PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 Released: Candidates Check Response Sheet and Objection Link for 86 Posts
Chandigarh, 19 January 2026 – The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) has officially released the provisional answer key for the examination conducted on 18 January 2026, marking a significant step forward in the recruitment process for 86 posts of Clerk, Telephone Operator, and other positions. Candidates who participated in the examination are strongly advised to immediately check their response sheets and compare them with the newly published PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026. The release of this key provides candidates with a crucial opportunity to evaluate their performance and to raise objections against any potential discrepancies found in the questions or answers.
The examination held yesterday, 18 January 2026, saw a large number of applicants competing for the 86 available vacancies across various departments under the Punjab government. The quick release of the provisional answer key, just one day after the examination, highlights PSSSB's commitment to expediting the selection process. The availability of the answer key and the objection link allows for transparency and fairness in the evaluation process. Candidates can access these resources on the official PSSSB website and a dedicated link provided by Sarkari Result All.
This article provides a detailed guide for candidates on how to download the PSSSB Answer Key 2026 PDF, understand the marking scheme, utilize the objection link effectively, and prepare for the subsequent stages of the selection process.
Key Details of PSSSB Clerk Recruitment 2026
The recruitment drive aims to fill 86 vacancies for critical roles such as Clerk and Telephone Operator, among others. These positions are highly sought after by graduates looking for secure government employment within the state of Punjab. The selection process involves a written examination, followed by document verification for successful candidates. The provisional PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 is the first official tool provided to candidates to assess their performance and anticipate their results.
To ensure candidates have all necessary information readily available, here is a summary of the key dates and details related to the PSSSB recruitment process and the answer key release:
| Event Details | Dates/Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) |
| Post Name | Clerk, Telephone Operator & Other Posts |
| Total Vacancies | 86 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Date | 18 January 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Release Date | 19 January 2026 |
| Objection Window Status | Open (Check PSSSB website for exact dates) |
| Official Website | sssb.punjab.gov.in |
Understanding the Importance of the Provisional Answer Key and Response Sheet
The release of the PSSSB Answer Key 2026 is a standard procedure in competitive examinations. It serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it allows candidates to calculate their approximate scores by comparing their recorded answers (response sheet) with the official answers provided by PSSSB. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it offers candidates a window to scrutinize the questions and answers for any potential errors. If a candidate believes an answer provided in the provisional key is incorrect, they have the right to challenge it through the official objection link.
It is crucial to differentiate between the provisional and final answer keys. The provisional key is subject to changes based on valid objections received from candidates. The final key, which will be released later, incorporates these verified corrections. The result declaration will be based on the final answer key. Therefore, candidates who spot errors in the provisional key must utilize the objection process to ensure accuracy and fairness in the final result calculation.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check and Download the PSSSB Answer Key 2026
Candidates can easily check their answer key and response sheet by following these simple steps. It is important to download both the answer key PDF and the individual response sheet for accurate comparison.
Step 1: Access the Official PSSSB Portal
First, candidates must navigate to the official website of the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) at sssb.punjab.gov.in. Be cautious of unofficial websites and only rely on the information published on the official portal. Alternatively, candidates can use the direct links available on reliable platforms like Sarkari Result All, which aggregate official notifications for job seekers.
Step 2: Locate the Answer Key Section
Once on the homepage, look for a section labeled "Current News" or "Answer Keys." This area typically contains all recent announcements, including the release of the answer keys for ongoing recruitment drives. Click on the link specifically titled "PSSSB Clerk, Telephone Operator & Other Posts Answer Key 2026."
Step 3: Login to Your Candidate Dashboard
To access the answer key and your individual response sheet, you will need to log in using your credentials. The login process usually requires your application number or registration number and your date of birth or password created during the application process. These details ensure that only authorized candidates can view their specific response sheets.
Step 4: Download the PSSSB Answer Key PDF and Response Sheet
After successful login, you will typically find two separate links or documents: one for the official PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 PDF and another for your "Candidate Response Sheet." The response sheet contains the answers you marked during the examination on 18 January 2026. Download both documents to proceed with the comparison.
Step 5: Compare and Calculate Your Score
Carefully compare each question number in your response sheet with the corresponding answer in the official provisional answer key. The question paper sets (Set A, Set B, Set C, Set D) vary for different candidates, so ensure you are comparing based on the correct set provided in the answer key document. Calculate your score based on the official marking scheme, which usually includes negative marking for incorrect answers. The specific marking scheme for the Clerk examination will be detailed in the official notification or on the answer key document itself.
The Process for Raising Objections against the PSSSB Answer Key 2026
The objection link provided by PSSSB allows candidates to challenge the provisional answer key. This mechanism ensures that any factual errors in the questions or answers are rectified before the final results are published. The process for raising objections is generally as follows:
Accessing the Objection Link: The link to raise objections is usually available alongside the answer key link on the PSSSB website. Candidates must click on the "Objection Portal" or "Raise Objections" link.
Identifying the Error: Candidates must meticulously review all questions and answers in the provisional key. If you identify a question where you believe the official answer is wrong, or if the question itself is flawed or ambiguous, prepare to challenge it.
Submitting Evidence: When raising an objection, simply stating that an answer is incorrect is insufficient. Candidates must provide compelling documentary evidence from reliable sources to support their claim. This evidence can include references from standard textbooks, official government publications, or established academic materials. Providing the specific page number and edition of the source material strengthens your objection significantly.
Payment of Objection Fee: PSSSB often charges a nominal, non-refundable fee for each objection raised. This fee is implemented to deter frivolous or non-serious objections. Candidates must be prepared to pay this fee online during the submission process. Ensure you only challenge answers where you have strong evidence, as the fee will not be refunded even if your objection is accepted.
Final Submission: After selecting the question to challenge, uploading the evidence, and paying the required fee, candidates must submit their objection form within the specified time frame. The objection window typically remains open for a limited period (e.g., 3-5 days) after the answer key release on 19 January 2026. Candidates must strictly adhere to this deadline; late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances.
Next Steps: From Final Answer Key to Document Verification
Once the objection period closes, PSSSB will review all received objections with a committee of subject matter experts. Based on their findings, PSSSB will release a final answer key. This final key will be used to calculate the official results for all candidates. The selection process then moves to the next stages:
Result Declaration: The official result will be declared based on the corrected final answer key. A merit list or cut-off list will be published, indicating which candidates have qualified for the next stage of the selection process. Candidates can check their results using their registration number on the official PSSSB website or Sarkari Result All.
Document Verification (DV): Candidates who successfully clear the written examination will be called for document verification. This stage verifies the authenticity of all documents submitted during the online application process. Candidates must ensure they have all necessary original documents ready, including educational qualifications (e.g., degree certificates, mark sheets), identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card), caste certificates (if applicable), and other required proofs as specified in the official notification.
Final Selection List: After successful document verification, PSSSB prepares the final selection list based on merit and vacancy availability. Candidates included in this list receive final appointment letters for the 86 available posts of Clerk, Telephone Operator, and other positions.
Preparation for Future PSSSB Examinations
For candidates who may not achieve the desired score based on the PSSSB Answer Key 2026, it is essential to analyze performance and prepare for future examinations. PSSSB frequently releases notifications for various government posts in Punjab. A review of the exam pattern, question types, and common errors made during the recent exam on 18 January 2026 can provide valuable insights for future attempts. Utilize the resources available on Sarkari Result All to stay updated on upcoming vacancies and prepare effectively for a career in government service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions regarding the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 and the subsequent processes:
How long does the objection window typically last after the release of the PSSSB Answer Key 2026?
The objection window for the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 typically remains open for a short period, generally between 3 to 7 days from the release date (19 January 2026). Candidates must regularly check the official PSSSB website for the precise closing date of the objection link. It is essential to submit any objections along with strong evidence well before the deadline, as extensions are rarely granted.
What is the difference between a provisional answer key and a final answer key?
A provisional answer key is initially released by PSSSB to allow candidates to evaluate their performance and challenge any potential errors. The final answer key is released after PSSSB has reviewed all valid objections and made necessary corrections. The final result calculation for the Clerk examination will be based solely on the final answer key, not the provisional one.
What documents are required to raise an objection against the PSSSB Answer Key 2026?
While specific documents vary based on the nature of the objection, candidates must generally provide robust evidence supporting their claim that an official answer is incorrect. This evidence should typically come from authentic sources, such as standard textbooks published by recognized educational boards or universities, or official government circulars related to the subject matter. Scanned copies of the relevant pages must be uploaded through the online objection link.
How can I calculate my score based on the provisional PSSSB Clerk Answer Key?
To calculate your score, compare your response sheet (the answers you marked) with the official provisional answer key. For each correct answer, add the designated marks (e.g., 1 mark). For each incorrect answer, subtract the designated negative marks (if applicable, as specified in the recruitment notification). The total score will be the sum of all correct answers minus the penalty for incorrect answers. Review the specific marking scheme for the Clerk examination carefully.
When will PSSSB release the final result for the Clerk and Telephone Operator posts?
The declaration of the final result for the 86 posts follows the closure of the objection period and the release of the final answer key. The review process for objections can take several weeks. Candidates can expect the final merit list and results to be published approximately 2 to 4 weeks after the objection window closes. Keep checking the official PSSSB website and Sarkari Result All for updates on the final result declaration.
What is the next step for candidates who qualify the written exam?
Candidates who meet or exceed the cut-off score in the written examination will be invited for the Document Verification (DV) stage. This stage is non-negotiable and requires candidates to present original copies of all educational certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), ID proof, and other relevant documents as specified in the recruitment notification for verification. Failure to produce valid documents will result in disqualification.
Where can I find the official notification regarding the PSSSB Clerk recruitment?
All official notifications and advertisements related to the 86 posts of Clerk, Telephone Operator & Other Posts are available on the official website of the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) at sssb.punjab.gov.in. You can also find archived notifications and updates on dedicated job information portals like Sarkari Result All.
Is there a fee to download the PSSSB Answer Key 2026 or response sheet?
No, there is typically no fee required to download the PSSSB Answer Key PDF or a candidate's individual response sheet from the official website. However, a fee is generally charged for each objection raised against the answer key. This fee must be paid online during the objection submission process.