Department of Posts Revises PO & RMS Accountant Exam Qualifying Criteria for PwBD Candidates
Department of Posts Revises Qualifying Marks for PwBD Candidates in PO & RMS Accountant Examination
The Department of Posts has issued an important order revising the qualifying marks for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates appearing in the PO & RMS Accountant Examination. The decision has been taken to bring parity between PwBD candidates and SC/ST candidates in departmental examinations.
The order was issued by the Personnel Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi through letter dated 28 April 2026 addressed to all Heads of Postal Circles.
PwBD Candidates to Get SC/ST Level Qualifying Marks
According to the order, the Department reviewed representations seeking relaxation in qualifying marks for PwBD candidates in the PO & RMS Accountant Examination.
Earlier, as per the existing examination pattern:
-
OC candidates required:
- 45% marks in each paper
- 50% marks in aggregate
- SC/ST candidates required:
The Department has now decided that PwBD candidates will also receive the same qualifying standards applicable to SC/ST candidates.
Revised Qualifying Marks for PwBD Candidates
Under the revised rules, PwBD candidates appearing in PO & RMS Accountant Examination will now require:
| Category | Each Paper | Aggregate |
|---|---|---|
| PwBD Candidates | 38% | 43% |
This change reduces the earlier qualifying requirement from:
- 45% to 38% in each paper
- 50% to 43% in aggregate
Reason Behind the Revision
The Department stated that the decision was taken:
- In accordance with DoPT guidelines
- After consultation with the Reservation Cell
- To ensure uniformity and fairness in departmental examinations
The order also noted that although the syllabus of the examination had undergone revisions due to changes in Postal Manuals, FHBs, and POLI Rules, the examination pattern and qualifying marks had remained unchanged for many years.
Instructions Issued to Postal Circles
All Postal Circles have been instructed to:
- Take necessary action immediately
- Implement the revised qualifying standards for PwBD candidates
The order has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Important Relief for PwBD Employees
The decision is being viewed as a significant relief for PwBD employees preparing for departmental examinations in the Department of Posts. The revised qualifying criteria may improve opportunities for eligible PwBD candidates in promotional examinations and bring greater inclusiveness in the recruitment and promotion process.