1. Introduction

Once the exam is over, the mind rarely rests. Most BHEL Artisan candidates are currently in the same space-replaying questions, second-guessing answers, and wondering whether their effort was enough. This phase, right after the answer key release, often creates more confusion than clarity if handled emotionally.

The answer key stage is not about celebration or panic. It is a decision-making window. How you read, calculate, and respond now directly affects what happens next.

2. Answer Key Overview

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has released the provisional answer key along with individual response sheets for the Artisan re-examination conducted on 12 January 2026.

Key facts candidates must note:

  • The answer key is provisional, not final.
  • It is available only through candidate login on the official portal.
  • An objection window is open for a limited period.
  • This recruitment (Advt. No. 04/2025) aims to fill 515 Artisan posts across multiple trades.

At this stage, BHEL is inviting scrutiny-not declaring results.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Correct method matters more than speed.

Step-by-step approach:

  1. Log in to the official portal using your registration credentials.
  2. Download your response sheet (your marked answers).
  3. Open the provisional answer key for your respective trade.
  4. Match each question carefully-do not rely on memory alone.
  5. Note correct, incorrect, and unattempted questions separately.

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Checking answers in a rush or late at night when concentration drops.
  • Relying on unofficial YouTube or Telegram “solutions.”
  • Ignoring question numbers, options, or trade-specific variations.
  • Forgetting negative marking while estimating score.

Accuracy here saves emotional stress later.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

The BHEL Artisan CBT follows a simple but strict marking scheme:

  • Correct answer: +1 mark
  • Wrong answer: -0.25 mark
  • Unattempted: 0 mark

Practical calculation method:

  • Count confirmed correct answers first.
  • Deduct negative marks only after full verification.
  • Keep a margin of ±2-3 marks for doubtful questions.

Important reminder:

Your raw score is not the final merit score. Normalisation, trade-wise competition, and post-wise vacancies will influence the final outcome.

Treat this as an estimate, not a verdict.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

Cut-off marks depend on factors that are not fully visible yet:

  • Number of candidates per trade
  • Difficulty level of the re-exam
  • Vacancy distribution (515 total, trade-wise split)
  • Category-wise reservation norms

Previous trends may help with context, but guessing an exact cut-off now is misleading.

If your score is:

  • Clearly high: Stay prepared for the next stage.
  • Borderline: Do not disengage yet.
  • Low: Use this data constructively, not emotionally.

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

You SHOULD raise an objection if:

  • The official answer is factually or technically incorrect.
  • You have standard textbook, IS code, or official reference proof.
  • The question itself is ambiguous or wrongly framed.

You SHOULD NOT raise an objection if:

  • Your answer differs due to guesswork.
  • You “feel” your option should be accepted without proof.
  • You are reacting emotionally after seeing your score.

Cost vs benefit:

Objections usually involve a per-question fee, refundable only if accepted. Random objections waste money and time.

Raise objections selectively and professionally.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is high:

  • Keep documents ready.
  • Monitor updates for final answer key and result.
  • Avoid overconfidence-selection is multi-stage.

If your score is borderline:

  • File valid objections if applicable.
  • Prepare mentally for either outcome.
  • Do not stop tracking the process.

If your score is low:

  • Accept reality early.
  • Analyse weak areas trade-wise.
  • Redirect preparation to upcoming PSU or state-level exams.

One exam does not define your capability.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on the standard BHEL process:

  1. Objection window closes: 17 January 2026 (11:55 PM)
  2. Final answer key: After objection review (date not available yet)
  3. Result declaration: Not announced yet
  4. Next stage: As per recruitment rules (skill test/document verification if applicable)

Candidates should track only the official website for updates.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Benefits:

  • Transparency in evaluation
  • Opportunity to correct genuine errors
  • Fair chance to all candidates

Risks:

  • Over-analysis and stress
  • Comparison with others
  • Emotional burnout before results

Discipline and patience matter more than constant checking.

10. Candidate Checklist

  • Downloaded response sheet saved securely
  • Calculated score with negative marking
  • Valid objection proofs (if applicable)
  • Objection deadline noted: 17 January 2026
  • Regular check on official portal only

11. Conclusion

The BHEL Artisan answer key is a tool, not a judgment. Used wisely, it helps you plan. Used emotionally, it increases anxiety without benefit.

Stay factual. Act only where necessary. Accept uncertainty with maturity.

Government recruitment rewards consistency over reaction.

12. FAQs

Q. Is this the final answer key?
No. It is provisional. Final key will be released after objection review.

Q. Will marks change after objections?
Only if objections are accepted. Otherwise, the provisional key stands.

Q. Can I raise multiple objections?
Yes, but each must be justified individually and may involve a fee.

Q. When will the result be declared?
Not available yet. Candidates should monitor the official portal.

Q. Should I start preparing for the next stage now?
If your score is competitive, yes-but without assuming selection.