Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the provisional answer key along with the candidate response sheet for the SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam 2025, giving candidates who appeared for the examination the first opportunity to evaluate their performance and raise objections, if any.
What is SSC CGL Tier 1 and why the answer key matters
The SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) exam is one of the most sought-after recruitment examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for various Group B and Group C posts across central government ministries, departments and organisations.
The Tier 1 stage is the first phase of this examination process. The answer key for Tier 1 is critically important because:
- It allows candidates who appeared for the exam to verify their answers with the correct ones declared by SSC.
- It helps estimate the probable score and assess chances of qualifying for Tier 2.
- It offers transparency. The release of the response sheet along with the key empowers candidates to see their actual responses.
- It gives an opportunity to raise objections for any discrepancy in the provisional key—thus protecting candidate rights and ensuring fairness.
Given the high competition and limited number of vacancies, making use of the answer key effectively can help candidates plan the next steps strategically.
Key highlights of the Answer Key 2025 release
Here are the key points regarding the release of the Tier 1 answer key for 2025:
- The Tier 1 exam for 2025 was conducted across multiple dates: from 12 to 26 September 2025, with a further session on 14 October 2025 (for affected candidates).
- The SSC released the provisional answer key on 16 October 2025.
- Alongside the answer key, the candidate response sheet (showing each candidate’s attempted responses) was also made available.
- The objection window was opened for candidates to raise challenges: till 19 October 2025 (9:00 PM) in most cases.
- The fee to raise an objection per question is ₹50 (as per latest information) for 2025.
This timely release and transparency reinforce SSC’s commitment to fairness in the recruitment process.
How to download the official PDF answer key & response sheet
Here’s a step-by-step guide for candidates to download the key and response sheet:
Step-by-step download instructions
- Visit the official SSC website: ssc.gov.in
- On the homepage or under the “Answer Key” / “Candidate’s Response Sheet” section, look for the link titled something like: “Combined Graduate Level Examination 2025 (Tier-I): Uploading of Tentative Answer Keys along with Question Paper(s)”.
- Click the link and you will be prompted to log in using your credentials (Registration Number / OTR number and Password or Date of Birth).
- Once logged in, select the relevant exam (CGL Tier-I 2025) and access the PDF file(s).
- Download the PDF(s) and save or print for future reference.
Key things to check
- Ensure you are downloading the correct shift/series of the exam (if multiple slots were held).
- Download both the answer key and your response sheet so you can cross-check the responses.
- Verify your login credentials work well and that files open properly.
Downloading sooner is recommended since there might be heavy traffic on the website soon after release.
How to check your response sheet and match with the key
Once you have downloaded your response sheet and the official key, follow these steps:
- Open your response sheet and identify each question and your answer for it.
- Open the answer key PDF and note the correct answer for each question ID (or Booklet Code) as given in the key.
- For each question you attempted, mark it Correct if your answer matches the key, Wrong if different.
- Count the number of correct responses and wrong answers (see marking scheme below).
- Estimate your probable score (prior to normalization or final adjustments).
- If you find any question where you believe the key is wrong (or your response is justified), mark it as a potential objection with supporting evidence.
Checking your response sheet helps you understand your performance and whether you are likely to qualify.
Marking scheme and score calculation
For the Tier 1 exam of SSC CGL 2025, the marking scheme is as follows:
- +2 marks for each correct answer.
- –0.50 marks for each incorrect answer (i.e., 0.50 negative marking).
- No deduction for questions left unanswered.
Sample calculation
Suppose you attempted 90 questions, of which 70 are correct and 20 wrong.
- Correct: 70 × 2 = 140
- Wrong: 20 × 0.50 = 10
- Estimated Score = 140 – 10 = 130
This gives you a rough idea of your standing. However, keep in mind that normalization (if applicable) and cutoff policies may affect the final outcome.
Cut‐off benchmarks
While the exact cut-offs for 2025 will be announced by SSC later, earlier analysis suggests for general category candidates in Tier-1 the safe score range might be around 105 – 110 marks (based on difficulty level) for this year.
How to raise objections / representations
If you find any discrepancy in the provisional answer key (for example, an answer marked as correct in the key appears wrong or ambiguous), you have the right to raise objections within the stipulated window. Here’s how:
Steps to file an objection
- Visit the SSC website and log in to the candidate portal using your credentials.
- Locate the link titled “Answer Key Challenge” or similar in the dashboard.
Select the question(s) you wish to challenge. You will need to provide:
- Question Booklet Number / Variant.
- Section name and Question ID.
- The answer given in the key and why you believe it is incorrect (with justification/reference).
- Upload supporting evidence (textbooks, credible references, screenshots).
- Pay the objection fee per question (₹50 for 2025) via online payment.
- Submit before the deadline (19 October 2025 9 PM for 2025).
Important points to note
- Objections once submitted cannot be withdrawn.
- Fee may be non-refundable unless the key is found faulty and your representation accepted.
- Only genuine, well-supported objections stand a chance of being accepted.
- Final answer key after consideration of objections will be binding; results will be based on the final key.
What happens after the objection window closes
Once the objection window closes:
- SSC will review all valid objections submitted (with evidence).
- Based on review, SSC will publish the final answer key for Tier 1.
- Results of Tier 1 (and possibly the qualifying list for Tier 2) will be declared based on this final key and normalization process.
- Candidates who qualify will be shortlisted for Tier 2 of SSC CGL 2025.
- For those who do not qualify, this is still the time to plan for future attempts, analyse weaknesses and prepare accordingly.
Important dates and deadlines
| Event | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 Exam Conducted | 12 – 26 September 2025 & 14 October 2025 (re-exam) |
| Release of Provisional Answer Key & Response Sheet | 16 October 2025 |
| Objection Window Closes | 19 October 2025 (9:00 PM) |
| Final Answer Key / Result Date | To be announced by SSC |
∙ Candidates should keep checking the official site for updates and notifications.
∙ Ensure your login credentials are working and you have access before deadlines.
Tips for candidates using the answer key wisely
- Act quickly: The portal may slow down due to heavy traffic soon after release; download your response sheet and key early.
- Use offline copy: Save the PDF and take a printout or keep a local backup for later reference.
- Mark carefully: Cross check each question‐wise answer accurately. Mistakes in calculation can affect your estimated score.
- Analyse strengths & weaknesses: Identify sections where you made more mistakes; this will guide your preparation for Tier 2 or future attempts.
- Calculate safely: Use the marking scheme but also consider cut-off trends to set realistic expectations.
- Objection window is your right: If you genuinely find errors, raise objections—your effort may benefit many candidates in the final key.
- Stay informed: Monitor announcements on the SSC website for final key release, result dates, and next stages.
- Plan next steps: If you likely qualify, start revising for Tier 2. If not, review your performance, identify gaps and schedule preparation accordingly.
Important Links
| Section | Link / Action |
|---|---|
| Download Answer Key (Out) | Click Here |
| View Score Card | Calculator |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025
The SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 is the official document released by the Staff Selection Commission that contains the correct answers to all the questions asked in the Tier 1 examination conducted in September and October 2025
When was the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 released
The provisional SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 was released on 16 October 2025 along with the candidate response sheet on the official SSC website
Where can I download the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 PDF
You can download the official answer key and response sheet from the SSC website at ssc.gov.in
What details are required to check the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025
Candidates need their registration number or OTR number and password or date of birth to log in and access their answer key and response sheet
How can I calculate my marks using the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025
Each correct answer carries 2 marks and for every incorrect answer 0.50 marks are deducted Candidates can use the formula (Number of Correct Answers × 2) – (Number of Wrong Answers × 0.50) to estimate their total score
Conclusion
Release of the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 marks a pivotal moment for candidates who appeared in the exam. With the key and response sheet in hand, you have a concrete tool to assess your performance, estimate your score, and take informed decisions about challenging any discrepancies. By following the steps to download, check and raise objections (if needed), you reinforce your position and ensure fairness in the process.