1. Introduction

Once the exam is over, most candidates enter an uncomfortable waiting phase-relief mixed with doubt. Questions replay in the mind: Did I mark that correctly? Was the paper tougher than expected? Have I done enough?
This is exactly where the answer key stage becomes important. It is not about instant celebration or disappointment. It is about clarity, course correction, and controlled decision-making.

The release of the WBHRB Medical Technologist Grade III Answer Key 2026 gives candidates their first official reference point after the exam. Used correctly, it helps you understand where you stand. Used emotionally or carelessly, it can create unnecessary stress.

2. Answer Key Overview

The West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (WBHRB) has released the provisional answer key for the Medical Technologist Grade III examination conducted on 14 January 2026.

Key points candidates must understand:

  • This is a provisional answer key, not final.
  • It is released before results to allow transparency and corrections.
  • Objections, if valid, may lead to changes in the final answer key.

The answer key has been published officially on hrb.wb.gov.in through a PDF notice containing question papers and corresponding answers for different specialties.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

A common mistake candidates make is rushing through the answer key in a single sitting and drawing conclusions too quickly.

Recommended approach:

  1. Download the official PDF only from the WBHRB website.
  2. Identify your correct question paper set and specialty.
  3. Match each question calmly-do not rely on memory alone.
  4. Mark answers as Correct / Incorrect / Unattempted on rough paper or a sheet.
  5. Recheck tricky questions after a short break.

Mistakes to avoid:

  • Comparing answers with coaching keys or social media PDFs.
  • Assuming every mismatch means the official key is wrong.
  • Calculating score multiple times hoping it will change.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

Based on the official marking scheme mentioned in the notice:

  • Correct answer: +2 marks
  • Wrong answer: -0.5 mark
  • Unattempted: 0 marks

Score calculation formula:


Expected Score = (Correct × 2) - (Wrong × 0.5)

Important reality check:

  • Your raw score is not your final rank.
  • Normalisation (if applicable), category-wise cut-offs, and vacancy distribution all matter.
  • Two candidates with the same score may not have the same outcome.

Treat this score as a directional indicator, not a verdict.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

At this stage, no official cut-off has been released.

Cut-offs depend on:

  • Number of vacancies (580 posts in total)
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Number of candidates appeared
  • Category-wise competition
  • Final answer key corrections (if any)

Relying on random cut-off predictions circulating online is risky. They are often speculative and ignore category and specialty differences.
For now, focus on relative performance, not imaginary benchmarks.

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

Raising an objection is a serious step, not a routine action.

You should consider raising an objection if:

  • You are confident the answer is incorrect based on standard textbooks or official guidelines.
  • The question itself is ambiguous or factually flawed.
  • You can provide clear documentary proof.

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • Your answer differs only because of guesswork.
  • You are relying on coaching institute keys.
  • You are emotionally attached to a doubtful question.

Cost vs benefit:
Objections often involve a fee (details not specified yet). Frivolous objections waste money and time. Smart candidates object only when the case is strong.

As of now, the objection window and deadline are not clearly mentioned in the notice. Candidates must monitor the official website for updates.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is comfortably high:

  • Start tracking result updates calmly.
  • Organise documents for the next stage.
  • Avoid overconfidence-final outcomes still depend on cut-offs.

If your score is borderline:

  • Do not panic.
  • Watch for final answer key changes.
  • Prepare mentally for both outcomes and keep alternative exams in focus.

If your score is low:

  • Accept it without self-blame.
  • Analyse weak areas objectively.
  • Use this exam as feedback, not failure.

Every serious aspirant clears some exams because of previous setbacks.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on WBHRB’s usual process:

  1. Objection window (if enabled)
  2. Review of objections
  3. Final answer key
  4. Result declaration
  5. Next stage of recruitment (details not available yet)

Exact dates for the next steps are not available yet. Candidates should rely only on official updates.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Anxiety from over-analysis
  • Misinformation from unofficial sources
  • Emotional decision-making

The key is balance-use the answer key as a tool, not a trigger.

10. Candidate Checklist

  • Downloaded correct answer key PDF
  • Calculated score using official marking scheme
  • Verified specialty and question set
  • Supporting proof ready (only if objecting)
  • Monitoring official website for deadlines

11. Conclusion

The WBHRB Medical Technologist Grade III Answer Key 2026 is not the end of the journey-it is a checkpoint.
Handle this phase with maturity. Avoid noise. Trust verified information. Make decisions backed by logic, not emotion.

Exams test knowledge, but selections reward discipline, patience, and clarity.

12. FAQs

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

Q2. Will all objections be accepted?
No. Only objections supported by strong, standard references are considered.

Q3. When will the result be declared?
Not announced yet. Candidates must track the official website.

Q4. Can the final score change after objections?
Yes, if objections are accepted and the final answer key is revised.

Q5. Should I stop preparing for other exams now?
No. Until results are declared, continue preparation without distraction.