The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has officially published the provisional answer key for the General Studies paper of its Grade IV recruitment examination for the year 2025. This crucial document was made available to the public on the commission's official portal, apsc.nic.in, on Saturday, January 4. Candidates who undertook the computer-based screening test can now access and download the answer key to evaluate their performance.
Key Details of the APSC Grade IV Answer Key Release
The released answer key pertains specifically to the General Studies paper of the screening test. It is important for applicants to note that the key has been issued for all four series of the question paper: Series A, B, C, and D. The examination itself was conducted on January 4, and was an OMR-based multiple-choice question (MCQ) test with a total duration of two hours.
The question paper comprised 100 questions, systematically divided into five distinct sections, with each section containing 20 questions. This provisional answer key serves as an initial reference, allowing candidates to calculate their probable scores before the final results are declared.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download the Answer Key PDF
Accessing the answer key is a straightforward process that does not require any login credentials. Aspirants should follow these simple steps to obtain their copy:
- Navigate to the official APSC website: apsc.nic.in.
- On the homepage, locate and click on the "Answer Key" link, typically found on the left-hand side panel.
- From the list of links, select the one that reads: "Provisional Answer Keys GENERAL STUDIES (Series A, B, C, D) Grade IV, Assam Public Service Commission (Advt. No. 30/2025)".
- The answer key will immediately open in PDF format on your screen.
- Download and save the file for future reference and detailed analysis.
Process to Challenge the Answer Key: Raise Objections
The Commission has also activated a window for candidates to register their objections if they find any discrepancy in the published answers. This facility is available entirely online through the APSC portal. The step-by-step procedure to submit an objection is as follows:
- Visit the official website, apsc.nic.in, and go to the Answer Key section.
- Click on the "Click to submit objections" link provided.
- Select the specific question number for which you wish to challenge the answer.
- Clearly state your claim or the correct answer as per your understanding.
- Upload supporting documents or authoritative reference material to substantiate your objection.
- Finally, submit the form before the deadline.
Candidates must ensure that all objections are submitted before 11:59 pm on Tuesday, January 7. It is critical to adhere to this deadline as no requests will be entertained afterwards.
Important Guidelines for Submitting Objections
The Commission has laid down specific instructions for the objection process to ensure its smooth functioning:
- The last date for raising objections is January 7, 2025.
- No fee is required to file an objection against the provisional answer key.
- Every objection must be backed by proper documentary evidence, such as pages from standard textbooks or official publications.
- Objections that merely reference websites or are supported by unclear, unofficial documents will not be accepted.
- The APSC will not consider any objections sent via email or submitted in physical hard copy format; only the online portal must be used.
APSC Grade IV Selection Process Overview
The recruitment for APSC Grade IV positions is a two-stage process. The first phase is the Screening Test, for which the answer key has now been released. Based on the performance in this MCQ test, candidates will be shortlisted for the second phase, which is a personal Interview.
The shortlisting for the interview round will be done in a 1:5 ratio. This means for every single vacancy, five candidates will be called for the interview. This shortlisting will strictly follow the category-wise reservation rules as prescribed by the Government of Assam.
All examinees are strongly advised to meticulously review the provisional answer key and, if they have any valid concerns, to utilize the objection facility within the stipulated timeframe. This step is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and fairness of the final evaluation.
