1. Introduction

For most candidates, the period immediately after an exam is emotionally confusing. Relief that the paper is over mixes with anxiety about performance, rumours about cut-offs, and constant comparison with others.
The release of the PSSSB Warder and Matron Answer Key 2026 is the first official checkpoint in this process. It does not decide selection, but it gives you clarity-and clarity reduces panic.

Handled correctly, the answer key helps you assess where you stand and what to do next. Handled poorly, it can create unnecessary stress and wrong decisions.

2. Answer Key Overview

The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) has released the provisional answer key for the Warder and Matron examination conducted on 11 January 2026.

Key points candidates must understand:

  • This is a provisional answer key, not final.
  • It is released set-wise (A, B, C, D).
  • Candidates are allowed to raise objections within a limited window.

The answer key is available only on the official website: sssb.punjab.gov.in. Any version circulating on social media should be ignored.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Step-by-step approach that actually works:

  1. Download the correct set of the answer key matching your question paper.
  2. Keep your response sheet / rough work ready.
  3. Match answers calmly, question by question.
  4. Mark three categories:
    • Confidently correct
    • Confidently wrong
    • Doubtful (needs rechecking)

Common mistakes students make:

  • Checking answers in a rush or late at night when tired.
  • Mixing answers from different sets.
  • Trusting YouTube or coaching keys over the official key.
  • Assuming one wrong answer means “selection is over”.

Avoid these. Discipline here matters.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

Before calculating, understand this clearly:
Your calculated score is an estimate, not the final score.

General method:


Expected Score = (Number of correct answers × marks per question)
- (Number of wrong answers × negative marks)

Important clarifications:

  • Use the official marking scheme mentioned in the notification.
    If negative marking details are not available yet, do not assume-wait or calculate both ways.
  • Unattempted questions carry zero marks.

Why raw score ≠ final result:

  • Normalisation (if applicable)
  • Dropped questions
  • Revised answers after objections

So treat your score as a range, not a fixed number.

5. Cut-Off Expectations: A Reality Check

Every year, cut-off discussions start immediately-and most of them are misleading.

Cut-offs depend on:

  • Total number of candidates who appeared
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Number of vacancies (471 in this recruitment)
  • Category-wise distribution
  • Performance of the overall candidate pool

Previous cut-off trends can give context, not certainty.
Anyone claiming an “exact cut-off” at this stage is guessing.

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

You SHOULD raise an objection if:

  • You are 100% sure the official answer is incorrect.
  • You have standard proof (textbook, government source, standard reference).
  • The question materially affects your score.

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • You are “almost sure” but not confident.
  • Your source is coaching notes or YouTube explanations.
  • You are objecting emotionally, not logically.

Cost vs benefit:

  • Objection fees (amount to be checked in the official notice) are usually non-refundable unless accepted.
  • Random objections waste money and time.

Precision matters more than volume.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is clearly high:

  • Stay calm. Do not relax preparation.
  • Start tracking the next stage (physical test, document verification, etc.).
  • Keep documents ready.

If your score is borderline:

  • File valid objections if applicable.
  • Prepare mentally for both outcomes.
  • Avoid daily cut-off speculation.

If your score is low:

  • Accept it without self-blame.
  • Analyse weak areas objectively.
  • Redirect focus to the next exam cycle. One exam never defines your career.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on the standard PSSSB process:

  1. Objection window closes (14 January 2026, till 5:00 PM).
  2. Objections reviewed by the board.
  3. Final answer key released.
  4. Result declaration.
  5. Next stage of selection (details not available yet).

Exact dates beyond the objection window are not available yet. Monitor only the official website.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Overthinking and anxiety
  • Misinformation spread online
  • Emotional burnout if not handled maturely

The answer key is a tool-not a verdict.

10. Candidate Checklist

  • Correct answer key set downloaded
  • Response sheet checked calmly
  • Objection proof (if any) ready in standard format
  • Objection deadline noted
  • Login credentials saved
  • Official website bookmarked

11. Conclusion

The PSSSB Warder and Matron Answer Key 2026 is a process milestone, not a final judgement.
Use it to gain clarity, not to punish yourself mentally.

Strong candidates focus on facts, timelines, and next steps-not rumours or panic.
Whatever your current score looks like, the most important skill now is composure.

12. FAQs

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

Q2. Should everyone file objections?
No. Only candidates with strong, well-documented reasons should.

Q3. Can the final score change after objections?
Yes, if questions are corrected or dropped.

Q4. When will the result be declared?
Not available yet. It will be announced after the final answer key.

Q5. Does one wrong answer mean disqualification?
No. Selection depends on overall performance and cut-offs.