1. Introduction

Once the MP Police ASI and Subedar exam is over, most candidates experience a strange mix of relief and anxiety. Relief because the exam phase is done, and anxiety because everything now depends on numbers, cut-offs, and comparisons.
This is exactly why the answer key stage matters so much. It is the first official window where you can objectively assess where you stand-without rumours, coaching speculation, or social media noise.

If used correctly, the answer key brings clarity. If used emotionally, it creates unnecessary stress. This article focuses on helping you use it wisely.

2. Answer Key Overview

The Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB / ESB MP) has released the provisional answer key along with the response sheet for the MP Police Sub-Inspector (SI) / ASI and Subedar recruitment exam 2026.

Key verified facts:

  • Exam conducted: January 16 to 21, 2026
  • Answer key type: Provisional
  • Released on: January 23, 2026
  • Objection window open till: January 26, 2026
  • Total vacancies: 500
  • Access mode: Login-based (Roll Number + TAC Code) on the official portal

Only the official ESB MP website should be used. Third-party PDFs or YouTube solutions are not authoritative at this stage.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Correct approach:

  1. Log in to the official portal using your roll number and TAC code.
  2. Download your response sheet first.
  3. Open the provisional answer key for your specific paper/shift.
  4. Compare answers question by question, not from memory.
  5. Mark three categories clearly:
    • Definitely correct
    • Definitely wrong
    • Doubtful / ambiguous

Common mistakes candidates make:

  • Relying on memory instead of the response sheet
  • Checking answers in a hurry and missing small details
  • Blindly trusting coaching keys without cross-verifying
  • Getting influenced by others’ scores before finishing their own calculation

Accuracy matters more than speed here.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

To calculate your probable raw score, you must refer to the official marking scheme mentioned in the notification. If the marking scheme is not clearly available on the portal, treat assumptions cautiously.

General method:


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

Important reality check:

  • Raw score is not the final merit score.
  • Normalisation (if multiple shifts), category-wise cut-offs, and vacancies will impact final results.
  • Two candidates with the same raw score may not have the same outcome.

Use this calculation to understand range, not certainty.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

Cut-offs depend on multiple variables:

  • Number of candidates actually appeared
  • Difficulty level across shifts
  • Category-wise vacancies
  • Overall performance distribution

Previous MP Police exams suggest that cut-offs can fluctuate significantly year to year.
Guessing an exact cut-off now is misleading.

Instead of asking “Will I clear?”, ask:

  • Am I comfortably above average?
  • Am I in a borderline zone?
  • Am I clearly below likely thresholds?

This framing leads to better decisions.

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

You should raise an objection if:

  • The official answer is factually incorrect
  • You have standard textbook or government source proof
  • The question itself is flawed or ambiguous

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • Your answer was wrong due to misunderstanding
  • You are emotionally attached to a guess
  • You are objecting just because others are doing so

Cost vs benefit matters.
Objections require effort, documentation, and sometimes a fee. Frivolous objections waste money and energy without improving outcomes.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is high:

  • Start preparing for the next stage (PET, PST, interview if applicable)
  • Maintain physical fitness and document readiness
  • Do not relax completely-selection is multi-stage

If your score is borderline:

  • Raise valid objections where applicable
  • Prepare simultaneously for next stage and backup exams
  • Avoid daily score comparisons with others

If your score is low:

  • Accept it honestly and early
  • Analyse where preparation fell short
  • Use this experience to recalibrate strategy for upcoming police/defence exams

This phase is about decisions, not denial.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on MPESB’s standard process:

  1. Objection window closes - January 26, 2026
  2. Objections reviewed by subject experts
  3. Final answer key released (date not available yet)
  4. Result declaration
  5. Physical tests / further stages as per notification

Candidates should monitor only the official ESB MP website for updates.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros:

  • Transparency in evaluation
  • Opportunity to correct genuine errors
  • Early self-assessment

Cons:

  • Overthinking and stress
  • Obsession with unofficial cut-off predictions
  • Emotional burnout before results

The answer key is a tool, not a verdict.

10. Candidate Checklist

  • Response sheet downloaded and saved
  • Provisional answer key checked carefully
  • Objection proof (book/page reference) ready, if applicable
  • Objection submitted before deadline (if needed)
  • Physical and document preparation started
  • Result-related rumours ignored

11. Conclusion

The release of the MP Police ASI and Subedar answer key is not about instant celebration or despair. It is about clarity, maturity, and informed action.
Candidates who use this phase calmly tend to perform better in later stages-regardless of outcome.

Focus on what you can control. Let the process take its course.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is this the final answer key?
No. This is a provisional answer key. Final key will be released after objection review.

Q2. Can marks change after objections?
Yes, but only if objections are valid and accepted.

Q3. When will results be declared?
Exact date is not available yet. Follow the official website only.

Q4. Is it compulsory to raise objections?
No. Only raise objections if there is a genuine, provable error.

Q5. Does a good raw score guarantee selection?
No. Final selection depends on multiple stages and factors beyond the written exam.