The Staff Selection Commission has released the tentative answer key and candidate response sheet for the Selection Posts Examination Phase XIV 2026. Candidates who appeared for the computer-based examination can log in through the official SSC website to view their attempted question paper, recorded responses and tentative answers.
The Phase XIV Computer Based Examination was conducted from 16 September to 26 September 2026 for posts requiring Matriculation, Higher Secondary (10+2) and Graduation & Above qualifications.
According to the official SSC notice, candidates can submit challenges to the tentative answer key from 9 October 2026 at 4:00 PM until 12 October 2026 at 4:00 PM. The objection fee is ₹50 per question or answer challenged.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Important Dates
| Event | Date / status |
| Online application started | 13 April 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 4 May 2026, up to 11:00 PM |
| Last date for fee payment | 5 May 2026, up to 11:00 PM |
| Application correction window | 11–13 May 2026 |
| Computer-based examination | 16–26 September 2026 |
| Tentative answer key and response sheet | 9 October 2026 |
| Objection deadline | 12 October 2026, 4:00 PM |
| Result / final answer key | To be announced |
The examination dates were updated after the original notice. Candidates should follow the latest SSC notice for subsequent result and document-scrutiny stages.
Direct official notice
Read the SSC Phase XIV answer-key and objection notice
Candidates should use the login route linked from the official SSC website. The sequence of questions and options in the challenge module may differ from the sequence shown during the examination, but the responses recorded for the candidate will be reflected accurately.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Vacancy Details
SSC advertised 3,003 tentative vacancies across posts requiring different educational qualifications. The broad category-wise total in the official notice is:
| Category | Vacancies |
| SC | 346 |
| ST | 185 |
| OBC | 667 |
| UR | 1,534 |
| EWS | 271 |
| Total | 3,003 |
The notice also lists vacancies for eligible Ex-Servicemen, PwBD and other reservation categories. Post-wise vacancies, departments, age limits and essential qualifications vary by region and post code.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Objection Window
The objection facility is available only for the period mentioned by SSC:
| Activity | Date and time |
| Tentative answer key released | 9 October 2026 |
| Objection window opens | 9 October 2026, 4:00 PM |
| Objection window closes | 12 October 2026, 4:00 PM |
| Fee per question challenged | ₹50 |
| Mode of objection | Online only |
How to Download SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Answer Key 2026
1. Visit the official SSC website.
2. Open the Answer Key section.
3. Click the notice for Phase-XIV/2026/Selection Posts Examination.
4. Open the candidate login or challenge-management link provided by SSC.
5. Enter your registration number and password.
6. Complete the required security verification.
7. View the saved question paper, response sheet and tentative answer key.
8. Download or print the response sheet for your records.
9. Calculate your probable score using the official marking scheme.
How to challenge an answer
1. Log in to the SSC answer-key challenge module.
2. Open the question paper and response sheet for your examination shift.
3. Select the question or answer you want to challenge.
4. Provide the required explanation or supporting information.
5. Pay ₹50 for each challenged question.
6. Submit the representation within the deadline.
7. Save the payment receipt and final submission confirmation.
Representations sent by email, post or any method other than the prescribed online module will not be accepted. SSC will examine valid challenges before preparing the final answer key. The Commission’s decision on the challenges will be final.
How to Calculate Your Probable Score
The SSC Selection Post Phase XIV computer-based paper has 100 questions for 200 marks. Each correct answer carries 2 marks, while 0.50 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
Use this formula:
Probable score = (Correct answers × 2) − (Incorrect answers × 0.50)
Do not deduct marks for unanswered questions. The final score may also be affected by normalization if the examination is conducted in multiple shifts. SSC uses normalized scores for merit and cut-off decisions where applicable.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Qualification
The recruitment is divided into three qualification levels:
Matriculation level
Candidates should have passed Class 10 or Matriculation from a recognized board in India for the relevant post.
Higher Secondary level
Candidates should have passed 10+2 or an equivalent Higher Secondary examination from a recognized board for the relevant post.
Graduation and above level
Candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university or institution for the relevant post.
Some posts also require subject-specific qualifications, experience, professional certificates, typing, data-entry or computer-proficiency skills. Candidates should match their qualifications with the exact post code in the official post-details portal.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Age Limit
The minimum age is generally 18 years. The maximum age is post-specific and may be 25, 27 or 30 years, depending on the post and department.
Age is calculated as on 1 January 2026. Relaxation is available to eligible categories under the applicable government rules, including SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen and other specified groups.
Candidates should not assume that the age limit for one Selection Post applies to every vacancy. The exact upper-age condition is printed in the post-wise details for each post code.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Application Fee
| Candidate category | Fee |
| General / EWS / OBC | ₹100 |
| Women candidates | Exempted |
| SC / ST candidates | Exempted |
| PwBD candidates | Exempted |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | Exempted |
The application fee was payable online through BHIM UPI, net banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or RuPay credit/debit cards. The fee had to be paid separately for each category of post applied for.
Correction charges
Candidates who used the application correction window were required to pay:
• First correction and resubmission: ₹200
• Second correction and resubmission: ₹500
The correction charges applied to all candidates, regardless of category or gender, and were non-refundable.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Exam Pattern
SSC conducts separate computer-based examinations for posts at the Matriculation, 10+2 and Graduation & Above levels. The common paper structure is:
| 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 |
Duration and language
• Total time: 60 minutes
• Candidates eligible for a scribe generally receive the prescribed additional time.
• Each part has a sectional timer of 15 minutes.
• The paper is conducted in Hindi and English.
• Candidates choose the examination medium during the application process.
• There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Skill tests such as typing, data entry or computer proficiency tests may be conducted where required by the individual post. Unless specified otherwise in the post details, these tests are qualifying in nature.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Selection Process
The selection process generally includes:
1. Computer Based Examination
2. Post-specific skill test, where prescribed
3. Uploading of relevant qualification and supporting documents
4. Document scrutiny and verification by the concerned user department
5. Final merit list and post allocation
The CBE score is used for merit and cut-off decisions, subject to normalization where applicable. The Commission may set different minimum qualifying standards for different categories and components.
Candidates who qualify the CBE must upload the required documents through the SSC portal when instructed. Failure to upload documents can lead to rejection. The application remains provisional until document scrutiny is completed by the concerned department.
SSC Selection Post Region-Wise Offices
Selection Post vacancies are handled through SSC regional offices, including:
• Central Region: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
• Madhya Pradesh Region: Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh
• Northern Region: Delhi and surrounding region
• Eastern Region
• Karnataka Kerala Region
• North Eastern Region
• North Western Region
• Southern Region
• Western Region
The region, department and post code should be checked carefully because the vacancy, essential qualification, age limit and selection requirements can differ between posts.
What Happens After the Answer Key?
After the objection period closes, SSC will review valid representations and prepare the final answer key. The final answer key will be used to process the result of the computer-based examination.
Candidates who qualify may be asked to upload documents for scrutiny. Depending on the post, a qualifying skill test or document-verification stage may follow. Candidates should retain:
• Admit card
• Application form printout
• Response sheet
• Tentative answer key
• Objection receipt, if submitted
• Matriculation, 10+2 or graduation documents
• Category and reservation certificates
• Experience or skill certificates, where applicable
Important Links
| Resource | Official link |
| SSC answer-key page | Open SSC Answer Key |
| Phase XIV answer-key notice | Read the official objection notice |
| SSC Phase XIV notification | Download the recruitment notice |
| SSC official website | Visit ssc.gov.in |
| Post-wise details and vacancies | Check SSC Selection Post details |
Planning your next big exam? Don’t miss our detailed guide on the MPESB Patwari Answer Key 2026 for dates, eligibility and preparation tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Answer Key 2026 released?
Yes. SSC released the tentative answer key and candidate response sheets on 9 October 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to challenge the SSC Selection Post Phase 14 answer key?
Candidates can submit online challenges until 12 October 2026 at 4:00 PM.
Q3. What is the SSC answer-key objection fee?
The fee is ₹50 for each question or answer challenged.
Q4. How many vacancies are available in SSC Selection Post Phase 14?
The official notice lists 3,003 tentative vacancies across Matriculation, Higher Secondary and Graduation & Above posts.
Q5. What is the SSC Selection Post Phase 14 exam pattern?
The computer-based exam has 100 objective questions for 200 marks: 25 questions each from General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language.
Q6. Is there negative marking?
Yes. SSC deducts 0.50 marks for every wrong answer. There is no deduction for an unanswered question.
Q7. What are the qualification levels in Selection Post Phase 14?
There are separate post categories for Matriculation, Higher Secondary (10+2) and Graduation & Above candidates.
Q8. What happens after the SSC Selection Post answer key?
SSC will finalize the answer key after reviewing valid objections and then process the CBE result. Qualified candidates may be required to upload documents and appear for post-specific skill tests or document verification.
