CBSE Releases DRQ Tier-1 Answer Key and OMR Sheets
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially published the answer key and scanned OMR response sheets for the Direct Recruitment Quota (DRQ) 2026 Tier-1 examination. This development brings significant clarity for candidates who appeared in the recruitment test conducted on January 31, 2026. The answer key has been made available for positions falling under Groups A, B, C, and D, allowing aspirants to assess their performance before the final results are announced.
How Candidates Can Access the Answer Key
Applicants who participated in the Tier-1 examination can now visit the designated CBSE recruitment portal to view their responses. The login process requires candidates to enter their roll number and date of birth. Once logged in, they can access both the provisional answer key and their individual scanned OMR sheets. This transparency measure enables candidates to cross-check their marked answers against the official responses provided by the board.
The examination was conducted in two shifts on the scheduled date, and the board has acted promptly in releasing the answer key to maintain the recruitment timeline. Candidates are encouraged to carefully review their answer sheets and compare them with the provisional key to identify any potential discrepancies.
Objection Window: Dates and Process
CBSE has also opened a channel for candidates to raise objections against any answer they believe to be incorrect. The objection window will remain active from Thursday, February 12, 2026, until Saturday, February 14, 2026, closing at 11:59 PM. It is important to note that no objections will be entertained after this deadline under any circumstances.
All challenges must be submitted exclusively through the online login portal. The board has clearly stated that objections sent via email, postal mail, physical letters, or submitted in person will not be considered valid. Each objection raised against a specific question will incur a processing fee of 1,000 rupees, which is generally non-refundable unless the challenge is found to be legitimate.
Key Points for Candidates to Remember
- Subject matter experts appointed by CBSE will thoroughly review all submitted objections before reaching a decision.
- The verdict provided by the expert panel will be considered final and binding on all candidates.
- Individual candidates will not receive personal notifications regarding the outcome of their objections or the final result.
- The final answer key, prepared after considering valid objections, will serve as the sole basis for calculating results.
- If a candidate’s objection is proven correct, the objection fee will be refunded to their account.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download the Answer Key
Candidates can follow these straightforward steps to download the answer key and their OMR sheets from the official portal:
- Navigate to the official CBSE recruitment website using any standard web browser.
- Locate and click on the dedicated link for the DRQ Tier-1 Answer Key 2026 on the homepage.
- Enter your registered roll number and date of birth in the required fields to log in.
- Once logged in, the answer key and scanned OMR sheet will appear on your screen.
- Download both documents and take a printout for future reference and record-keeping.
Important Guidelines for Filing Objections
Candidates who identify potential errors in the provisional answer key should act within the specified timeframe. The objection submission facility will be available exclusively between February 12 and February 14, 2026. All challenges must be lodged through the online portal using the candidate’s login credentials.
The fee structure requires candidates to pay 1,000 rupees for each question they wish to challenge. This payment is typically non-refundable, except in cases where the objection is upheld by the expert committee. Candidates should maintain proof of payment and submission for their records.
It is strongly advised that candidates thoroughly review the answer key at the earliest opportunity. Delaying this verification process could result in missing the objection deadline, and no additional opportunities will be provided for submitting challenges after the window closes.
The release of the answer key represents an important step in ensuring fairness and transparency in the recruitment process. By allowing candidates to verify their answers and raise legitimate concerns, CBSE has demonstrated its commitment to conducting a credible and accountable selection procedure. Candidates are urged to make the most of this opportunity by carefully reviewing their responses and filing objections, if necessary, well before the cutoff date.
