Exam Pattern Overview

• Examination Type: Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE)

• Conducted by: Department of Posts, India

• Frequency: Typically held annually

• Mode: Written examination with theoretical and practical components

• Duration: 3 hours per paper

• Maximum Marks: 100 per paper

• Total Papers: 2

• Books Allowed: Yes, candidates are permitted to refer to prescribed books during the examination SAPOST

Paper Structure

Paper I: Rules & Regulations

• Duration: 3 hours

• Maximum Marks: 100

• Components:

  • Part I (Theory): 30 marks

  • Part II (Practical): 70 marks

• Content:

  • General Financial Rules (GFRs) 1 to 56

  • Supplementary Rules (SRs) 1 to 203

  • Central Civil Services (CCS) Rules (Joining Time, Leave, Pension)

  • General Provident Fund (GPF) Rules 1960 

Paper II: Practical Application

• Duration: 3 hours

• Maximum Marks: 100

• Components:

  • Part I (Theory): 30 marks

  • Part II (Practical): 70 marks

• Content:

  • Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance

  • Children Education Allowance

  • Service Rules for Gramin Dak Sevaks (Sections III, VI, VII, IX, XI) 

✅ Qualifying Criteria

• General Category:

  • Minimum 45% marks in each paper

  • Minimum 50% aggregate marks

• SC/ST Category:

  • Minimum 38% marks in each paper

  • Minimum 43% aggregate marks

• Exemption:

  • Candidates securing at least 60% marks in a paper will be exempted from appearing in that paper in the next two subsequent examinations 

Important Notes

• Books Allowed: Candidates are permitted to refer to prescribed books during the examination 

• Eligibility: Typically, candidates with a minimum of 3 years of service as a Postal Assistant or Sorting Assistant are eligible to appear for the examination 

• Application Process: Applications are generally submitted through the respective Divisional Offices

• Notification Reference: Always refer to the official examination notification for the most accurate and detailed information