SSC Steno answer key 2026 released: raise objections by September 26

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) released the provisional answer key and candidate response sheets for the Stenographer Grade C & D Examination, 2026 (CBE), on September 23, 2026. Candidates who appeared for the examination can access these documents through the official SSC website, ssc.gov.in, by logging in with their registration number and password.

The release of the answer key initiates a window for candidates to raise objections against any discrepancies they perceive. This objection window will remain open until September 26, 2026, at 11:00 PM, after which no further representations will be entertained.

Objection Process and Fee Structure

Candidates wishing to challenge any question or answer in the provisional key must submit their objections online through the SSC portal. A fee of ₹50 per question or answer challenged is applicable, payable online. This fee represents a reduction from the earlier charge of ₹100 per question or answer.

It is important for candidates to note that while the answers they selected during the examination will be accurately reflected in the challenge module, the sequence of questions and options within the module may differ from their appearance during the actual examination. Candidates are also advised to take a printout of their response sheets, as these will not be available after the specified time limit, and individual requests for response sheets or tentative answer keys will not be entertained in the future.

Examination Details and Selection Process

The Computer Based Examination (CBE) for the Stenographer Grade C & D Examination, 2026, was conducted from September 9 to 12, 2026, and on September 15, 2026, at various centres nationwide. This recruitment drive aims to fill 1,275 vacancies for Stenographer Grade ‘C’ (Group ‘B’, Non-Gazetted) and Stenographer Grade ‘D’ (Group ‘C’) posts.

The CBE was a 200-mark examination comprising 200 questions, with each correct answer carrying 1 mark. A negative marking scheme of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer was implemented. The minimum qualifying marks for the UR category are 30%, for OBC/EWS are 25%, and for SC/ST/PwBD/ESM are 20%. Candidates who qualify in the CBE will proceed to the Skill Test, followed by Document Verification and Final Selection.

Upcoming Dates and Result Declaration

Following the closure of the objection window and review of submitted challenges, the Staff Selection Commission is expected to release the final answer key. The SSC Stenographer Result 2026 is anticipated to be available in the second week of October 2026. Subsequently, candidates shortlisted for the Skill Test will be notified.

Further reading

• BSF ASI Steno, HC Ministerial answer key 2024 out; raise objections by September 23
• SSC CHTE 2026 Paper-I answer key out: raise objections by 24 September
• KEA KSRP Police Constable answer key 2026 out: raise objections by 23 September
• Kerala SET answer key 2026 released for January session, raise objections by 27 September
• WB HS 3rd semester: Raise objections by December 2026; answer key in November

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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