1. Introduction

For most candidates, the period after the HPRCA TGT (Medical) exam is mentally exhausting. You replay questions, doubt your answers, and constantly calculate “how many marks I might get.”
The release of the answer key is not just an update - it is the first official mirror of your performance and the most important checkpoint before results.

Handled calmly and correctly, the answer key can give you clarity and control. Handled emotionally or carelessly, it often creates unnecessary panic. This article is meant to help you stay on the right side of that line.

2. Answer Key Overview

The Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA) has released the provisional answer key for the TGT (Medical) Examination 2026.

Key verified facts:

  • Exam conducted: 15 to 17 December 2025
  • Answer key type: Provisional
  • Answer key release date: 12 January 2026
  • Post: TGT (Medical)
  • Vacancies: 169 (out of 937 total TGT posts)
  • Official access portal: hprca.hp.gov.in (Digialm candidate login)

At this stage, marks are not final. Changes are possible after objections are reviewed.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Correct way to use the answer key:

  1. Log in using your own registration credentials only.
  2. Open the response sheet along with the provisional answer key.
  3. Match answers question by question, not from memory.
  4. Maintain a rough tally, but do not jump to conclusions.

Common mistakes candidates make:

  • Relying on coaching institute keys instead of the official key
  • Checking answers in a hurry and miscounting
  • Ignoring question language nuances (especially in Medical subject papers)
  • Forgetting to verify question booklet/shift mapping

The answer key is a technical document, not an emotional verdict.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

Marking scheme (as per available information):

  • Correct answer: +1 mark
  • Wrong answer: No negative marking (as reported in available sources)
  • Unattempted: 0 mark

Formula:


Expected Score = Number of Correct Answers × 1

Important reality check:

  • This is your raw score, not your final merit score.
  • Normalisation (if applied), category-wise cut-offs, and vacancies matter.
  • Final scores are calculated after the final answer key.

Use this calculation for self-assessment, not prediction.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

Many candidates start searching for “expected cut-off” immediately after the answer key. This is where misinformation spreads fastest.

Cut-off depends on:

  • Total number of candidates
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Category-wise vacancies
  • Overall performance distribution

As of now:

  • Official cut-off data is not available yet
  • Any number circulating online is speculative

Treat cut-off discussions as background noise until official data is released.

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

You SHOULD raise an objection if:

  • The official answer contradicts standard textbooks or syllabus-approved references
  • The question itself is factually incorrect or ambiguous
  • You can provide clear documentary proof

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • You marked the wrong option under pressure
  • You are “almost sure” but lack proof
  • Your reasoning differs from standard medical references

Cost-benefit reality:

  • Objection fees (amount to be checked on official portal) are often non-refundable unless accepted
  • Emotional objections waste time and money

Raise objections only when logic, syllabus, and evidence are clearly on your side.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is clearly high:

  • Preserve all documents
  • Stay alert for final key and result updates
  • Avoid overconfidence - selection is still stage-based

If your score is borderline:

  • Track objection outcomes carefully
  • Prepare mentally for both outcomes
  • Avoid last-minute panic decisions

If your score is low:

  • Accept it calmly
  • Analyse weak areas honestly
  • Redirect energy toward upcoming exams or next recruitment cycles

One exam never defines your capability or future.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on the standard HPRCA process:

  1. Objection window - currently open (deadline to be checked on official site)
  2. Final answer key - expected January 2026
  3. Result declaration - after final key (date not available yet)
  4. Next selection stage - as per recruitment rules

Do not rely on unofficial timelines. Monitor only hprca.hp.gov.in.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros:

  • Transparency in evaluation
  • Opportunity to correct genuine errors
  • Psychological preparedness before results

Cons:

  • Overthinking and anxiety
  • Unnecessary comparison with others
  • Objection misuse due to peer pressure

The answer key is a tool, not a judgment.

10. Candidate Checklist

Before the objection deadline:

  • Download and save response sheet
  • Note question IDs clearly
  • Arrange textbook or official reference proofs
  • Track objection submission confirmation
  • Keep login credentials safe

Missing deadlines is a mistake that cannot be corrected later.

11. Conclusion

The HPRCA TGT (Medical) answer key is a checkpoint, not the destination.
Candidates who use it wisely gain clarity; those who misuse it lose peace of mind.

Focus on facts, not fear.
Follow the process, not rumours.
And remember - consistent preparation always outlives one result.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is the current answer key final?
No. It is provisional and subject to change after objections.

Q2. Will marks change after objections?
Yes, if objections are accepted and answers are revised.

Q3. When will the result be declared?
Not available yet. Results are usually released after the final answer key.

Q4. Is it mandatory to raise objections?
No. Objections are optional and should be raised only with strong justification.

Q5. Where should I track official updates?
Only on the official website: hprca.hp.gov.in