India Post GDS Recruitment 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Exam Pattern Overview

Aspect Details
Total Marks 100 marks
Duration 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
Question Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Total Questions 100 questions
Negative Marking 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
Mode Online (Computer Based Test)
Language English & Hindi (Optional)

Detailed Syllabus

1. General Knowledge (25 Questions - 25 Marks)

2. English Language (25 Questions - 25 Marks)

3. Mathematics (25 Questions - 25 Marks)

4. Reasoning (25 Questions - 25 Marks)

Marking Scheme

Scoring Details:

  • Each correct answer: +1 mark
  • Each wrong answer: -0.25 mark
  • Un-attempted question: 0 marks
  • Total marks: 100
  • Passing marks: Usually 40% (varies)

Preparation Strategy

Effective Preparation Tips:

  • ✓ Start with NCERT books for General Knowledge
  • ✓ Practice English daily - read newspapers, articles
  • ✓ Mathematics - Focus on speed and accuracy
  • ✓ Reasoning - Practice puzzles and logic problems daily
  • ✓ Solve previous years' question papers
  • ✓ Take mock tests weekly to assess progress
  • ✓ Maintain time management during practice
  • ✓ Join coaching classes or online platforms if needed

Time Management Tips

With 90 minutes and 100 questions, you have approximately 54 seconds per question. Here's how to manage time effectively:

First Round: 45 mins

Attempt easy questions from all sections

Second Round: 30 mins

Attempt medium difficulty questions

Third Round: 15 mins

Review and attempt remaining questions

Important Topics to Focus

High Priority Topics:

  • GK: Constitution, Important Acts, Current Government Schemes
  • English: Reading Comprehension, Error Spotting, Vocabulary
  • Maths: Percentage, Profit-Loss, Time & Distance, Simple Interest
  • Reasoning: Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations

Books for Preparation

General Knowledge

Lucent GK, NCERT Books, Pratiyogita Darpan

English

Wren & Martin, High School English Grammar

Mathematics

Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal

Reasoning

Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey

Common Questions Pattern

Based on previous exams, here's what to expect:

Subject Easy (30%) Medium (50%) Difficult (20%)
General Knowledge 7-8 12-13 4-5
English 7-8 12-13 4-5
Mathematics 6-7 14-15 3-4
Reasoning 5-6 13-14 5-6

FAQs on Exam Pattern

Yes, there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. This discourages guessing.

Yes, candidates can choose to appear in English or Hindi medium. This choice is made during registration.

Typically, the pass mark is 40% (40 marks out of 100). However, this may vary based on exam difficulty.

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Recruitment 2026 Overview

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