SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Answer Key Released at ssc.gov.in: Download Response Sheet, Raise Objections by November 7

SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Answer Key Released: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the provisional answer key and candidates’ response sheets for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 Tier 1. Candidates who appeared for the examination can now check their recorded responses, download the tentative answer key, and estimate their expected scores through the official SSC website.

The answer key has been made available online at https://ssc.gov.in/. The Commission has also opened the objection submission facility for candidates who find discrepancies in the provisional answers.

According to the latest information, the objection window opened on November 4, 2026, at 9:00 PM and will close on November 7, 2026, at 9:00 PM. Candidates who wish to challenge any answer must submit their representations within the specified deadline by paying the prescribed fee of ₹50 per question or answer challenged.

Candidates are advised not to wait until the last day, as objections submitted after the closing time or through offline methods will not be accepted.

SSC CGL Answer Key 2026: Overview

SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026 Download Link

Candidates can access their provisional answer keys and individual response sheets through the official SSC website.

The Commission has provided an online login facility through which candidates can view their recorded answers and compare them with the tentative answer key.

Important official links:

Candidates will need their SSC registration number and password to access the relevant examination information.

The response sheet and provisional answer key are important documents for estimating marks and identifying possible errors in the published answers.

How to Download SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026?

Candidates can follow the steps below to download their answer key and response sheet.

Candidates should keep a copy of their response sheet and answer key for personal analysis and score calculation.

SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key Objection Window: Important Dates

The Commission has provided a limited period for candidates to challenge answers in the provisional answer key.

Candidates should submit their objections before November 7, 2026, at 9:00 PM. The Commission has clarified that representations received after the deadline will not be entertained.

How to Raise an Objection Against SSC CGL Answer Key 2026?

If a candidate believes that an answer published in the tentative answer key is incorrect, they can challenge it through the online Challenge/Objection Management System.

The objection facility is available through the official SSC login portal.

Step-by-Step Objection Submission Process

Step 1: Visit the official SSC website at https://ssc.gov.in/.

Step 2: Log in using your registration number and password.

Step 3: Open the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Answer Key or Challenge Management section.

Step 4: Carefully review the question and the answer provided by the Commission.

Step 5: Select the question or answer you wish to challenge.

Step 6: Provide the correct answer and relevant supporting evidence, wherever required by the portal.

Step 7: Pay the prescribed objection fee of ₹50 for each question or answer challenged.

Step 8: Submit the objection through the online system.

Step 9: Download or save the acknowledgement of your submitted representation for future reference.

Candidates should ensure that their objections are supported by reliable evidence, such as standard textbooks, recognised reference materials, or relevant official sources.

What Is the Objection Fee?

The prescribed processing fee is ₹50 for each question or answer challenged.

For example:

Candidates should carefully review each disputed question before making payment.

SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The Tier 1 examination was conducted as a computer-based objective examination consisting of four sections.

According to the SSC CGL 2026 examination scheme, Tier 1 contains 100 questions carrying a total of 200 marks.

Examination Duration: 60 minutes, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject. Candidates eligible for the applicable scribe facility receive additional time as specified in the notification.

SSC CGL Tier 1 Marking Scheme

The examination consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions. Questions are provided in English and Hindi, except for the English Comprehension section.

How to Calculate Your Expected SSC CGL Tier 1 Score?

After downloading the provisional answer key and response sheet, candidates can calculate their estimated raw scores using the official marking scheme.

The calculation formula is:

Expected Score = (Correct Answers × 2) − (Incorrect Answers × 0.50)

For example, suppose a candidate has attempted 85 questions, out of which:

The estimated score will be:

70 × 2 = 140

15 × 0.50 = 7.5

Therefore:

140 − 7.5 = 132.5 marks out of 200.

This calculation provides an estimated raw score based on the provisional answer key. It should not be treated as the final SSC score or selection status.

Candidates should also remember that the final result and normalisation, wherever applicable under the examination rules, may affect the final score.

Important Instructions Regarding SSC CGL Response Sheet 2026

The Staff Selection Commission has issued certain important instructions regarding the answer key and Challenge Management System.

Candidates should pay particular attention to the following points:

1. Question Sequence May Be Different

The Commission has clarified that the question and option sequence displayed in the Challenge Management System may differ from the actual examination interface.

The challenge module follows a common sequence of questions and answers for candidates appearing in a particular examination shift, whereas the actual examination interface may have displayed questions in a different sequence.

However, the answers selected by individual candidates during the examination will be reflected accurately in the challenge module.

2. Read the Challenge Management Guidelines

Candidates should carefully read the detailed guidelines for the Challenge/Objection Management System issued by SSC through its notice dated April 10, 2026.

3. Saved Question Paper Is for Personal Use

The Commission has clarified that the saved question paper is strictly for personal use and self-analysis.

Candidates must accept the undertaking displayed on the Challenge Management portal.

4. Response Sheets Will Not Remain Available Indefinitely

SSC has stated that the response sheets and tentative answer keys will be removed after the specified deadline.

Candidates should download and save their documents within the available period. Requests for providing these documents later will not be entertained.

5. Objections Must Be Submitted Online

Objections submitted through letters, emails or other offline methods will not be accepted. Candidates must use the designated online facility.

What Happens After the SSC CGL Answer Key Objection Process?

After the objection submission window closes, the Staff Selection Commission will examine the representations received from candidates.

The Commission will review the challenged questions and supporting evidence before finalising the answer key.

If an objection is found valid, the relevant answer may be revised according to the Commission’s decision. The final answer key will subsequently be used for processing the examination results.

Candidates should understand that submitting an objection does not automatically mean that the answer will be changed. The final decision rests with the Commission.

After the answer key review process, SSC is expected to proceed with the next stages of the recruitment process according to its examination schedule.

SSC CGL 2026 Recruitment: What Happens After Tier 1?

The Combined Graduate Level Examination is conducted to recruit eligible candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in central government ministries, departments and organisations.

Tier 1 is the first stage of the selection process. Candidates who meet the applicable shortlisting criteria will be considered for the Tier 2 examination.

Depending on the post and eligibility conditions, the recruitment process may include:

The final selection and allocation of posts will be governed by the official SSC examination notification and subsequent recruitment instructions.

Conclusion

The release of the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 provisional answer key is an important development for candidates who appeared in the examination. With the response sheets now available, candidates can review their recorded answers, estimate their expected scores, and identify possible errors in the tentative answer key.

The objection facility provides an opportunity to challenge incorrect answers through the prescribed online process. However, candidates must complete the process before November 7, 2026, at 9:00 PM and pay the required fee of ₹50 per question or answer challenged.