The Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) officially released the Final Answer Key for the Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-IV) on February 10, 2026. This key pertains to the preliminary exam held between October 8 and November 13, 2025, for various Group B and Group C posts. This is a significant milestone in the recruitment process, as the final answer key forms the basis for result preparation and final merit lists.
Candidates who appeared for the OSSSC CRE can now clearly assess their performance with certainty, as no further changes will be made to the answers. With the release of the final answer key, the recruitment process has entered its most crucial phase—results and document verification.
In this detailed blog, we will cover everything you need to know about the OSSSC CRE Final Answer Key, including its importance, how it differs from the provisional key, how marks are calculated, expected cut-offs, result timeline, next stages of recruitment, and expert guidance for candidates.
OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE)
The OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination is one of the most prominent state-level recruitment examinations conducted in Odisha. It aims to fill various Group-C posts under different departments of the Odisha government.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-IV) 2023 |
| Posts Included | RI, ARI, Amin, ICDS Supervisor, and SFS |
| Total Vacancies | 2,895 posts |
| Prelims Exam Dates | October 8 to November 13, 2025 |
| Final Answer Key Date | February 10, 2026 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark per correct answer; -0.33 per wrong answer |
| Qualifying Marks | 30% (SC/ST/PwD/Ex-SM) | 35% (Others) |
| Selection Stages | Prelims → Mains → Practical Skill Test |
| Official Portal | www.osssc.gov.in |
What Is the OSSSC CRE Final Answer Key?
The Final Answer Key is the conclusive set of correct answers released by OSSSC after thoroughly examining all objections raised against the Provisional Answer Key.
Key Features of the Final Answer Key
- It reflects expert-verified answers
- All valid objections raised by candidates have been resolved
- No further challenges or objections are accepted
- It is used directly for evaluation of answer sheets
Once the final answer key is released, the marks obtained by candidates become final and binding.
Difference Between Provisional and Final Answer Key
Many candidates often confuse the two. Understanding the difference helps aspirants appreciate the importance of the final key.
Provisional Answer Key
- Released shortly after the exam
- Allows candidates to raise objections
- Answers may contain errors
- Used only for transparency
Final Answer Key
- Released after reviewing objections
- Approved by subject experts
- Error-free and binding
- Used for result preparation
With the final answer key now available, candidates can stop worrying about answer changes.
How OSSSC Evaluates the CRE Exam
The OSSSC CRE is typically conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Marking Scheme
Although the exact pattern may vary slightly by post, the general scheme is:
- 1 mark for each correct answer
- No negative marking (unless stated otherwise in notification)
- Marks calculated strictly based on final answer key
Once evaluation is completed using the final answer key, OSSSC prepares category-wise merit lists.
Merit List Preparation Process
OSSSC prepares a category-wise merit list based on:
- Marks obtained in CBT
- Reservation norms
- Vacancy distribution
Only candidates securing marks above the cut-off are included in the merit list.
If two or more candidates score the same marks, tie-breaking rules (such as age or educational qualification) are applied.
How to Download the Final Answer Key
To download the final answer key for the OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE-IV) 2023, released on February 10, 2026, follow these specific steps on the official OSSSC portal:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to www.osssc.gov.in.
- Access Recruitment News: On the homepage, find the “Recruitment News” or “Notifications” section.
- Click the Relevant Link: Look for the notification titled “Final Answer Keys for Re-conduct of Preliminary Examination for the posts of RI, ICDS Supervisor, ARI, Amin & SFS under CRE-2023(IV)”.
- Enter Login Credentials: A login page will open. Enter your Application Number (or Registered User ID) and Password (or Date of Birth).
- Submit Captcha: Fill in the captcha code exactly as shown and click the “Login” button.
- View and Download: On your candidate dashboard, locate the menu titled “View Response Sheet, Answer Keys & Filing Objection” (Note: Filing is no longer active for the final key). Click to view your response sheet and the final answer key PDF.
- Save/Print: Download the PDF file to your device and take a printout for offline score calculation.
Mandatory Minimum Qualifying Marks
- SC / ST / SEBC / PwD / Ex-Servicemen: 30% (30 out of 100 marks).
- UR (Unreserved) / General: 35% (35 out of 100 marks).
Expected Cut-Off Marks for OSSSC CRE
While OSSSC will officially announce cut-off marks along with results, candidates can estimate expected cut-offs based on several factors.
Factors Affecting Cut-Off
- Number of vacancies
- Difficulty level of the paper
- Number of candidates appeared
- Category-wise reservation
- Normalization (if applicable)
Expected Cut-Off range (Out of 100)
| Category | Expected Cut-Off Marks |
|---|---|
| General / UR | 70 – 75 |
| OBC / SEBC | 65 – 70 |
| EWS | 65 – 70 |
| SC | 60 – 65 |
| ST | 55 – 60 |
| Female Candidates | 55 – 60 |
| PwD | 50 – 55 |
What Happens After the OSSSC CRE Result?
Clearing the OSSSC CRE CBT does not automatically guarantee appointment. Candidates must clear further stages.
Next Stages of Recruitment
- Document Verification (DV)
- Medical Examination (for select posts)
- Final Selection List
- Appointment Letter Issuance
Failure to produce valid documents during DV can lead to disqualification.
Documents Required for Verification
Candidates should start arranging documents early to avoid last-minute issues.
Commonly Required Documents
- OSSSC CRE Admit Card
- OSSSC CRE Result Printout
- HSC / 10th Certificate (Age Proof)
- Educational Qualification Certificates
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/SEBC)
- Residence Certificate
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- ID Proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
All documents should be in original with self-attested photocopies.
Advice for Candidates Who Are Likely to Qualify
If your score is comfortably above the expected cut-off:
- Stay alert for DV notices
- Keep documents ready
- Check email and SMS updates
- Follow OSSSC instructions carefully
Do not rely solely on social media rumors—always verify information from official sources.
Important Instructions for Candidates – OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE)
Candidates who have appeared in the OSSSC Combined Recruitment Examination (CRE) and are awaiting the next stage of the recruitment process must carefully follow the instructions issued by the Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to avoid disqualification or unnecessary delays.
1. Regularly Check the Official Website
Candidates must regularly visit the official OSSSC website for updates related to results, merit lists, document verification schedules, and notices. OSSSC does not take responsibility if a candidate misses any update due to lack of vigilance.
2. Final Answer Key Is Binding
The Final Answer Key released by OSSSC is conclusive. No further objections, representations, or corrections will be entertained after its release. Candidates should calculate their expected marks only based on the final answer key.
3. Keep Application Credentials Safe
Candidates should securely retain their registration number, password, and date of birth, as these credentials will be required to check results, download notices, and complete further procedures.
4. Preserve Admit Card and Exam Documents
The OSSSC CRE admit card must be preserved safely until the completion of the recruitment process. Candidates may be asked to produce it during document verification or other stages.
5. Prepare for Document Verification
Candidates who are likely to qualify should begin preparing for Document Verification (DV) early. All original certificates along with self-attested photocopies should be kept ready to avoid last-minute issues.
6. Ensure Accuracy of Personal Details
Candidates must verify that personal details such as name, date of birth, category, gender, and educational qualifications match across all documents. Any discrepancy may lead to rejection at the verification stage.
7. Category and Reservation Compliance
Candidates claiming SC, ST, SEBC, EWS, PwD, or Ex-Servicemen reservation must possess valid and updated certificates issued by competent authorities. Incorrect or outdated certificates will not be accepted.
8. Medical Fitness Requirements
For posts that require physical or medical standards, candidates must ensure they meet the prescribed criteria. Medical unfitness at later stages can lead to cancellation of candidature.
9. Follow Instructions During Verification Strictly
Candidates must report to the document verification venue on time and follow all instructions mentioned in the call letter. Late reporting or non-compliance may result in disqualification.
10. Avoid Reliance on Unofficial Sources
Candidates should avoid believing information from unofficial websites, social media pages, or WhatsApp groups. Only notifications released by OSSSC should be treated as authentic.
11. No Change Requests After Final Submission
Once documents are verified and details are submitted, OSSSC generally does not allow changes or corrections. Candidates should ensure accuracy at every step.
12. Maintain Discipline and Conduct
Candidates must maintain proper conduct throughout the recruitment process. Any act of misconduct, impersonation, or submission of false information will result in immediate disqualification and legal action.
13. Keep Contact Details Active
The mobile number and email ID provided during registration must remain active. OSSSC may send important information through SMS or email.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Answer Key Release
Many candidates make avoidable errors during this phase.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Believing fake cut-off lists
- Ignoring official website updates
- Losing documents
- Panicking unnecessarily
- Sharing OTPs or personal details
Stay calm and focused—your effort deserves clarity, not confusion.
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE | CLICK HERE |
| DOWNLOAD ANSWER KEY | CLICK HERE |
| WHAT’S APP LINK | CLICK HERE |
| TELEGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| FACEBOOK LINK | CLICK HERE |
| INSTAGRAM LINK | CLICK HERE |
| MORE UPDATES | CLICK HERE |
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