SSC CGL Answer Key 2024 PDF Download

Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by admin

The SSC CGL Answer Key 2024 is released by the Staff Selection Commission on ssc.gov.in. Candidates can download their response sheet, verify answers, calculate estimated marks using the official marking scheme, and raise objections by paying ₹100 per question. After objections are reviewed, SSC publishes a final answer key along with cut-off trends. This process helps candidates know their expected score before the result.

Why SSC CGL Answer Key 2024 Matters

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is one of the largest recruitment bodies in India, and the Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL) is its flagship exam. Lakhs of aspirants sit for SSC CGL every year, aiming to secure prestigious government jobs in ministries, departments, and central offices.

Once the exam is over, the first thing on every candidate’s mind is—“How did I perform? What could be my score?” This is exactly why the SSC CGL Answer Key 2024 is so important.

• It allows candidates to check their responses against the official answers.

• It enables them to estimate their marks before the result is declared.

• It provides an opportunity to raise objections in case of discrepancies.

• It also helps future aspirants analyze question patterns and difficulty levels.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything about SSC CGL Answer Key 2024—from downloading steps and objection process to calculating marks, expected cut-offs, and preparation tips.

What is SSC CGL Answer Key 2024?

The SSC CGL Answer Key is an official document released by the Staff Selection Commission after the exam. It contains:

• Correct answers to all questions asked in the exam

• Candidate’s individual response sheet (with chosen answers)

• Options to challenge answers (for a limited time)

There are two types of answer keys:

1. Provisional Answer Key – Released first; open to objections.

2. Final Answer Key – Released after objections are reviewed; cannot be challenged further.

This ensures transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.

How to Download SSC CGL Answer Key 2024

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the official website: ssc.gov.in

2. Click on “Answer Key” section under Latest Updates.

3. Find the link: “Combined Graduate Level Examination 2024 – Answer Key.”

4. Enter your Registration ID/Roll Number and Password (DOB).

5. View and download your Answer Key PDF + Response Sheet.

Tip: Save both the answer key and response sheet for future reference, especially if you plan to raise objections.

How to Calculate Your Marks

The marking scheme for SSC CGL Tier-I is as follows:

• Correct Answer: +2 marks

• Wrong Answer: -0.50 marks

• Unattempted: 0 marks

Formula:
Total Marks = (Correct Answers × 2) – (Wrong Answers × 0.50)

Example:

• Attempted: 80 questions

• Correct: 65 → 65 × 2 = 130

• Wrong: 15 → 15 × 0.50 = 7.5

• Final Score = 130 – 7.5 = 122.5 marks

This gives you a fairly accurate idea of your performance before results.

Objection Process for SSC CGL Answer Key 2024

The provisional answer key is not final. If you believe an answer is incorrect, you can raise objections.

Objection Guidelines:

• Fee: ₹100 per question

• Mode: Online via SSC portal

• Documents Required: Proof of correct answer (books, govt notifications, etc.)

• Deadline: Usually 3–5 days after answer key release

Remember: Objections without valid proof are rejected.

Once SSC reviews objections, it publishes the final answer key, which is binding.

Expected Cut-Off for SSC CGL 2024

The cut-off depends on difficulty level, number of candidates, and vacancies. Since aspirants use the answer key to check performance, analyzing cut-offs is equally important.

Previous Year Tier-I Cut-Offs (2023):

• UR: 150–155

• OBC: 140–145

• SC: 125–130

• ST: 115–120

Predicted 2024 Tier-I Cut-Offs:

• UR: 152–158

• OBC: 140–146

• SC: 126–132

• ST: 116–122

This prediction may vary depending on the final answer key and normalization.

Normalization of Marks

Since SSC exams are held in multiple shifts, the difficulty may vary slightly. To maintain fairness, SSC applies normalization.

The normalized score may be higher or lower than your raw score, but it ensures a level playing field.

Why the Answer Key Benefits Future Aspirants

Even if you are not appearing this year, analyzing the answer key is valuable:

• Identifies important topics repeatedly asked

• Highlights difficulty trends across shifts

• Helps in mock test design for upcoming attempts

This is why coaching institutes and aspirants alike eagerly await the key.

SSC CGL Answer Key 2024 – Common Issues Faced by Candidates

• Website Crashes: Due to heavy traffic when keys are released.

• Forgot Credentials: Candidates often misplace their Registration ID. (Solution: Use SSC “Forgot Password” option).

• Mismatch in Questions: Sometimes candidates confuse memory-based questions with actual exam answers.

• Objection Rejections: Due to insufficient proof or unofficial sources.

Tip: Always use standard reference books or SSC notifications while raising objections.

Timeline for Answer Key & Results

• Provisional Answer Key: Released within 7–10 days after Tier-I exam.

• Objection Window: 3–5 days.

• Final Answer Key: Published after objection review.

• Result Declaration: Usually 1–2 months after final answer key.

Staying updated on these dates is crucial for Tier-II preparation.

Conclusion

The SSC CGL Answer Key 2024 is more than just a set of answers—it’s a tool for score estimation, transparency, and preparation. Candidates should:

• Download the answer key quickly

• Calculate their scores

• Raise valid objections if needed

• Analyze cut-offs for the next stage

For aspirants targeting SSC CGL 2025, studying the answer key trends is a smart way to refine preparation.

Stay updated, prepare strategically, and use every resource—including the answer key—to maximize your chances of success.

FAQs on SSC CGL Answer Key 2024

Q1. When will SSC CGL Answer Key 2024 be released?

Within 1–2 weeks after Tier-I exam.

Q2. Can I raise objections to the answer key?

Yes, by paying ₹100 per objection on SSC portal.

Q3. How do I calculate marks using the answer key?

+2 for correct, -0.50 for wrong, 0 for unattempted.

Q4. Is the final answer key challengeable?

No, only the provisional key can be challenged.

Q5. How does normalization affect marks?

It adjusts scores across shifts for fairness.