1. Introduction

Once the exam is over, most candidates move from exam pressure to result anxiety. That phase between the exam and the result is mentally exhausting, and the answer key is the first real checkpoint that tells you where you stand.

The release of the OHPC Answer Key 2026 is not just a formality. It is the only stage where candidates have visibility, control, and the right to question errors before results are finalised. Used correctly, it helps you assess your performance realistically. Used emotionally, it creates unnecessary stress.

This article will help you use the answer key the right way.

2. Answer Key Overview

The Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd. (OHPC) has released the provisional answer key for the recruitment examination conducted on 15 January 2026 for the following posts:

  • Management Trainee (MT)
  • Diploma Engineer Trainee (DET)
  • Technical Non-Executive Trainee (TNE)

Key facts you should note:

  • Total vacancies: 171
  • Answer key type: Provisional
  • Objection facility: Available
  • Official access only through ohpcltd.com

At this stage, the answers are not final. Corrections may happen after objections are reviewed.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Correct approach matters more than speed.

Step-by-step usage

  1. Log in to the OHPC recruitment portal using your registered credentials.
  2. Open your response sheet along with the provisional answer key.
  3. Match question ID, option ID, and your selected response carefully.
  4. Mark each question as:
    • Correct
    • Incorrect
    • Doubtful (only if you have solid reference)

Common mistakes candidates make

  • Checking answers from memory instead of the response sheet
  • Misreading question numbers or option codes
  • Assuming coaching keys or social media keys are correct
  • Rechecking repeatedly and changing assumptions every time

Check once, carefully. Overchecking increases confusion, not accuracy.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

Before calculating, understand one thing clearly:
This is a probable score, not your final merit score.

OHPC marking scheme (as notified)

  • Correct answer: +1 mark (or as specified in the paper)
  • Wrong answer: -0.25 marks
  • Unattempted: 0 marks

Simple calculation method


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

Important caution

  • Do not round off marks.
  • Do not ignore negative marking.
  • Do not compare raw score with someone from another post or category.

Raw score helps you assess position, not confirm selection.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

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

What actually decides cut-off:

  • Number of candidates per post
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Category-wise vacancy distribution
  • Normalisation (if applied)

Why guessing cut-offs is misleading:

  • Previous years may not be comparable
  • Different posts have different competition levels
  • Small score differences can shift ranks significantly

Use the score to assess range, not certainty.

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, government publication, or syllabus-based proof
  • The error impacts your score meaningfully

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • You marked the wrong option by mistake
  • Your logic differs but the official answer is defensible
  • You are objecting based on coaching keys or guesswork

Cost vs benefit analysis

Objections usually involve a fee per question.
Raise objections only when:

  • Probability of correction is high
  • Score impact justifies the effort

Emotional objections waste money and mental energy.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is clearly high

  • Stop recalculating daily
  • Track result updates calmly
  • Start light preparation for the next stage, if applicable

If your score is borderline

  • Wait for final answer key
  • Avoid panic-based assumptions
  • Prepare backup exam plans alongside

If your score is low

  • Accept the data, not the emotion
  • Identify weak sections honestly
  • Redirect focus to upcoming opportunities

One exam does not define your preparation capability.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on standard OHPC recruitment flow:

  1. Objection window closes
  2. Objections reviewed by subject experts
  3. Final answer key released
  4. Written exam result declared
  5. Next stage (if applicable) announced

Exact result date: Not available yet
Candidates should monitor the official website only.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros

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

Cons

  • Over-analysis leading to stress
  • Rumour-driven panic
  • False confidence or unnecessary disappointment

The answer key is a tool, not a verdict.

10. Candidate Checklist

Before the objection deadline:

  • Download and save response sheet
  • Save answer key PDF
  • Collect authentic reference material (if objecting)
  • Track objection deadline strictly

After objection window:

  • Preserve login credentials
  • Avoid unofficial result dates
  • Stay mentally neutral

11. Conclusion

The OHPC Answer Key 2026 is a decision-support document, not a final judgment. Candidates who use it with clarity gain insight. Candidates who use it emotionally lose peace.

Assess your performance once, take informed action if required, and then move forward. Recruitment processes reward consistency, patience, and long-term discipline - not panic reactions.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2. Will all objections be accepted?
Only objections supported by valid, authoritative proof are considered.

Q3. Can score change after final answer key?
Yes, if objections are accepted or rejected.

Q4. When will the result be declared?
The result date is not available yet. It will be announced after the final answer key.

Q5. Should I prepare for the next stage now?
If your score is reasonably competitive, light preparation is sensible. Avoid overcommitment until results are out.