The SSC CGL Answer Key 2025 releaased today on 17 October 2025 is one of the most anticipated updates for candidates who appeared in the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025 Tier 1 exam. After months of preparation, aspirants eagerly wait to evaluate their performance and estimate their scores before the official results are announced. The release of the SSC CGL Answer Key is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and fairness in the examination process.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything about the SSC CGL Answer Key, including how to download it, calculate your score, raise objections, and understand expected cut-offs.
What is the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key?
The SSC CGL Answer Key is an official document released by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) containing the correct answers for all the questions asked in the Tier 1 exam. It is generally released in PDF format and provides candidates with a chance to verify their responses and estimate their marks.
Candidates can use the answer key to:
Check which answers they attempted correctly
Calculate tentative scores
Identify discrepancies and raise objections if necessary
Unlike the final result, the answer key is provisional, meaning that candidates can submit challenges within a limited timeframe before it is finalized.
Importance of the Tier 1 Answer Key
The SSC CGL Answer Key plays a critical role for candidates for several reasons:
Score Estimation: Candidates can calculate their tentative scores using the answer key before the results are officially announced.
Transparency: It ensures that the SSC maintains fairness by giving all candidates access to the correct answers.
Objection Filing: Candidates can challenge any incorrect answers, which may impact the final result.
Preparation for Tier 2: Understanding performance in Tier 1 helps aspirants strategize for the upcoming Tier 2 exam.
In essence, the answer key bridges the gap between attempting the exam and knowing one’s performance, allowing candidates to plan their next steps effectively.
SSC CGL Answer Key 2025 Release Dates
The SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key is released shortly after the Tier 1 exam concludes. Candidates should note the following:
Tier 1 Exam Dates: September 12–26, 2025
Re-exam Date for Affected Candidates: October 14, 2025
SSC CGL Answer Key Release Date: October 15, 2025 (tentative)
Objection Submission Window: Usually lasts 4–7 days from the answer key release
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in) for updates regarding the SSC CGL Answer Key and related notifications.
How to download SSC CGL Answer Key
Downloading the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Visit the Official SSC Website: Go to ssc.gov.in.
Navigate to the ‘Answer Key’ Section: On the homepage, click on the ‘Answer Key’ link.
Select the Tier 1 Exam: Find the link labeled “Combined Graduate Level Examination 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key”.
Login: Enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth/Password.
Download the PDF: The answer key PDF will contain all the questions with their correct answers.
Save for Reference: Keep a copy of the answer key for score calculation and objection filing if needed.
Tip: Always verify that you have downloaded the correct shift and date of your exam, as the answer key may vary for different shifts.
How to Access Your Response Sheet
Along with the SSC CGL answer key 2025, SSC often provides the candidate’s response sheet. This shows the answers you selected during the exam.
Steps to access it:
Log in to your SSC account using credentials.
Go to the “Response Sheet” section for SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1.
Download your responses in PDF format.
Compare your responses with the official answer key to calculate tentative scores.
Having both the answer key and your response sheet ensures accurate score estimation and helps identify any discrepancies.
Calculating Your Tentative Scores
Using the SSC CGL Answer Key 2025, candidates can estimate their scores before the official results:
Marking Scheme:
Correct answer: +2 marks
Wrong answer: -0.50 marks
Formula to Calculate Score:
Example:
Correct Answers: 75
Wrong Answers: 10
Tentative Score = (75×2) – (10×0.5) = 150 – 5 = 145
This gives candidates an early understanding of their performance and expected qualification for Tier 2.
Expected Cut-Offs for SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1
While the official cut-offs will be declared later, previous trends provide an idea:
| Category | Expected Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| SC / ST / PwD | 20% |
Factors affecting cut-off include:
Number of candidates
Difficulty level of Tier 1 exam
Number of vacancies
Using the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key, candidates can compare their scores to expected cut-offs to anticipate results.
Raising Objections Against the SSC CGL Answer Key
If you find any question incorrectly marked or ambiguous, SSC gives you a chance to challenge it.
Steps to Raise Objection
Visit the official answer key portal on SSC’s website.
Click “Challenge Answer Key”.
Log in using your credentials.
Select the question(s) you want to challenge.
Provide a clear explanation with valid proof (book/page reference).
Pay the ₹100 fee per question.
Submit the objection before the deadline.
After reviewing all challenges, SSC releases the final SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key and later the result.
SSC’s Transparency and Normalization System
Many candidates wonder if their score changes after objections.
Here’s how SSC ensures fairness:
Every challenge is reviewed by subject-matter experts.
If a question is found invalid, all candidates get full marks.
Marks are normalized using a mathematical formula across shifts.
The final merit list is based on the normalized Tier 1 scores.
This process guarantees that everyone gets equal opportunity regardless of exam slot difficulty.
Common Mistakes While Checking the Answer Key
Not downloading the response sheet – you’ll need it later!
Using unofficial links – only use ssc.gov.in.
Missing the objection window – SSC is strict with deadlines.
Not saving proof of payment for challenges.
Assuming the provisional key is final – always wait for the final version.
Avoid these, and your SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key process will be smooth.
How to Prepare for Tier 2 After Checking the Answer Key
Don’t wait for results—Tier 2 will come faster than you expect.
Once you’ve checked the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key, start your Tier 2 prep based on your performance.
Smart Strategy
Focus on Quantitative Abilities and English Language—they carry heavy weight.
Revisit concepts where you lost marks in Tier 1.
Use your response sheet as a diagnostic tool.
Practice SSC-pattern mock tests twice a week.
Revise current affairs for the General Awareness portion.
Consistency is your biggest ally here!
Expert Tips to Handle Post-SSC CGL Answer-Key 2025 Anxiety
Waiting for results can be stressful. Here’s how to stay calm:
Don’t overanalyze minor discrepancies—trust SSC’s review system.
Focus on your Tier 2 preparation; every day counts.
Join online groups for discussion but avoid misinformation.
Use the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key as feedback, not final judgment.
Key Takeaways
The SSC CGL Answer Key 2025 helps you estimate your marks early.
It ensures transparency and fairness in the evaluation process.
Always verify from official sources and act within deadlines.
Don’t wait—use your answer analysis to prepare for Tier 2.
Your Tier 1 journey may be over, but your CGL dream has just begun!
The SSC CGL Answer Key 2025 is a vital resource for all candidates who appeared in the Tier 1 exam. It allows candidates to evaluate their performance, calculate tentative scores, and raise objections if required. By following the steps outlined in this guide, aspirants can effectively use the answer key to gauge their chances of qualifying for Tier 2.
With the SSC implementing transparency reforms, candidates now have better access to their question papers, responses, and answer keys than ever before. Staying updated and analyzing performance using the SSC CGL answer key ensures that aspirants can plan their next steps strategically and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
SSC stands for Staff Selection Commission, an organization under the Government of India that conducts exams to recruit staff for various ministries, departments, and subordinate offices.
The SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key has been officially released today on the SSC website — ssc.gov.in. Candidates can now check their responses, download the answer key PDF, and calculate their marks.
Visit the official Staff Selection Commission (SSC) website and navigate to the Answer Key section. Log in with your roll number and password to access your Tier 1 answer key and response sheet.
For each correct answer, add +2 marks, and for every incorrect one, deduct 0.5 marks. This will help you estimate your tentative Tier 1 score.
Yes. SSC has opened an online objection window, allowing candidates to challenge any question or answer by paying ₹100 per question before the deadline mentioned on the official notice.
After the objection period, SSC will release the final Tier 1 answer key and then declare the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 result and cut-off marks. Qualified candidates will move on to Tier 2.
