This is an important update for GDS and MTS employees in Tamil Nadu. The Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Tamil Nadu Circle, Chennai, has released the list of candidates shortlisted for the Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) for the Postman/Mail Guard exam, vacancy year 2026.
A total of 1092 candidates have qualified the written exam and will now appear for the DEST.
Please note: This is not the final result. It is a shortlist for the next stage. The final merit list will come after the DEST.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Posts, Tamil Nadu Circle |
| Exam Name | LDCE/CE for Postman and Mail Guard |
| Vacancy Year | 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 12 July 2026 |
| Shortlist Notice Date | 16 September 2026 |
| DEST Date | 20 September 2026 (Sunday) |
| DEST Venue | Regional Headquarters |
| Total Shortlisted | 1092 |
| VH Candidates Exempted from DEST | 6 |
| Notice No. | REP/5-1/2026-CON II |
Two Lists Released
The notice has two separate annexures.
| Annexure | Exam | Who It Covers | Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annexure-I | LDCE for Postman/Mail Guard | Departmental officials (MTS to Postman) | 500 |
| Annexure-II | CE for Postman/Mail Guard | Eligible GDS employees (GDS to Postman) | 592 |
| Total | 1092 |
Quick tip for finding your name:
- LDCE (MTS) candidates have roll numbers starting with 43.
- CE (GDS) candidates have roll numbers starting with 51.
Key Points from the Notice
- No change in vacancies. The vacancies already posted on the Tamil Nadu Post website on 15 September 2026 remain the same.
- Shortlisting follows Directorate rules. Candidates were shortlisted as per Directorate letter no. 17-08/2018-SPN-I dated 19.12.2022.
- 6 VH candidates are exempted. Visually handicapped candidates on the list do not need to attend the DEST. Five are in Annexure-I and one is in Annexure-II.
- Check the DEST syllabus. Candidates should read the DEST syllabus shared in the same Directorate letter dated 19.12.2022.
- The test is at your Regional Headquarters. The DEST will be held there on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
Divisions with the Most Shortlisted Candidates
Annexure-I (LDCE: Departmental Candidates)
| Division | Shortlisted |
|---|---|
| Chennai Sorting Division | 74 |
| RMS T Division | 70 |
| Chennai City Central | 49 |
| RMS M Division | 45 |
| Chennai City North | 32 |
| Airmail Sorting | 29 |
| RMS MA Division | 27 |
| RMS CB Division | 25 |
Annexure-II (CE: GDS Candidates)
| Division | Shortlisted |
|---|---|
| Vriddhachalam | 25 |
| Madurai | 23 |
| Tiruvannamalai | 23 |
| Tiruchirappalli | 22 |
| Tirupur | 21 |
| Karur | 21 |
| Pattukottai | 21 |
| Tirunelveli | 21 |
Candidates from many other divisions are also on the list, including Coimbatore, Salem, Erode, Thanjavur, Dindigul, Kanniyakumari, Tambaram and Pondicherry. Check the official PDF for your division.
What Is DEST?
DEST stands for Data Entry Skill Test. It is a computer-based typing test.
- It is qualifying only. Your DEST marks do not change your rank, but you must pass it to be selected.
- Failing DEST ends your Postman chance, even if your written score is very high.
- The final merit list comes after DEST. It will be based on written exam marks for candidates who pass the DEST.
Last-Minute DEST Preparation Tips
You have only a few days left. Use them well.
- Read the official DEST syllabus from Directorate letter no. 17-08/2018-SPN-I dated 19.12.2022.
- Practise typing for 30 to 60 minutes daily. Focus on accuracy first, then speed.
- Use a normal desktop keyboard, not a mobile phone or laptop only, so you get used to the real test setup.
- Don’t look at the keyboard. Touch typing reduces mistakes.
- Take timed practice tests to handle exam pressure.
- Sleep well the night before and reach the centre early.
Documents to Carry on DEST Day
The notice does not give a list, so check with your Division. It is usually wise to carry:
- your admit card or call letter (if issued)
- a valid photo ID proof
- any instructions sent by your Division
How to Download the Tamil Nadu Circle DEST Shortlist PDF
- Visit the Tamil Nadu Post website or the India Post website (indiapost.gov.in).
- Open the Recruitment / Notifications section.
- Look for “List of qualified candidates shortlisted for DEST, LDCE/CE for PM/MG 2026”.
- Download the PDF.
- Search for your name or roll number (press Ctrl + F).
The Assistant Director (Tech.) has been asked to upload the notice and annexures on both websites.
Not on the List? Here’s What to Do
Missing out at this stage is disappointing, but many successful candidates took more than one attempt.
- Solve GDS to Postman Previous Year Question Papers to understand the real pattern.
- Take regular India Post Mock Tests to build speed and accuracy.
- Prepare for the GDS to MTS Departmental Exam too. GDS candidates can apply for both posts where eligible, which gives an extra chance.
- Start typing practice early so DEST is never a problem next time.
- Follow a clear plan. Good GDS to Postman Online Classes, a complete GDS to MTS Course or India Post Departmental Exam Coaching can guide you step by step.
Already an MTS or Postman?
MTS officials can aim for the MTS to Postman and MTS to PA Departmental Exam. Postmen can prepare for the Postman to PA Departmental Exam with the Postman to PA Syllabus, mock tests and the right India Post Study Material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is this the final result of the Tamil Nadu Circle Postman exam 2026?
No. This is only the list of candidates shortlisted for the DEST. The final result will come later.
Q2. When is the DEST?
The DEST will be held on 20 September 2026 (Sunday).
Q3. Where will the DEST be held?
At the Regional Headquarters.
Q4. How many candidates are shortlisted?
1092 in total: 500 in the LDCE list and 592 in the GDS (CE) list.
Q5. Who is exempted from DEST?
Six visually handicapped (VH) candidates on the list are exempted.
Q6. Have the vacancies changed?
No. The vacancies notified on 15 September 2026 remain unchanged.
Q7. Is DEST compulsory?
Yes, for all shortlisted candidates except the exempted VH candidates. It is a qualifying test.
Final Words
Congratulations to all 1092 candidates who cleared the written exam! 🎉 You are now just one step away from becoming a Postman. Practise your typing, stay calm and give your best on 20 September.
Stay connected with us for the Tamil Nadu Circle Postman final result, the latest India Post Notifications, mock tests and study material.