SSC CGL Tier 1 Provisional Answer Key Released: Direct Link

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the provisional answer key and the candidates’ response sheets for the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE) Tier-I. This is a crucial step for the lakhs of aspirants who appeared in the examination, allowing them to assess their performance before the final results are declared.

The SSC CGL Tier-I exam was conducted on various dates from September 12 to September 26, 2025, with a re-examination for certain affected candidates held on October 14, 2025. This major recruitment drive aims to fill a substantial number of vacancies in various Ministries and Departments under the Government of India.

Direct Link and How to Access the Answer Key

Candidates can download their provisional answer key and response sheet from the Staff Selection Commission’s official website.

• Official Website Link: The official platform for all SSC notices and keys is ssc.gov.in.
• Direct Access: A dedicated link for accessing the response sheets and provisional answer keys has been activated on the homepage under the ‘Answer Key’ or ‘Latest News’ section. The notification is typically titled something similar to “Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier-I): Uploading of Tentative Answer Keys along with Candidate’s Response Sheet.”

Steps to Download the Answer Key and Response Sheet:

1. Visit the official SSC website: Go to ssc.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the Answer Key Section: Click on the dedicated ‘Answer Key’ tab or the relevant notice on the homepage.
3. Click the Link: Find and click on the link for the CGL Tier-I Answer Key and Response Sheet.
4. Login: Candidates will be redirected to a login page where they must enter their Roll Number (User ID) and Password (as per their Admission Certificate).
5. Download: After logging in, the candidate’s response sheet along with the provisional answer key will be displayed. Aspirants are advised to download and take a printout for future reference and score calculation.

Raise Objections Against the Provisional Key

Along with the release of the provisional answer key, the Commission has also opened a window for candidates to raise objections or representations regarding any discrepancies they might find in the answers. This process ensures transparency and accuracy in the final result.

• Objection Window: The facility to challenge the answers is available for a limited period, typically a few days. The deadline to submit objections is October 19, 2025 (up to 9:00 PM).
• Procedure: Objections must be submitted online through the prescribed link available after logging in. Candidates are required to provide a clear explanation and supporting documentary evidence for each challenge.
• Fee: A nominal, non-refundable fee (often ₹50 or ₹100) per question is charged for submitting a representation.

Calculation of Estimated Score

Candidates can utilize the released answer key and their response sheet to calculate an estimated score. The marking scheme for the SSC CGL Tier-I is as follows:

• Correct Answer: +2 marks
• Incorrect Answer (Negative Marking): -0.50 marks
• Unattempted Question: 0 marks

Formula for Estimated Score:

$$\text{Estimated Score} = (\text{Number of Correct Answers} \times 2) – (\text{Number of Incorrect Answers} \times 0.5)$$

It is important for all candidates to remember that this provisional key is subject to change. The final result and cut-off will be determined based on the final answer key, which will be released after a thorough review of all valid objections received by the Commission. Candidates who clear the Tier-I cut-off will become eligible to appear for the Tier-II examination, which is the next stage in the selection process.