SSC CGL 2025 tier-1 answer key, response sheets out for 13.5 lakh aspirants; challenge window active

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has published the SSC CGL tier-1 answer key along with the response sheet and question paper. Candidates who appeared in the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGLE 2025) will also be allowed to challenge the answer key by paying an objection fee of Rs 50 on the official website, ssc.gov.in.

The SSC CGL answer key was scheduled to be released on October 15, a day after the re-exam held for affected candidates. However, candidates again expressed discontent as the commission failed to provide clarity after missing its own deadline.

Around 13.5 lakh candidates can now download their SSC CGL response sheet along with the question paper and answer key from the official website. The SSC CGL answer key challenge window is also active on the official website, ssc.gov.in. The last date to raise challenge against the answer key is October 19 up to 9 pm.

The objection fee of Rs 100 has been reduced by half – Rs 50 – to ease the financial burden on aspirants.

Also read Delhi HC questions SSC order restricting post-exam paper discussions; seeks government response

SSC CGL 2025 normalisation method

In a recent statement, the commission announced the introduction of equi-percentile normalization .

The method compares candidates on the basis of their percentile score rather than the raw marks. Normalisation method is used to prepare the merit list by removing any advantage or disadvantage that may arise from variation in difficulty levels across different exam shifts.

“For example, if one batch of candidates gets a slightly tougher paper than another, normalization ensures that results remain fair and consistent across all groups,” the commission said.

SSC CGL tier-1 exam was conducted from September 12 to 26, and a re-exam was held on October 14 for the affected candidates in 44 centres. The exam was marred with irregularities, delays, and technical glitches. The controversy escalated after Dhanbad police arrested the server manager of the Barwadda exam centre, accused of helping candidates cheat.