ISRO Assistant, UDC, JPA and Stenographer Answer Key 2026

ISRO Assistant, UDC, JPA and Stenographer Answer Key 2026 Overview

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, conducted the written examination for Assistant, Upper Division Clerk (UDC), Junior Personal Assistant (JPA), and Stenographer posts on September 21, 2026. Candidates who appeared for the test can now access the provisional answer key on the official web portal. Reviewing the answer key allows aspirants to evaluate their performance, compute tentative raw scores, and verify the accuracy of the official answers against standard reference textbooks.

Provisional Answer Key vs Final Answer Key

Understanding the distinction between provisional and final answer keys is critical for candidates navigating the recruitment cycle:

• Provisional Answer Key: Released shortly after the completion of the written exam. It displays the primary responses set by the exam conducting body. Candidates are invited to review these answers and raise challenges if they notice any discrepancies, typing errors, or incorrect options.
• Final Answer Key: After the subject matter expert committee reviews all submitted objections, a revised key is issued. The final answer key reflects valid corrections, dropped questions, or multiple correct options. No further representations are accepted once the final key is published, and it forms the basis for the final score compilation.

How to Download ISRO Answer Key 2026

Follow these official steps to obtain your question paper and provisional key:

• Visit the official career portal of the Indian Space Research Organisation at isro.gov.in.
• Navigate to the 'Careers' or 'Recruitment' section on the homepage.
• Locate the advertisement link titled 'Answer Key for the Written Test of Assistant, UDC, JPA and Stenographer held on 21.09.2026'.
• Log in using your Registration Number, Roll Number, and Date of Birth or Password.
• Click on the link to view the response sheet along with the official answer key.
• Download the PDF and save it for score calculation and future correspondence.

How to Calculate Estimated Score

Candidates must apply the official marking scheme to calculate their raw scores accurately. Typically, the objective examination carries 1 mark for every correct response and a negative penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect response. Unattempted questions attract zero marks.

Score Calculation Formula

Use the following standard formula:

Total Raw Score = (Total Correct Answers x 1) - (Total Incorrect Answers x 0.25)

Illustrative Example

Section-Wise Comparison and Cut-Off Estimation

The examination evaluates candidates across multiple disciplines, including General English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence and Reasoning Ability, and General Knowledge. To gauge qualifying chances accurately, analyze your section-by-section breakdown:

• English Language: Typically features high scoring trends. High accuracy here provides a competitive cushion.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Verify calculations carefully. Errors in this section usually stem from misreading data or formula slips.
• Reasoning Ability: Check logic-based questions where multiple interpretations might arise.
• General Knowledge: Mark strictly based on verified facts, as guesswork often inflates negative markings.

Compare your overall raw score with previous cut-off trends. General category cut-offs generally range higher due to limited vacancies, while OBC, EWS, SC, and ST categories have varied qualifying benchmarks. Scoring 10 to 15 percent above expected minimum qualifying marks places you in a comfortable zone for skill tests.

Process to Raise Objections

If you discover an error in the provisional answer key, you can submit an online representation through the designated grievance module.

Step-by-Step Challenge Procedure

• Log in to the objection portal using your credentials on the official ISRO website.
• Select the question booklet series and question number you wish to challenge.
• Enter your suggested correct answer and provide a clear, concise justification.
• Upload valid supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format. Only standard academic textbooks, government reports, or recognized reference materials are accepted.
• Pay the non-refundable processing fee (typically Rs. 100 per question) through online payment modes such as debit card, net banking, or UPI.
• Submit the challenge and preserve the confirmation receipt and reference number.

Outcomes of Objection Submission

What Happens If Your Objection Is Accepted?

If the expert committee validates your objection, the question is either updated with the correct option or completely dropped. If a question is cancelled, marks are either awarded to all candidates who attempted it or proportionally distributed across the total score. The revised answer key reflects this change, and the updated score is computed for all candidates across shifts.

What Happens If Your Objection Is Rejected?

If the committee determines that the initial key is technically sound, the answer key remains unchanged, and the processing fee is forfeited. The decision of the ISRO expert panel is final, and no personal correspondence is entertained. Candidates cannot alter decisions through subsequent informal appeals. While the Right to Information (RTI) Act permits accessing evaluated sheets post-result declaration, it cannot be used to force the evaluation panel to revise academic assessments.

Judging Your Qualifying Chances Realistically

Avoid early overconfidence or undue panic when checking the answer key:

• Do not assume borderline scores will safely sail through; normalize your expectations around cut-off ranges.
• Account for negative marking strictly. Overlooking a single negative deduction alters your merit position.
• Begin preparation for the skill test (computer literacy test or stenography test) if your raw score meets or exceeds standard historical benchmarks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Score Calculation

Many candidates miscalculate their projected marks due to careless errors:

• Mismatching Question Booklets: Always ensure you are cross-checking against the exact series code (A, B, C, or D) assigned during your exam.
• Ignoring Unanswered Questions: Ensure blank questions are left uncounted rather than being marked as negative.
• Relying on Unofficial Keys: Always prioritize the official ISRO provisional key over coaching institute solution sheets.
• Double Markings: If an OMR question had multiple bubbles filled, mark it as incorrect as per standard exam guidelines.