PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 has been officially released by the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) on 12 October 2026 at sssb.punjab.gov.in. The provisional answer key covers the Clerk (Common Cadre) written exam held 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 as separate PDFs. Every candidate who sat for the exam on 11 October 2026 must download their set’s PDF, cross-check responses, calculate their Part B score, and file objections before the 15 October 2026 (5:00 PM) deadline if they spot any error.
The PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 was released on 12 October 2026, one day after the exam held on 11 October 2026 under Advt. No. 02/2026 for 531 vacancies. Candidates can download the Set A, B, C, or D PDF from sssb.punjab.gov.in and file objections online between 13 October and 15 October 2026 (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 posts across 29 Punjab Government departments
- Written Exam Date: 11 October 2026 (Sunday), 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
- Provisional Answer Key Released: 12 October 2026
- Online Objection Window: 13 October to 15 October 2026 (until 5:00 PM)
- Objection Fee: Rs. 50 per question challenged (online, refundable if accepted)
- Hard Copy Deadline: 20 October 2026 (Speed Post or in person to PSSSB Mohali)
- Salary on Selection: Rs. 19,900/month basic (Pay Matrix Level-2, 7th CPC)
- Official Website: sssb.punjab.gov.in
- What Is the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026?
- Who Should Download the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026?
- Important Dates — PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
- How to Download PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 — Step by Step
- PSSSB Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
- How to Calculate Your Expected Score Using the Answer Key
- How to Raise Objections Against PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
- Documents Required for Filing Objections
- PSSSB Clerk Expected Cutoff 2026 — Category-Wise Analysis
- PSSSB Clerk Salary and Benefits After Selection 2026
- Provisional Answer Key vs Final Answer Key — Key Differences
- What Happens After the Answer Key — Full Selection Process
- Important Links — PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
- Conclusion
- 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 responses to every question in the Clerk (Common Cadre) written exam held on 11 October 2026. It is published in PDF format for all four question paper sets — Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D — so every candidate can match their booklet series to the right key and verify their answers with precision.
The key released immediately after the exam is the provisional answer key. This version is open for challenge during the objection window (13–15 October 2026). After the board reviews all valid objections submitted with supporting evidence, it publishes the final answer key, which then forms the basis for the official PSSSB Clerk Result 2026 and the Common Merit List. Candidates who appeared under Advertisement No. 02/2026 on 11 October 2026 must use this document to determine whether they qualify for the next stage — the typing test and document verification.
Only the Part B score (100 marks, with negative marking) counts toward the merit list. Part A (Punjabi language, 50 marks) is a qualifying paper only and does not contribute to ranking. It is therefore essential to calculate the Part B score accurately before drawing any conclusions about selection chances.
Who Should Download the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026?
- 🎓 All candidates who appeared on 11 October 2026 — anyone who sat for the Clerk (Common Cadre) written exam under Advt. No. 02/2026 must download their respective set’s PDF to verify each answer.
- 📊 Score estimators — candidates who want to calculate their likely Part B score before the official result is declared, to gauge their chances of clearing the cutoff.
- ⚡ Objection filers — those who believe one or more answers in the provisional key are incorrect and want to formally challenge them before the 15 October 2026 deadline.
- 📚 Future PSSSB aspirants — candidates preparing for upcoming PSSSB exams who want to review the 2026 question paper to understand the difficulty level and important topics.
- 🏆 Coaching faculty and mentors — teachers who want to review the official answers, identify any errors, and guide enrolled students on whether to file objections.
- 📋 Candidates tracking multiple government exams — those appearing in several Punjab government recruitment drives who want a reliable reference for their overall performance this cycle.
- 🔍 Candidates near the expected cutoff — those whose estimated Part B score falls within 5–8 marks of the expected cutoff should prioritise downloading and cross-checking the key immediately.
- 📝 Candidates who received a different set than expected — those who want to confirm their set code and ensure they are comparing their answers against the correct booklet series PDF.
Important Dates — PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 04 February 2026 |
| Online Application Window (Original) | 13 February to 06 March 2026 |
| Application Window Reopened (Corrigendum) | 25 August to 07 September 2026 |
| Admit Card Released | 06 October 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 11 October 2026 (Sunday, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM) |
| 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 Deadline) |
| Hard Copy of Objection Form to Reach PSSSB | By 20 October 2026 (Speed Post or in person) |
| Final Answer Key (Expected) | To be announced by PSSSB |
| PSSSB Clerk Result 2026 (Expected) | To be announced by PSSSB |
| Typing Test (Expected) | To be notified after result declaration |
How to Download PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 — Step by Step
Follow these 6 steps exactly to download the correct set’s answer key from the official PSSSB website without confusion:
- Open the official PSSSB website. Visit sssb.punjab.gov.in in your browser. Use Chrome or Firefox for the best compatibility with government portals.
- Locate the Latest Notifications panel. On the homepage, find the “What’s New” or “Notifications” scrolling section on the right-hand side. New notices appear at the top of this list.
- Click the correct answer key notice. Find and click 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)”.
- Identify your question paper set. Check the set code (A, B, C, or D) printed at the top of your question booklet or on your admit card. You will see four separate PDF links — select only the one that matches your set.
- Download and save the PDF. The answer key PDF will open in a new tab or begin downloading. Save a copy locally for reference and for match-checking against your OMR responses.
- Cross-check your responses systematically. Compare each of your answers against the corresponding question number in the official PDF. Mark any discrepancies — especially in Part B — for potential objection filing before 15 October 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Always verify the set code (A, B, C, or D) on your question booklet before downloading the PDF. Matching your answers against the wrong set’s key will give you completely incorrect results. Your set code is printed at the top of every page of your question paper. If you have misplaced your question paper, check the set code on your admit card or OMR receipt — both carry this information.
PSSSB Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The PSSSB Clerk 2026 written exam under Advertisement No. 02/2026 is structured in two parts. Understanding the exam pattern and marking scheme is essential before calculating your estimated score or deciding whether to file an objection.
| Part | Subject / Paper | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Punjabi Language (Qualifying) | 50 | 50 | Combined 2.5 hours | No negative marking |
| Part B | General Knowledge, Reasoning, English, Computer Awareness, Punjab GK | 100 | 100 | Combined 2.5 hours | –0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Total | All Subjects | 150 | 150 | 150 minutes | — |
Critical rules to understand before score calculation:
- Part A (Punjabi) is a qualifying paper only — you must pass it, but marks do NOT count toward the merit list
- Part A has no negative marking — attempt all 50 questions even if unsure
- Part B determines your merit rank — 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer
- Unattempted questions in both parts carry zero penalty
- Merit list is prepared solely on Part B score out of 100
How to Calculate Your Expected Score Using the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
Once you have downloaded the correct set’s PDF, use this formula to estimate your Part B score — the only score that determines your merit rank:
Formula: Score = (Correct Answers × 1) – (Wrong Answers × 0.25)
| Attempt Scenario | Correct (C) | Wrong (W) | Unattempted | Part B Score = (C×1) – (W×0.25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 65 | 8 | 27 | 65 – 2 = 63 |
| Moderate | 75 | 10 | 15 | 75 – 2.5 = 72.5 |
| Aggressive | 85 | 12 | 3 | 85 – 3 = 82 |
| High Accuracy | 78 | 4 | 18 | 78 – 1 = 77 |
| Borderline | 70 | 6 | 24 | 70 – 1.5 = 68.5 |
Remember: only Part B marks are used for ranking candidates on the merit list. Qualifying Part A (Punjabi) is mandatory but adds nothing to your score. Never include Part A marks in your merit estimation.
How to Raise Objections Against PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
If you believe any answer in the provisional key is incorrect, file a formal objection between 13–15 October 2026. The objection fee is Rs. 50 per question and must be paid online. Each objection must be backed by a credible reference source. Follow these steps:
- Identify the disputed question. Note the question number, the answer given in the provisional key, and the answer you believe is correct — along with the specific reason and source reference.
- Download the Annexure-I Grievance Form. Get the official objection form from the PSSSB notification notice on sssb.punjab.gov.in. A separate Annexure-I form is required for each question you challenge.
- Pay the objection fee online. The fee is Rs. 50 per question, paid through the official portal during online submission. This fee is refundable if your objection is accepted and the answer is corrected in the final key.
- Complete and upload the form. Fill in your name, application number, roll number, booklet set code, question number, claimed correct answer, and the basis for your challenge — including page number and title of the reference book or government document. Scan and upload through the official PSSSB Google Form link available on sssb.punjab.gov.in.
- Submit the online objection before 5:00 PM on 15 October 2026. No extensions will be granted. Objections submitted after the deadline will not be considered regardless of merit.
- Dispatch the physical hard copy. Send the original filled Annexure-I form and supporting documentary evidence by Speed Post or deliver in person 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.
Documents Required for Filing PSSSB Clerk 2026 Objections
Prepare the following details and documents before beginning the objection process. Incomplete submissions will be rejected without review:
- Completed Annexure-I Grievance Form (one per question challenged)
- Candidate’s full name and PSSSB application number (Advt. 02/2026)
- Roll number and question booklet series (Set A, B, C, or D)
- Question number and the provisional answer given in the key
- Your claimed correct answer and a clear explanation of why the official answer is incorrect
- Specific reference source: textbook name, author, edition, publisher, and exact page number
- For government publications or official circulars: the document title, issuing body, and date
- Online payment confirmation for the Rs. 50 objection fee
- Original copies of the Grievance Form and all supporting documents for dispatch to PSSSB Mohali by 20 October 2026
PSSSB Clerk Expected Cutoff 2026 — Category-Wise Analysis
The official PSSSB Clerk cutoff 2026 will only be published after the final result declaration. However, based on the total vacancies (531), the reported difficulty level of the 11 October 2026 exam, and PSSSB’s historical cutoff data for Clerk posts, the following expected Part B cutoff ranges are estimated for guidance purposes:
| Category | Expected Part B Cutoff Range (Out of 100) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 72–80 marks | High competition, 531 vacancies |
| OBC / BC | 65–73 marks | Historical PSSSB Clerk OBC data |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 60–68 marks | Punjab SC reservation norms |
| Ex-Servicemen | 55–63 marks | Age relaxation + reserved quota |
| Persons with Disability (PwD) | 50–58 marks | PwD horizontal reservation |
| Sports Persons | 55–62 marks | As per Punjab Sports Policy norms |
Disclaimer: These cutoffs are estimates for informational purposes only and are based on historical PSSSB data and vacancy analysis. The official category-wise cutoff will be published by PSSSB with the result on sssb.punjab.gov.in. Candidates should not treat estimated ranges as authoritative figures.
PSSSB Clerk Salary and Benefits After Selection 2026
Candidates selected through PSSSB Clerk Recruitment 2026 under Advertisement No. 02/2026 will be appointed to a permanent, regular government service post (Group C) under the Government of Punjab across 29 departments. The salary is governed by the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix.
| Salary Component | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Clerk (Common Cadre) |
| Pay Matrix Level | Level-2 (7th CPC) |
| Basic Pay | Rs. 19,900 per month |
| Pay Scale Range | Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200 (Level-2 progression) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Punjab Government DA notification |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Based on posting city/town category |
| Medical Allowance | As per Punjab Government rules |
| Estimated Gross Monthly Salary | Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 32,000 (approx. in-hand) |
| Annual Estimated CTC | Rs. 3,00,000 – Rs. 3,84,000 (approx.) |
| Job Type | Permanent, Regular Government Service (Group C) |
| Job Location | Across Punjab (29 departments) |
| Typing Test Requirement | 30 WPM in English and Punjabi (Raavi Unicode font) |
Provisional Answer Key vs Final Answer Key — Key Differences 2026
Understanding the difference between the provisional and final answer key is critical before making career decisions based on score estimates.
| Aspect | Provisional Answer Key | Final Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| Release Timing | Within 1–2 days of exam | Weeks after objection review |
| 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, via valid objections | No further changes allowed |
| Score Calculation | Rough estimate only | Final, authoritative score |
| Best Use | Verify answers, file challenges | Confirm final score and merit |
| Impact on Merit List | None directly | Directly determines ranking |
Use the provisional PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 only for a rough Part B estimate. Never make final career decisions based on the provisional key alone — an objection filed by any other candidate (not just yourself) can change answers and shift your rank. If your estimated score is within 5–8 marks of the expected cutoff for your category, file a well-supported objection for every genuinely disputed question before 15 October 2026 at 5:00 PM. The Rs. 50 fee per question is refundable if accepted. The final answer key is the only document that officially determines your result.
What Happens After the Provisional Answer Key — Full PSSSB Clerk Selection Process 2026
The provisional answer key is just one step in the multi-stage PSSSB Clerk selection process. Here is every stage that follows the answer key release, in order:
- Objection Review Period (13–20 October 2026): PSSSB evaluates all valid objections filed during 13–15 October 2026 against authoritative references. Physical hard copies must reach the board by 20 October 2026.
- Final Answer Key Release: PSSSB publishes the final answer key incorporating all accepted corrections. This is the definitive document used to compute scores and prepare the merit list.
- PSSSB Clerk Result 2026 Declaration: The board announces the Part B merit list on sssb.punjab.gov.in. Candidates can check their roll number and category-wise rank.
- English and Punjabi Typing Test: Qualified candidates are called for the computer-based typing test. The standard is 30 words per minute in both English and Punjabi (Raavi Unicode font). This stage is qualifying — candidates must clear it to proceed.
- Document Verification and Counselling: Shortlisted candidates from the typing test undergo certificate verification and counselling for allocation across the 29 Punjab Government departments.
- Common Merit List and Appointment: PSSSB publishes the final Common Merit List. Selected candidates receive appointment letters. The merit list is prepared solely on Part B written exam marks for those who cleared Part A and the typing test.
Important Links — PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
| Link Name | 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) | ncs.gov.in |
| PSSSB Clerk OMR Response Sheet | View OMR Sheet (Official Portal) |
| PSSSB Clerk Admit Card 2026 Guide | Agrijob.in — PSSSB Clerk Admit Card |
| PSSSB Clerk Syllabus 2026 Guide | Agrijob.in — PSSSB Clerk Syllabus |
Conclusion — PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026
The PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 has been released for all four sets on 12 October 2026, just one day after the written exam. Candidates must download their specific set’s PDF from sssb.punjab.gov.in, calculate their Part B score using the marking formula (–0.25 per wrong answer), and file online objections by 15 October 2026 at 5:00 PM for any genuinely disputed questions. Physical copies of the Annexure-I Grievance Form must reach PSSSB Mohali by 20 October 2026. Bookmark this page — it will be updated the moment the final answer key and PSSSB Clerk Result 2026 are officially released at sssb.punjab.gov.in.
- 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 for 531 Clerk posts.
- All four sets — Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D — are available as separate PDFs at sssb.punjab.gov.in; always download the set matching your question booklet.
- Part B (100 marks, –0.25 negative marking) determines the merit rank; Part A (Punjabi, 50 marks) is qualifying only and does not add to the score.
- The online objection window closes on 15 October 2026 at 5:00 PM; the fee is Rs. 50 per question challenged — refundable if the objection is accepted.
- Physical hard copies of the Annexure-I form and supporting evidence must reach PSSSB Mohali by 20 October 2026 via Speed Post or in person.
- Selected candidates earn Rs. 19,900/month basic pay (Level-2, 7th CPC) across 29 Punjab Government departments after clearing the 30 WPM typing test and document verification.
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, one day after the written exam conducted on 11 October 2026 under Advertisement No. 02/2026. The answer key is available at the official website sssb.punjab.gov.in for all four question paper sets (A, B, C, D).
How do I download the PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 for Set A, B, C, D?
Visit sssb.punjab.gov.in and find the notification titled “Provisional Answer Key for Clerk Exam Dated 11.10.2026 (Advt. 02/2026)” in the What’s New section. Click the link corresponding to your question paper set (A, B, C, or D). The PDF will open directly for download. Always verify your set code on your question booklet before selecting the correct PDF link.
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 online objections will be accepted after this hard deadline. Additionally, the physical hard copy of the Annexure-I Grievance Form and supporting documents must reach the PSSSB office at Sector-68, S.A.S. Nagar, Mohali, Punjab by 20 October 2026 by Speed Post or in person.
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. Payment must be made online through the official portal at the time of form submission. A separate Annexure-I Grievance Form is required for each question you wish to challenge. The fee is refundable if the board accepts your objection and corrects the answer in the final key.
Is there negative marking in the PSSSB Clerk 2026 exam?
Yes, but only in Part B. Part A (Punjabi language qualifying paper, 50 questions) has no negative marking — attempt all 50 questions regardless of certainty. Part B (100 questions, merit determining) carries a penalty of 0.25 marks per incorrect answer. Unattempted questions in both parts carry no penalty. The formula for Part B is: Score = (Correct × 1) – (Wrong × 0.25).
Which part of the PSSSB Clerk 2026 exam decides merit ranking?
Only Part B marks are used to prepare the merit list for PSSSB Clerk Recruitment 2026. Part A (Punjabi language) is a qualifying paper — candidates must pass it to remain eligible, but marks scored in Part A are not added to the final merit score under any circumstances. The merit list is prepared solely on Part B performance out of 100 marks.
How many vacancies are there in PSSSB Clerk Recruitment 2026?
PSSSB released 531 vacancies for the Clerk (Common Cadre) post under Advertisement No. 02/2026. These posts are distributed across 29 departments of the Punjab Government. The post is classified as Group C with a Pay Matrix Level-2 salary of Rs. 19,900 basic pay per month as per the 7th Central Pay Commission.
What is the expected cutoff for PSSSB Clerk 2026 General category?
Based on 531 vacancies, the difficulty analysis of the 11 October 2026 exam, and historical PSSSB Clerk cutoff trends, the expected Part B cutoff for the General (Unreserved) category is approximately 72–80 marks out of 100. SC candidates may qualify around 60–68 marks and OBC/BC candidates at 65–73 marks. These are estimated ranges only — the official PSSSB cutoff will be published with the final result on sssb.punjab.gov.in.
What happens after the PSSSB Clerk provisional answer key 2026?
After the objection window closes on 15 October 2026, PSSSB reviews valid objections and releases the final answer key. The official PSSSB Clerk Result 2026 is then declared using the final key. Qualifying candidates are called for the English and Punjabi typing test (30 WPM). Those who clear the typing test proceed to document verification and counselling before the final Common Merit List and appointment orders are issued.
Can I check my PSSSB Clerk OMR response sheet online?
Yes. The OMR response sheet for PSSSB Clerk 2026 is available online. Candidates can view their recorded responses at ps.ctestservices.com/advt02/viewOMRSheet using their application number. Cross-checking your OMR response sheet against the provisional answer key gives you the most accurate estimate of your expected Part B score.
What is the PSSSB Clerk typing test standard for 2026?
Candidates who qualify the written exam must pass a computer-based typing test in both English and Punjabi at 30 words per minute (WPM). The Punjabi typing test uses the Unicode-compliant Raavi font. The typing test is qualifying in nature — passing it is mandatory to proceed to document verification and counselling, but typing test marks do not add to the written exam merit score.
The cutoff marks mentioned in this article are estimated figures based on historical PSSSB data and are provided for informational guidance only. Candidates should refer to the official PSSSB result notification on sssb.punjab.gov.in for authoritative cutoff data. This article does not represent or speak for the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board. Always verify all dates and procedures from the official portal before taking action.
Last Updated: October 2026 | Source: sssb.punjab.gov.in (Official PSSSB Website). This page is reviewed and updated regularly as official notifications are released. Bookmark it for the final answer key and result updates.






