SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key: Critical Stage for Lakhs of Aspirants

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is poised to release the answer key for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Tier 1 Examination, a crucial step for the lakhs of candidates who appeared for one of the most highly anticipated government recruitment drives in the country. The release of the answer key and the subsequent objection process are pivotal moments, offering candidates their first opportunity to assess their performance before the official results are declared.

Release of the Provisional Answer Key

The Staff Selection Commission typically releases a provisional answer key shortly after the conclusion of the Tier 1 examination cycle. This key is made available on the official website of the SSC, ssc.gov.in, along with the individual candidate’s response sheet.

Candidates are advised to keep their login credentials—usually their Roll Number/Registration ID and Password/Date of Birth—ready to access their individual response sheets. The response sheet shows the answers marked by the candidate during the examination, which can then be compared with the official answer key to calculate an estimated score.

Steps to Download the Answer Key and Response Sheet:

1. Visit the official website of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) at ssc.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the ‘Answer Key’ section on the homepage.
3. Click on the link related to the ‘Uploading of Tentative Answer Keys along with Candidates’ Response Sheet(s) of Combined Graduate Level Examination, Tier-I’.
4. Log in using the required credentials (Roll Number and Password).
5. The answer key and your response sheet will be displayed on the screen.
6. Candidates should download and take a printout of both documents for self-evaluation and future reference.

The Objection Window: Ensuring Transparency and Fairness

Following the release of the provisional answer key, the SSC activates a brief objection window, a transparent mechanism that allows candidates to challenge any discrepancies they find in the official answers. This is a critical process to ensure the integrity and fairness of the examination.

Candidates who believe a particular answer or question in the provisional key is incorrect can submit their objection online. This must be done within the stipulated timeframe, which is usually only a few days, and a nominal fee is charged per question challenged. Crucially, every objection must be substantiated with valid, supporting evidence from authoritative sources.

Key points regarding the Objection Process:

• Online Submission: Objections must be submitted only through the official link provided on the SSC portal.
• Fee per Question: A prescribed fee (historically around ₹100 per question, though candidates must check the latest notice) is charged for each objection.
• Supporting Evidence: Objections without clear and valid documentation will not be considered.
• Review by Experts: The SSC mandates a rigorous review of all validly raised objections by subject matter experts.

Moving Towards the Final Result

Once the objection window closes, the expert committee reviews all challenges. Based on this review, the Commission makes necessary corrections and then releases the Final Answer Key. This final key is non-challengeable and is used for the definitive evaluation of all candidates.

The SSC CGL Tier 1 result, which shortlists candidates for the subsequent Tier 2 examination, is announced shortly after the final answer key. Given the high competition and the multi-shift nature of the exam, the marks are typically subjected to a normalisation procedure to ensure parity across different exam sessions.

For the millions of aspirants vying for coveted Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ posts in various central government ministries, departments, and organizations, the release of the Tier 1 answer key is a moment of intense anticipation, signaling the imminent next stage of the selection process. Candidates must stay updated with the official SSC website for the latest announcements regarding the answer key and the result declaration dates.