PSSSB Excise Inspector Final Answer Key 2026 has been released on 24 June 2026 by the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board for the 197 Excise and Taxation Inspector posts advertised under Advt. No. 01/2026. The final answer key is now available for all four question sets (A, B, C, D) at https://sssb.punjab.gov.in. This article is based on the official answer key notice released by PSSSB.
Candidates who appeared in the written examination on 31 May 2026 can now download their set-wise answer key and cross-check their responses against the official correct answers. The objection window has closed; the result was declared on 23 June 2026.
Answer Key – Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) |
| Post Name | Excise and Taxation Inspector |
| Advertisement Number | Advt. No. 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 197 Posts |
| Written Exam Date | 31 May 2026 |
| Exam Mode | OMR-Based Written Test |
| Exam Shift | 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 01 June 2026 |
| Objection Window | 03 June 2026 to 05 June 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Final Answer Key Released | 24 June 2026 |
| Result Declared | 23 June 2026 |
| Official Website | https://sssb.punjab.gov.in |
How to Download the PSSSB Excise Inspector Final Answer Key 2026
- Open the official PSSSB website: https://sssb.punjab.gov.in
- Navigate to the “Latest Notifications” or “Downloads” section on the homepage
- Locate the link for “Final Answer Key – Excise and Taxation Inspector (Advt. No. 01/2026)”
- Select your question booklet set: SET A, SET B, SET C, or SET D
- Download the PDF file to your device
- Save the file for comparison with your response sheet
- Open both your response sheet and the downloaded answer key side-by-side to verify each answer
Direct download links for all sets are provided in the Important Links table below.
Calculate Your Expected Score
The PSSSB Excise Inspector examination comprised two parts with distinct marking rules.
Part A (Punjabi Language): Qualifying in nature. Minimum 50% marks required to qualify. No negative marking applied.
Part B (Main Subjects): Marks counted towards merit list formation.
Marking Scheme for Part B:
- Correct answer: +1 Mark
- Wrong answer: −0.25 Marks
- Unattempted question: 0 Marks
Score Calculation Example:
If you answered 70 questions correctly, 20 incorrectly, and left 10 unattempted in Part B:
Expected Score = (70 × 1) − (20 × 0.25) = 70 − 5 = 65 Marks
Important Qualification Rule: Candidates scoring below 50% in Part A are marked “NQ” (Not Qualified) and are not considered for merit ranking, regardless of Part B performance.
What Happens After the Final Answer Key
- Final answer key is now published – no further objections accepted
- The result has been declared on 23 June 2026, with individual scorecards published
- Merit list prepared based on Part B marks of qualified candidates (Part A ≥ 50%)
- Next stage candidates: Typing Test / Computer Proficiency Test notification to follow
- Document Verification (DV) round for candidates clearing the typing test
- Final selection and appointment announcement by PSSSB
Expected Cut-Off Marks (General Category)
These are estimated figures based on exam difficulty, vacancy count, and candidate performance:
| Category | Expected Cut-Off (Part B out of 100) |
|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 78-83 Marks |
| Female Candidates | 73-77 Marks |
The official cut-off will be confirmed by PSSSB when the final merit list is published.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Written Examination | 31 May 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 01 June 2026 |
| Objection Window Start | 03 June 2026 |
| Objection Window End | 05 June 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Final Answer Key Released | 24 June 2026 |
| Result Declared | 23 June 2026 |
Important Links
| Particular | Link |
|---|---|
| Visit Official Website | Visit Website |
| Download SET A Final Answer Key | Download Answer Key |
| Download SET B Final Answer Key | Download Answer Key |
| Download SET C Final Answer Key | Download Answer Key |
| Download SET D Final Answer Key | Download Answer Key |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why does the final answer key differ from the provisional answer key released on 1 June 2026?
Ans. The provisional answer key released on 1 June 2026 allowed candidates to raise objections during 3-5 June 2026. PSSSB reviewed all valid objections and corrected answers where credible references supported the challenge. The final answer key published on 24 June 2026 reflects these corrections and is used for merit list preparation.
Q2. Can I still raise objections after the final answer key is released?
Ans. No. The objection window closed on 05 June 2026 at 5:00 PM. Once the final answer key is published, no further objections are accepted. The final answer key is the official, authoritative version used for result computation.
Q3. The result was declared on 23 June 2026. Why was the final answer key released on 24 June 2026?
Ans. PSSSB released the result based on the final answer key prepared after objection review. The final answer key PDF is published on the website after the result for candidate reference and transparency, allowing candidates to verify their performance against the official key.
Q4. What is the difference between provisional and final answer key?
Ans. The provisional answer key is released shortly after the exam for candidate objections. It is subject to change. The final answer key is released after objection review and is the definitive version used to calculate scores and prepare merit lists. No changes occur after the final answer key is released.
Q5. How many questions can I challenge in the final answer key?
Ans. You cannot raise objections against the final answer key. The objection window for the provisional answer key (3-5 June 2026) has closed. If you have concerns about your score, contact PSSSB directly with documentary evidence.
Q6. If I scored below 50% in Part A, can I still appear for the Typing Test?
Ans. No. Candidates scoring below 50% in Part A are marked “NQ” (Not Qualified) and are ineligible for further stages, regardless of Part B performance. Part A qualification is mandatory.
Q7. When will the Typing Test / Computer Proficiency Test be conducted?
Ans. PSSSB will issue a separate notification with the date, time, venue, and admit card download link for qualified candidates. Follow the official website regularly for updates.
Q8. How can I download my individual scorecard from the result?
Ans. Visit https://sssb.punjab.gov.in, navigate to the result link, log in using your application number and password (or date of birth), and download your scorecard. The scorecard shows Part A marks, Part B marks, and qualifying status.
Your Next Step
Cross-check every answer in your response sheet against the final answer key before calculating your expected score. Use the marking scheme provided above to determine your likely merit position. Since the objection window is now closed and results are already declared, focus on the next stage: if you qualified in both parts, await the Typing Test notification from PSSSB and prepare accordingly. Stay updated with our free job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com for notifications on the typing test schedule and document verification timeline.
