In the realm of competitive examinations, transparency and fairness are vital. One of the most important tools that ensure this transparency is the answer key. For candidates who appeared in the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam in 2021, the NTPC Answer Key plays a crucial role in understanding how they performed and what to do next.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to help you check the NTPC Answer Key 2021, understand its relevance, and take necessary steps if you find discrepancies. We will walk you through the process of accessing the official answer key, explain how to raise objections, and provide tips on how to use the answer key to your advantage.
What is the NTPC Answer Key?
The NTPC Answer Key 2021 is an official document released by the RRB that contains the correct answers to the questions asked in the exam. After the completion of the Computer Based Test (CBT), the answer key is uploaded on the official websites of the respective RRB zones.
There are two types of answer keys:
- Provisional Answer Key: Released first, allows candidates to raise objections.
- Final Answer Key: Released after evaluating objections. This is used to calculate final scores.
Why is the Answer Key Important?
- Transparency: It ensures that the examination process is fair and unbiased.
- Self-Evaluation: Candidates can compare their responses with the correct answers and get an estimate of their score.
- Raising Objections: If a candidate believes that a correct answer is wrongly marked, they can raise objections for correction.
- Predicting Results: It helps candidates forecast their chances of selection before the official result is out.
How to Check the NTPC Answer Key 2021
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you access your NTPC Answer Key:
Step 1: Visit the Official RRB Website
Each RRB zone has its own official website. Visit the website for the zone under which you applied. A few examples are:
- RRB Allahabad: rrbald.gov.in
- RRB Mumbai: rrbmumbai.gov.in
- RRB Chennai: rrbchennai.gov.in
Step 2: Find the Answer Key Notification
On the homepage, look for a notice titled something like “RRB NTPC 2021 CBT Answer Key” or “View Question Paper and Responses”.
Step 3: Click on the Link
Clicking the link will redirect you to the login page of the candidate portal.
Step 4: Login Using Your Credentials
You’ll need to enter your:
- Registration Number
- Date of Birth
Step 5: View Your Question Paper and Answer Key
After logging in, you will see:
- Your response sheet (the answers you marked)
- The official answer key
- Option to challenge any question
How to Calculate Your Score Using the Answer Key
Once you have the answer key and your responses, you can estimate your score using the official marking scheme:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Incorrect Answer: -0.25 mark
- Unanswered: 0 marks
Use the formula:
Estimated Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 1) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 0.25)
This will give you a good idea of your potential performance in the exam.
How to Challenge the NTPC Answer Key 2021
If you find any incorrect answers in the answer key, you have the right to challenge them. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Login to the Candidate Portal
Visit the same official RRB website and login as explained above.
Step 2: Click on “Raise Objection”
Once inside the portal, look for the “Raise Objection” tab.
Step 3: Select the Question
Choose the question number you want to challenge. The portal will show your marked answer and the official answer.
Step 4: Provide a Valid Explanation
You will be asked to explain why you think the given answer is incorrect. This is a crucial step. Back up your claim with references from textbooks, official guides, or other credible sources.
Step 5: Pay the Objection Fee
RRB usually charges around ₹50 per objection. Payment can be made through online methods like debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Step 6: Submit the Objection
After paying the fee and entering all the details, submit your objection. Keep a receipt or screenshot for future reference.
Important Points to Remember
- Deadline: Objections can be raised only during a specific time window (usually 4-7 days after the answer key is released).
- Non-Refundable Fee: The fee is generally non-refundable unless your objection is accepted.
- Supporting Documents: Always provide a solid reference to back your objection.
- Multiple Objections: You can challenge more than one question if needed.
What Happens After Objections Are Submitted?
The RRB reviews all objections with the help of subject matter experts. If an objection is found valid:
- The answer is revised.
- The final answer key is updated.
- Results are calculated based on the final answer key.
This step ensures that any oversight in the answer key is corrected before finalizing candidate scores.
Tips for Candidates
- Be Quick and Thorough: Don’t wait till the last day to raise objections. Go through your answers thoroughly as soon as the key is released.
- Stay Updated: Follow your RRB zone’s official site for updates on answer key release and objection deadlines.
- Use Official Sources: Always cross-check questions with NCERT books, competitive exam guides, or reputable online education platforms.
- Practice for the Next Stage: If you’re confident of your performance, start preparing for the next phase like Typing Skill Test or Document Verification.
Conclusion
The NTPC Answer Key 2021 is not just a document—it’s a vital tool in ensuring exam transparency and giving candidates a chance to verify and voice their concerns. Knowing how to check and challenge the answer key empowers you as a candidate and helps you stay one step ahead in this competitive journey.
Whether you’re estimating your score or fighting for a correction, the key to success lies in being informed, proactive, and precise.
