The Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has recently announced the release of the provisional answer key for the APPSC 2026 recruitment exams held in February. This comprehensive guide provides all essential information regarding the answer key, how to download it, the process to raise objections, important dates, and how to estimate your score based on the official answer key. Whether you appeared as a candidate for the Thanedar, Executive Officer Grade-III, Forest Section Officer, Forest Beat Officer, or Assistant Beat Officer posts, this article will walk you through every step to check your responses and understand your performance in the examination.
APPSC Answer Key 2026: Overview and Important Highlights
The APPSC 2026 recruitment examination was conducted across multiple dates, from February 9 to February 13, 2026, to fill various government vacancies under different notifications (Nos. 06/2025, 07/2025, 10/2025, and 13/2025). The answer key, which provides the official solutions for the questions asked in the exam, was released on February 17, 2026. Candidates are advised to download the provisional answer key promptly and scrutinize their responses to estimate their performance in the exam.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Answer Key Release Date | February 17, 2026 |
| Objection Deadline | February 20, 2026 |
| Exam Dates | February 9 to 13, 2026 |
| Official Website | psc.ap.gov.in |
| Post Notifications | Thanedar, Executive Officer Grade-III, Forest Section Officer, Forest Beat Officer & Assistant Beat Officer |
How to Download the APPSC Answer Key 2026
Downloading your provisional answer key from the official portal is straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure proper access:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open your web browser and visit the official APPSC portal: psc.ap.gov.in or portal-psc.ap.gov.in.
- Navigate to the section titled “Keys & Objections” or “Keys to Papers”.
- Look for the relevant link associated with the examination, such as “Initial Keys” or “Provisional Answer Keys”.
- Select the specific post for which you appeared (e.g., Executive Officer Grade-III, Thanedar, Forest Beat Officer, etc.).
- Choose the correct answer series (e.g., Series-A, Series-B, etc.) applicable to your exam paper.
- Click on the link to view and download the PDF answer key.
- Save the answer key PDF for future reference and comparison.
Important Links for Downloading and Objection
Procedure for Raising Objections Against the Answer Key
If you find any discrepancies or errors in the provisional answer key, you can raise objections within the stipulated deadline. Follow the instructions below to submit your objections properly:
Step-by-Step Objection Filing Process
- Visit the official portal: psc.ap.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “Keys & Objections” section.
- Select the relevant question(s) you wish to challenge, based on the examination notification.
- Upload supporting documents or references that substantiate your claim, if required.
- Submit the objection online before the deadline, February 20, 2026.
**Note:** Objections submitted after the deadline will not be entertained. All objections must be submitted through the online portal only; physical or email submissions are not accepted.
Important Dates to Keep in Mind
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Examination Conducted | February 9 to 13, 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | February 17, 2026 |
| Last Date to Raise Objections | February 20, 2026 |
| Final Answer Key (Expected) | Soon after objection review |
| Result Declaration (Expected) | To be announced |
How to Calculate Your Estimated Score Using the Answer Key
You can estimate your probable marks in the examination by using the official answer key and applying the marking scheme outlined below. Knowing how to calculate your score helps in assessing your performance before the official results are announced.
Score Calculation Formula
Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers × Marks per Question) – (Number of Wrong Answers × Negative Marking)
Marking Scheme Details
| Answer Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Wrong Answer | – 1/3 mark (negative marking) |
| Unattempted Question | 0 marks |
It is important to review the official notification or instructions provided along with the answer key, as the exact marking scheme may vary depending on the specific post or notification.
Additional Resources and Tips
While checking the answer key is beneficial for self-assessment, you should also prepare for the next stage of recruitment, such as interviews or skill tests, if applicable. Stay updated by regularly visiting the official portal for further notifications and results. Practicing mock tests and analyzing previous year papers can improve your chances for the next exams.
Summary
The APPSC 2026 answer key provides a transparent way for candidates to verify their responses and estimate their scores. Candidates are encouraged to download the provisional answer key promptly, review it carefully, and submit any objections within the stipulated deadline. The entire process ensures fairness and helps candidates gauge their performance accurately before the official results are declared.