HSSC is the recruiting agency for various non-gazetted posts in the state of Haryana. It conducts exams, interviews, physical tests etc., to fill up Group C, Group D and other posts in various departments. The idea is to ensure fairness, transparency and that candidates are evaluated uniformly.
What is the Common Eligibility Test (CET) & purpose of Group C posts
CET is an exam conducted by HSSC to streamline selection for several posts under Group C. These jobs range from clerical, administrative to technical/support roles in state departments. Group C is typically a middle level (not entry level like Group D, not senior like Group B or A), but still very competitive.
Key dates leading up to 2025 exam
The HSSC notification for CET (for Group C) was released earlier in 2025.
Examination was held on 26 & 27 July 2025, in multiple shifts.
Answer key was released soon after. We’ll get into exact dates.
Release of Provisional Answer Key
When was it released
The provisional answer key for HSSC CET Group C 2025 was made available on 29 July 2025.
For which exam dates / shifts
It covers all the shifts (multiple sessions) held on 26 & 27 July 2025. Each shift had different sets (A, B, C, D) of the question papers.
How many candidates this affects
While an exact number depends on final registration count, news sources report that over 13 lakh (1.3 million approx.) candidates had registered for the CET exam.
How to Download the HSSC Group C Answer Key 2025
Official website link & steps
Go to the HSSC official website: hssc.gov.in.
Look for the “Answer Key / CET Answer Key / Latest Notifications” section.
Find the link titled something like HSSC CET Group C Answer Key 2025 – Shift/Set PDF
Click the link, download the PDF matching your shift and set.
Using shift / set details
Make sure you know which shift (morning / afternoon) and which set (A, B, C, D etc.) of the question paper you took. The answer key is shift-wise & set-wise, so mismatching may lead to inaccurate self-assessment.
Objection / Challenge Process
Objection window dates
The objection window for the provisional answer key was open until 1 August 2025.
After the deadline, no further challenges are accepted.
Fee for raising objection
A non-refundable fee of ₹250 per question is required to submit an objection.
What credentials you need (Set, Question number, etc.)
When you submit an objection, you must provide:
Advertisement Number (Advt. No.)
Set / Booklet Series (A, B, C, D etc.)
Question Number
Session / Shift of Exam
Your reasoning or proof for why the answer in the answer key is wrong (reference book, source etc.)
Understanding the Marking Scheme
Total questions, marks per correct answer
The exam had 100 questions, each carrying 1 mark, so the total is 100.
Negative marking or no negative marking
There’s no negative marking in this exam. Wrong answers do not reduce your score. Blank/unattempted questions are simply not counted.
How to calculate estimated score
Count how many answers you got correct (matching the answer key)
Do not subtract for wrong answers since there’s no negative marking
That number is roughly your score out of 100
Use this to predict whether you might clear the cut-off. But remember, final decisions depend on the final answer key and official results.
What Happens After the Provisional Key
Final answer key release
After considering all valid objections, HSSC will publish the final answer key. This version is binding for purpose of result calculation.
How result is determined
The final scores are calculated using the final answer key. Your performance is compared against the cut-off for your category (General, OBC, SC, etc.). Candidates are shortlisted based on merit and seats available.
Cut-off & merit list process
Cut-offs are decided based on overall difficulty, number of candidates, category quotas, etc.
Merit lists are drawn based on final scores.
Only those above cut-off can proceed (if there are further stages like interview or document verification).
Important Dates & Deadlines
Event | Date |
Exam Date (Group C CET) | 26 & 27 July 2025 |
Provisional Answer Key Released | 29 July 2025 |
Final Answer Key / Results | To be declared (after objections) |
(New) Group C (Group 25, Advt 08/2024) Answer Key Released | 20 September 2025 |
Objection Last Date for Group 25 Advt 08/2024 | Upto 25 September 2025 |
Why This Matters for Candidates
Assessing your performance early
With the provisional answer key you can immediately see how many you got right. This gives you a rough idea of where you stand—confidence, or where you need improvement.
Addressing mistakes / discrepancies
If you think some answers are incorrect, you have a chance to challenge them within the objection window. This is crucial because errors could cost many candidates marks.
Planning next steps (preparation / reapplication / other opportunities)
Depending on your estimated score, you may start preparing for other exams, plan for reattempts, or focus on categories where cut-off is lower.
Tips for Using the Answer Key Wisely
Comparing with your responses
Go through your answers carefully — correct vs your choices. Mark the ones you are confident about being correct and questionable ones.
Keeping proof if you challenge something
If you plan to raise objection, keep references (books, standard sources) handy. Also note down the exact question text, booklet set, etc. It helps make a strong case.
Understanding scoring & predicting chances
Use the marking scheme (no negative marking) to predict your raw score. Then compare with expected cutoffs (if previous years’ data is available) to guess whether you’re likely to get through.
Conclusion
The release of the HSSC Group C Answer Key 2025 marks a crucial phase in your examination journey—it’s your chance to check your answers, anticipate where you stand and potentially fix discrepancies before final results are declared. Make sure to download the correct shift & set copy, raise objections if you have valid grounds (and by the deadline), and keep track of future notifications. With the right steps, you can maximize your chances and avoid surprises.
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