1. Introduction

Once the exam is over, most candidates go through a familiar phase-relief mixed with doubt. You remember questions you are confident about, others where two options looked equally correct, and a few you wish you had skipped. The release of the answer key is the point where uncertainty starts turning into clarity.

For PSSSB Group B candidates, this phase is particularly important because the final answer key has now been released. Unlike a provisional key, this one directly influences the result. There is no scope left for correction or challenge. What you see here is what the Board will use to prepare the merit list.

That makes this moment decisive-but not something to panic about.

2. Answer Key Overview

The Punjab Subordinate Service Selection Board (PSSSB) has released the Final Answer Key for Group B recruitment 2026.

Key facts you should be clear about:

  • The exam was conducted on 21 December 2025
  • The answer key released on 05 January 2026
  • It is a final answer key, not provisional
  • Answer keys are provided set-wise (A, B, C, D)
  • It covers all advertised Group B posts including:
    • Personal Assistant
    • Senior Assistant cum Inspector
    • District Treasurer
    • Senior Assistant
    • Naib Tehsildar
    • Senior Assistant (Defence Welfare)
    • Treasury Officer

The answer key is available only through the official PSSSB website. No third-party key should be relied upon at this stage.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Many candidates rush through this step and end up confusing themselves. Do this calmly and methodically.

Correct approach:

  1. Download the PDF for your exact question paper set
  2. Keep your response sheet or memory-based answers ready
  3. Match answers question by question, not in bulk
  4. Mark each response as correct, wrong, or unattempted

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Checking the wrong question paper set
  • Assuming memory-based answers are 100% accurate
  • Ignoring revised answers mentioned in the final key
  • Calculating score repeatedly and second-guessing every response

Remember: the purpose of checking the answer key is clarity, not self-torture.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

Your expected score should be calculated strictly as per the official marking scheme.

Basic marking framework:

  • Correct answer: +1 mark
  • Wrong answer: Negative marking as per notification
  • Unattempted: 0 marks

Use this simple formula:

Expected Score = (Correct × 1) - (Wrong × negative marks)

Two important points many candidates overlook:

  • Do not assume zero negative marking unless explicitly mentioned in the notification
  • Raw score is not the final score-normalisation or category-wise cut-offs may still apply

Your calculated score is an indicator, not a verdict.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

Cut-offs are influenced by multiple variables, not just how you performed.

Factors affecting PSSSB Group B cut-off:

  • Number of vacancies per post
  • Category-wise competition
  • Overall difficulty level of the paper
  • Number of candidates who appeared
  • Post-wise merit preparation

At this stage:

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

Treat cut-off discussions as context, not conclusions.

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

This is a critical point where many candidates waste time and money.

Reality check:

  • This is a final answer key
  • The objection window has already closed
  • No further challenges are accepted now

If you missed the provisional objection phase earlier, there is nothing you can do at this stage. Accepting this fact early helps you move forward with a clear head.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

Your next steps depend on where you realistically stand.

If your score is comfortably high:

  • Start tracking result announcements
  • Prepare documents for verification
  • Stay mentally prepared for the next stage, if applicable

If your score is borderline:

  • Avoid over-analysis
  • Keep backup exam plans active
  • Do not stop preparation abruptly

If your score is low:

  • Step back and assess gaps honestly
  • Identify weak sections and concepts
  • Redirect energy to upcoming exams instead of dwelling on this one

One exam does not define your career-but how you respond to it does.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on standard PSSSB recruitment flow, candidates should expect:

  • Result declaration after final key processing
  • Merit list preparation post result
  • Document verification / next stage (if applicable)

Exact result dates are not available yet. Candidates should monitor only the official website for updates.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros:

  • Transparency in evaluation
  • Early score estimation
  • Reduced uncertainty before result

Cons:

  • Mental stress from repeated checking
  • Comparison with others
  • Overthinking cut-offs and ranks

Use the answer key as a tool, not a trigger for anxiety.

10. Candidate Checklist

Keep these ready and tracked:

  • Final answer key PDF saved
  • Exam details (roll number, set, post)
  • Calculation notes (for your reference only)
  • Official website bookmarks
  • Result notification alerts

Avoid WhatsApp forwards and unverified PDFs.

11. Conclusion

The release of the PSSSB Group B Final Answer Key 2026 marks the closure of one phase and the beginning of another. There is nothing left to challenge or change now-only to understand, accept, and act wisely.

Whether the outcome goes in your favour or not, staying calm and realistic at this stage is a competitive advantage in itself. Government exam journeys reward persistence more than perfection.

12. FAQs

Q1. Is this the final answer key or provisional?
This is the final answer key. No objections are allowed now.

Q2. Can marks change after this final key?
No. Results will be prepared based on this answer key only.

Q3. When will the result be declared?
The exact date is not available yet. Candidates should monitor the official PSSSB website.

Q4. Should I rely on coaching institute cut-off predictions?
No. Use them only for broad understanding, not decision-making.

Q5. What if my score is very close to expected cut-off?
Stay prepared for both outcomes and keep applying for other opportunities.