APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 has been officially released by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB) on 31st August 2026 at 5:00 PM at the official portal apssb.nic.in. Candidates who appeared for the APSSB Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 on 30th August 2026 can now download the provisional answer key PDF along with question paper booklets for all series — A, B, C, and D — and raise objections before the challenge window closes on 1st September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
This guide is for every graduate candidate who sat the APSSB CGL 2026 written exam and wants to match responses, estimate their score, and understand how to challenge incorrect answers before the board finalises the key. Below, you will find the direct PDF download link, step-by-step objection process, scoring formula, important dates, and everything you need to know before the 24-hour challenge window expires.
The APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 was released on 31st August 2026 on apssb.nic.in covering all 4 series (A, B, C, D) of the written exam held on 30 August 2026. Candidates can raise objections until 1st September 2026 at 5:00 PM by paying Rs. 500 per challenged question.
- Conducting Body: Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), Itanagar
- Exam Name: Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination 2026
- Advertisement No.: APSSB-13/5/2026/1338
- Exam Date: 30th August 2026
- Answer Key Release Date: 31st August 2026, 5:00 PM
- Objection Window Closes: 1st September 2026, 5:00 PM
- Challenge Window Duration: 24 hours only
- Objection Fee: Rs. 500 per question (refundable if claim accepted)
- Series Available: A, B, C, D
- Official Website: apssb.nic.in
- Total Vacancies: 154 Group C posts (UDC, PA, Librarian)
- Salary: Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300 per month (Pay Matrix Level-5)
- What is the APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026?
- Who Should Download the APSSB CGL 2026 Answer Key?
- APSSB CGL 2026 Answer Key — Important Dates
- How to Download APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 PDF
- How to Calculate Your Score Using the Answer Key
- How to Raise Objection Against APSSB CGL 2026 Answer Key
- Objection vs No Objection — What Happens Next?
- APSSB CGL 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
- APSSB CGL 2026 Posts and Salary Details
- Advantages and Challenges of the APSSB CGL 2026 Process
- Important Terms Related to APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026
- Important Links — APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions About APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026
What is the APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026?
The APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 is the official document released by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board listing the correct answers to every question in the Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 written test. The board releases a provisional answer key first, giving candidates a fixed window to review and challenge incorrect answers before a final answer key is declared — which then forms the basis of the merit list and result.
The answer key is released in PDF format for each question paper series — A, B, C, and D — covering all four sections of the exam: General Awareness, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, and English. The total exam was for 200 marks with 100 objective-type questions. Since there is no negative marking in the APSSB CGL 2026 exam, candidates can use the answer key to calculate a clear, penalty-free estimated score.
The Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board released the provisional answer key for the CGL Examination 2026 on 31st August 2026 via official notice number APSSB-13/5/2026/1338. The window to download the key and raise objections was strictly 24 hours — from 31st August 5:00 PM to 1st September 2026 5:00 PM. No claims are entertained after the window closes.
Who Should Download the APSSB CGL 2026 Answer Key?
- 🎓 All candidates who appeared in the APSSB CGL written exam on 30th August 2026 — to match their responses and estimate their score before the official result.
- 📝 Candidates who recall incorrect or ambiguous questions — to raise a formal objection with documentary evidence within the 24-hour window and potentially get the answer corrected.
- 🧮 Aspirants wanting to estimate their cut-off probability — the score calculated using the answer key gives a realistic picture of selection chances for UDC, PA, and Librarian posts.
- 📂 Candidates from all paper series (A, B, C, D) — different series have the same questions in different order; always download the key for your specific series.
- 🏢 Candidates targeting APST and UR category cut-offs — category-wise cut-offs differ, so use the key to benchmark performance against expected category thresholds.
- 📚 Aspirants preparing for upcoming Northeast state exams — APSSB CGL 2026 question paper and answer key are excellent practice material for Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura state exams.
- 🔍 Candidates who registered under multiple posts — UDC, PA (Stenographer Gr-III), and Librarian all use the same written exam; a single answer key serves all three selections.
APSSB CGL 2026 Answer Key — Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| APSSB CGL 2026 Written Exam Date | 30th August 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 31st August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Objection Window Opens | 31st August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Last Date to Raise Objection | 1st September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Challenge Window Duration | 24 hours (strict) |
| Final Answer Key Release | After objection review (date TBA) |
| APSSB CGL 2026 Result | To be announced at apssb.nic.in |
| Official Portal | apssb.nic.in |
⚠️ Notice: The objection window for APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 has already closed as of 1st September 2026, 5:00 PM. Candidates who did not raise objections within the window cannot do so now. The Board will now review submitted objections and release the final answer key before publishing the result.
How to Download APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 PDF
Follow these steps to download the APSSB CGL 2026 provisional answer key PDF from the official portal. The process takes under 2 minutes and works on mobile or desktop.
- Visit the official APSSB portal — Open your browser and go to www.apssb.nic.in.
- Find the Answer Key notification — On the homepage, look for the “What’s New” or “Notifications” section. Locate the link titled “Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 — Provisional Answer Key and Question Paper Booklet.”
- Click the download link — Click the notification link. It will open or prompt you to download the answer key PDF along with the question paper booklet.
- Select your question paper series — Identify whether your question paper series was A, B, C, or D (printed on your question paper). Match the correct series key to your responses.
- Download and save the PDF — Save the file to your device. Print it if needed for easier cross-referencing with your OMR response.
- Cross-check your marked answers — Go through each question number and compare your marked option with the official answer listed in the key for your series.
- Note discrepancies — If you find any answer that appears incorrect, note the question number and gather supporting documentary evidence before accessing the objection link on the official site.
Always match your question paper series (A, B, C, or D) before comparing answers. The questions appear in a different order across series, so matching the wrong series key to your paper will give you an inaccurate and misleading score. The series code is printed on the top-right corner of your question booklet.
How to Calculate Your Score Using the APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026
The APSSB CGL 2026 written examination carries 200 marks for 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions — each question is worth 2 marks. Crucially, there is no negative marking in the APSSB CGL 2026 exam, which means unanswered or wrong answers carry zero penalty. Candidates must score a minimum of 33% (66 marks out of 200) to qualify in the written examination.
| Section | Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Arithmetical & Numerical Ability | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 2 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 2 | 200 |
Score Formula: Total Estimated Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 2). Since there is no negative marking, simply multiply the number of correct answers by 2 to get your estimated total score out of 200. The minimum qualifying score is 66 marks (33% of 200). There is no sectional cut-off, meaning candidates only need to meet the aggregate minimum of 33%.
How to Raise Objection Against APSSB CGL 2026 Answer Key
Candidates who found any answer in the APSSB CGL 2026 provisional answer key to be incorrect could raise a formal challenge within the 24-hour objection window. The Board requires authentic supporting documents with every objection — unsupported claims are summarily rejected. Here is the complete step-by-step process:
- Visit the official APSSB portal — Go to apssb.nic.in and locate the objection/challenge link for the CGL 2026 answer key on the homepage.
- Download the provisional answer key — Before raising any objection, download and carefully review the answer key and the question paper booklet for your series (A, B, C, or D).
- Identify the questions to challenge — Compare each answer with your understanding and gather credible references — textbook pages, NCERT chapters, UPSC or SSC official keys, or government reports — that support your claim.
- Access the objection portal — Click the objection submission link on the official APSSB website. You may need to log in using your application/registration credentials.
- Submit the challenge form — Select the question number you are challenging, enter the correct answer you believe is right, and provide a clear justification with supporting references.
- Upload supporting documents — Upload scanned copies or screenshots of authentic references. Documents must be specific to the question — general references are not accepted.
- Pay the objection fee — Pay Rs. 500 per challenged question via the online payment method on the portal. This fee is refunded only if the Board accepts your objection as valid.
- Submit before the deadline — Ensure all objections are submitted before 1st September 2026, 5:00 PM.
- Save the acknowledgement receipt — After submission, save the confirmation or acknowledgement for your records.
| Objection Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee per Question Challenged | Rs. 500 per question |
| Refund if Claim Accepted | Yes — fee is refunded |
| Refund if Claim Rejected | No — fee is forfeited |
| Supporting Documents Required | Mandatory — specific and authentic |
| Last Date to Challenge | 1st September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Board’s Decision | Final — no further appeal |
Objection vs No Objection — What Happens Next?
| Factor | Candidate Raises Objection | Candidate Does Not Object |
|---|---|---|
| Answer reviewed | Yes — Board examines the claim | No — answer stays as in provisional key |
| Cost involved | Rs. 500 per question | Nil |
| Possible outcome | Answer corrected or rejected | Score calculated on provisional key |
| Fee recovery | Refunded if claim valid | Not applicable |
| Effect on merit list | Can increase score if correction made | Score remains unchanged |
| Risk | Fee lost if rejected | No financial risk |
| Recommended if | You have authentic proof of error | Answers match your preparation materials |
| Decision authority | Board — decision is final | Not applicable |
Only raise an objection if you have clear, documentable proof from a credible source — such as an NCERT textbook, official government report, or a previous SSC/UPSC answer key on the same topic. Raising objections without solid evidence results in fee loss (Rs. 500 per question) with no benefit. If you scored well above the expected cut-off, even a 1–2 question discrepancy in the provisional key is unlikely to affect your selection.
APSSB CGL 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The APSSB CGL 2026 written examination followed a purely objective-type MCQ format with four clearly defined sections, each carrying equal weightage of 50 marks. The total exam duration was 2 hours, and the minimum qualifying mark was 33% aggregate — with no sectional cut-offs and no negative marking for wrong answers.
| Section | Topics Covered | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Current affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Science | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Series, Puzzle | 25 | 50 |
| Arithmetical & Numerical Ability | Number System, Percentage, Ratio, Time & Work | 25 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | — | 100 | 200 |
The paper series A, B, C, and D contain the same set of questions arranged in different order — a standard anti-copying measure used by state-level boards. The answer key is released series-wise, so candidates must match only their own series key when calculating scores or raising objections.
APSSB CGL 2026 Posts and Salary Details
All posts under the APSSB CGL 2026 recruitment — Upper Division Clerk (UDC), Personal Assistant (Stenographer Grade-III), and Librarian — are classified as Group C posts under Pay Matrix Level-5, offering a monthly salary of Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 92,300 as per the 7th Central Pay Commission structure adopted by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
| Post Name | Vacancies | Pay Level | Salary Range | Additional Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Division Clerk (UDC) | 122 posts | Level-5 | Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300/month | None (written exam only) |
| Personal Assistant (Stenographer Gr-III) | Part of 154 total | Level-5 | Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300/month | Stenography Proficiency Test |
| Librarian | 2 posts | Level-5 | Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300/month | None (written exam only) |
| Total | 154 posts | Level-5 | Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300/month | — |
Selected candidates also receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance as applicable to Arunachal Pradesh state government employees under the 7th CPC framework. The UDC post alone accounts for 122 of the 154 total vacancies, making it the most competitive category. Eligibility for UDC requires a Bachelor’s degree plus a 6-month Diploma in Computer Application from a recognized institution.
Advantages and Challenges of the APSSB CGL 2026 Answer Key Process
Advantages of the APSSB Answer Key System
- ✅ Transparent process — All 4 series keys (A, B, C, D) are released publicly within 24 hours of the exam, allowing real-time score estimation.
- ✅ No negative marking — Candidates are not penalised for wrong answers, making score calculation straightforward and more favourable than many other competitive exams.
- ✅ Objection window corrects errors — Any genuinely wrong answer in the provisional key can be corrected through the formal challenge process, ensuring a more accurate final key.
- ✅ Fee refund for valid objections — If the board upholds a candidate’s challenge, the Rs. 500 fee is fully refunded — incentivising only legitimate and well-supported objections.
- ✅ Merit-based final selection — The final answer key, after incorporating valid objections, ensures the result and merit list are based on accurate scoring.
Challenges Candidates Face
- ⚠️ 24-hour window is extremely short — Candidates have only 24 hours to review all 100 questions, gather supporting documents, and submit paid objections — an intense and time-sensitive process.
- ⚠️ Rs. 500 objection fee is non-refundable if rejected — Challenging an answer without strong documentary evidence leads to financial loss with no appeal mechanism.
- ⚠️ Board’s decision is final — There is no external grievance body or further appeal process if the board rejects an objection.
- ⚠️ Limited vacancy count increases pressure — With just 154 total posts across three categories, even small scoring differences can determine final selection — making the answer key review high-stakes for every candidate.
Important Terms Related to APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026
- Provisional Answer Key: The first version of the official answer key released immediately after the exam, subject to revision based on valid objections.
- Final Answer Key: The revised and verified answer key released after objection review. This version is used to calculate the official result and merit list.
- Response Sheet / OMR Sheet: The document showing a candidate’s actual marked responses during the exam. Compare this against the answer key to estimate your score.
- Objection Window: The limited 24-hour period during which candidates can formally challenge answers they believe are incorrect in the APSSB CGL 2026 key.
- Pay Matrix Level-5: The 7th CPC pay scale applicable to all APSSB CGL 2026 selected candidates, with a basic salary range of Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 92,300 per month before allowances.
- Merit List: The rank-ordered list of qualified candidates prepared after the final answer key is applied, forming the basis for final selection and document verification call.
- APST Category: Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe category, which attracts specific reservation and relaxation benefits in APSSB CGL 2026 eligibility and cut-off calculations.
- Qualifying Marks: The minimum aggregate score required in the written examination — 33% (66 marks out of 200) for APSSB CGL 2026 — to be eligible for merit consideration.
- Stenography Proficiency Test: An additional qualifying test applicable only to Personal Assistant (Stenographer Grade-III) candidates, held after the written examination stage.
- Cut-off Score: The minimum score at which candidates are shortlisted for document verification or skill test. Cut-offs vary by category (APST / UR) and post, and are announced along with the merit list.
Important Links — APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Official APSSB Portal | apssb.nic.in |
| Download APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 PDF (Official) | Direct PDF Link — apssb.nic.in |
| National Career Service Portal | ncs.gov.in |
| RPSC APO Admit Card 2026 — Download Guide | agrijob.in — RPSC APO Admit Card 2026 |
| Government Jobs After BSc Agriculture | agrijob.in — Govt Jobs BSc Agriculture |
| Karnataka AO AAO Hall Ticket 2026 | agrijob.in — Karnataka AO AAO Hall Ticket |
Conclusion — APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026
The APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 was released on 31st August 2026 for the written examination held on 30 August, covering 154 Group C vacancies with a salary of Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 92,300 per month. Candidates had a strict 24-hour window to download the series-wise PDF and raise paid objections against any incorrect answers — the objection window has now closed as of 1st September 2026, 5:00 PM. The Board will next release the final answer key and subsequently declare the merit list and result at apssb.nic.in.
Download your series answer key from apssb.nic.in, calculate your score using the 2-marks-per-correct-answer formula, and bookmark this page — we update it the moment the final answer key and APSSB CGL 2026 result date are officially announced.
- APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 was officially released on 31st August 2026 at 5:00 PM on apssb.nic.in for the written exam held on 30 August 2026.
- The provisional key covers all 4 series — A, B, C, D — for the 200-mark exam with 100 MCQ questions and zero negative marking.
- The objection window ran for exactly 24 hours (31 Aug 5 PM to 1 Sep 5 PM 2026); the challenge fee was Rs. 500 per question, refundable only if the claim is accepted.
- Minimum qualifying score is 33% (66 marks out of 200) with no sectional cut-off; all 154 posts offer Pay Matrix Level-5 salary of Rs. 29,200–Rs. 92,300/month.
- The final answer key (post objection review) will form the basis of the merit list and APSSB CGL 2026 Result — check apssb.nic.in for updates.
- UDC (122 posts), Personal Assistant, and Librarian candidates all use the same written exam answer key for score estimation and objection purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026
When was the APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 released?
The APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 was officially released on 31st August 2026 at 5:00 PM by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board on the official portal apssb.nic.in. The answer key covers all series (A, B, C, D) of the Combined Graduate Level Examination held on 30th August 2026.
How long was the objection window for APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026?
The objection window for the APSSB CGL 2026 provisional answer key was open for a strict 24-hour period only — from 31st August 2026 at 5:00 PM to 1st September 2026 at 5:00 PM. No challenges or corrections are accepted after this deadline under any circumstances as per the official APSSB notice.
What is the objection fee for APSSB CGL 2026 answer key challenge?
The prescribed fee for challenging any question in the APSSB CGL 2026 provisional answer key is Rs. 500 per challenged question. This fee is refunded only if the Board finds the candidate’s claim to be correct. If the objection is rejected, the Rs. 500 fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Is there negative marking in APSSB CGL 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the APSSB CGL 2026 written examination. Each correct answer fetches 2 marks, and wrong or unanswered questions carry zero marks. Candidates should therefore attempt all 100 questions for the best possible score. The minimum qualifying mark is 33% of the total 200 marks, which equals 66 marks.
Where can I download the APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 PDF?
The APSSB CGL Answer Key 2026 PDF can be downloaded from the official APSSB portal at apssb.nic.in. Navigate to the Notifications or What’s New section on the homepage and look for the link titled “Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026 — Provisional Answer Key and Question Paper Booklet.” A direct PDF link is also provided in the Important Links table above.
What documents are required to raise an objection against the APSSB CGL 2026 answer key?
Candidates must submit authentic and specific supporting documents for each question they challenge. Acceptable references include NCERT textbooks, standard reference books with clear page citations, previous official answer keys from SSC or UPSC, or government publications proving the correct answer. Vague or general references are not accepted, and objections without proper documentary evidence are automatically rejected by the Board.
What is the salary for APSSB CGL 2026 selected candidates?
All candidates selected through the APSSB CGL 2026 exam — for UDC, Personal Assistant, or Librarian posts — are placed in Pay Matrix Level-5 with a monthly salary of Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 92,300 as per 7th CPC norms adopted by the Arunachal Pradesh government, plus applicable DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance.
How many vacancies are there in APSSB CGL 2026?
The APSSB CGL 2026 recruitment has announced a total of 154 Group C vacancies under Advertisement No. 03/2026 — including 122 posts for Upper Division Clerk (UDC), along with posts for Personal Assistant (Stenographer Grade-III) and 2 posts for Librarian. The UDC category holds the maximum vacancies, making it the most sought-after post in this cycle.
When will the APSSB CGL 2026 Result be declared?
The APSSB CGL 2026 Result date has not been officially announced yet. The Board will first review all objections raised against the provisional answer key, release the final answer key, and then declare the result with the merit list on apssb.nic.in. Candidates should regularly check the official APSSB portal for the latest updates on the result declaration date.
What is the minimum qualifying mark for APSSB CGL 2026?
The minimum qualifying mark in the APSSB CGL 2026 written examination is 33% of the total 200 marks, which equals 66 marks. There is no sectional cut-off — candidates only need to meet the aggregate minimum to be considered for selection. However, final selection depends on competitive merit, given 154 vacancies across three post categories.
Last Updated: September 2026 | This page is reviewed and updated as official notices are released by APSSB. Bookmark it for the latest APSSB CGL 2026 result, final answer key, and merit list updates.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official and legally binding information regarding APSSB CGL 2026, always refer to the official portal at apssb.nic.in. Employment details, vacancy counts, and dates are sourced from official APSSB notices and may be updated by the Board at any time.
