has clearly stated that the list has not been arranged as per Circle merit list, but in random manner. Your serial number means nothing about your rank. Do not panic if you are at Sl. No. 700.
- The list is tentative. It will remain tentative until confirmation of category and regularisation of provisionally permitted candidates by the concerned Regional / Divisional Heads.
- Regions must cross-check eligibility. The responsibility for confirming whether a candidate belongs to Category A or Category B lies with the Division / Region concerned.
- GDS candidates should not be in this list. Any GDS who should actually appear for the Competitive Examination for filling unfilled LDCE vacancies, if erroneously brought under Category A or B, shall not be allowed to appear for DEST. Any discrepancy must be brought to the notice of the Circle Office immediately.
- Verify your own details. Regions have been asked to re-verify DOB, DOE in the Department, DOE in present cadre, name of present cadre and category. Check your own row in the list carefully. If your date of entry or category is wrong, report it to your division office right now — it can affect your seniority and your allotment.
- Hall permits will be collected at the venue by the Centre Supervisor and sent to the concerned ROs for safe custody.
- A copy has been sent to the Director, PTC Mysuru and to the Officer Incharge, P&T Admn Cell, APS Wing, to relieve qualified candidates for the DEST.
How to Check Your Name in the List
- Download the official PDF from the Karnataka Post website (the AD Technology has been asked to upload it along with the preference form).
- Identify your list — Category A (16 pages) or Category B (1 page).
- Search by Roll Number, not by name. Names have spelling variations in the list; roll numbers do not.
- Note your Region (BG HQ / NK / SK) and Division / Unit.
- Verify your DOB, category, present designation and dates of entry.
- Take a screenshot and keep it safely.
Roll number pattern to note: Category A roll numbers begin with 1 (UR), 2 (SC), 3 (ST) or 4. Category B roll numbers begin with 21, 22 or 23.
Your 3-Day DEST Action Plan
Day 1 (Today, 13 August):
- Confirm your name and details in the list
- Contact your division office about your Hall Permit
- Open https://cept.gov.in/exam.html and do one full practice run
- Start filling your preference form — think carefully about cadre order
Day 2 (14–15 August):
- Submit your preference form to your DO / Unit, countersigned
- Practise 3 to 4 sessions daily of 15 minutes each on a proper desktop keyboard
- Focus on accuracy over speed — 75% is the bar
- Arrange travel and stay for Mysuru if you are coming from Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Bidar or other far divisions
Day 3 (16 August, Exam Day):
- Reach PTC, Mysuru by 08.30 AM
- Carry Hall Permit + Departmental ID Card
- Test begins 09.30 AM onwards in shifts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When and where is the Karnataka Circle DEST 2026? On 16.08.2026 (Sunday) at Postal Training Centre (PTC), Mysuru, held centrally for the entire circle. Report at 08.30 AM.
Q2. How many candidates have qualified? 739 under Category A and 17 under Category B — a total of 756 candidates.
Q3. Is the list in merit order? No. The circle has clearly stated that the list is in random order, not Circle merit order.
Q4. Are VH candidates required to appear? No. VH candidates are exempted from DEST as per Directorate letter 17-08/2018-SPN-I(pt.) dated 21.11.2022. But they must still submit the preference form.
Q5. What is the DEST pattern for PA/SA? 15 minutes, maximum 25 marks, 1000 key depressions (± 5%). Qualifying: 75% for Gen/OBC/EWS, 60% for SC/ST/PWD.
Q6. What documents are mandatory on exam day? Hall Permit issued by your Region and your Departmental ID Card. Without these you will not be allowed to attend.
Q7. When is the preference form due? Regions must send original preference forms so as to reach the Circle Office positively on 18.08.2026.
Q8. Can I change my preference later? No. Order of preference once exercised is FINAL and shall not be changed.
Q9. Where can I practise for DEST? The Department’s functional prototype is at https://cept.gov.in/exam.html
Q10. Does my name in the list mean I am selected? No. The list is tentative and subject to confirmation of category and regularisation by the Regional / Divisional Heads. Final selection depends on qualifying in all papers and Circle merit.
What Happens After DEST?
- Written exam held ✅ (28.06.2026)
- Paper-I based shortlisting at 3× vacancies ✅
- DEST on 16.08.2026
- Preference forms collected by 18.08.2026
- Division-wise vacancies notified as addendum
- DEST result and eligibility confirmation
- Circle merit list and allotment as per preference
- Document verification and appointment as Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant
Keep checking this page for the Karnataka Circle PA SA Result 2026 and MTS to PA Result 2026 updates.
Why the PA / SA Exam Is Worth This Effort
For Postman, Mail Guard and MTS employees, moving to Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant is one of the biggest career jumps available inside India Post.
- Higher pay level than the feeder cadre, with better MTS to PA Salary and Postman to PA Salary
- Office-based work profile instead of field duty
- Better allowances, increments and long-term growth
- Opens the path to LSG, HSG-II, HSG-I and supervisory posts
That is why proper MTS to PA Preparation and Postman to PA Preparation — including DEST typing practice from day one, not in the last week — makes all the difference.
Preparing for the Next Departmental Exam Cycle?
If you missed the cut this time, start now rather than waiting for the next notification.
What to focus on:
- MTS to PA Syllabus and Postman to PA Syllabus with the full exam pattern
- MTS to PA Previous Year Question Papers and Postman to PA Question Paper sets
- GDS to MTS Previous Year Question Papers and GDS to Postman Question Paper for feeder-level exams
- Postal Assistant Previous Year Question Papers and full-length practice sets
- Postal Manual Volume-V, IPO rules, accounts and departmental circulars
- Daily India Post Quiz, India Post GK and India Post Current Affairs
- Daily DEST typing practice — the single most neglected part of this exam
Online support we provide:
- MTS to PA Online Classes and Postman to PA Online Classes
- GDS to MTS Online Classes and GDS to Postman Online Classes
- PA SA Coaching with live and recorded batches
- Complete question bank, practice sets and India Post Mock Tests with all-India ranking
- Syllabus PDF and Previous Year Papers PDF downloads
We support candidates from every circle — Karnataka Circle, Maharashtra Circle, Andhra Pradesh Circle, Kerala Circle, Tamil Nadu Circle, Delhi Circle, Punjab Circle, Haryana Circle, Rajasthan Circle, Uttar Pradesh Circle, Bihar Circle, Madhya Pradesh Circle, Gujarat Circle, Odisha Circle, Assam Circle and West Bengal Circle.
Stay Updated with Us
We publish every India Post Notification, India Post Circular, answer key, shortlist and result as soon as it is released — circle by circle, exam by exam. Bookmark this page for the fastest updates on GDS to MTS, GDS to Postman, MTS to PA, Postman to PA and Postal Assistant exams.