SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I answer key out: challenge window open till 7 November, 9 PM
Exam update for SSC aspirants
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the tentative answer keys and candidates’ response sheets for the Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2026 (Tier-I). The notice is dated 4 November 2026.
Candidates who appeared in Tier-I can now check their responses against the official keys and challenge any answer they believe is wrong. The challenge window is short: it closes at 9:00 PM on 7 November 2026.
Important dates
| Notice issued | 4 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Tier-I examination held | 30 September to 28 October 2026 |
| Challenge window opens | 4 November 2026, 9:00 PM |
| Last date to raise challenges | 7 November 2026, 9:00 PM |
What happened?
According to the SSC notice, the Tier-I examination was held from 30 September 2026 to 28 October 2026 at examination centres across the country. The Commission has now uploaded the tentative answer keys along with each candidate’s response sheet.
Candidates can view them by logging in to the SSC website, ssc.gov.in, with their registration number and password.
- Challenge window opens: 4 November 2026, 9:00 PM
- Challenge window closes: 7 November 2026, 9:00 PM
- Fee: Rs 50 for each question or answer challenged
- Mode: online only; challenges sent by any other mode will not be accepted
Background and context
The Combined Graduate Level Examination is conducted by the SSC for recruitment to Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ posts in central government ministries, departments and organisations. Tier-I is the first stage of the examination.
SSC releases tentative answer keys after each computer-based stage so that candidates can verify the evaluation before results are prepared. The notice asks candidates to read the guidelines on raising challenges given in the Commission’s earlier notice dated 10 April 2026.
How to check the answer key and raise a challenge
- Go to ssc.gov.in and log in with your registration number and password.
- Open your Tier-I response sheet and the tentative answer key.
- If you disagree with an answer, submit a challenge for that question and pay Rs 50 per question or answer challenged.
- Finish before 9:00 PM on 7 November 2026. Challenges received after that time will not be considered.
Points to keep in mind
- In the challenge module, the order of questions and options may differ from what you saw in the examination. The notice states that the answers you selected are still shown correctly.
- The question paper you save is for your personal use and self-analysis only. The challenge portal includes an undertaking to this effect.
- After the deadline, the response sheets and answer keys will no longer be available, and individual requests for them will not be entertained. Save a copy for your records while the window is open.
Why is this important?
The answer key is the first point at which candidates can estimate their Tier-I score. A challenge accepted by the Commission can change the marks of every candidate who answered that question, so checking the key carefully matters for anyone near the expected cut-off.
Because the window lasts only three days and late or offline challenges are not accepted, candidates should check their responses and decide on any challenges well before the deadline.
Exam relevance
SSC relevance
Directly relevant to every candidate who appeared in SSC CGL 2026 Tier-I. Use the key to calculate an estimated score, compare it with previous cut-off trends, and decide whether to raise challenges before 9:00 PM on 7 November 2026. Those who expect to qualify should begin preparing for the next stage of the examination.
Key takeaways
- SSC has released the CGL 2026 Tier-I tentative answer keys and response sheets (notice dated 4 November 2026).
- Tier-I was held from 30 September to 28 October 2026.
- Challenges can be raised online from 9:00 PM on 4 November to 9:00 PM on 7 November 2026.
- The fee is Rs 50 per question or answer challenged; late or offline challenges are not accepted.
- Answer keys and response sheets will not be available after the challenge window closes.
