The CBSE Recruitment Answer Key 2026 has been officially released by the Central Board of Secondary Education on 12th February 2026. Candidates who appeared for the Direct Recruitment Quota Examination 2026 can now download the provisional answer key along with their scanned OMR response sheets from the official website.
This answer key is for the recruitment examination conducted to fill 124 Group A, B, and C vacancies. Along with checking their answers, candidates can also raise objections (if any) within the specified timeframe. The answer key is available online at the official website of CBSE – https://www.cbse.gov.in.
In this detailed SEO guide, you will find complete information about the CBSE Group A, B & C Answer Key 2026, important dates, steps to download the OMR sheet, objection process, marking scheme, and how to calculate your tentative score.
CBSE Recruitment Answer Key 2026 – Overview
The Tier 1 examination for CBSE Direct Recruitment 2026 was conducted on 31st January and 1st February 2026. After successfully conducting the exam, CBSE has now released the provisional answer key for transparency and evaluation purposes.
Candidates can compare their marked responses with the officially released correct answers to estimate their performance before the final result announcement.
Important Dates
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | 31st January & 1st February 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date | 12th February 2026 |
| Raise Objection Window | 12th to 14th February 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date to Download Answer Key | 14th February 2026 |
Candidates are advised to download the answer key before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
CBSE Group A, B & C Answer Key 2026 Download Link
The provisional answer key and OMR response sheet are available online on the official recruitment page of CBSE. Candidates need their login credentials to access the answer key.
To download:
- Visit the official website: https://www.cbse.gov.in
- Click on “Direct Recruitment Quota Examination 2026”.
- Select the link titled “Download Answer Key for Computer-Based Test for Direct Recruitment”.
- Enter your Registration Number and Password.
- Fill in the captcha code.
- Click on submit to view your answer key and OMR sheet.
- Download and save the PDF for reference.
Make sure to verify all answers carefully before the objection window closes.
What Details Are Available in CBSE Answer Key 2026?
The CBSE Recruitment Answer Key 2026 includes:
- Question Paper Set/Code
- Question Number
- Correct Answer Option
- Candidate’s Marked Response
- OMR Sheet Scanned Copy
- Exam Details
This ensures complete transparency in the recruitment process and helps candidates assess their performance accurately.
CBSE Recruitment Answer Key 2026 – Raise Objection Process
If any candidate finds discrepancies in the provisional answer key, they can raise objections within the specified period.
Objection Window:
12th February 2026 to 14th February 2026 (11:59 PM)
Objection Fee:
- Rs. 1000 per question (Non-refundable)
Steps to Raise Objection:
- Log in to the official CBSE recruitment portal.
- Click on “Raise Objection Against Answer Key”.
- Select the question you wish to challenge.
- Upload valid documentary proof supporting your claim.
- Pay the required fee online.
- Submit the objection.
After reviewing all challenges, CBSE will release the final answer key, which will be used for result preparation. No further objections will be entertained after the deadline.
CBSE Answer Key 2026 Marking Scheme
To calculate your estimated score correctly, it is essential to follow the official marking scheme used in the Tier 1 examination.
Exam Pattern Overview:
- Total Questions: 150 MCQs
- Total Marks: 450
- Type of Exam: Objective (Multiple Choice)
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +3 Marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark
- Unattempted Questions: 0 Marks
Candidates must carefully count only attempted questions while calculating negative marks.
How to Calculate Marks for CBSE Recruitment Tier-I Exam?
Candidates can calculate their tentative raw score using the provisional answer key and OMR sheet by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Count Correct Answers
Match each answer from your OMR sheet with the official answer key and count the total number of correct responses.
Step 2: Count Incorrect Answers
Count the number of wrong answers marked. Do not include unanswered questions.
Step 3: Apply the Formula
Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 3) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 1)
Example Calculation:
- Correct Answers: 100
- Incorrect Answers: 20
Score = (100 × 3) – (20 × 1)
Score = 300 – 20
Score = 280 Marks
This estimated score helps candidates understand their chances of qualifying for the next stage.
Why CBSE Releases the Answer Key?
The release of the provisional answer key ensures:
- Transparency in the recruitment process
- Fair evaluation of candidates
- Opportunity to challenge incorrect answers
- Accuracy in final result preparation
By allowing candidates to raise objections, CBSE maintains credibility and fairness in the recruitment system.
What Happens After the Final Answer Key?
After reviewing objections:
- CBSE will release the Final Answer Key.
- Results will be prepared based on the revised answers (if any changes are made).
- Qualified candidates will be shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates regarding results and further selection procedures.
Tips for Candidates After Checking Answer Key
- Do not panic if your score is slightly lower than expected.
- Calculate marks carefully using the official marking scheme.
- Raise objections only if you have strong documentary proof.
- Keep login credentials safe for future updates.
- Stay updated regarding final results and merit lists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When was the CBSE Recruitment Answer Key 2026 released?
The answer key was released on 12th February 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to raise objections?
Candidates can raise objections till 14th February 2026 (11:59 PM).
Q3. What is the objection fee?
The fee is Rs. 1000 per question (non-refundable).
Q4. What is the marking scheme?
+3 marks for correct answers and -1 mark for incorrect answers.
Conclusion
The release of the CBSE Recruitment Answer Key 2026 is an important milestone for candidates who appeared in the Group A, B, and C Direct Recruitment Examination. It provides transparency, allows self-evaluation, and gives candidates the opportunity to challenge discrepancies before the final results are declared.
Aspirants are strongly advised to download their OMR sheet PDFs, verify answers carefully, and raise objections (if necessary) within the stipulated timeline. Using the official marking scheme, candidates can estimate their scores and prepare accordingly for the next stage of selection.
Stay connected with the official CBSE website for updates regarding the final answer key and result announcement. Best of luck to all candidates awaiting their results!
