India Post Karnataka Circle DEST 2026: Data Entry Skill Test Scheduled on 30 August at PTC Mysuru
India Post Karnataka Circle: DEST Scheduled on 30 August 2026 for Promotion to Postman/Mail Guard
The Department of Posts, Karnataka Circle has issued instructions regarding the Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) for qualified candidates appearing for promotion/appointment to the posts of Postman/Mail Guard from eligible MTS/GDS candidates.
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According to the communication issued by the Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle, Bengaluru, dated 27 August 2026, the DEST is scheduled to be conducted on 30 August 2026 (Sunday) at the Postal Training Centre (PTC), Mysuru.
DEST Examination on 30 August 2026
The examination is being conducted for qualified candidates shortlisted for the relevant Postman/Mail Guard promotion or recruitment process. The Centre Supervisor and Assistant Centre Supervisors have been nominated for conducting the DEST at PTC Mysuru.
The list of qualified candidates has been enclosed with the communication. The document contains candidate details arranged division-wise, including Hall Permit Number, candidate name, designation/office address, category, date of birth, date of entry in the feeder cadre and seniority number. The consolidated candidate lists extend through the annexures in the document, with the final list running up to Serial No. 523.
Candidates Must Carry Hall Permit and ID Card
Candidates appearing for the DEST are required to carry their Admit/Hall Card and Departmental ID Card to the examination venue.
After entering the examination hall, candidates are required to sign the attendance sheet in the presence of the invigilator and hand over a copy of the ID card as instructed. Candidates must carefully read the instructions displayed before commencing the test.
The instructions also state that candidates must not carry cameras, electronic gadgets or mobile phones inside the examination venue.
DEST Skill Test Parameters
The revised DEST parameters issued by the Directorate of Posts have also been included in the communication.
For the applicable Postman/Mail Guard/MTS/GDS examination, the DEST is conducted as a 15-minute computer-based skill test. The prescribed parameters include the required number of key depressions and category-wise qualifying standards.
For the relevant DEST test, the document specifies 600 key depressions in 15 minutes, with the prescribed tolerance of ±5%. The minimum qualifying standard is 75% for General/OBC/EWS candidates and 60% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates, as shown in the Directorate's revised parameters.
For the examination limited to Postman/Mail Guard/MTS/Gramin Dak Sevak, the document also specifies a DEST of 1,000 key depressions in 15 minutes, with category-wise qualifying standards of 75% for General/OBC/EWS and 60% for SC/ST/PwBD.
Candidate Preferences and Division-wise Allocation
The Karnataka Circle has instructed Regions to obtain preferences from qualified candidates for the available divisions. The preference form is to be circulated electronically along with the vacancy details, and candidates are required to submit their preferences in the prescribed manner.
Candidates who are exercising preferences for multiple divisions will be considered according to the availability of vacancies and the applicable merit/selection procedure. The communication specifically directs Regions to ensure that candidates are informed about the relevant division-wise vacancy position and preference process.
Verification of Candidate Details
The Regions have been directed to cross-check the eligibility of the candidates, including the correctness of eligibility details and category information. Any discrepancy noticed in the candidate information is to be brought to the notice of the concerned office immediately.
The communication also refers to the revised parameters issued by the Directorate and clarifications concerning candidates who are exempted from the DEST under the applicable instructions.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Candidates appearing for the DEST should:
- Report at PTC Mysuru as instructed by the authorities.
- Carry the prescribed Hall/Admit Card and Departmental ID Card.
- Carefully read and follow the instructions given at the examination centre.
- Ensure that their name, roll/hall permit number and category details are correctly entered.
- Avoid carrying mobile phones, cameras or other electronic gadgets to the examination venue.
- Follow the invigilator's instructions throughout the test.
- Sign the evaluated answer/response sheet wherever required after completion of the DEST.
Final Note
The Data Entry Skill Test for qualified candidates in Karnataka Circle is scheduled for 30 August 2026 at PTC Mysuru. The communication also contains detailed candidate lists covering different divisions and the applicable DEST instructions and parameters.
Candidates are advised to carefully verify their Hall Permit Number, examination details and other particulars in the enclosed lists and follow all instructions issued by the Department of Posts before appearing for the DEST.
This article is prepared based on the Department of Posts, Karnataka Circle communication dated 27 August 2026 and its enclosed DEST instructions/candidate lists.