The SSC CGL Tier 2 Answer Key 2026 is expected to be released soon, most likely in the last week of January 2026 or in the first week of February 2026. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will publish the provisional answer key on its official website, ssc.gov.in. This answer key will provide candidates with the correct responses to the questions asked in the Tier 2 exam, along with their response sheets, enabling them to estimate their scores before the official result declaration. Candidates will be able to download the answer key in PDF format once it becomes available and can also raise objections if they find discrepancies in the provisional answer key. The process of raising objections will involve a nominal fee, and only online challenges will be accepted. The SSC CGL Tier 2 exam was conducted on January 18th and 19th, 2026, for approximately 14,582 vacancies under the CGL 2025 recruitment cycle. This recruitment drive aims to fill various Group B and C posts across different departments and ministries.
Overview of SSC CGL Tier 2 Answer Key 2026
The SSC CGL Tier 2 answer key serves as a crucial document that helps candidates evaluate their performance in the exam. Once released, candidates can download the provisional answer key along with their response sheets from the official SSC portal. If they notice any inaccuracies, they have the opportunity to challenge the answers within the specified objection window. This process ensures transparency and fairness in the evaluation process. The answer key also provides a basis for calculating tentative scores and estimating chances of qualifying for the subsequent stages.
Key Dates for SSC CGL Tier 2 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Tier 2 Exam Conducted | 18th & 19th January 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | Expected last week of January 2026 |
| Last Date to Raise Objections | To be notified (generally 3-5 days after the answer key release) |
| Final Answer Key Announcement | Likely February/March 2026 |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
How to Download SSC CGL Tier 2 Answer Key 2026 & Response Sheet
Once the answer key and response sheet are uploaded on the official website, candidates can follow these straightforward steps to download them:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Visit the Official SSC Website
Go to the official SSC portal at ssc.gov.in.
Step 2: Access the Answer Key Section
Locate and click on the “Answer Key” tab or section featured on the homepage.
Step 3: Find the Appropriate Link
Look for the link titled “Uploading of Tentative Answer Keys along with Candidates’ Response Sheet(s) of Combined Graduate Level Examination (Tier-II) – 2026” or similar wording.
Step 4: Enter Login Details
Input your registration number or roll number and password (the same as used for the admit card).
Step 5: View & Download
After submitting, your response sheet and tentative answer key will appear. Download the PDF files for future reference and score estimation.
How to Raise Objections Against the Answer Key
If you identify any discrepancies or errors in the provisional answer key, you can challenge these answers by submitting objections online. Follow the instructions below once the objection window opens:
Objection Submission Process:
- Log in to ssc.gov.in using your registration number and password.
- Navigate to the section designated for objections or challenges related to the SSC CGL Tier 2 answer key.
- Select the question(s) you wish to challenge and provide a valid justification or reference for your objection.
- Pay the non-refundable fee of ₹50 per question online.
- Submit your objection before the deadline, typically within 3-5 days of the answer key’s release.
Important: Only online objections are accepted; offline or email submissions are not entertained. Once the review process is completed, a final answer key will be published, and no further challenges will be accepted.
Marking Scheme and Score Calculation
The SSC CGL Tier 2 exam follows a specific marking pattern, which is vital for candidates to understand in order to accurately calculate their expected scores based on the answer key and response sheets.
Marking Scheme
| Section | Correct Answer | Marks per Correct | Wrong Answer | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Sections I, II & Computer Knowledge Module I) | 1 question | +3 | 1 question | -1 |
| Paper 2 (Statistics) | 1 question | +2 | 1 question | -0.50 |
Score Calculation Formula:
Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers × Marks per Correct) – (Number of Wrong Answers × Negative Marking)
Note: The final score might be normalized if the exam was conducted in multiple shifts to ensure fairness among all candidates. The normalization process adjusts scores based on the overall difficulty level of different shifts.
Additional Resources
Candidates preparing for the SSC CGL Tier 2 can enhance their preparation with free mock tests available online. These mock tests simulate the actual exam environment and help improve accuracy, speed, and time management skills. Keep an eye on official notifications for the activation of the response sheet download link and objections portal.
Conclusion
The release of the SSC CGL Tier 2 Answer Key 2026 marks a significant step in the examination process, offering transparency and an opportunity for candidates to verify their responses. Staying updated with official communications and adhering to prescribed timelines for downloading the answer key and submitting objections can help candidates maximize their chances of success. Remember, the final results depend on the official answer key after considering all objections, so thorough validation of your responses is crucial.