The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is set to publish the provisional answer key and candidate response sheets for the SSC Selection Post Examination Phase XIV, 2026. The Computer-Based Examination (CBE) concluded on 26 September 2026 across examination centres nationwide. Candidates who sat for the Matriculation, Higher Secondary (10+2), or Graduation level posts will be able to access the answer keys on the official portal at ssc.gov.in.
Along with the tentative keys, SSC will activate an online objection window allowing candidates to challenge any question or provisional answer they believe to be incorrect. Candidates will require their Registration Number and Password to log in and inspect their recorded responses against the official master answer keys.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Answer Key: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC Selection Post Examination Phase XIV, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 3,003 Vacancies |
| Educational Levels | Matriculation, Higher Secondary (10+2), Graduation and Above |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Examination (CBE) |
| CBE Exam Dates | 16 September to 26 September 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Expected Shortly |
| Objection Fee | Rs 50 per question challenged |
| Official Portal | ssc.gov.in |
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Important Dates
Candidates should review the timeline of events for the Phase XIV recruitment drive below:
| Recruitment Stage / Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Issued | 13 April 2026 |
| Online Application Window | 13 April to 4 May 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 11 May to 13 May 2026 |
| Computer-Based Examination (CBE) Dates | 16 September to 26 September 2026 |
| Release of Tentative Answer Key & Response Sheet | Expected in October 2026 |
| Objection Submission Window | Active for 3 to 5 days from release |
| Declaration of CBE Results | To be announced officially |
Post Levels and Vacancy Breakdown
The SSC Selection Post Phase 14 recruitment drives selection for 3,003 positions distributed across three distinct educational qualification brackets:
- Matriculation Level Posts: Open to candidates who have passed Class 10 from a recognized board.
- Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Posts: Requires Class 12 or equivalent qualification in relevant subject combinations.
- Graduation and Above Level Posts: Open to degree holders in specific disciplines depending on departmental recruitment rules.
Candidates who applied for posts across multiple levels appeared in separate shifts corresponding to each qualification level.
Marking Scheme and Score Estimation
Candidates can compute their tentative scores before the formal result declaration by applying the following official marking scheme:
- Correct Answer: +2 marks for each correct response.
- Incorrect Answer: -0.50 mark deducted for each wrong answer (negative marking).
- Unattempted Questions: 0 marks (no positive or negative scoring).
Raw Score Formula:
Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers x 2) - (Number of Incorrect Answers x 0.50)
Note that raw scores are later subjected to normalization across multi-shift examinations to establish final merit cut-offs.
How to Check SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Answer Key 2026
Once the link is activated on the commission portal, candidates can access their response sheets by following these instructions:
- Visit the official website of the Staff Selection Commission at ssc.gov.in.
- Click on the Answer Key tab located on the main navigation menu of the homepage.
- Select the link titled Uploading of Tentative Answer Key along with Candidate Response Sheet(s) of Phase-XIV/2026/Selection Posts Examination.
- Read the accompanying PDF circular carefully and click the candidate login link provided at the bottom of the notification.
- Enter your Registration Number / Roll Number and Password (as printed on your admit card).
- Click on the Submit button to open the candidate dashboard.
- Your question paper, marked answers, and the official provisional answers will appear on screen.
- Download and save the response sheet PDF to your local storage for reference during the objection period.
How to Submit Objections Against SSC Phase 14 Answer Key
If an error is identified in the official tentative answer key, candidates can submit formal challenges through the designated portal:
- Log in to the SSC examination portal using your valid credentials during the active challenge window.
- Navigate to the Representation / Objection section for Phase XIV.
- Select the specific Question Number and Paper Level you wish to challenge.
- Indicate the alternative option number that you claim is the correct answer.
- Upload valid, documentary academic proof (such as standard textbook references) supporting your claim.
- Pay the processing fee of Rs 50 per question challenged via online payment modes (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking).
- Submit the challenge and preserve a copy of the payment receipt and challenge submission confirmation.
Challenges received after the published deadline or submitted through offline correspondence will not be accepted by the commission.
What Happens After the Tentative Answer Key?
The post-examination evaluation process follows a structured four-stage sequence:
- Tentative Answer Key Release: SSC issues the preliminary key along with candidate response sheets.
- Scrutiny of Representations: Subject experts review all candidate representations submitted within the stipulated timeframe.
- Publication of Final Answer Key: Necessary corrections are applied, and the authoritative final answer key is generated.
- Result and Scrutiny Shortlist: CBE results and normalized cutoff marks are published. Shortlisted candidates must subsequently submit physical copies of supporting documents for departmental scrutiny.
Direct Official Links
| Description | Direct Official Link |
|---|---|
| SSC Official Portal | ssc.gov.in |
| SSC Candidate Login / Answer Key Section | Visit SSC Portal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Answer Key 2026 be released?
The tentative answer key and candidate response sheets are expected to be published on ssc.gov.in shortly following the conclusion of the CBE on 26 September 2026.
2. How can I download my SSC Phase 14 response sheet?
Visit ssc.gov.in, open the Answer Key tab, click on the Phase XIV link, log in with your Registration Number and Password, and download the response sheet PDF.
3. What is the fee to raise an objection against the tentative answer key?
As per official notification rules, candidates must pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 50 per question challenged through online payment methods.
4. What is the negative marking scheme for SSC Selection Post Phase 14?
A penalty of 0.50 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer, while each correct response carries 2 marks.
5. Can I challenge the final answer key after results are announced?
No. Challenges can only be submitted against the tentative answer key within the specified online window. The final answer key prepared after expert review is definitive and cannot be contested.
