SSC CPO Answer key 2026

What is the SSC CPO answer key?

The SSC CPO answer key lists the correct option for every question asked in Paper-I and Paper-II. SSC first publishes a provisional key with each candidate's response sheet, usually within a few weeks of the exam, and later a final key after reviewing objections. Use it to work out your likely score before the result.

Types of answer key

• Provisional (tentative) key – released after the exam with your response sheet. You can challenge any answer within a fixed window by paying a small fee per question.
• Final key – published after experts review the objections. It is used to prepare the result and cannot be challenged.

SSC issues separate keys for Paper-I and Paper-II. There is no answer key for the PST/PET – it is qualifying, and its results are declared separately. Dates are announced through notices on ssc.gov.in; there is no fixed calendar.

How to download the SSC CPO answer key

1. Go to ssc.gov.in.
2. Open the Answer Key section, or check the latest notices on the home page.
3. Open the notice for SSC CPO and the paper you took; it contains the link and the challenge window.
4. Log in with your registration or roll number and password, as stated in the notice.
5. Your response sheet opens, showing each question, your choice and SSC's correct option.
6. Download or print it to calculate your score and to raise objections.

Marking scheme (2026 pattern)

Paper	Correct answer	Wrong answer	Unattempted
Paper-I (100 questions, 100 marks)	+1	−0.25	0
Paper-II (160 questions, 320 marks)	+2	−0.50	0

The pattern is explained in full on the SSC CPO exam pattern page.

How to calculate your score

Paper-I example: you attempted 85 questions – 70 right and 15 wrong.

• Correct: 70 × 1 = 70
• Penalty: 15 × 0.25 = 3.75
• Raw score = 70 − 3.75 = 66.25 out of 100

Paper-II example: you attempted 140 questions – 115 right and 25 wrong.

• Correct: 115 × 2 = 230
• Penalty: 25 × 0.50 = 12.5
• Raw score = 230 − 12.5 = 217.5 out of 320

Final merit combines Paper-I and Paper-II, so add both normalised scores to judge where you stand. Compare your Paper-I score with past figures on the SSC CPO cut-off page.

How to raise an objection

1. Log in through the same link during the challenge window.
2. Select the question and the option you believe is correct.
3. Add your reasoning and, if possible, a reliable source such as a standard textbook or government publication.
4. Pay the per-question fee stated in the notice. Objections without the fee or after the deadline are ignored.
5. Submit and keep a copy of the confirmation.

What happens next

• Subject experts review every valid challenge. If one is accepted, the key is revised and marks are recalculated for everyone.
• The final answer key is used to compute the result; the Paper-I result lists candidates shortlisted for the PST/PET.
• Scores are normalised across shifts, so your raw score can differ slightly from your final marks.

Frequently asked questions

When is the SSC CPO answer key released?

The provisional key usually appears within a few weeks of the exam. The exact date is announced in a notice on ssc.gov.in.

Can I challenge the SSC CPO answer key?

Yes. During the objection window you can challenge specific answers by paying a fee per question. Accepted challenges change the key for all candidates.

What is the marking scheme for SSC CPO 2026?

Paper-I gives 1 mark per correct answer and deducts 0.25 per wrong answer. Paper-II gives 2 marks per correct answer and deducts 0.50 per wrong answer.

Is there an answer key for the SSC CPO PET?

No. The PST/PET is qualifying only, so SSC publishes a list of qualified candidates rather than an answer key.

Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.