The long wait is finally over for 13.5 lakh candidates who appeared for the SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 exam. On October 16, 2025, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) released the provisional answer key, setting off a mix of excitement and panic.

Many candidates faced trouble accessing the website as it went down due to massive traffic. With the objection deadline closing soon, every second counts for those aiming to secure one of the 14,582 government vacancies.

Key Takeaways

• Answer key released on October 16, 2025, at 9 PM IST.
• Website faced repeated crashes due to heavy traffic.
• Objection window open till October 19, 9 PM IST.
• Each objection costs ₹100 (refundable if valid).
• Tier 2 exam likely in December 2025.

SSC CGL 2025 Answer Key Details

The Tier 1 exam was conducted from September 12 to 26, 2025, with a re-exam on October 14 for some candidates. It tested areas like General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English Comprehension.

The provisional answer key allows candidates to cross-check their responses and calculate their scores +2 marks for each correct answer and -0.5 marks for every wrong one. However, many candidates have struggled to even access the portal because of technical issues. The answer key and objection window remain active until October 19, 9 PM IST, leaving a short window to act.

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How To Download The Answer Key

Follow these steps if the website is working properly:

1. Go to ssc.gov.in and select “Answer Key” on the homepage.
2. Click the link for “Combined Graduate Level Examination, 2025 (Tier-I): Uploading of Answer Keys.”
3. Log in using your Registration Number and Password or Date of Birth.
4. Download your answer key, response sheet, and question paper for personal reference.

Tip: If the website fails to load, try using incognito mode or switching browsers. Several aspirants are reporting “Service Unavailable” errors as lakhs of users are trying simultaneously.

Objection Window: Act Before The Deadline

Candidates who find any wrong answers in the key can raise objections until October 19, 9 PM IST. Each objection costs ₹100, which is refunded if your claim is found valid.

Steps to raise an objection:

1. Log in to ssc.gov.in.
2. Go to the “Answer Key Challenge” section.
3. Select the question, mention the issue, and upload proof.
4. Pay the fee and keep the confirmation safe.

Many candidates have shared screenshots on X showing mismatched options (like “Marked B but key shows D”). So it’s wise to check carefully and submit in time.

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Social Media Reaction

The release of the answer key has triggered a flood of reactions on X. Over 5,000 posts under hashtags #SSCCGLAnswerKey and #SSC_System_Sudharo show how frustrated aspirants are with the frequent server crashes.

One user wrote, “Tried 50 times since 9 PM server on Diwali break?” while others called for greater transparency in SSC’s system. Still, some appreciated the quick release after the re-exam and community efforts like Google Sheets for calculating scores.

According to early predictions, the expected cutoff could be 130–140 for General and 120–130 for OBC candidates.

Important Dates To Note

Next Steps For Aspirants

This answer key helps you estimate your Tier 1 performance and correct possible errors. Since 14,582 vacancies are on the line, even a small correction can make a big difference.

Continue your Tier 2 preparation, especially focusing on Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, as competition is expected to rise.

Keep checking ssc.gov.in for official notices and join community groups for support, updates, and mock tests.