The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) released the official SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 on October 16 at ssc.gov.in, covering the exam held between September 12-26 and a re-exam on October 14.
Around 13.5 lakh candidates can now access their response sheets and estimate their scores ahead of the final results expected in November 2025. The answer key release initiates a window till October 19 for raising objections with a ₹50 fee per question challenged.
Officials underscored a normalisation process to maintain equitable scoring across shifts. The Tier 2 exam is scheduled for December 2025 for qualifiers.
Answer Key and Candidate Guidance
The SSC CGL Tier 1 answer key includes the correct solutions matched against candidates’ responses, enabling aspirants to calculate scores using the marking scheme of +2 for correct and -0.5 for wrong answers, with no marks for unattempted questions.
Given the exam’s multiple shifts, SSC applies a statistical normalisation process to ensure a level playing field for all. Candidates are urged to download the answer key promptly, as the challenge period is time-limited. Objections can be submitted online with valid supporting evidence via the SSC portal by 9 pm on October 19.
The commission will review these challenges through subject experts and publish a final answer key, which will be definitive for result calculations. This transparency enhances confidence in the process amid fierce competition.
Exam Schedule, Background, and Next Steps
The Tier 1 exam tested quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English comprehension, and general awareness, which are vital for filling 14,582 Group B and Group C government vacancies. The exam witnessed a reschedule for some candidates following disruptions like a fire incident and allegations of malpractice.
Approximately 13.5 lakh candidates appeared, with about 2 lakh expected to qualify for the next stage. The results are projected for November 2025, with the Tier 2 examination slated for December.
Aspirants should intensify preparation for Tier 2 while monitoring updates on final results and answer keys. SSC’s streamlined schedule reflects ongoing efforts to balance fairness and efficiency in a highly demanding recruitment process.
How to Check Answer Key and Raise Objections
Candidates can check the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 by visiting the official SSC website, ssc.gov.in. They need to log in with their Registration ID and password to access their individual response sheets along with the provisional answer key.
The answer key contains the correct answers to all questions, allowing candidates to compare and calculate their estimated scores using the official marking scheme (+2 for correct answers, -0.5 for incorrect). If candidates find discrepancies or errors, they can raise objections online by selecting the question they wish to challenge, providing valid justification and paying a fee of ₹50 per question.
This objection window is open until 9 pm on October 19, 2025. After reviewing all challenges, SSC will publish the final answer key, which will be used to calculate the results.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The SSC CGL answer key release demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability in public examinations, vital for fostering trust among millions of aspirants. Maintaining open channels for timely grievance redressal and thorough scrutiny of objections reflects a meritocratic ethos that benefits candidates and the broader administrative system.
In a country where government jobs are highly sought after, such processes can promote fairness and dignity for aspirants across socio-economic backgrounds. Encouraging dialogues based on empathy and respect around examination outcomes can reduce anxiety and misinformation.
