The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the provisional Answer Key for the Group A, B, and C direct recruitment examination 2026. This release is crucial for all candidates who appeared in the exams held on 31 January 2026 and 01 February 2026, allowing them to estimate their scores and verify their performance against the official standard. Aspirants preparing for subsequent recruitment phases or seeking other central opportunities should regularly check the latest Govt Jobs notifications.
The provisional key, released on 12 February 2026, is now available on the official CBSE website, cbse.gov.in. Candidates are strongly advised to download their response sheets along with the provisional key and submit any objections against discrepancies by the strict deadline of 14 February 2026. Details regarding the objection process, fee structure, and score calculation are provided below.
CBSE Group A, B and C Answer Key 2026 – Quick Overview
| Organization | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Group A, B and C |
| Total Vacancies | 124 |
| Exam Date | 31 January 2026 & 01 February 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Released (Provisional) |
| Release Date | 12 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Objection | 14 February 2026 |
| Official Website | cbse.gov.in |
How to Download CBSE Group A, B and C Answer Key 2026?
Follow these simple steps to download your answer key and response sheet:
- Visit the official CBSE recruitment website: cbse.gov.in
- Navigate to the "Recruitment" section and click on the relevant link for "Direct Recruitment Quota Examination 2026".
- Find and click the link for 'Download Answer Key and Response Sheet'.
- Log in using your Roll Number and Date of Birth (DOB) or other specified credentials.
- Your provisional answer key and recorded responses will appear on the screen.
- Download and save the PDF copy for score calculation and future reference.
How to Raise Objection Against CBSE Group A, B and C Answer Key 2026?
If you disagree with any official answer provided in the provisional key, you can raise an objection by following these steps:
- Log in to the candidate portal on cbse.gov.in using your credentials.
- Go to the "Challenge/Objection" section dedicated to the Group A, B, C Examination.
- Select the specific question ID(s) you wish to challenge.
- Provide clear justification and upload relevant supporting documents or references (textbook pages, official notifications, etc.).
- Pay the required objection fee online (typically ₹1000 per question, refundable if the challenge is accepted).
- Submit the objection form before the deadline of 14 February 2026.
Note: Objections submitted without proper documentation or after the stipulated deadline will not be considered by the board.
How to Calculate Your Score Using CBSE Answer Key 2026?
Candidates must use the prescribed marking scheme to accurately estimate their final scores:
- Correct Answer: +3 marks
- Wrong Answer: -1 mark (Negative Marking)
- Unattempted Question: 0 marks
Score Calculation Formula: Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 3) – (Number of Wrong Answers × 1)
Important Links
CBSE Group A, B and C Answer Key 2026 Out - FAQs
Q1. When was CBSE Group A, B and C Answer Key 2026 released?
The provisional answer key was released on 12 February 2026.
Q2. How can I download CBSE Group A, B and C Answer Key 2026?
Visit cbse.gov.in, log in with your roll number and DOB, and download the answer key PDF from the candidate portal.
Q3. What is the last date to raise objections against CBSE Answer Key?
Candidates can submit objections until 14 February 2026.
Q4. What is the negative marking for the CBSE Group A, B, C Exam?
There is a negative marking of 1 mark for every wrong answer, while 3 marks are awarded for every correct answer (+3 for correct, -1 for wrong).
Q5. When will CBSE Group A, B and C Result 2026 be declared?
The result is expected to be declared after the final answer key is published, following the review of all objections.