The SSC Selection Post Phase 14 answer key was released by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) on 9 October 2026. SSC uploaded the tentative answer keys and candidates’ response sheets for the Phase-XIV/2026/Selection Posts Examination. The challenge window ran from 9 October to 12 October 2026. This guide explains how to calculate your score, the qualifying marks and what happens next.
SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Answer Key: Overview
| Organisation | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination | Phase-XIV/2026/Selection Posts Examination |
| Levels | Matriculation, Higher Secondary (10+2), Graduation and above |
| CBE dates | 16 September to 26 September 2026 |
| Answer key notice | 9 October 2026 (F. No. HQ-RHQS015/1/2026-C-4) |
| Challenge fee | Rs 50 per question/answer |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application | 13 April to 4 May 2026 |
| Computer Based Examination | 16 to 26 September 2026 |
| Tentative answer key and response sheet | 9 October 2026 |
| Challenge window | 9 October 2026 (4:00 PM) to 12 October 2026 (4:00 PM) |
| Result | To be notified by SSC |
SSC clearly said that challenges received after 12 October 2026 (4:00 PM) will not be entertained. It also said response sheets will not be available after the time limit. Therefore, if you saved your response sheet, keep it safe for score checking.
Marking Scheme for the Phase 14 Exam
The same pattern applies to all three levels. Each paper had four parts, and each part had a 15-minute sectional timer.
| 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 (80 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates). Each correct answer carries 2 marks, and 0.50 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
How to Calculate Your Score Using the SSC Selection Post Phase 14 Answer Key
First, match your response sheet with the tentative key. Next, count your correct and wrong answers. Then use this simple formula:
Raw score = (Correct answers × 2) − (Wrong answers × 0.50)
For example, suppose you got 70 correct and 16 wrong, and left 14 blank. Your raw score is 140 − 8 = 132 out of 200. However, remember that this is only a raw score.
Because the CBE ran in many shifts, SSC will normalise the scores. Final merit and cut-off will use the normalised scores. As a result, your final marks may differ slightly from your raw score.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The Phase 14 notice fixes these minimum qualifying percentages in the CBE:
| Category | Minimum qualifying marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 20% |
Qualifying is not the same as selection. In practice, the post-wise cut-off decides who goes forward.
What Happens After the Answer Key
Shortlisting ratio
SSC shortlists candidates post-wise. For posts with up to 5 vacancies, the ratio is 1:30. For posts with more than 5 vacancies, it is 1:15, subject to a minimum of 150 candidates. Also, all qualifying PwBD and ESM candidates are shortlisted for posts reserved for them.
Document upload and verification
After the result, shortlisted candidates upload self-attested documents on the SSC website. Next, the user department and the SSC regional office scrutinise documents and hold document verification.
Skill test
Where a post needs it, a skill test follows for candidates whose documents are in order. Finally, ties are broken by normalised total marks, then Part A, B, C and D marks, then date of birth (older first).
Important Links
| Answer key notice, 9 October 2026 (PDF) | Download |
| Phase XIV/2026 official notice (PDF) | Download |
| SSC challenge guidelines, 10 April 2026 (PDF) | Download |
| More answer keys | Answer Key updates |
| SSC registration help | SSC OTR Guide 2026 |
Also check our SSC CPO exam date 2026 post and the Sarkari Result section for the Phase 14 result.
FAQs
When was the SSC Selection Post Phase 14 answer key released?
SSC released the tentative key and response sheets on 9 October 2026.
Can I still challenge the answer key?
No. The challenge window closed on 12 October 2026 at 4:00 PM.
What is the negative marking in Phase 14?
0.50 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. Each correct answer gets 2 marks.
What are the minimum qualifying marks?
UR 30%, OBC/EWS 25% and other categories 20%.
When will the Phase 14 result come?
SSC has not announced a date yet. Check ssc.gov.in and this site for updates.
Sources
- Staff Selection Commission – Uploading of Response Sheets with Tentative Answer Keys, Phase-XIV/2026 (9 October 2026): CBE dates, challenge window and fee.
- Staff Selection Commission – Selection Posts Phase-XIV/2026 Notice: exam scheme, negative marking, normalisation, qualifying marks, shortlisting and selection process.
Always confirm details on the official website before applying.