1. Introduction

Once the exam is over, the real mental churn begins. Many candidates replay questions in their head, compare answers with peers, and worry about cut-offs long before any official update arrives.
The release of the WBMSC Assistant Engineer (Civil) Answer Key 2026 is the first official checkpoint after the exam. It does not decide your selection, but it does give you clarity-and clarity is critical at this stage.

Handled calmly and correctly, the answer key can help you assess where you stand and what to do next. Handled emotionally or carelessly, it can cause unnecessary stress.

2. Answer Key Overview

The West Bengal Municipal Service Commission (WBMSC) has released the provisional answer key for the Assistant Engineer (Civil) examination conducted on 18 January 2026.
This answer key is available only through the official WBMSC website (www.mscwb.org).

Key points candidates should note:

  • This is not the final answer key
  • Objections are allowed within the prescribed window
  • Final scores and results will be based on the final answer key, not this provisional one

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

A disciplined approach matters here.

Correct way to check:

  1. Download the answer key PDF for your exact question booklet code
  2. Keep your response sheet (if available) beside you
  3. Match answers one question at a time
  4. Mark three categories clearly: correct, wrong, unattempted

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Checking answers from memory instead of the actual response sheet
  • Mixing up booklet codes
  • Counting “almost correct” answers as correct
  • Relying on coaching keys or social media screenshots

Accuracy matters more than speed at this stage.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

As per the official scheme:

  • Correct answer: +2 marks
  • Wrong answer: -1 mark
  • Unattempted: 0 marks
  • Maximum marks: 200

Expected Score = (Correct × 2) - (Wrong × 1)

Two important reminders:

  • Be conservative while counting doubtful questions
  • Your raw score is not your final merit position

Normalization, category-wise competition, and vacancy ratio all influence the final outcome.

5. Cut-Off Expectations - A Reality Check

For WBMSC Assistant Engineer:

  • Total vacancies: 59
  • Competition level: Moderate to high
  • Cut-off depends on:
    • Difficulty level of the paper
    • Number of serious candidates
    • Category-wise vacancies
    • Performance distribution, not topper marks

Previous cut-off data for this specific post is not available yet in a reliable format.
Avoid believing exact cut-off numbers circulating online-they are speculative.

Treat your score as a range indicator, not a verdict.

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

You should consider raising an objection if:

  • The official answer contradicts standard textbooks or BIS/IRC codes
  • The question itself is technically flawed or ambiguous
  • You have documentary proof, not opinions

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • You feel “my answer is also correct”
  • You misunderstood the question in the exam
  • You are guessing based on coaching discussions

Remember:

  • Objection fee applies
  • Fee is refunded only if the objection is accepted
  • Emotional objections waste both time and money

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is comfortably high:
Stay alert for the final answer key and result. Do not disengage completely-next stages may move quickly.

If your score is borderline:
Focus on objections (only if valid) and mentally prepare for either outcome. Start revising basics in case of the next stage.

If your score is low:
This is not a failure-it is feedback. Analyse weak areas honestly and align your preparation for upcoming AE exams in other states or PSUs.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

Based on WBMSC’s usual process:

  1. Objection window closes (date to be checked on official site)
  2. Objections reviewed
  3. Final answer key released
  4. Result declaration
  5. Further selection stages (if applicable)

Exact dates for the final answer key and result are not available yet. Candidates should monitor www.mscwb.org regularly.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Overthinking and peer pressure
  • Misinformation from unofficial sources
  • Emotional fatigue

Balance awareness with patience.

10. Candidate Checklist

  • Download correct booklet answer key
  • Keep response sheet ready
  • Calculate score calmly
  • Collect standard references before objecting
  • Track objection deadline
  • Save PDFs and payment receipts

11. Conclusion

The answer key is a tool, not a judgment. Use it to understand your performance-not to panic or celebrate prematurely.
Government recruitment is a process, not an event. Candidates who succeed long-term are those who respond rationally at every stage.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and let official updates-not rumours-guide your decisions.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Q. Will marks change after objections?
Only if WBMSC accepts valid objections and revises answers.

Q. Can I rely on coaching answer keys?
No. Only the official WBMSC answer key matters.

Q. When will the result be declared?
The date is not available yet. Monitor the official website.

Q. Does a good score guarantee selection?
No. Final selection depends on cut-off, category, and subsequent stages.