The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially published the candidate response sheets and provisional answer keys for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier 1 Examination 2026. Candidates who appeared for this national-level competitive exam across various centers nationwide can now access the direct SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026 Response Sheet Link through the official portal. This candidate response system allows candidates to cross-check their marked responses against the official answer keys published by the examination authority, ensuring complete transparency in the preliminary recruitment stage.
Along with releasing the tentative key, the commission has activated the online objection submission window. Candidates who discover any discrepancies, wrong options, or incorrect answer keys in the provisional release can raise formal challenges online. Submitting objections within the stipulated time frame is critical, as the commission will thoroughly evaluate all candidate representations before releasing the final key and the SSC CGL Tier 1 result and cutoff marks.
SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026: Key Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier 1 Examination 2026 |
| Post Categories | Group B and Group C Posts in Central Ministries & Departments |
| Answer Key Status | Tentative Released Online |
| Objection Fee | ₹100 per question challenged |
| Official Portal | ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates for Answer Key & Objection Window
Candidates must keep track of the critical timeline regarding the candidate response sheet download and the representation challenge period. The objection link will strictly remain active for a limited duration.
| Event Timeline | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Dates | August – September 2026 |
| Tentative Answer Key Release Date | September 2026 |
| Online Objection Window Opening | September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Objections | September 2026 (Up to 05:00 PM) |
| Final Answer Key & Tier 1 Result | To Be Announced |
How to Download Answer Key & Calculate Score
Aspirants can download their individual candidate response sheet along with the tentative master key by following these step-by-step instructions:
- Visit the official website of the Staff Selection Commission at ssc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the homepage notice board or click on the Answer Key tab located on the top menu.
- Click on the link titled “Uploading of Tentative Answer Keys along with Candidates’ Response Sheet(s) of Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier-I) 2026”.
- Read the official notification PDF and click on the login link provided inside the document.
- Enter your Roll Number / User ID and Password (as per your SSC admission certificate).
- Click on Login to view your question paper, recorded responses, and official correct answers.
- Download and save the PDF copy of your response sheet for future reference.
Scoring Scheme & Marking Formula
To calculate your expected score in the Tier 1 exam before the official results are declared, apply the official marking structure defined by SSC:
- Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Marks: 200 Marks (2 marks per correct answer)
- Negative Marking: Deduction of 0.50 marks for every wrong response
- Unattempted Questions: 0 marks (No penalty)
Formula for Score Calculation:
Estimated Score = (Total Correct Answers × 2) - (Total Incorrect Answers × 0.50)
How to Submit Online Objections / Challenges
If you find any error or dispute in the official answer key, you can challenge it online by paying a prescribed processing fee. Follow these steps to log your representations:
- Log in to the candidate portal on ssc.gov.in using your registration credentials.
- Click on the Submit Representation / Challenge Answer Key option.
- Select the Question ID and Question Number you wish to challenge.
- Select the correct answer option according to your assessment and provide clear documentary proof or reasoning in support of your claim.
- Pay the required objection fee of ₹100 per question using Online SBI Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
- Submit the representation form and keep a printed acknowledgment receipt for reference.
Note: Representations received after the closing time or submitted without the requisite fee payment will not be entertained under any circumstances.
Important Quick Links Table
| Link Description | Action / Link |
|---|---|
| SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026 Response Sheet Link | Click Here |
| Submit Objection Online | Click Here |
| Download Official Answer Key Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official SSC Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I access the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2026 Response Sheet Link?
You can access the response sheet link directly on the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in by logging in with your exam Roll Number and Password.
What is the fee for raising objections against the tentative answer key?
Candidates must pay a non-refundable processing fee of ₹100 per challenged question online through the official candidate dashboard.
Is there negative marking in the SSC CGL Tier 1 Examination?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer in the Tier 1 Computer-Based Test.
Can I download my response sheet after the objection window closes?
No, the candidate response sheet and tentative key link are deactivated by SSC after the closing deadline. Candidates are advised to take a printout or download the PDF immediately.