1. Introduction

For most candidates, the days immediately after an exam are emotionally heavy. You replay questions in your mind, remember doubtful attempts, and wonder whether your preparation was “enough.” The release of the answer key often brings mixed feelings-relief that the exam is over, and anxiety about what comes next.

The PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 marks a critical checkpoint. This phase is not about results or selection yet. It is about clarity, self-assessment, and informed decision-making. Used correctly, the answer key can help you avoid unnecessary stress and focus on the right next step.

2. Answer Key Overview

The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) has released the provisional answer key for the Clerk examination conducted on 18 January 2026.

Key points candidates should note:

  • The released key is provisional, not final.
  • It is open for candidate review and objections.
  • The objection window is short and time-bound.

Official access only:
Candidates should download the answer key and response sheet strictly from the official website, sssb.punjab.gov.in. Avoid unofficial PDFs circulating on social media, as even a single incorrect answer can distort your score assessment.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Many candidates rush through this step and end up confusing themselves. A systematic approach matters.

Recommended method:

  1. Download the official provisional answer key PDF.
  2. Open your response sheet (as recorded by PSSSB).
  3. Match each question calmly-one by one.
  4. Mark answers as correct, incorrect, or doubtful.
  5. Do not assume ambiguity unless you can justify it with standard references.

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Relying on memory instead of the response sheet.
  • Cross-checking with coaching keys before the official key.
  • Ignoring question language nuances (especially qualifiers like “most appropriate”).
  • Recalculating scores multiple times and panicking unnecessarily.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

The PSSSB Clerk exam follows a clear marking scheme:

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

Score formula:


Expected Score = (Number of correct answers × 1) - (Number of wrong answers × 0.25)

Important reality check:

  • This is your raw score, not the final merit score.
  • Normalisation rules (if applicable), category cut-offs, and final answer key corrections can change outcomes.
  • A difference of 1-2 marks at this stage is common after objections are resolved.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

Cut-offs are influenced by multiple factors, not just your score.

Key determinants include:

  • Number of vacancies (86 posts in this recruitment)
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Overall candidate performance
  • Category-wise reservation norms

Expected cut-off ranges are being discussed, but candidates must remember:

  • These are estimates, not guarantees.
  • Previous-year trends help with context, not prediction.
  • A score slightly below “expected cut-off” does not automatically mean rejection.

Avoid emotional decisions based purely on speculative cut-off numbers.

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

PSSSB allows objections against the provisional answer key until 20 January 2026, with a fee of ₹50 per question (refundable if the objection is accepted).

You should raise an objection if:

  • The official answer is clearly incorrect.
  • You can support your claim with standard textbooks, government publications, or authoritative references.
  • The question or options are factually flawed, not just confusing.

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • You marked the wrong option due to oversight.
  • The question was tricky but technically correct.
  • Your justification is based on coaching material alone.

Unnecessary objections waste money and do not improve selection chances.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is comfortably high:

  • Start preparing documents for the next stage.
  • Do not relax preparation completely-final results take time.

If your score is borderline:

  • Track official updates calmly.
  • Prepare mentally for both outcomes.
  • Avoid repeated recalculation and comparison with others.

If your score is low:

  • Be honest with yourself, not harsh.
  • Analyse weak sections objectively.
  • Redirect energy towards upcoming exams or skill improvement.

Every exam attempt contributes to long-term growth.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on the official schedule:

  • Final answer key: Expected in February 2026
  • Result declaration: Expected in March 2026
  • Next stage of selection: Details will be announced after results (not available yet)

Candidates should monitor only the official website for confirmed updates.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Over-analysis leading to stress
  • Social media misinformation
  • Emotional burnout if not handled maturely

Patience during this phase is as important as preparation before the exam.

10. Candidate Checklist

Before the objection deadline:

  • Download and save answer key PDF
  • Save response sheet
  • Collect authentic reference proof (if objecting)
  • Note objection deadline: 20 January 2026
  • Track final answer key and result updates

11. Conclusion

The PSSSB Clerk Answer Key 2026 is a tool-not a verdict. Use it to understand your performance, not to judge your future prematurely. Many selections are decided only after final keys and category-wise evaluation.

Stay disciplined, informed, and emotionally balanced. Regardless of the outcome, this phase is part of a longer journey, not the end of it.

12. FAQs

Q1. Is the PSSSB Clerk answer key final?
No. The currently released key is provisional. A final answer key will be issued after objection review.

Q2. Will my score definitely change after objections?
Not necessarily. Changes occur only if objections are accepted by the board.

Q3. Should I raise objections for multiple questions to be safe?
No. Only raise objections where you have strong, evidence-backed justification.

Q4. When will the result be declared?
The result is expected in March 2026. Exact dates are not available yet.

Q5. Can cut-offs be predicted accurately now?
No. Any cut-off discussion at this stage is indicative, not definitive.