1. Introduction

For most candidates, the period immediately after a CBT exam is mentally exhausting. Once the paper is over, doubts begin to surface-Was that answer correct? Did I misread the question? Did negative marking hurt me more than expected?
The release of the answer key is not just a formality; it is the first transparent checkpoint in the recruitment process where you regain some control. Used correctly, it helps you assess reality instead of relying on rumours, coaching predictions, or WhatsApp guesses.

For DTU OA/DEO aspirants, this phase is especially important because vacancies are limited and the margin between selection and rejection can be narrow.

2. Answer Key Overview

Delhi Technological University (DTU) has released the provisional answer key for the Office Assistant (OA) / Data Entry Operator (DEO) CBT examination.

Verified facts from the official source:

  • Exam conducted on: 12 January 2026
  • Answer key released on: 14 January 2026
  • Nature of answer key: Provisional
  • Recruitment reference: Advertisement No. 03/2025
  • Vacancies for OA/DEO: 16 posts (part of 66 Group C non-teaching posts)

The provisional status means the answers are open to challenge. This is deliberate and part of a transparent process.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Correct way to check

  1. Log in through the official DTU recruitment portal.
  2. Download both:
    • The provisional answer key, and
    • Your individual response sheet (very important).
  3. Match each question ID carefully-not just the option number.
  4. Keep your rough paper or memory-based notes aside; rely only on the response sheet.

Common mistakes students make

  • Checking answers from memory instead of the response sheet.
  • Ignoring question IDs and assuming options are in the same order.
  • Calculating marks before confirming the marking scheme.
  • Panic-scoring without accounting for negative marking.

Treat this exercise as an audit, not an emotional reaction.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

Step-by-step approach

  1. Count only confirmed correct answers.
  2. Separately count confirmed incorrect answers.
  3. Leave doubtful questions aside initially.

Marking scheme

The exact marking scheme must be confirmed from the official notification. Based on typical CBT patterns:

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

Formula:
Expected Score = (Correct × 1) - (Wrong × 0.25)

Important reality check

  • Your raw score is not the final result.
  • Normalisation, category-wise cut-offs, and vacancy ratio all influence final selection.
  • A decent raw score does not guarantee shortlisting, and a slightly lower score does not automatically eliminate you.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

At this stage, official cut-off marks are not available yet.

What influences cut-offs:

  • Number of vacancies (low in this case)
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Overall candidate performance
  • Category-wise distribution

Why guessing cut-offs is risky:

  • Online predictions rarely account for normalisation.
  • Small-scale exams like DTU non-teaching do not follow SSC-style patterns.
  • One incorrect assumption can lead to wrong decisions (false confidence or unnecessary panic).

Use cut-offs only as a broad indicator, not as a verdict.

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

You should raise an objection if:

  • The answer in the key is factually incorrect.
  • You have standard textbook or official reference proof.
  • The question itself is ambiguous or technically flawed.

You should not raise an objection if:

  • Your reasoning differs but the answer is technically correct.
  • You relied on coaching notes without authoritative sources.
  • You are objecting emotionally to “increase marks.”

Cost vs benefit

  • Objection fees are usually charged per question.
  • Fees are refunded only if the objection is accepted.
  • Blind objections waste money and time.

Objections must be precise, evidence-based, and submitted strictly within the deadline announced on the official website.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is clearly high

  • Start preparing for the next stage (skill test / document verification).
  • Organise certificates, typing practice (for DEO), and document formats.
  • Do not relax completely; final lists can surprise.

If your score is borderline

  • File valid objections if applicable.
  • Prepare for the next stage while mentally accepting uncertainty.
  • Avoid overchecking the answer key repeatedly-it does not change outcomes.

If your score is low

  • Accept the result with maturity.
  • Analyse weak sections.
  • Use this experience to strengthen preparation for similar non-teaching exams.

This is not the end of your journey unless you decide it is.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on standard DTU recruitment practice:

  1. Objection window (short duration)
  2. Review of objections
  3. Final answer key
  4. Result declaration
  5. Skill test / DV (if applicable)

Exact dates for objections and results are not available yet. Candidates must monitor dtu.ac.in regularly.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros

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

Cons

  • Mental stress due to overanalysis
  • Peer pressure and misinformation
  • Obsession with marks instead of preparation

Use the answer key as a tool, not as a trigger for anxiety.

10. Candidate Checklist

  • Download and save:
    • Provisional answer key
    • Response sheet
  • Keep reference books ready (for objections)
  • Track:
    • Objection deadline
    • Final answer key release
    • Result updates
  • Preserve:
    • Admit card
    • Application form
    • Identity documents

11. Conclusion

The answer key phase is not about celebration or despair-it is about clarity and control. Candidates who approach it calmly, logically, and professionally always gain an advantage, regardless of the final outcome.

Do your evaluation once, take informed decisions, and move forward. Government exams reward patience as much as preparation.

12. FAQs

Q1. Is the DTU OA/DEO answer key final?
No. The released key is provisional and open to objections.

Q2. Where should objections be submitted?
Only through the official DTU recruitment portal. Details will be notified on dtu.ac.in.

Q3. Will marks change after objections?
Yes, but only if DTU accepts a challenge and revises the answer officially.

Q4. When will the result be declared?
Not available yet. Results are released after final answer key publication.

Q5. Does a good score guarantee selection?
No. Selection depends on cut-offs, vacancies, category, and subsequent stages.