GAWAH News Desk | November 5, 2026
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the tentative answer keys and individual response sheets for the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026 Tier-I. Candidates can access their records through the official SSC answer-key section using their Registration Number and Password. The window to challenge an answer closes at 9:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Representative photograph of study materials. Photo: 2H Media / Unsplash.
In its notice dated November 4, SSC said the Tier-I examination was conducted from September 30 to October 28. The answer key is provisional, not the final key. Candidates who find a discrepancy must submit a representation through the online challenge facility and pay ₹50 for each question or answer challenged.
What is the last date to raise objections?
The challenge window runs from 9:00 PM on November 4 to 9:00 PM on November 7, 2026. SSC has stated that representations received after the closing time will not be entertained. It will also not accept challenges sent through any mode other than the online system.
| Detail | SSC CGL Tier-I 2026 |
|---|---|
| Answer key status | Tentative / provisional |
| Notice date | November 4, 2026 |
| Examination period | September 30 to October 28, 2026 |
| Challenge window | November 4, 9:00 PM to November 7, 9:00 PM |
| Objection fee | ₹50 per question/answer challenged |
| Login details | Registration Number and Password |
How can you download the SSC CGL Tier-I answer key and response sheet?
- Go to ssc.gov.in/home/answer-key.
- Find the notice for the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 (Tier-I) tentative answer keys and response sheets.
- Open the candidate login or challenge link provided with the notice.
- Enter your Registration Number and Password.
- Open your response sheet and compare the recorded answers with the tentative key.
- Download and save a copy for your own reference before the access window closes.
The answer key and response sheet are accessed through the candidate login; candidates should not enter their credentials on third-party websites or share their passwords or one-time codes.
How much does it cost to challenge an answer?
The fee is ₹50 for each question or answer challenged. Candidates must submit the representation online and complete the payment within the deadline. SSC says late submissions and representations made through other modes will not be accepted.
Why might the question order look different?
SSC has cautioned that the sequence of questions and options in the challenge module may differ from the order shown during the examination. For each shift, the challenge module uses a common question-and-answer sequence, whereas candidates may have seen questions in different orders during the test. The Commission says the answers selected by each candidate during the examination will be reflected exactly in the module.
Check the question text and the recorded response carefully rather than relying only on the question number or its position on the screen.
Will the response sheet remain available after November 7?
No. SSC’s November 4 notice says the response sheets and tentative answer keys will not be available after the specified time limit. It also says individual requests for copies will not be entertained later. Candidates should therefore save the material they need before 9:00 PM on November 7.
The Commission also states that the saved question paper is strictly for the candidate’s personal use and self-analysis. Candidates should follow the undertaking and instructions shown in the challenge portal.
Is this the final SSC CGL answer key?
No. This is the tentative answer key. SSC has invited challenges so that representations can be considered before the answers are finalised. The November 4 notice does not announce a date for the final answer key or the Tier-I result. Candidates should rely on subsequent notices on the Commission’s website for those dates.
Quick answers
- Where is the SSC CGL answer key? On the official SSC website, through the answer-key section and candidate login.
- What credentials are needed? Registration Number and Password.
- When does the objection window close? November 7, 2026, at 9:00 PM.
- What is the challenge fee? ₹50 per question or answer challenged.
- Can objections be emailed? No. SSC says only online representations will be accepted.
- Is the answer key final? No. It is tentative and subject to review of challenges.
Official notice and links
- SSC official notice dated November 4, 2026 (PDF).
- SSC official answer-key section.
- Additional explainer on the objection process.
GAWAH News Desk advises candidates to use only the official SSC portal for their response sheet, challenges and payments.
