1. Introduction

Once the exam is over, the mind rarely rests. Candidates replay questions, doubt answers, and quietly calculate “what if” scenarios. The release of the answer key is the first official checkpoint in this emotional phase. It does not decide your final fate, but it gives you clarity-something every serious aspirant needs after an exam.

For the Assam PSC Grade 4 examination, the answer key stage is especially important because the recruitment is for a limited number of posts, and small differences in marks can matter.

2. Answer Key Overview

The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has released the provisional answer key for the Grade 4 examination conducted on January 4, 2026 (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM).

Key points you should note:

  • The key is provisional, not final.
  • It is released set-wise (Series A, B, C, D).
  • An objection window is open until January 7, 2026.

The answer key is available only through the official APSC website. Relying on unofficial PDFs or coaching keys can mislead you.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

A disciplined approach matters here.

Correct method:

  1. Download the answer key for your exact question paper series.
  2. Sit with your response sheet or rough recall calmly-avoid rushing.
  3. Match answers one by one without reinterpreting questions emotionally.
  4. Note only clear mismatches, not “I almost marked this” thoughts.

Common mistakes students make:

  • Checking the wrong series and panicking unnecessarily.
  • Changing remembered answers midway to feel better.
  • Trusting YouTube or Telegram “corrected keys” over the official one.

The answer key is a tool for assessment, not self-torture.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

The Grade 4 exam follows a simple marking scheme:

  • Correct answer: +1 mark
  • Wrong answer: 0 mark
  • Unattempted: 0 mark
  • No negative marking

Expected Score = Number of correct answers

However, remember this clearly:
Your raw score is not the final outcome. Normalisation, competition level, and final key corrections all influence selection.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

Many candidates rush to predict cut-offs. This is where realism is required.

Cut-off depends on:

  • Number of vacancies (20 posts only)
  • Total candidates appeared
  • Paper difficulty level
  • Category-wise distribution

Previous cut-off data for this exact exam cycle is not available yet. Any number circulating now is speculation. Treat it as noise, not guidance.

6. Objection Process - Who Should Raise It & Who Shouldn’t

Raising objections is a right, not an obligation.

You should raise an objection if:

  • You are confident the official answer is factually incorrect.
  • You can support your claim with standard textbooks or government-approved sources.
  • The question genuinely affects your score.

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • You are unsure and “feel” your answer might be right.
  • Your source is a coaching note or blog.
  • The question does not materially impact your score.

Remember, objections may involve a fee. Emotional objections often waste money without benefit.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is clearly high:

  • Stay calm.
  • Keep documents ready.
  • Avoid over-analysis until the final key is released.

If your score is borderline:

  • Track updates carefully.
  • Consider objections only if strongly justified.
  • Begin light preparation for the next stage (if applicable).

If your score is low:

  • Accept it without self-blame.
  • Analyse weak areas objectively.
  • Redirect focus to upcoming exams-this is how long-term success is built.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on the standard APSC process:

  1. Objection window closes - January 7, 2026
  2. Final answer key - not available yet
  3. Result declaration - not available yet
  4. Next selection stage (if applicable) - to be notified

Avoid refreshing result pages daily. Follow official notifications only.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros:

  • Transparency in evaluation
  • Opportunity to correct genuine errors
  • Early performance insight

Cons:

  • Anxiety due to over-comparison
  • Misinformation from unofficial sources
  • Obsession with cut-off speculation

Use this phase for clarity, not comparison.

10. Candidate Checklist

Before the objection deadline, ensure you have:

  • Correct question paper series identified
  • Standard reference material (PDF or scanned pages)
  • Clear explanation for each objection
  • Awareness of the January 7, 2026 deadline

Late or unsupported objections are automatically rejected.

11. Conclusion

The answer key is a diagnostic stage, not a verdict. Strong candidates use it to understand where they stand, not to spiral into anxiety. Whether the outcome is favourable or not, your response now-calm, informed, and disciplined-will define your journey ahead.

Stay focused. Trust official processes. Prepare with perspective.

12. FAQs

Q1. Is this the final answer key?
No. This is a provisional answer key.

Q2. Can marks change after objections?
Yes, if objections are accepted, the final key may differ.

Q3. Is there negative marking in the Grade 4 exam?
No. There is no negative marking.

Q4. When will the result be declared?
Not available yet. Candidates should monitor the official APSC website.

Q5. Should everyone raise objections?
No. Only candidates with strong, evidence-backed claims should do so.