The OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026 was released on 01 October 2026 for the Preliminary Examination held on 25 September 2026. Candidates can download the answer key PDF and raise objections online by 04 October 2026 through the official portal at ossc.gov.in using their Roll Number and Date of Birth as login credentials.
The OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026 is officially out. The Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC) published the model answer key for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Preliminary Examination for Specialist Posts/Services-2025 on 01 October 2026 under Notice No. IIE-44/2025-3665/OSSC. This guide is for Odisha candidates aged 21–42 who appeared for the CHSL Prelims on 25 September 2026 and now need to verify their answers or challenge any incorrect key. This article covers everything — the download process, objection link, login details, expected cutoff, selection stages, and next steps.
- Organisation: Odisha Staff Selection Commission (OSSC), Bhubaneswar
- Exam Name: CHSL (10+2) Specialist Posts/Services-2025 Preliminary Exam
- Advertisement No.: 728/OSSC dated 02.03.2026
- Prelims Exam Date: 25 September 2026
- Provisional Answer Key Released: 01 October 2026 (Notice No. IIE-44/2025-3665/OSSC)
- Last Date to Raise Objection: 04 October 2026
- Total Vacancies: 124 Posts (Group-B & Group-C Specialist)
- Salary Range: Rs.18,000 – Rs.56,900 per month
- Login Credentials: Roll Number (User ID) + Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY (Password)
- Official Website: ossc.gov.in
- What Is the OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026?
- Important Dates & Timeline
- How to Download OSSC CHSL Answer Key 2026 PDF
- How to Raise Objection on OSSC CHSL Answer Key
- Who Should Raise an Objection?
- OSSC CHSL 2026 Salary & Pay Structure
- Eligibility Criteria & Post Details
- Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
- Provisional Answer Key vs Final Answer Key
- Pros & Cons of Challenging the Answer Key
- Important Terms Related to OSSC CHSL Answer Key
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026?

The OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026 is the official set of correct answers released by the Odisha Staff Selection Commission for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Preliminary Examination conducted on 25 September 2026. This provisional or model key allows candidates to cross-verify their responses against the commission’s standard answers before the final result is declared. OSSC releases it within a few days of the exam and invites candidates to submit objections if they find any discrepancy. The preliminary exam covered 150 objective questions carrying 150 marks, with a negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer.
Why does the provisional answer key matter? It gives candidates their first estimate of the score before the official result. More importantly, it is the only opportunity to challenge any question whose key may be wrong. Once the final answer key is published after reviewing all objections, no further representations are accepted. For a 124-post recruitment with candidates from across Odisha, even a single corrected question can change shortlisting outcomes — especially near the cutoff.
Important Dates & Timeline — OSSC CHSL 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Advertisement (No. 728/OSSC) Released | 02 March 2026 |
| Application Window Open | 06 March 2026 – 05 April 2026 |
| OSSC CHSL Prelims Exam Date | 25 September 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 01 October 2026 |
| Notice No. (Answer Key) | IIE-44/2025-3665/OSSC |
| Last Date to Raise Objection | 04 October 2026 |
| Final Answer Key (Expected) | After review of all objections |
| Prelims Result / Mains Shortlist | To be announced at ossc.gov.in |
How to Download OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026 PDF
The provisional answer key and your personal candidate response sheet are both available on the official OSSC portal. Follow these steps to access both:
- Visit the official OSSC website — Go to www.ossc.gov.in on any browser or mobile device.
- Find the “What’s New” section — This is displayed on the OSSC homepage. Look for the link titled: “Link for Inviting Objections on Provisional Answer Keys for CHSL Prelims Exam 2026” or the Model Answer Key link for Advertisement No. 728/OSSC.
- Click the Answer Key / Objection Link — This redirects to the designated exam portal (hosted at cdn.digialm.com for this examination).
- Login with your credentials — Enter your Roll Number as User ID and your Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY format as Password. Example: If born on 05 March 2003, enter 05032003.
- View the answer key — Your response sheet showing your marked answers alongside the official model answers will appear on screen.
- Download/Save the PDF — Use your browser’s print-to-PDF or screenshot option to save your response sheet for offline reference and score calculation.
Before calculating your raw score, note that the OSSC CHSL Prelims carries negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer. Your estimated score = (Correct × 1) – (Wrong × 0.25). Do this calculation before deciding whether to raise an objection, as your final qualifying score depends on accuracy, not just the number of questions attempted.
How to Raise Objection on OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026
If you believe any answer in the provisional key is incorrect, you can formally challenge it through the official objection portal. The OSSC strictly accepts objections through the online link only — emails, postal submissions, and in-person challenges are not entertained.
Objection Login Details:
- User ID: Your Roll Number (as on your OSSC CHSL Admit Card)
- Password: Your Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY format
- Objection Portal URL: https://cdn.digialm.com/EForms/configuredHtml/852/101498/login.html
Step-by-Step Process to Raise Objection:
- Open the objection link given above before the deadline of 04 October 2026.
- Enter your Roll Number and Date of Birth (DDMMYYYY) to log in.
- Review the provisional answer key carefully and identify the specific question(s) you want to challenge.
- Select the question number and mark your objection by choosing the answer you believe is correct, with supporting reasoning.
- Attach or reference reliable study material, textbook citations, or official source material that supports your objection — while the notice does not mandate proof in a specific format, merit-based arguments carry weight.
- Submit the objection before the deadline and note your acknowledgement number or submission confirmation.
Key official instructions from the OSSC notice:
- Objections are decided on merit only. The number of candidates who raise the same objection does not influence the outcome.
- If another candidate has already raised the exact same objection and you have no new facts or arguments to add, you do not need to file a separate objection.
- Only objections submitted through the designated online link will be considered. No other mode of communication is accepted.
- The last date for registering objections is 04 October 2026 — no extensions have been announced.
Who Should Raise an Objection Against the OSSC CHSL Answer Key?
Not every candidate needs to challenge the answer key. Raising an objection is meaningful only when you have a genuine, fact-backed disagreement with the published answer. Here are the specific candidate profiles for whom filing an objection makes sense:
- 🎯 Candidates close to the expected cutoff — If your score is within 2–5 marks of the likely cutoff, even 1–2 corrected answers could move you from non-qualified to qualified for Mains.
- 📚 Candidates with subject expertise in the question’s topic — If a Current Affairs, Arithmetic, or Computer Awareness question has a verifiably different answer based on official sources, you are best placed to challenge it.
- 🗓️ Those who spotted ambiguous or multi-correct questions during the exam — Questions with two defensible answers or outdated data warrant objection.
- 📋 Candidates who cross-referenced the answer key immediately after the exam — Early analysis using standard textbooks and government sources gives you the strongest objection base.
- 💼 Candidates applying for competitive Odisha government jobs — Even one corrected answer in a 124-vacancy exam can change your rank significantly.
- 🧮 Those whose calculated score is within 10 marks of the expected UR or SEBC cutoff — Expected UR male cutoff is 72–78 marks; a correction of 1–2 questions directly impacts your result.
- 🔍 Candidates who found printing or data errors in the question paper — Factual errors in question wording or choices are always worth challenging with evidence.
- 🏅 Reserved category candidates near their respective cutoffs — SC, ST, SEBC, and PwD candidates have lower cutoffs; an objection successfully accepted here still shifts your result outcome.
OSSC CHSL 2026 Salary — Post-Wise Pay Structure
Selected candidates for OSSC CHSL Specialist Posts/Services-2025 will receive a monthly salary as per the Odisha Revised Scale of Pay (ORSP) Rules, 2017. The pay structure varies by the post’s grade level:
| Pay Level (ORSP 2017) | Monthly Salary Range | Typical Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Level-9 | Rs.35,400 – Rs.1,12,400 | Senior Specialist / Group-B Posts |
| Level-5 | Rs.21,700 – Rs.69,100 | Technical Assistant-level Posts |
| Level-4 | Rs.19,900 – Rs.63,200 | Junior Technical Posts |
| Level-3 | Rs.18,000 – Rs.56,900 | Amin, Junior Fisheries Technical Assistant, Junior Forensic Attendant |
In addition to basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Allowance, and other perquisites as per Odisha Government service rules. The Level-3 entry-level pay of Rs.18,000 – Rs.56,900 is applicable for most Group-C specialist posts in this recruitment drive, with annual increments as per service rules.
Eligibility Criteria & Post Details — OSSC CHSL Specialist 2026
The OSSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 was conducted under Advertisement No. 728/OSSC dated 02 March 2026 for 124 Group-B and Group-C Specialist posts across three categories:
| Post Name | Department | Total Vacancy | Women Reserved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amin | Revenue & Disaster Management | 15 | 6 |
| Junior Fisheries Technical Assistant (JFTA) | Fisheries & ARD Department | 15 | 5 |
| Junior Forensic Attendant (JFA) | Home Department / FSL | 94 | 30 |
| Total | 124 | 41 |
Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed the 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent examination from a recognised board. Specific posts may require 10+2 in Science, or a vocational qualification.
- Post-specific technical qualifications may apply — refer to the official notification (Advt. No. 728/OSSC) for exact post-wise requirements.
Age Limit:
- Minimum age: 21 years; Maximum age: 42 years as of 01 January 2025
- Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST candidates; 3 years for SEBC; as per OSSC rules for PwD and Ex-Servicemen
OSSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern & Selection Process
The OSSC CHSL 2026 selection consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Technical Main Examination, and Document Verification.
| Stage | Exam Mode | Subjects / Type | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I: Preliminary Exam | Online (CBRE) | Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, Computer Awareness | 150 MCQs | 150 Marks | 120 Minutes | -0.25 per wrong answer |
| Stage II: Technical Main Exam | Paper-based | Post-specific Technical/Subject Papers | Descriptive + Objective | 200 Marks | 180 Minutes | As per notice |
| Stage III: Document Verification | Offline | Original certificate verification | — | Qualifying | — | — |
The Preliminary Exam (Stage I) was held on 25 September 2026 in Computer Based Recruitment Examination (CBRE) mode. Candidates who clear the prelims cutoff will advance to the Technical Main Examination. The final merit list is drawn based on Main Exam performance.
Provisional Answer Key vs Final Answer Key — Key Differences
| Parameter | Provisional Answer Key | Final Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| When Released | Within a few days of the exam (01 Oct 2026) | After reviewing all objections |
| Purpose | Allow candidates to check answers & raise objections | Basis for result calculation and merit list |
| Can be challenged? | ✅ Yes — via objection portal by 04 Oct 2026 | ❌ No — final answer is binding |
| Score calculation basis | Not official — for self-assessment only | Official — determines shortlisted candidates |
| Change in answers | Possible — answers may be corrected after review | Fixed — no further changes |
| Where available | ossc.gov.in / Candidate Login Portal | ossc.gov.in (published after result) |
| Advice | Compare carefully; challenge only with evidence | Check cutoff to know your qualification status |
The provisional answer key is your one and only chance to correct the record before results are computed. If you scored near the expected cutoff range of 72–78 marks (UR Male) or 65–71 marks (UR Female), even a single successfully accepted objection can shift you from eliminated to shortlisted. File your objection by 04 October 2026 — do not wait until the last hour. After 04 October, no objection window exists.
Pros & Cons of Raising an Objection Against the OSSC CHSL Answer Key
Filing an objection is a right, not a compulsion. Weigh these before deciding:
Advantages of Raising an Objection
- ✅ Corrects genuine errors — OSSC has accepted objections in past exams and revised final keys, benefiting deserving candidates.
- ✅ Score correction — A successful objection adds marks and may push you above the cutoff for Mains shortlisting.
- ✅ Merit-based outcome — OSSC decides on merit, not headcount; a well-argued single objection has equal weight as 100 copies of the same one.
- ✅ No fee required — The OSSC CHSL objection process is free of charge as per the current notice.
- ✅ Online process — Quick and easy, no physical documentation required for basic filing.
Disadvantages / Risks to Consider
- ❌ Not guaranteed to succeed — If your argument is not supported by credible source material, the objection may be rejected without explanation.
- ❌ Objections decided on merit alone — Filing the same objection as other candidates adds nothing; only new arguments count.
- ❌ Window is very short — Only 3 days from 01 October to 04 October 2026 are available; rushing can lead to poorly argued challenges.
Important Terms Related to OSSC CHSL Answer Key 2026
- OSSC (Odisha Staff Selection Commission) — The state-level body that conducts recruitment exams for Group-B and Group-C posts under the Government of Odisha. Official portal: ossc.gov.in.
- CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) — An examination for candidates who have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent, targeting specialist posts across various Odisha departments.
- Provisional Answer Key — The temporary model answer key released by the commission immediately after the exam, open for candidate objections before the final key is published.
- Objection / Representation — A formal challenge filed by a candidate against one or more answers in the provisional key, accepted only through the designated online portal.
- CBRE (Computer Based Recruitment Examination) — The online exam mode used for the OSSC CHSL Prelims 2026.
- ORSP 2017 (Odisha Revised Scale of Pay) — The pay framework governing salaries for Odisha government employees; CHSL posts fall under Level-3 (Rs.18,000 – Rs.56,900).
- Negative Marking — A penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the Prelims; candidates must account for this when calculating expected scores from the answer key.
- Mains Examination (Stage II) — The post-specific Technical Main Examination candidates advance to after qualifying the Prelims cutoff; carries 200 marks over 180 minutes.
- Merit List — The final ranked list of selected candidates based on Main Exam performance, used for appointment to the 124 specialist posts.
- Document Verification (Stage III) — The final stage where shortlisted candidates present original certificates to confirm eligibility before appointment orders are issued.
Important Links — OSSC CHSL Answer Key & Objection 2026
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key & Objection Login | Click Here (Official Objection Portal) |
| OSSC Official Website | www.ossc.gov.in |
| OSSC CHSL Recruitment Notification (Advt. 728/OSSC) | Download from ossc.gov.in Notifications Section |
| Odisha Government Official Portal | odisha.gov.in |
Conclusion
The OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026 is now live at ossc.gov.in for the Preliminary Examination held on 25 September 2026 under Advertisement No. 728/OSSC. With 124 specialist posts at stake and a salary range of Rs.18,000 to Rs.1,12,400 per month, every mark matters — and the objection window closing on 04 October 2026 is your only opportunity to correct the record before the final answer key and results are published. Download your response sheet, compare carefully, and file a merit-based objection if you have genuine, source-supported grounds. Bookmark this page — we update it as soon as OSSC releases the final answer key and Mains exam dates.
- OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026 released on 01 October 2026 for the Prelims exam held on 25 September 2026 (Notice No. IIE-44/2025-3665/OSSC).
- Last date to raise objection is 04 October 2026 — no extension announced; submit only through the official online portal.
- Login with Roll Number (User ID) and Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY format (Password) at the official objection link.
- Prelims carried 150 marks with -0.25 negative marking; expected UR Male cutoff is 72–78 marks out of 150.
- Total vacancies: 124 specialist posts (Amin, JFTA, JFA) with salary from Rs.18,000 to Rs.56,900/month at Level-3.
- Candidates who clear Prelims will advance to the Technical Main Examination (200 marks, 180 minutes) — check ossc.gov.in for Mains schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026
Has OSSC released the CHSL Preliminary Answer Key 2026?
Yes. OSSC released the Provisional (Model) Answer Key for the CHSL (10+2) Level Preliminary Examination for Specialist Posts/Services-2025 on 01 October 2026. The key is available in the “What’s New” section at www.ossc.gov.in and through the candidate login portal. The exam was held on 25 September 2026 under Advertisement No. 728/OSSC dated 02 March 2026.
What is the last date to raise an objection on the OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key?
The last date to register objections on the OSSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key 2026 is 04 October 2026. Candidates must submit objections exclusively through the designated objection link on the official OSSC portal before the deadline. Objections submitted by any other means will not be entertained.
What are the login credentials for the OSSC CHSL answer key objection portal?
To access the provisional answer key and raise objections, candidates must log in using their Roll Number as User ID and their Date of Birth in DDMMYYYY format as Password. For example, if your date of birth is 15 August 2000, enter the password as 15082000. Your Roll Number is printed on your OSSC CHSL Admit Card 2026.
Does the number of objections filed on a question affect the OSSC decision?
No. OSSC explicitly stated in the official notice that each objection is decided on merit only. The number of candidates who file an objection on the same question has no bearing on the outcome. If 10,000 candidates object to a question but the commission finds the original answer correct, all objections will be rejected. Conversely, a single well-argued, evidence-backed objection can result in an answer revision.
What is the exam pattern for OSSC CHSL Prelims 2026?
The OSSC CHSL Preliminary Examination 2026 consisted of 150 Objective MCQ questions carrying 150 marks, to be completed in 120 minutes. The subjects covered are Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Computer Awareness. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. The exam was conducted in Computer Based Recruitment Examination (CBRE/online) mode.
What is the total number of vacancies in OSSC CHSL 2026?
The OSSC CHSL Specialist Posts/Services-2025 recruitment drive under Advertisement No. 728/OSSC announced a total of 124 vacancies. These are distributed as: 15 posts for Amin (Revenue Department), 15 posts for Junior Fisheries Technical Assistant (Fisheries Department), and 94 posts for Junior Forensic Attendant (Home Department). Of the 124 total, 41 posts are reserved for women candidates.
What is the expected cutoff for OSSC CHSL Prelims 2026?
Based on exam difficulty, total vacancies (124 posts), and negative marking patterns, the expected OSSC CHSL Prelims 2026 cutoff is approximately 72–78 marks for Unreserved (UR) Male candidates and 65–71 marks for UR Female candidates out of 150 marks. Reserved category cutoffs will be lower. These are estimated figures — the official cutoff will be announced with the Prelims result on ossc.gov.in.
What is the salary for OSSC CHSL Specialist Posts 2026?
Selected candidates for OSSC CHSL 2026 Specialist posts will be paid under the Odisha Revised Scale of Pay (ORSP) 2017. The salary for most Group-C posts (Amin, JFTA, JFA) falls under Level-3: Rs.18,000 – Rs.56,900 per month. Some specialist posts may fall under Level-5 (Rs.21,700 – Rs.69,100) or Level-9 (Rs.35,400 – Rs.1,12,400), depending on the post’s classification. Additional allowances (DA, HRA, Medical) are paid as per Odisha government service norms.
What happens after the objection window closes?
After 04 October 2026, OSSC will review all submitted objections through subject experts. Based on their review, the commission will release the Final Answer Key on ossc.gov.in. The Prelims result and Mains shortlist will be computed based on this final key. Candidates selected in Prelims will then be called for the Technical Main Examination (Stage II — 200 marks, 180 minutes). No further objections will be accepted after the final key is published.
Can I challenge the OSSC CHSL answer key by email or post?
No. OSSC has clearly stated in the official notice that only objections registered through the designated online objection link will be considered. Queries, emails, postal challenges, or in-person representations will not be accepted or acknowledged. Ensure you use the official objection portal at the link provided in the “What’s New” section of ossc.gov.in before the 04 October 2026 deadline.
Last Updated: October 2026 | This article is reviewed and updated as OSSC releases new information. Bookmark this page for the final answer key and Mains exam date updates.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All dates, vacancy counts, salary figures, and process details are sourced from the official OSSC notice (IIE-44/2025-3665/OSSC) and public government data as of October 2026. Candidates should always verify information from the official portal at www.ossc.gov.in before taking any action. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with OSSC or the Government of Odisha.

