The SSC CGL answer key is released first as a tentative key. With it, SSC shows your own response sheet: every question you got, the option you marked and the option SSC treats as correct. You can use it to estimate your score and to object to any answer within a short window.
A key is issued for Tier 1 and again for Tier 2. The steps are the same for both. The objection link stays open for only a few days, and response sheets are taken down after a set time, so download yours early.
How to check the SSC CGL answer key
- Go to ssc.gov.in and open the notice for the CGL tentative answer key for your tier.
- Follow the link in the notice or log in to your candidate dashboard, as the notice says.
- Enter your roll number or registration number and password.
- Open your response sheet. Each question shows its question ID, your chosen option and the correct option.
- Save it as a PDF or take screenshots before the link closes.
Reading your response sheet
The response sheet opens as a long list of questions, grouped by section. For each one you will usually see:
- Question ID: the number you quote when you object. It is not the question number you saw in the hall.
- Your chosen option: the answer saved against your roll number.
- Correct option: the answer SSC currently treats as right, often highlighted.
Go through it section by section and count right, wrong and unattempted answers separately. Note the question IDs of answers you doubt as you go, so you can challenge them in one sitting.
How to calculate your CGL score
| Paper | Marks per correct answer | Deduction per wrong answer |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 2 | 0.50 |
| Tier 2 Paper 1 (Sections I, II and computer module) | 3 | 1 |
| Tier 2 Paper 2 (Statistics) | 2 | 0.50 |
| Tier 2 Paper 3 (Finance and Economics) | 2 | 0.50 |
Formula: raw score = (correct answers x marks per question) minus (wrong answers x deduction). Unattempted questions score zero.
Example for Tier 1: 70 correct and 12 wrong gives 140 minus 6, which is 134 raw marks.
Your final Tier 1 marks may differ from this. When the exam runs in many shifts, SSC normalises scores so that a harder shift is not at a disadvantage. Treat your raw score as a guide only.
Normalisation in simple words
Tier 1 runs over many days and shifts, and no two shifts get exactly the same paper. If one shift's paper is harder, its candidates would score less for the same ability. To be fair, SSC adjusts raw scores using a normalisation method explained in its notices. Your normalised marks can be a little higher or lower than your raw score. This is why two candidates with the same raw score in different shifts may see slightly different final marks.
Using your estimate wisely
- Compare your raw score with the previous cut-offs SSC published with past results on ssc.gov.in, but remember cut-offs change every year.
- If your score is close, do not wait for the result. Start Tier 2 practice, especially English and the typing test.
- Note your weakest section from the response sheet and fix it first, since Tier 2 has sectional time limits too.
How to raise an objection
- Log in through the same link while the challenge window is open.
- Find the question by its question ID.
- Choose the answer you believe is correct and add your reason. Attach proof if the form allows, such as a page from a standard book.
- Pay the fee online for each question you challenge.
- Submit and save the confirmation.
In 2025, SSC cut the challenge fee from Rs 100 to Rs 50 per question, and the reduced fee was charged for the CGL 2025 Tier 1 key. Check the notice for your tier to confirm the amount, as SSC has said the fee is linked to a refund system it plans to bring in.
Tips for a strong objection
- Challenge only answers you can prove. The fee is charged for every question you challenge.
- Check the question in both Hindi and English if you took the bilingual paper; translation errors are a common valid reason.
- Do not wait for the last hour. The site slows down near the deadline.
Common problems
- Login error: reset your password from the login page using your registered mobile or email.
- Response sheet shows a question as not answered: this usually means it was not saved with Save and Next during the exam. You can raise it with SSC, but the sheet is the record used for marking.
- Link closed: SSC does not usually reopen the window. The final key is uploaded later, often after the result.
Tier 1 key, Tier 2 key and final key
| Key | When | Can you object? |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 tentative key | After all Tier 1 shifts are over | Yes, within the window |
| Tier 2 tentative key | After the Tier 2 exam | Yes, within the window |
| Final key | Usually after the result for that tier | No |
The SSC CGL mains answer key, as many people call the Tier 2 key, follows the same steps, but remember the higher marking: 3 marks per question and a 1-mark penalty in Paper 1.
What happens after the answer key
SSC has every objection reviewed by subject experts. Accepted objections change the key for all candidates. The result for the tier is declared with cut-offs, and the final key follows. If you clear Tier 1, start Tier 2 practice straight away using the CGL Tier 2 syllabus , and keep an eye on the Tier 2 admit card steps too.
The SSC CGL main page covers the full selection process, and our answer key section lists keys for other exams, such as the SSC GD Constable answer key .
HindiScope is not an official site; use only the key on ssc.gov.in.