PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 has been officially released by the Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab (PSSSB) on 12 October 2026 at sssb.punjab.gov.in. The provisional answer key covers the Clerk (Common Cadre) written exam conducted on 11 October 2026 under Advertisement No. 02/2026 for 531 vacancies. All four sets — Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D — are available in PDF format. This guide is for every candidate who appeared in the PSSSB Clerk exam on 11 October 2026 and wants to download the answer key, cross-check responses, calculate expected marks, and raise objections before the 15 October 2026 (5:00 PM) deadline. Below you will find direct download links, step-by-step instructions, the objection process, marking scheme, expected cutoffs, and complete FAQs.
The PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 was released on 12 October 2026 for the exam held on 11 October 2026. Candidates can download the Set A, B, C, or D PDF from sssb.punjab.gov.in and raise objections online between 13 October and 15 October 2026 (until 5:00 PM) by paying Rs. 50 per question challenged.
- Conducting Body: Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab (PSSSB)
- Post Name: Clerk (Common Cadre)
- Advertisement No.: 02/2026
- Total Vacancies: 531
- Exam Date: 11 October 2026 (Sunday)
- Provisional Answer Key Release: 12 October 2026
- Objection Window: 13 October to 15 October 2026 (until 5:00 PM)
- Objection Fee: Rs. 50 per question challenged
- Hard Copy Deadline: 20 October 2026
- Official Website: sssb.punjab.gov.in
- Salary on Selection: Rs. 19,900/month (Pay Matrix Level-2)
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026?
- Who Should Download the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026?
- Important Dates for PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
- How to Download PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 — Step by Step
- PSSSB Clerk Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2026
- How to Calculate Your Expected Score Using the Answer Key
- How to Raise Objections Against PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
- PSSSB Clerk Expected Cutoff 2026 vs Previous Year Analysis
- PSSSB Clerk Salary and Benefits After Selection 2026
- What Happens After the Provisional Answer Key? — Selection Process
- Provisional Answer Key vs Final Answer Key — Key Differences
- Important Links — PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions About PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
What Is the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026?
The PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 is the official document released by the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board listing the correct answers to every question asked in the Clerk (Common Cadre) written exam held on 11 October 2026. It is released in PDF format for all four question paper sets — Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D — so that each candidate can match the correct answer to their particular booklet series.
The answer key released immediately after the exam is called the provisional answer key. It is open for challenge during the objection window. After the board reviews all valid objections, a final answer key is published, which forms the basis for the official PSSSB Clerk Result 2026 and merit list. Candidates who appeared in the exam on 11 October 2026 under Advertisement No. 02/2026 must use this answer key to cross-check their responses and determine if they qualify for the next stage of the selection process.
As of 12 October 2026, the board has published separate Set-wise PDFs for all four booklet series. Candidates are advised to download only the PDF corresponding to their own question paper set, as answers differ across sets.
Who Should Download the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026?
- 🎓 All exam takers from 11 October 2026 — anyone who sat for the Clerk (Common Cadre) written exam under Advt. No. 02/2026 must download their set’s PDF to verify answers.
- 📊 Score estimators — candidates who want to calculate their likely score before the official result is announced to gauge their chances of qualifying.
- ⚡ Objection filers — candidates who believe one or more official answers are incorrect and want to challenge them before the 15 October 2026 deadline.
- 📚 Future PSSSB aspirants — those preparing for upcoming PSSSB exams who want to study the actual exam paper and difficulty level.
- 🏆 Coaching institute faculty — teachers and mentors who want to review the official answers for guidance and result analysis.
- 📋 Candidates appearing in multiple government exams — those tracking their performance across Punjab government recruitment exams in 2026.
Important Dates for PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Window | 13 February to 06 March 2026 |
| Corrigendum / Application Reopened | 25 August to 07 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Released | 06 October 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 11 October 2026 (Sunday) |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 12 October 2026 |
| Online Objection Window Opens | 13 October 2026 |
| Online Objection Window Closes | 15 October 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Hard Copy of Objection to Reach PSSSB | By 20 October 2026 |
| Final Answer Key (Expected) | To be announced |
| PSSSB Clerk Result 2026 (Expected) | To be announced |
How to Download PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 — Step by Step
- Open the official website. Go to sssb.punjab.gov.in in your browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended).
- Find the Latest Notifications section. On the homepage, locate the “What’s New” or “Notifications” panel on the right-hand side or scrolling banner.
- Click the answer key link. Look for the notice titled “Provisional Answer Key (Set-A/B/C/D) for the written Exam Dated 11.10.2026 for the post of Clerk (Advertisement No. 02/2026)” and click on it.
- Select your question paper set. You will see four PDF links — one for each set. Identify the set (A, B, C, or D) printed on your admit card or question booklet and click the relevant link.
- Download and save the PDF. The answer key PDF will open in a new tab or begin downloading. Save a copy for reference and for matching your responses.
- Cross-check your answers. Compare each of your answers against the corresponding question number in the official answer key PDF. Note any discrepancies for potential objection filing.
Always verify the set code (A, B, C, or D) on your question booklet before downloading the PDF. Downloading the wrong set’s answer key and cross-checking against it will give you incorrect results. Your set code is printed at the top of every page of your question paper.
PSSSB Clerk Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2026
The PSSSB Clerk 2026 written exam under Advertisement No. 02/2026 is divided into two parts — Part A and Part B. Understanding the marking scheme is essential before calculating your estimated score from the answer key.
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Punjabi Language (Qualifying) | 50 | 50 | No negative marking |
| Part B | General Knowledge, Reasoning, English, Computer, Punjab GK | 100 | 100 | –0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Total | All Subjects | 150 | 150 | — |
Key rules: Part A is a qualifying paper only — marks scored in Part A do not count toward the merit list. Merit is determined solely on the basis of Part B marks. There is no negative marking in Part A, so candidates should attempt all 50 questions. In Part B, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. Unattempted questions carry zero penalty in both parts.
How to Calculate Your Expected Score Using the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
Once you have downloaded the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 for your set, use the following formula to estimate your score from Part B (the merit-deciding section):
- Correct Answers (C): Each correct answer = +1 mark
- Wrong Answers (W): Each wrong answer = –0.25 marks
- Unattempted (U): Zero marks, zero penalty
- Formula: Score = (C × 1) – (W × 0.25)
| Example Scenario | Correct | Wrong | Unattempted | Expected Score (Part B) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative attempt | 70 | 10 | 20 | 70 – 2.5 = 67.5 |
| Moderate attempt | 80 | 12 | 8 | 80 – 3 = 77 |
| Aggressive attempt | 88 | 8 | 4 | 88 – 2 = 86 |
| High accuracy attempt | 75 | 5 | 20 | 75 – 1.25 = 73.75 |
Remember: only Part B marks are used for ranking candidates on the merit list. Qualifying Part A (Punjabi) is mandatory but does not add to your score.
How to Raise Objections Against PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
If you believe any answer in the provisional answer key is incorrect, you can formally challenge it during the objection window. The PSSSB Clerk 2026 objection window is open from 13 October to 15 October 2026 (until 5:00 PM). Every objection must be supported by documentary evidence from a valid source such as a textbook, government publication, or authoritative reference. Follow the steps below:
- Identify the disputed question. Note the question number, the official answer given in the key, and the answer you believe is correct, along with your reasoning and source.
- Download the Annexure-I Grievance Form. Get the official objection form from sssb.punjab.gov.in. Each form must be filled separately for each question you wish to challenge.
- Pay the objection fee online. The objection fee is Rs. 50 per question challenged. Payment is made through the official portal during the online submission process.
- Fill and upload the Grievance Form. Complete the Annexure-I form with all required details — your question number, your answer, the basis of objection, and the reference source. Scan the form along with proof and upload it through the official PSSSB Google Form link provided on sssb.punjab.gov.in.
- Send the physical hard copy. In addition to online submission, you must dispatch the original filled Grievance Form and supporting documents by Speed Post or by hand to: The Secretary, Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab, Forest Complex, Sector-68, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), Punjab. Hard copies must reach the office by 20 October 2026.
Objections submitted after 5:00 PM on 15 October 2026 will not be accepted, regardless of merit. Physical hard copies received after 20 October 2026 will also be rejected. The board will review all valid objections and issue the final answer key after due consideration.
PSSSB Clerk Expected Cutoff 2026 vs Provisional Answer Key Analysis
While the official PSSSB Clerk cutoff 2026 will only be published after the final result, candidates can use the provisional answer key to estimate where they stand. Based on the number of vacancies (531), the difficulty level of the 11 October 2026 exam as reported by candidates, and historical PSSSB Clerk cutoff trends, the expected Part B cutoff range is estimated as follows:
| Category | Expected Cutoff Range (Out of 100 — Part B) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 72–80 marks |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 60–68 marks |
| OBC / BC | 65–73 marks |
| Ex-Servicemen | 55–63 marks |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 50–58 marks |
Note: These are estimated ranges based on vacancy count, paper difficulty analysis, and PSSSB historical data. Official cutoffs will be published by PSSSB after result declaration. Refer to sssb.punjab.gov.in for the final, authoritative figures.
PSSSB Clerk Salary and Benefits After Selection 2026
Candidates selected through PSSSB Clerk Recruitment 2026 under Advertisement No. 02/2026 will receive a structured government salary as per the 7th Pay Commission. The Clerk (Common Cadre) post falls under Pay Matrix Level-2 with a basic pay of Rs. 19,900 per month. The in-hand salary is higher after adding allowances.
| Salary Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Pay Matrix Level-2) | Rs. 19,900 per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Punjab Government notification |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per city/town category |
| Medical Allowance | As per Punjab Government rules |
| Gross Monthly Salary (Estimated) | Rs. 25,000–Rs. 32,000 (approx. in-hand) |
| Annual CTC (Estimated) | Rs. 3,00,000–Rs. 3,84,000 (approx.) |
| Job Location | Punjab (across 29 departments) |
| Job Type | Permanent, Regular Government Service (Group C) |
What Happens After the Provisional Answer Key? — PSSSB Clerk Selection Process 2026
The provisional answer key is just one step in the full PSSSB Clerk selection process. Here is the complete sequence of events that follows the answer key release:
- Objection Review Period: PSSSB reviews all valid objections filed between 13–15 October 2026 and evaluates them against authoritative references.
- Final Answer Key Release: After considering objections, the board publishes the final answer key. Any corrections to the provisional key are incorporated here.
- PSSSB Clerk Result 2026: The board prepares the merit list based on Part B marks using the final answer key. Results are announced at sssb.punjab.gov.in.
- Part-B Merit Examination / Typing Test: Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the English and Punjabi typing test and Part-B merit examination.
- Document Verification / Counselling: Shortlisted candidates undergo certificate verification and counselling for category-wise allocation across the 29 departments.
- Final Merit List and Appointment: A Common Merit List is published, and successful candidates receive appointment letters for the Clerk (Common Cadre) posts.
Provisional Answer Key vs Final Answer Key — Key Differences
Understanding the difference between a provisional and final answer key is important before calculating scores or making career decisions based on the answer key results.
| Aspect | Provisional Answer Key | Final Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| Release Timing | Within 1–2 days of exam | After objection review (weeks later) |
| Objection Window | Open (13–15 Oct 2026) | No objections accepted |
| Accuracy | May contain errors | Final, corrected version |
| Used for Result | No | Yes — official result basis |
| Answer Changes Possible | Yes, based on valid objections | No further changes |
| Action Required | Download, verify, raise objections if needed | Use to calculate final expected score |
| Best For | Early score estimation and filing challenges | Final result and merit prediction |
Use the provisional PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 only for a rough score estimate. Never make final career decisions based on the provisional key alone. If your estimated Part B score is within 5–8 marks of the expected cutoff, it is strongly advisable to file a well-supported objection for any genuinely disputed question. The final answer key, post-objection review, is the document that counts for the official result.
Important Links — PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| PSSSB Official Website | sssb.punjab.gov.in |
| PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 (All Sets) | Download from Official Portal |
| Punjab Government Official Portal | punjab.gov.in |
| National Career Service Portal | ncs.gov.in |
| PSSSB Clerk Admit Card 2026 (Reference) | Agrijob.in — PSSSB Clerk Admit Card Guide |
| PSSSB Clerk Recruitment 2026 Guide | Agrijob.in — Punjab Clerk Recruitment |
Conclusion — PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
The PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 has been released for all four question paper sets on 12 October 2026, just one day after the exam. Candidates must download their respective set PDF from sssb.punjab.gov.in, cross-check their responses carefully using the Part B marking scheme (–0.25 for wrong answers), and file online objections by 15 October 2026 at 5:00 PM if they find any discrepancy. The hard copy of any objection form must reach the PSSSB office in Mohali by 20 October 2026. Bookmark this page — we will update it as soon as the final answer key and PSSSB Clerk Result 2026 are officially released.
- The PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 was released on 12 October 2026 for the exam held on 11 October 2026 under Advt. No. 02/2026.
- All four sets — Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D — are available as separate PDFs at sssb.punjab.gov.in.
- Part B carries 100 marks with a negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer; Part A (Punjabi) is qualifying only and not counted for merit.
- The online objection window closes on 15 October 2026 at 5:00 PM; objection fee is Rs. 50 per question.
- Hard copies of objections must reach the PSSSB office in Mohali by 20 October 2026 via Speed Post or in person.
- After the final answer key, the merit list will be based on Part B scores; the salary for selected candidates is Rs. 19,900/month (Pay Matrix Level-2).
Frequently Asked Questions About PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
When was the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 released?
The PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 was officially released on 12 October 2026 by the Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab, just one day after the written exam conducted on 11 October 2026. The answer key is available at the official website sssb.punjab.gov.in.
How can I download the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 PDF?
Visit sssb.punjab.gov.in, find the notification titled “Provisional Answer Key for Clerk Exam Dated 11.10.2026 (Advt. 02/2026)”, and click the link for your question paper set (A, B, C, or D). The PDF will open directly for download. Make sure to select the set that matches your own question booklet.
What is the last date to raise objections against the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026?
The online objection window closes on 15 October 2026 at 5:00 PM. No objections will be accepted after this deadline. Additionally, the physical hard copy of the Grievance Form and supporting documents must reach the PSSSB office at Sector-68, SAS Nagar, Mohali by 20 October 2026.
What is the objection fee for PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026?
The objection fee for challenging any answer in the PSSSB Clerk provisional answer key 2026 is Rs. 50 per question. You must pay this fee online through the official portal at the time of submitting your objection. A separate Annexure-I Grievance Form must be filled for each question you challenge.
Is there negative marking in the PSSSB Clerk 2026 exam?
Yes, but only in Part B. There is no negative marking in Part A (Punjabi language qualifying paper). In Part B, which carries 100 marks and determines merit, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. Unattempted questions in both parts carry no penalty.
Which part of the PSSSB Clerk 2026 exam counts for the merit list?
Only Part B marks are used to prepare the merit list for PSSSB Clerk Recruitment 2026. Part A (Punjabi language) is a qualifying paper only — candidates must pass it to be considered, but marks scored in Part A are not added to the final merit score. The merit list is prepared solely on Part B performance out of 100 marks.
What is the total number of vacancies in PSSSB Clerk Recruitment 2026?
PSSSB released 531 vacancies for the Clerk (Common Cadre) post under Advertisement No. 02/2026. These vacancies are distributed across 29 departments of the Punjab Government. The post falls under Group C with a pay scale of Level-2, carrying a basic salary of Rs. 19,900 per month as per the 7th Pay Commission.
What happens after the PSSSB Clerk provisional answer key?
After the objection window closes on 15 October 2026, PSSSB will review all valid objections and release the final answer key. The official PSSSB Clerk Result 2026 will be prepared using the final answer key. Qualified candidates will then be called for the typing test, Part-B merit examination, document verification, and counselling before the final merit list and appointment.
What is the expected cutoff for PSSSB Clerk 2026?
Based on the 531 vacancies, paper difficulty analysis, and PSSSB historical cutoff trends, the expected Part B cutoff for the General category is approximately 72–80 marks out of 100. SC candidates may qualify at around 60–68 marks and OBC/BC candidates at 65–73 marks. These are estimates only — the official PSSSB cutoff will be published with the result on sssb.punjab.gov.in.
Last Updated: October 2026 | Source: sssb.punjab.gov.in (Official PSSSB Website). This page is updated regularly as official data is released. Bookmark it for the final answer key and result updates.
Disclaimer: The cutoff marks mentioned above are estimated figures for informational purposes only. Candidates should refer to the official PSSSB result notification for authoritative cutoff data. This post does not represent or speak for the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board.
