SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Answer Key 2026 Out: Raise Objections at ₹50 per Question till 12 October, 4 PM
SSC has released the tentative answer keys and response sheets for the Phase-XIV/2026 Selection Posts Examination held from 16 to 26 September 2026. Candidates can challenge answers online at ₹50 per question until 12 October 2026, 4:00 PM.
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SSC Selection Post Phase-XIV Answer Key 2026 Released
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has uploaded the tentative answer keys and candidates' response sheets for the Phase-XIV/2026 Selection Posts Examination. The notice (F. No. HQ-RHQS015/1/2026-C-4) is dated 9 October 2026. The computer-based exam was held from 16 September 2026 to 26 September 2026 for Matriculation, Higher Secondary (10+2) and Graduation & above level posts.
Candidates can check their responses and raise online challenges from 9 October 2026 (4:00 PM) to 12 October 2026 (4:00 PM) by paying ₹50 per question/answer. The window is open now, so candidates should act before the deadline. This article explains the dates, the objection process, how to work out your likely score, and what comes next.
Overview: SSC Phase-XIV Answer Key 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination | Phase-XIV/2026 Selection Posts Examination |
| Levels | Matriculation, Higher Secondary (10+2), Graduation & above |
| Exam mode | Computer Based Examination (CBE) |
| Exam dates | 16 September 2026 to 26 September 2026 |
| Answer key notice | F. No. HQ-RHQS015/1/2026-C-4, dated 9 October 2026 |
| Objection window | 9 October 2026 (4:00 PM) to 12 October 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Objection fee | ₹50 per question/answer challenged |
| Mode of objection | Online only |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application window | 13 April 2026 to 4 May 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Computer Based Examination | 16 September 2026 to 26 September 2026 |
| Tentative answer key and response sheet notice | 9 October 2026 |
| Challenge window opens | 9 October 2026, 4:00 PM |
| Challenge window closes | 12 October 2026, 4:00 PM |
| Final answer key and result | Not announced yet; check ssc.gov.in |
SSC has said that representations received after 12 October 2026 (4:00 PM) will not be entertained under any circumstances. Representations sent by any other mode will also not be accepted.
Exam Pattern: How to Calculate Your Score
According to the Phase-XIV notice, the CBE at each level has four parts. Each part has 25 questions of 50 marks, so every question carries 2 marks. There is negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| B | General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| C | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 |
| D | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 | |
The exam lasted 60 minutes, with a 15-minute sectional timer for each part. Scribe-eligible candidates got 80 minutes with 20-minute sectional timers.
Raw score formula: (Number of correct answers × 2) − (Number of wrong answers × 0.50). Unattempted questions get zero. For example, 70 correct and 12 wrong answers give 140 − 6 = 134 raw marks.
Please note that the exam was held in several shifts. The notice says marks will be normalised under the procedure in Notice No. HQ-PP001/6/2024-PP dated 2 June 2025, and normalised scores will decide final merit and cut-off. Your final score may therefore differ from your raw score.
How to Download the SSC Phase-XIV Answer Key and Response Sheet
- Visit the official website ssc.gov.in.
- Log in with your Registration Number and Password.
- Open the tentative answer key / question paper cum response sheet for the Phase-XIV/2026 Selection Posts Examination.
- Compare the answers you marked with the tentative answer key.
- Take a printout of your response sheet. SSC says it will not be available after the deadline, and individual requests for response sheets or answer keys will not be entertained later.
How to Raise an Objection (Challenge)
- Log in at ssc.gov.in between 9 October 2026 (4:00 PM) and 12 October 2026 (4:00 PM).
- Open the challenge module and select the question you want to challenge.
- Give your representation for that question/answer.
- Pay the fee of ₹50 per question/answer challenged.
- Accept the undertaking on the portal and submit before the deadline.
Points to remember:
- In the challenge module, the order of questions and options may be different from the order in your exam. Your selected answers are still shown correctly.
- The saved question paper is only for personal use and self-analysis. The challenge portal includes an undertaking about this.
- Read the Commission's guidelines on the Challenge/Objection Management System, issued in its notice dated 10 April 2026.
What Happens After the Answer Key?
As per the Phase-XIV notice, the final answer keys will be used to process the result. Candidates who clear the minimum cut-off will be shortlisted for the next stage.
- Minimum qualifying marks: UR 30%, OBC/EWS 25%, all other categories 20%.
- Shortlisting ratio: 1:30 for posts with up to 5 vacancies; 1:15 for posts with more than 5 vacancies (minimum 150 candidates). For PwBD and ESM vacancies, all candidates meeting the cut-off are shortlisted.
- Document upload: Shortlisted candidates must upload self-attested documents on the Commission's website after the result.
- Next stages: Scrutiny of documents, skill test where prescribed, and document verification by the User Department.
Important Official Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Answer key and challenge notice (9 October 2026) | Download PDF |
| Phase-XIV/2026 Selection Posts notice | Download PDF |
| Login for answer key and challenge | ssc.gov.in |
FAQs
When was the SSC Phase-XIV answer key 2026 released?
SSC issued the notice for the tentative answer keys and response sheets on 9 October 2026.
What is the last date to raise objections?
Objections can be submitted online until 12 October 2026, 4:00 PM. Late representations will not be accepted.
What is the objection fee?
The fee is ₹50 per question/answer challenged.
Is there negative marking in the Phase-XIV exam?
Yes. 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Each question carries 2 marks.
Can I download my response sheet later?
No. SSC has advised candidates to take a printout now, as the response sheet will not be available after the deadline.
What is the minimum qualifying percentage?
UR candidates need 30%, OBC/EWS 25% and all other categories 20%.
Conclusion
The SSC Selection Post Phase-XIV answer key 2026 is now live on ssc.gov.in. Log in, check your response sheet, work out your raw score, and save a printout. If you find a wrong answer in the key, submit your challenge with the ₹50 fee before 12 October 2026, 4:00 PM. The final answer key and result will be announced later on the official website.
References
- https://ssc.gov.in/api/attachment/uploads/masterData/NoticeBoards/writeup_rhq.pdf – SSC notice F. No. HQ-RHQS015/1/2026-C-4: Phase-XIV/2026 Selection Posts Examination – uploading of response sheets with tentative answer keys and inviting challenges, dated 9 October 2026
- https://ssc.gov.in/api/attachment/uploads/masterData/NoticeBoards/Notice_of_RHQ_2026_phase_xiv.pdf – SSC Notice of Phase-XIV/2026/Selection Posts Examination (HQ-RHQS015/1/2026/C-4), uploaded 13 April 2026
- https://ssc.gov.in – Staff Selection Commission official website (candidate login), accessed 9 October 2026