For every PA, SA and eligible departmental official aiming to become an Inspector of Posts (IP), the question paper is the best study guide you can get.
The LDCE IP 2026 Paper-I question paper (Set C) is now available. In this post, we break down the exam pattern, the topics asked, and what the paper tells us about how to prepare for the next attempt.
Exam Pattern at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam | LDCE for Inspector of Posts (IP) |
| Paper | Paper-I |
| Booklet Series | Set C |
| Total Questions | 125 MCQs |
| Maximum Marks | 250 |
| Marks per Question | 2 |
| Time Allowed | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Language | Bilingual (English and Hindi) |
| Answer Sheet | OMR |
Important: If there is any difference between the English and Hindi versions, the English version is treated as final.
Topic-wise Analysis
Here’s roughly how the questions were spread across topics:
| Topic | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|
| Post Office Act 2023, Rules & Regulations 2024, Postal Manuals (mail, sorting, RLO, buildings) | 25–30 |
| Speed Post, Parcels, Business Services, Tariffs & Numericals | 12–15 |
| POSB, CBS, SB Orders & IPPB | 10 |
| PLI/RPLI Rules 2011 & Social Security Schemes (PMJJBY, PMSBY) | 9 |
| GDS (Conduct & Engagement) Rules 2020 | 9 |
| New Delivery Norms, Mechanisation & Delivery Centres | 8 |
| International Mail, DNK & ITPS | 7 |
| CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964 | 5 |
| CCS (CCA) Rules 1965 | 5 |
| APT 2.0 | 5 |
| Consumer Protection Act 2019 | 5 |
| Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 | 5 |
| Information Technology Act 2000 | 5 |
| Records, Office Procedure & Miscellaneous | 5–7 |
These are approximate counts based on Set C, as some questions overlap topics.
Key Highlights of the Paper
1. New topics dominated
A large part of the paper came from recent changes in India Post:
- Post Office Act 2023 and Post Office Regulations 2024
- APT 2.0 (account codes, reports, OTP delivery, GPS tracking)
- DIGIPIN and the “Know Your DIGIPIN” portal
- 24 Speed Post and 48 Speed Post, including SLA compensation and bag colour
- Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra (DNK) and ITPS
- Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) and new value-added services like OTP-secured delivery
- Delivery Centres and revised Postman establishment norms
2. Acts came in a steady pattern
Consumer Protection Act, PMLA, IT Act, CCS Conduct Rules and CCS (CCA) Rules each had around 5 questions, spread evenly through the paper. These are high-scoring areas if you study the key sections well.
3. More numerical and case-based questions
The paper had several practical questions, such as:
- Calculating travel time for a mechanised postman beat
- Working out the RTS (Return to Sender) date for Speed Post
- Speed Post and parcel postage for a given weight and distance
- BNPL discount calculation on monthly revenue
- International insurance fee and pre-mailing charges
4. Current facts as on 31.03.2025
Questions like the number of National Sorting Hubs, the RPLI bonus rate, the Dhai Akhar theme for 2025-26 and recent SB Orders of 2025 show that updated facts matter.
Sample Questions from the Paper
Here are a few questions to give you a feel of the level:
- As per Section 9 of PMLA 2002, when property is confiscated, all rights and title vest absolutely in the ______.
- Under the revised Postman Establishment Norms, what is the travel time per km for a foot beat in a congested area?
- What does APT 2.0 stand for in the context of India Post?
- The weight of a Speed Post document shall not exceed ______ including volumetric weight.
- Under Rule 3 of GDS (Conduct and Engagement) Rules 2020, which categories are included in “Gramin Dak Sevak” after rationalisation?
- What is the maximum permissible weight of an M-bag?
Try answering these yourself before checking the official answer key.
What This Paper Teaches Us
- Don’t rely only on old manuals. New Acts, regulations and product guidelines now carry big weight.
- Read the latest SB Orders, Directorate circulars and product guidelines. Many questions came straight from 2025 orders.
- Practise calculations. Tariff and norms-based numericals are becoming common.
- Cover every Act equally. With about 5 questions each, skipping even one Act can cost you 10 marks.
- Solve previous year papers. They show you the exact style and depth the examiners expect.
How to Prepare for the Next LDCE IP Exam
- Study the Post Office Act 2023 and Regulations 2024 line by line
- Revise GDS Rules 2020, CCS Conduct and CCS (CCA) Rules thoroughly
- Keep a notebook of recent circulars, SB Orders and product updates
- Solve India Post previous year question papers for IP, PA and other departmental exams
- Take regular mock tests with a 2.5-hour timer to build speed
Stay connected with us for the LDCE IP answer key, result updates and more India Post departmental exam news.