If you appeared in the Tier 1 examination held on 31 January 2026, this update can change your entire week. The CBSE DRQ Answer Key 2026 is now live, and thousands of candidates are rushing to the official website to check it. Many students kept refreshing the page for days, and now they can finally compare their answers, estimate their scores and plan their next move confidently.
Moreover, the Central Board of Secondary Education has also opened a window to raise objections. So, if you believe that any answer does not look correct, you get a fair chance to challenge it using proper proof. Therefore, this is not just a simple answer key release. It is a key step in the whole selection process.
What Is The CBSE DRQ Answer Key 2026
The CBSE DRQ Answer Key 2026 is the official set of correct responses for the Tier 1 exam that took place on 31 January 2026 in two sessions. It lists the right answer for every question. As a result, you can match your responses directly with the official solution and understand how you performed.
In simple words, the answer key acts like a mirror for your exam attempt. Instead of waiting in confusion for the final result, you can use it to get a realistic idea of your score. This also helps you decide whether you should start preparing for the next stage right away.
Why The Answer Key Matters So Much
Many candidates treat the answer key as just another document. However, it is much more important than that. It matters because:
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It helps you verify each answer honestly
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It lets you calculate expected marks before the result
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It increases transparency in the entire recruitment process
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It gives you a chance to object to wrong answers
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It reduces stress and guesswork after the exam
Additionally, an official answer key carries much more weight than any unofficial solution that appears on social media or coaching websites. So, you should always trust the CBSE DRQ Answer Key first.
Key Highlights Of The Tier 1 Exam
Before you move deeper into the answer key details, it helps to recall the main exam features. This quick recap keeps everything clear in your mind.
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Tier 1 exam date was 31 January 2026
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The paper took place in two sessions
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The exam pattern followed MCQ and DRQ style questions
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The difficulty level stayed mostly between easy and moderate for many candidates
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No major disruption or large scale technical issue came to light
Because of this structure, the Tier 1 paper tested both your speed and your concepts. Now, the answer key sits at the center of the evaluation process.
Official Website To Download CBSE DRQ Answer Key 2026
To stay safe and accurate, you should always download the answer key only from the official portal.
- Official Website:
https://www.cbse.gov.in
You can also reach the answer key through the Latest Updates or Examination section on the same site. Always double check the URL in your browser to avoid fake pages.
Step By Step Guide To Download The Answer Key
Now, let us go through the process in simple steps. Follow them carefully so that you do not miss anything.
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First, open your browser and go to the official CBSE website
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Next, click on the section that highlights the latest notifications or recruitment updates
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Then, look for the link named CBSE DRQ Answer Key 2026 Tier 1
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After that, click the direct link provided there
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Now, enter your registration number, date of birth and security code if required
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Once you log in, download the answer key for your specific session
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Finally, save the PDF on your device and take a printout if you prefer a physical copy
Because the portal can get slow during peak hours, you should stay patient and try again if the page does not load instantly.
How To Calculate Your Expected Score
Once you have the CBSE DRQ Answer Key, you can start the most crucial step, which is score calculation. This part gives you real clarity about your performance.
You can follow this method:
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Check each question one by one
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Give yourself full marks for every correct answer
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Deduct marks if negative marking applies to wrong answers
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Do not add or subtract anything for unattempted questions
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Add all positive marks
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Subtract the total negative marks
Consequently, the final number that you get becomes your expected Tier 1 score. It may differ slightly from the official scorecard later, yet it usually stays very close.
How To Raise Objections Against The Answer Key
Sometimes, a candidate notices that an answer in the key does not match the standard textbook or authentic reference. In such cases, CBSE allows you to raise objections. This makes the system more fair and reliable.
You can raise objections using these steps:
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Visit the same official page where you downloaded the answer key
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Click on the option that says Challenge Answer Key or Raise Objection
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Log in using your exam credentials
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Select the exact question number that you want to challenge
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Upload supporting documents like book pages or official references
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Pay the objection fee online as mentioned in the notice
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Submit the form and download the acknowledgement receipt
Because CBSE reviews every challenge carefully, you should raise objections only when you are fully sure. Random or weak objections do not help and may waste both time and money.
Important Instructions Before Filing An Objection
To make the objection process smooth, keep the following points in mind:
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Always check the question and answer code correctly
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Make sure your proof comes from trusted academic sources
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Note the last date and time of the objection window
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Remember that the fee is usually non refundable
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Understand that only the final revised answer key will affect your result
Therefore, you should think calmly before filing a challenge and support every objection with clear and strong reasoning.
What Happens After The Objection Window Closes
After the last date for objections, CBSE starts an internal review. The expert panel examines each challenge, checks the supporting documents and then decides whether to accept or reject it.
Once this review finishes:
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CBSE publishes the final answer key
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The board calculates marks based on the revised key
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The Tier 1 result becomes ready for release
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The scorecards appear on the official website
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The merit list and cut off details come out for each category
So, the DRQ answer key stage directly shapes your final score and your chance to move ahead in the recruitment process.
How To Use The Answer Key For Future Preparation
Even if your expected marks do not match your target, the CBSE DRQ Answer Key still helps you grow. You can use it in many smart ways.
For example:
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Identify the sections where you lost most marks
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Check if silly mistakes caused negative marking
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Mark all questions that confused you and study those topics again
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Track your accuracy level across different subjects
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Adjust your strategy for the next stage or the next attempt
As a result, the answer key becomes a powerful learning tool rather than just a score calculator.
Final Thoughts
The release of the CBSE DRQ Answer Key 2026 for the Tier 1 exam held on 31 January 2026 brings a huge sense of relief for candidates. Now, you can stop guessing and start working with real numbers. You can check your answers, estimate your marks and even raise objections if you find valid errors.
However, time plays an important role here. The objection window remains open only for a limited period. Therefore, you should download the answer key, verify your responses and submit any challenges as early as possible. Meanwhile, if your estimated score looks strong, you can already begin preparing for the next stage.
To stay updated about the final answer key, results and further instructions, you should keep visiting the official CBSE website regularly.
Official Website:
For More Information Click HERE
