1. Introduction

Once the exam is over, a different kind of anxiety begins. Candidates replay questions in their mind, compare attempts with friends, and wait for the first official signal of how the exam went.
The release of the answer key is that signal.

For the ISRO PRL Technical Assistant and Technician-B exam, this phase is especially important because vacancies are limited and competition is serious. The answer key is not just a PDF-it is your first realistic mirror of where you stand.

2. Answer Key Overview

The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), under ISRO / Department of Space, has released the provisional answer key for:

  • Posts: Technical Assistant & Technician-B
  • Exam Date: 11 January 2026
  • Vacancies: 20 (combined)
  • Answer Key Status: Provisional
  • Official Website: prl.res.in

Separate consolidated PDFs have been released for Technical Assistant and Technician-B. These are official keys published by PRL, not coaching solutions.

Because this is a provisional key, PRL allows candidates to raise objections before finalising results.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Many candidates rush through this step and draw wrong conclusions. Do it methodically.

Correct approach:

  1. Download the correct answer key PDF for your post.
  2. Keep your question paper (and response sheet, if available) beside you.
  3. Match question numbers carefully-do not rely on memory.
  4. Mark each answer as correct, incorrect, or unattempted.
  5. Recheck doubtful questions calmly before calculating marks.

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Checking answers based on memory alone.
  • Mixing up question series or paper sets.
  • Assuming coaching answers are “more correct” than the official key.
  • Panicking after one or two mismatches.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

The answer key allows you to estimate a raw score, not the final merit position.

Basic formula:

Expected Score = (Correct Answers × Marks per Question) − (Wrong Answers × Negative Marks)

The exact marking scheme must be confirmed from the official notification. In similar technical recruitments:

  • Correct answer: +1 mark
  • Wrong answer: −0.25 mark (if negative marking applies)
  • Unattempted: 0

Important reality check:

  • Raw score ≠ final selection.
  • Normalisation (if applied), category cut-offs, and vacancies all matter.

Use the score only to judge probability, not certainty.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

Cut-offs depend on multiple factors:

  • Number of candidates who appeared
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Total vacancies (very limited here)
  • Category-wise distribution

With only 20 vacancies, even a small difference in marks can change outcomes significantly.

Avoid:

  • Believing random “expected cut-off” numbers online.
  • Comparing with friends from different categories or papers.

At this stage, cut-offs are not available yet. Treat any numerical claim as speculation.

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

Raising objections is a right, but it must be used wisely.

You should raise an objection if:

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

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • Your answer differs but has no standard reference.
  • You are relying on coaching notes or personal logic.
  • You are “trying your luck” emotionally.

Cost vs benefit reality:

  • Objections often involve a fee per question.
  • Unsupported objections waste money and energy.
  • Valid objections, if accepted, benefit all candidates.

The objection window and exact procedure are not available yet. Candidates must monitor prl.res.in closely.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score looks high:

  • Stay disciplined and wait for the final key.
  • Start preparing documents for the next stage.
  • Do not relax completely-selection is still not final.

If your score is borderline:

  • Avoid constant recalculation.
  • Focus on backup exams or upcoming notifications.
  • Keep tracking PRL updates calmly.

If your score is low:

  • Accept it professionally.
  • Analyse weak areas honestly.
  • Use this exam as preparation value, not emotional baggage.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on standard PRL recruitment flow:

  1. Objection window opens (short duration)
  2. Final answer key released
  3. Written exam result announced
  4. Next stage (skill test / trade test / document verification, if applicable)

Exact dates are not available yet and will be announced only on prl.res.in.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros

  • Transparency in evaluation
  • Fair chance to correct genuine errors
  • Early performance assessment

Cons

  • Overthinking and stress
  • Peer comparison anxiety
  • Obsession over 1-2 questions

Use this phase for clarity, not mental pressure.

10. Candidate Checklist

  • Correct answer key PDF downloaded
  • Question paper / response details ready
  • Standard reference books (if planning objection)
  • Objection deadline tracked
  • Official website monitored daily

11. Conclusion

The answer key is a tool, not a verdict. It helps you understand your performance, not define your future. Handle this phase with maturity-calculate carefully, object responsibly, and prepare strategically.

Government recruitment rewards patience, consistency, and emotional control as much as knowledge.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2. Can marks change after objections?
Yes, if PRL accepts any objection and revises answers.

Q3. When will results be declared?
Not announced yet. Results usually follow the final answer key.

Q4. Should everyone raise objections?
No. Only candidates with strong, reference-backed claims should do so.

Q5. Does a good raw score guarantee selection?
No. Final selection depends on cut-offs, category, and further stages.