Tier 1 answer key — after the exam
SSC uploads the provisional answer key, along with your response sheet, within about a week of each exam. Tier 1 runs from 30 September to 30 October 2026, so the Tier 1 answer key is expected after that window closes.
Download it from the official SSC portal using your registration number and password. A short objection window opens alongside it — use it if you spot a wrong key.
Answer key at a glance
How to download the answer key
- Open the SSC websiteGo to
ssc.gov.inand find the CGL 2026 answer-key notice. - Click the answer-key linkOpen the login link provided in the notice.
- Log inEnter your Registration No. and password to reach the answer-key portal.
- View key & response sheetYour response sheet loads with each question, your answer and the key’s answer.
- Download & saveSave the PDF for your records and to calculate your score.
The response sheet
The response sheet is your exact attempt, question by question. It shows:
How to raise an objection
If you believe a key is wrong, you can challenge it during the objection window — SSC reviews every challenge before the final key.
- Spot the disputed questionNote the Question ID and the Option ID you think is correct.
- Open the challenge portalUse the “Submit Representation” link on the answer-key page.
- Select & justifyPick the question, choose your answer, and attach supporting proof if asked.
- Pay the fee₹100 per question challenged — non-refundable, even if your objection is upheld.
- Submit before the deadlineChallenges after the window closes are not considered.
Objections are accepted only during the official window. The final answer key — and your result — reflect the accepted challenges.
Calculate your expected score
Match your response sheet against the answer key, then apply the Tier 1 marking scheme — you’ll know your score well before the result.
Score = (Correct × 2) − (Wrong × 0.5)
Count your correct and wrong answers from the response sheet, then plug them in. Unattempted questions score zero.
Tier 2 uses a different scheme (3 marks per question, −1 for wrong in Paper I). See the exam pattern for the full marking rules.
See the full marking schemeCrack SSC CGL with your own daily plan
Daily targets, PYQ practice sets & timed mocks — to the latest pattern.
From answer key to a predicted rank
A raw score is only half the story — what matters is your rank against the cut-off. Feed your answer-key score into JobSafal and get an instant rank and cut-off projection.
Score & rank predictor
Enter your answer-key score and see your projected rank and post chances.
Cut-off check
Instantly see whether your score clears your category’s expected cut-off.
Tier 2 mocks
Cleared Tier 1 on the key? Start Tier 2 prep straight away with full mocks.
Result-day alert
We ping you when the final key and result go live.
