Stay updated on the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key, response sheet release, and objection process. Get complete details on result dates, score calculation, and official SSC updates for Tier 1.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive recruitment exams in India, serving as a gateway for graduates to obtain Class B and Class C government jobs. In 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. Aspirants across the country are awaiting the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key to assess their performance. Meanwhile, a re-examination was scheduled for October 14 at certain centers, following reports of technical glitches and malpractice in the original slots. In this blog, we present a comprehensive guide to the Tier-1 answer key — its release, how to download and challenge it, scoring strategy, controversies, the re-exam scenario, and what to expect next.
1. SSC CGL 2025: Background & Key Dates
1.1 What is SSC CGL?
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the CGL exam annually to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India. The exam tests candidates on General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
1.2 Notification & Application
In 2025, SSC released the official notification for CGL posts, detailing eligibility criteria, syllabus, application process, and vacancies. Thousands of aspirants registered, and millions showed interest.
1.3 Tier 1 Exam Schedule & Re-Exam
The original Tier 1 exam was conducted between 12 and 26 September 2025 across multiple shifts and centers.
However, due to technical glitches, allegations of malpractice, or other disruptions at certain centers, SSC scheduled a re-examination on 14 October 2025 for affected candidates.
A city intimation slip for the rescheduled exam was released prior to the re-exam to inform candidates of their exam city and shifts.
Admit cards for the re-exam have been issued for affected candidates.
1.4 Vacancies
The 2025 CGL recruitment aims to fill 14,582 vacancies across various posts.
2. Latest News & Developments
Here are the most recent updates related to SSC CGL Tier 1 and the answer key:
2.1 Re-exam Admit Card Released
SSC has officially released the admit cards for candidates appearing in the re-examination scheduled on 14 October 2025. The admit cards contain exam date, center details, shift timings, and reporting instructions.
2.2 Technical Glitches & Malpractice Reports
Reports surfaced that in some exam centers (for example, Dhanbad), there were allegations of cheating, hacking, or system manipulation. Law enforcement in some regions acted on complaints.
Additionally, instances of fake documents claiming Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) status, and attempts at unauthorized remote access, have also been flagged during Tier 1.
Because of these irregularities, the authorities decided to conduct re-exams at affected centers to ensure fairness and integrity.
2.3 Answer Key Release Scheduled
The answer key for Tier 1 is expected to be released on 15 October 2025 on SSC’s official portal (ssc.gov.in / ssc.nic.in). This includes the provisional answer key, response sheet, and a window for raising objections.
The key release follows the re-exam on 14 October for affected candidates.
2.4 Integrity Measures & Vigilance
To prevent further irregularities, SSC has introduced stricter proctoring, surveillance (CCTV, biometric validation, remote monitoring), and AI tools. Candidates flagged in preliminary reviews may face disqualification.
3. SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key: What to Expect
3.1 Components of the Answer Key Package
Provisional answer key: Correct answers for all questions
Response sheet (candidate’s marked answers): Shows what candidate submitted
Question paper(s): Official questions corresponding to each shift
Objection facility: Window to challenge answers with evidence
3.2 Release Date & Platform
The official answer key, along with the response sheet, is slated for 15 October 2025 via SSC’s official portals.
3.3 Objection Window & Procedure
SSC will open a limited period (typically a few days) during which candidates can raise objections against specific answers.
Each objection must be supported with valid evidence (textbook references, government material)
Candidates may need to pay a nominal fee per question for raising objections
After review, SSC will issue a final answer key, which will be used for result calculation
3.4 Use of Answer Key by Candidates
To cross-check responses and compute estimated score
To identify errors or discrepancies and challenge them
To anticipate likelihood of qualification for Tier II
To understand strengths and weaknesses in sections
3.5 Marking Scheme & Estimation
Correct answer: +2 marks
Incorrect answer: –0.5 marks (negative marking)
No marks for unanswered questions
Estimated score formula:
[
\text{Estimated Score} = 2 \times (\text{Correct}) – 0.5 \times (\text{Wrong})
]
Using the response sheet and provisional key, candidates can derive their expected total and compare against likely cut-offs.
4. How to Download / Access the Answer Key
4.1 Step-by-Step Guide
Visit SSC’s official website (ssc.gov.in or ssc.nic.in)
On the homepage, locate the “Answer Keys / Tentative Keys” section or the CGL 2025 section
Click on the notification “SSC CGL Tier-I 2025: Uploading of Tentative Answer Keys along with Question Paper(s)”
Use your Registration Number / Roll Number and Password / Date of Birth to log in
Access your response sheet, answer key, and Question Paper (PDF)
Download and save the files for reference
If you find discrepancies, raise objections via the authorized link
4.2 Tips & Precautions
Use a reliable browser and stable internet
Ensure correct login credentials
Verify that the answer sheet corresponds to your exam shift
Download early (servers may slow due to high traffic)
Preserve the PDF and screenshot proof of objection submissions
Don’t wait till the last minute to raise objections
5. Re-Exam & Its Impact
5.1 Why Re-Exam Was Conducted
Technical glitches in some centers during original exams
Reports of cheating, hacking, or malpractice at locations
Candidates affected by power failure, fire, or other disruptions
Attempts to ensure fairness and maintain exam credibility
5.2 Timeline & Logistics
Re-exam scheduled on 14 October 2025 for affected candidates only
City slips issued ahead of exam to inform centers and shifts
Admit cards released for re-exam participants
5.3 Implications for Answer Key & Result
The answer key must include questions from re-exam shifts
Response sheets of re-exam candidates will also be published
Consolidated result will account for both original and re-exam candidates
5.4 Candidate Advice
Re-exam candidates should be vigilant about exam date, center, shift
Practice sample papers especially matching the subject sequence
Confirm login, system readiness, and center rules (ID verification, COVID norms etc.)
Be better prepared: stable internet, backups, earlier arrival
6. Likely Cut-Offs & Qualifying Marks
6.1 Minimum Qualifying Criteria
SSC generally prescribes minimum qualifying marks which candidates must meet (even if they don’t cross the general cut-off). Based on past trends and reports:
General category: 30%
OBC / EWS: 25%
SC / ST / other categories: 20%
These are approximate guidelines; actual thresholds will be confirmed with result notification.
6.2 Expected Cut-Off Trends
Though official cut-offs are yet to be published, trends from past cycles suggest:
Cut-offs typically vary by category, shift difficulty, and region
For a competitive year, cut-offs may hover well above the minimum qualifying marks
Based on answer key release, aspirants can guess whether their score crosses the likely threshold
SSC might also apply normalization if exam shifts have varying difficulty
6.3 How to Predict
Use estimated scores from answer key
Compare with previous cycle cut-offs
Factor in shifts, region, and subject difficulty
Consider the number of aspirants, seats available
7. Challenges, Risks & Suggestions
7.1 Challenges Faced by Candidates
Login / server issues during answer key download
Mismatched response sheets (using wrong shift’s key)
Tight timeline to raise objections
Mistakes in matching question papers
Anxiety over re-exam among affected candidates
7.2 Risks in System & Process
Irregularities like cheating, hacking, document fraud
Discrepancies in objection handling or delay in final key
Perception of bias or unfairness
Delays in result announcement due to re-exam consolidation
7.3 Suggestions for SSC & Candidates
For SSC / Authorities:
Ensure transparency in objection evaluation
Publish answer key version-wise (per shift) clearly
Maintain timely result schedule despite re-exam
Disclose final cut-offs and tie-break criteria
Strengthen proctoring and surveillance measures
Provide helpline / grievance mechanism
For Candidates:
Be prompt in downloading answer key and response sheet
Submit objections meticulously with supporting proof
Keep all records (screenshots, login history, rebuttal receipts)
Use the period before Tier II to study further, assuming qualification
Maintain mental composure; don’t be discouraged by re-exam delays
8. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. When will the SSC CGL Tier 1 Answer Key 2025 be released?
It is expected to be published on 15 October 2025, following completion of the re-exam on 14 October.
Q2. Will the answer key include response sheets and question papers?
Yes, the answer key package is expected to include response sheet and the question paper(s) per shift.
Q3. Can candidates raise objections to the answer key?
Yes. SSC will open a window for candidates to challenge specific answers, with evidence. A nominal fee per question may apply.
Q4. What is the marking scheme for Tier 1?
Each correct answer: +2 marks. Each incorrect answer: –0.5 mark. Unattended questions get no marks.
Q5. What if my exam was affected and I must take re-exam?
If you are among the affected candidates, you will sit for re-exam on 14 October. Your answer key and response sheet will be included in the consolidated process.
Q6. What are the minimum qualifying marks?
Typically, General: 30%; OBC / EWS: ~25%; SC / ST / others: ~20%. These are indicators; actual values will be in result notification.
Q7. When will the Tier 1 result be declared?
After finalizing objections and evaluating re-exam responses, the Tier 1 result should follow soon. Exact date will be communicated officially.
Q8. How can I calculate estimated score?
Compare your responses vs the provisional answer key. Use the formula: 2 × (correct) – 0.5 × (wrong) = estimated score.
9. What’s Next After Answer Key
9.1 Objection Handling & Final Answer Key
SSC will review all valid objections and publish a final answer key, which will form the basis for Tier 1 result calculation.
9.2 Tier 1 Result & Cut-Off Publication
Based on the final key, SSC will announce the Tier 1 result and category-wise cut-offs. Shortlisted candidates will then move to Tier II (or next stage).
9.3 Tier II / Next Stages
The selection process generally includes Tier II, Tier III (if applicable), skill tests / document verification / medicals
Candidates should prepare for all subsequent stages in parallel (especially Tier II)
Vacancies and merit lists will determine final selection
10. Final Thoughts & Recommendations
The release of the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Answer Key is a critical milestone for aspirants. It offers a chance to assess one’s performance, challenge errors, and build confidence for the next stage. The re-exam conducted for affected candidates demonstrates SSC’s commitment to fairness, though it adds complexity to timing and consolidation.
For aspirants:
Act swiftly once the key is live
Double-check all entries (responses, shift, candidate info)
Use the objection window wisely and timely
Prepare for Tier II even before Tier I results
Stay informed via SSC official channels
This answer key stage is your opportunity to validate months of preparation. Navigate it carefully, maintain composure, and stay ready for what comes next.
Helpful Resources
Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT)
National Career Service (NCS) – Ministry of Labour & Employment
