Published on: 11 August 2026 | Category: India Post Departmental Exam, MTS to PA, Postman to PA, GDS to PA, Answer Key
Quick Summary (Read This First)
The Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Assam Circle, Guwahati has published the Final Answer Key of Paper-I for the LDCE and Competitive Examination for the cadre of PA & SA.
Here are the main points in one place:
- Exam date: 28.06.2026
- Final answer key released on: 10.08.2026
- Circle: Assam Circle, Guwahati – 781001
- Letter No.: Staff/8-58/2026
- Earlier letter (provisional key): Staff/8-58/2026 dated 29.06.2026
- Vacancy year: 2026
- Paper covered: Paper-I only
- Total questions: 100
- Series: A, B, C and D
- Deleted questions: None — the full key stands as published
This key covers two separate streams in one exam. Read the next section carefully so you know which one applies to you.
Two Streams in One Examination
This is where many candidates get confused, so let’s keep it simple.
| Stream | Who It Is For | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| LDCE (Limited Departmental Competitive Examination) | Eligible officials already in service — MTS, Postman, Mail Guard, Mail Overseer | Promotion to the PA/SA cadre |
| CE (Competitive Examination) | Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) | Recruitment to the PA/SA cadre |
Both groups sat the same Paper-I on 28.06.2026, so this single answer key applies to both.
So whether you are searching for MTS to PA answer key, Postman to PA answer key, or GDS to PA answer key — this is the one.
Good News: No Questions Were Deleted
Unlike many other circles this cycle, the Assam Circle final key shows no deleted questions in Paper-I.
What this means for you:
- All 100 questions count towards your score.
- The minimum qualifying marks stay unchanged — there is no pro rata reduction.
- Your calculation is straightforward: simply count your correct answers out of 100.
Answer Distribution — A Useful Check
The Circle Office has also published the option-wise count. This is the same for every series:
| Option | Number of Answers |
|---|---|
| A | 21 |
| B | 28 |
| C | 20 |
| D | 31 |
| Total | 100 |
Why this matters: if you tally your own answer sheet and your option counts look wildly different from this spread, you have probably misread your series. Use this as a quick sanity check before calculating your score.
Also worth noting for future preparation: option D was the most frequent correct answer, and option C the least. This is not a strategy to rely on, but it does confirm that the paper was set with a reasonably balanced spread.
Paper-I: Final Answer Key — Questions 1 to 50
| Q. No. | Series A | Series B | Series C | Series D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | B | C | D |
| 2 | B | D | B | D |
| 3 | C | B | C | D |
| 4 | D | D | B | C |
| 5 | D | D | B | B |
| 6 | D | C | D | A |
| 7 | A | A | D | B |
| 8 | B | B | B | B |
| 9 | A | A | B | A |
| 10 | D | B | A | D |
| 11 | A | A | A | C |
| 12 | A | D | D | A |
| 13 | C | C | D | B |
| 14 | B | C | B | D |
| 15 | C | D | D | B |
| 16 | C | A | C | A |
| 17 | A | D | A | C |
| 18 | D | C | B | B |
| 19 | A | A | A | D |
| 20 | C | A | B | A |
| 21 | D | D | B | C |
| 22 | C | D | C | D |
| 23 | B | C | D | D |
| 24 | D | D | B | D |
| 25 | C | B | B | B |
| 26 | B | C | D | B |
| 27 | D | B | D | B |
| 28 | B | C | D | C |
| 29 | D | B | C | D |
| 30 | D | B | B | D |
| 31 | C | D | A | D |
| 32 | A | D | B | A |
| 33 | B | B | B | B |
| 34 | A | B | A | A |
| 35 | B | A | D | D |
| 36 | A | A | C | A |
| 37 | D | D | A | A |
| 38 | C | D | B | C |
| 39 | C | B | D | B |
| 40 | D | D | B | C |
| 41 | A | C | A | C |
| 42 | D | A | C | A |
| 43 | C | B | B | D |
| 44 | A | A | D | A |
| 45 | A | B | A | C |
| 46 | D | B | C | D |
| 47 | D | C | D | C |
| 48 | C | D | D | B |
| 49 | D | B | D | D |
| 50 | B | B | B | C |
Paper-I: Final Answer Key — Questions 51 to 100
| Q. No. | Series A | Series B | Series C | Series D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | C | D | B | B |
| 52 | B | D | B | D |
| 53 | C | D | C | B |
| 54 | B | C | D | D |
| 55 | B | B | D | D |
| 56 | D | A | D | C |
| 57 | D | B | A | A |
| 58 | B | B | B | B |
| 59 | B | A | A | A |
| 60 | A | D | D | B |
| 61 | A | C | A | A |
| 62 | D | A | A | D |
| 63 | D | B | C | C |
| 64 | B | D | B | C |
| 65 | D | B | C | D |
| 66 | C | A | C | A |
| 67 | A | C | A | D |
| 68 | B | B | D | C |
| 69 | A | D | A | A |
| 70 | B | A | C | A |
| 71 | B | C | D | D |
| 72 | C | D | C | D |
| 73 | D | D | B | C |
| 74 | B | D | D | D |
| 75 | B | B | C | B |
| 76 | D | B | B | C |
| 77 | D | B | D | B |
| 78 | D | C | B | C |
| 79 | C | D | D | B |
| 80 | B | D | D | B |
| 81 | A | D | C | D |
| 82 | B | A | A | D |
| 83 | B | B | B | B |
| 84 | A | A | A | B |
| 85 | D | D | B | A |
| 86 | C | A | A | A |
| 87 | A | A | D | D |
| 88 | B | C | C | D |
| 89 | D | B | C | B |
| 90 | B | C | D | D |
| 91 | A | C | A | C |
| 92 | C | A | D | A |
| 93 | B | D | C | B |
| 94 | D | A | A | A |
| 95 | A | C | A | B |
| 96 | C | D | D | B |
| 97 | D | C | D | C |
| 98 | D | B | C | D |
| 99 | D | D | D | B |
| 100 | B | C | B | B |
Please verify against the official PDF before finalising your score. The version uploaded on the India Post website is the only authoritative one.
How to Calculate Your Score
- Find your series — check the letter (A, B, C or D) printed on your question booklet.
- Match your responses with the correct column above. Using the wrong column is the single most common mistake candidates make.
- Count your correct answers out of 100.
- Cross-check with the option distribution (A-21, B-28, C-20, D-31) to confirm you used the right series.
- No deletions apply, so there is no adjustment to make.
- Write your calculation down and keep it for reference until the result is declared.
Where to Download the Official Answer Key
- The AD (CEPT) has been asked to upload the key on the India Post website.
- The key has also been circulated for wide circulation across all Regions, Divisions and Units of Assam Circle.
- Visit www.indiapost.gov.in and check the Notices / Circulars / Recruitment section.
- Also check your office notice board — these are normally displayed locally.
Divisions and Units Covered
The circular was addressed to offices across the circle, including Guwahati Division, RMS ‘GH’ Division, RMS ‘S’ Division, Darang, Cachar, Goalpara, Nalbari-Barpeta, Dibrugarh, Nagaon, Sivasagar and Tinsukia Divisions, along with MMS Guwahati and RO Dibrugarh.
What Happens Next?
Based on how these examinations usually run, expect this sequence:
- Final Answer Key for Paper-I — done (10.08.2026)
- Evaluation of answer sheets as per the final key
- DEST (typing/data entry test) for shortlisted candidates
- Declaration of result with a merit list
- Division and unit allotment for selected candidates
- Issue of promotion or appointment orders
- Joining and training
Important reminder about DEST: in the PA/SA selection process, the typing test carries real weight and often decides ranks between candidates with similar written scores. If your Paper-I score looks promising, start practising typing now rather than waiting for the call letter.
Missed It This Time? Your Plan for the Next Attempt
1. Use This Very Key as Practice
Attempt the paper cold, then check against this key. It is the most realistic practice material you will find, because it is the real paper.
2. Collect Previous Year Papers
Gather MTS to PA previous year question papers, Postman to PA previous year question papers and GDS to PA question papers. The pattern repeats far more than most candidates expect.
3. Master Postal Rules
This is where most candidates lose marks. Postal Manual, Volume rules, savings schemes, IPPB, and delivery procedures appear regularly.
4. Practise Typing Every Single Day
Just 30 minutes daily. Target at least 35 WPM with high accuracy. Written marks get you shortlisted; DEST decides your rank.
5. Take Weekly Mock Tests
A regular MTS to PA mock test and Postman to PA mock test routine shows 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 trial and error.
Useful in Other Circles Too
The PA/SA departmental exam pattern is broadly similar across India — only vacancy counts and cut-offs change from circle to circle.
Candidates from Assam Circle, 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 and West Bengal Circle can all use this key as practice material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When was the Assam Circle PA/SA exam held? On 28.06.2026, for the vacancy year 2026.
Q2. When was the final answer key published? On 10.08.2026, vide letter no. Staff/8-58/2026.
Q3. Were any questions deleted? No. All 100 questions in Paper-I count towards your score, and the qualifying marks remain unchanged.
Q4. Does this key apply to GDS candidates too? Yes. The same Paper-I covers both the LDCE for serving officials seeking promotion and the CE for recruitment from GDS.
Q5. How many questions were in Paper-I? One hundred. The option distribution was A-21, B-28, C-20 and D-31.
Q6. Is this the provisional or the final key? This is the final key, issued after considering comments and feedback received from candidates on the earlier provisional key dated 29.06.2026.
Q7. Where will the official key be uploaded? The AD (CEPT) has been directed to upload it on the India Post website, and it has been circulated to all Regions, Divisions and Units.
Final Word
Answer key day is stressful, but it brings clarity. Sit down calmly, confirm your series first, and count honestly. With no deletions this time, the maths is refreshingly simple.
If your score looks strong — start typing practice today, because DEST is next. If it fell short, remember that most people who clear these exams are not first-timers. They are the ones who came back better prepared.
All the best to every candidate from Assam Circle.