SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the tentative answer keys along with candidate response sheets for the Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier-I), 2026 on November 4, 2026 (at 09:00 PM). Candidates who appeared for the nationwide computer-based examination between September 30 and October 28, 2026, can now access and download their individual response sheets from the official SSC portal using their registered login credentials.
Along with the provisional answer key, the commission has also activated the online objection window from November 4, 2026 (09:00 PM) to November 7, 2026 (09:00 PM). Candidates can verify their recorded responses against the official answers, calculate their raw estimated scores, and submit challenges against any discrepancies within this window.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Official Details |
| Recruitment Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 (Tier-I) |
| Total Vacancies | 10,731 Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ Posts |
| Tier 1 Exam Dates | September 30 to October 28, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date | November 4, 2026 (09:00 PM) |
| Objection Window Dates | November 4, 2026 (09:00 PM) to November 7, 2026 (09:00 PM) |
| Objection Processing Fee | ₹50 per question/answer challenged |
| Mode of Challenge | Online via Candidate Login (No offline mode accepted) |
| Marking Scheme | +2 marks for correct answer; -0.50 marks for incorrect answer |
| Login Credentials | SSC Registration Number & Password |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
The answer key and response sheets are strictly available for download until November 7, 2026 (09:00 PM). As per the official notice (No. HQ-C11018/5/2026-C-1), no candidate response sheets will be provided or entertained under any circumstances once the challenge window closes.
SSC CGL Answer Key 2026 Download Link
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key and individual response sheets are accessible through the official candidate login portal on the SSC new website:
- Official Portal: https://ssc.gov.in/
- Direct Login / Challenge Module: Candidate Portal on ssc.gov.in
Candidates must log in using their Registration Number and Password to access their recorded response sheet and question paper.
How to Download SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026?
Candidates can follow these official steps to check and download their Tier-1 answer key and response sheet:
- Visit the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in.
- Click on the Login or Register tab on the homepage.
- Enter your Registration Number and Password, then fill in the captcha code.
- On your candidate dashboard, navigate to the Answer Key or Candidate Response Sheet section.
- Click on the link for “Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 (Tier-I): Uploading of Candidate’s Response Sheet(s) along with Tentative Answer Keys”.
- Your question paper, marked choices, and official correct answers will be displayed on the screen.
- Click on the Print / Save as PDF button to download the response sheet to your device for self-analysis and score calculation.
(Note: Candidates must save their response sheet PDF immediately, as the download facility will permanently expire on November 7, 2026, at 09:00 PM).
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern & Score Calculation Formula
The SSC CGL Tier-I examination consists of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions across four subjects, carrying a total of 200 marks:
| Subject / Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Duration |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | – |
| General Awareness | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | – |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | – |
| English Comprehension | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | – |
| Total | 100 Questions | 200 Marks | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) |
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +2 Marks
- Incorrect Answer: -0.50 Marks (Negative marking)
- Unattempted Question: 0 Marks
Raw Score Calculation Formula:
$$\text{Estimated Raw Score} = (\text{Total Correct Answers} \times 2) – (\text{Total Incorrect Answers} \times 0.50)$$
Note: The score calculated from this answer key represents your raw score. Because Tier-1 is conducted in multiple shifts, SSC will apply its official normalisation formula to determine the final qualifying marks and cut-offs for Tier-II shortlisting.
How to Raise Objections Against SSC CGL Answer Key 2026?
If candidates identify any discrepancy or believe an official answer key is incorrect, they can submit an online objection before the deadline:
- Log in to the SSC official website using your Registration Number and Password.
- Go to the Challenge Management System / Objection Window.
- Select the specific Question ID and option you wish to challenge.
- Enter the correct answer and provide a clear, concise justification or upload valid documentary proof (reference books, standard publications).
- Pay the requisite processing fee of ₹50 per question through online payment modes (UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card).
- Submit the challenge and save the transaction confirmation receipt for future reference.
Important Challenge Notice Instructions:
- In the challenge module, the sequence of questions and options may differ from how they originally appeared on your individual screen. This is because question orders are standardized shift-wise in the module. However, the options you selected during the test are accurately recorded and reflected.
- The saved question paper is strictly for personal analysis only. An undertaking to this effect is part of the challenge portal.
Important Links for SSC CGL Answer Key 2026
| Important Resource / Link | Direct Link |
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key Login Link | Click Here to Login & Download |
| Official Answer Key Write-up (PDF Notice) | Download Official Notice PDF |
| Staff Selection Commission Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in/ |
What Happens After the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key?
- Scrutiny of Objections: SSC subject matter experts will review all challenges submitted by candidates up to November 7, 2026.
- Final Answer Key: If any challenge is found valid, the key will be revised, and a Final Answer Key will be prepared.
- Tier-1 Result & Cut-off: The SSC CGL Tier 1 Result will be computed on the basis of the Final Answer Key and normalized scores. Shortlisted candidates will qualify for Tier-II (tentatively scheduled for December 2026).
- Scorecard Release: Individual marks and normalized scorecards will be published on candidate profiles after the declaration of the result.
SSC CGL 2026 Answer Key: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When was the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026 released?
The tentative answer key and response sheets were officially uploaded on November 4, 2026 (at 09:00 PM).
Q2. What is the last date to raise objections against the SSC CGL answer key?
Candidates can challenge the tentative answer key online until November 7, 2026 (09:00 PM).
Q3. What is the objection fee for challenging an answer?
Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹50 per question/answer challenged.
Q4. Where can I download the SSC CGL Tier 1 response sheet?
Candidates can access their response sheet exclusively through candidate login on the official portal at ssc.gov.in.
Q5. What is the negative marking in SSC CGL Tier 1?
There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks deducted for every wrong answer, while 2 marks are awarded for every correct answer.
Q6. Can I download my response sheet after November 7, 2026?
No. As per the official notification, response sheets and question papers will not be available after 09:00 PM on November 7, 2026 under any circumstances. Candidates must save their PDF copy immediately.
Final Note for Aspirants
Candidates who appeared for the SSC CGL 2026 Tier 1 examination are strongly advised to download and securely save their response sheet PDF from ssc.gov.in before November 7, 2026 (09:00 PM). Ensure you calculate your raw score according to the official marking scheme and submit any genuine objections with valid references within the stipulated window.