1. Introduction

For most candidates, the period after a written exam is mentally heavier than the exam itself. Once the paper is over, doubts start creeping in-Was that answer correct? Did I mark the right option? Did I lose marks unnecessarily?

The release of the answer key is not just an update; it is the first point of clarity in the recruitment process. If used properly, it can help you make informed decisions instead of emotional guesses. If misused, it can create unnecessary stress.

This article will help you interpret the ISRO PRL Technical Assistant & Technician-B Answer Key 2026 the right way.

2. Answer Key Overview

  • Exam Conducted: 11 January 2026
  • Answer Key Status: Provisional
  • Released By: Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), under ISRO / Department of Space
  • Posts Covered: Technical Assistant & Technician-B
  • Total Vacancies: 20
  • Official Website: prl.res.in

PRL has released consolidated provisional answer key PDFs for both posts. These are not final and are open to correction through objections.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

How to check:

  1. Open the official PRL answer key PDF relevant to your post.
  2. Match the questions exactly as per your question paper.
  3. Do not rely on memory-based coaching answers or social media discussions.
  4. Mark each response carefully-correct, incorrect, or unattempted.

Common mistakes candidates make:

  • Skipping negative marking while calculating score.
  • Mixing up question paper series.
  • Assuming the provisional key is final.
  • Panic-checking answers in a rushed or emotional state.

Tip: Check the answer key only once or twice with full focus. Rechecking repeatedly only increases anxiety without changing outcomes.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score

Use the basic formula:

Expected Score = (Correct Answers × Marks per Question) - (Wrong Answers × Negative Marks)

Important points:

  • Refer to the official exam notification for the exact marking scheme.
  • If negative marking exists, apply it strictly.
  • Unattempted questions carry zero marks.
  • This is a raw score, not your final merit position.

Reality check: Raw score ≠ Rank ≠ Selection. Normalisation (if applicable), cut-offs, and category-wise competition matter.

5. Cut-Off Expectations (Reality Check)

Cut-offs are influenced by:

  • Number of candidates
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Vacancy count (very limited here: 20 posts)
  • Category-wise reservation
  • Overall performance trend

Because the vacancy count is small, cut-offs can be unpredictable. Avoid trusting numbers circulating on YouTube or Telegram groups unless officially released.

Honest advice: Use cut-off discussions for rough understanding, not decision-making.

6. Objection Process - Who Should Raise It & Who Shouldn’t

You should raise an objection if:

  • You have clear documentary proof (standard textbooks, official references).
  • The answer is factually incorrect, not debatable.
  • You are confident even after rechecking multiple sources.

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • Your answer differs due to interpretation.
  • You are relying on coaching material alone.
  • You are unsure and “trying luck”.

Cost vs Benefit:

Objection fees (if applicable) are usually non-refundable unless accepted. Random objections waste money and time.

Current status: The exact objection window, fee, and process are not available yet. Candidates must regularly check prl.res.in for updates.

7. What to Do After the Answer Key

If your score is high:

  • Stay calm and prepare documents.
  • Monitor official updates only.
  • Do not relax preparation completely if further stages exist.

If your score is borderline:

  • Do not assume rejection or selection.
  • Avoid overthinking cut-offs.
  • Prepare for next stages while keeping backup exams active.

If your score is low:

  • Accept it objectively.
  • Analyse weak areas (conceptual vs careless errors).
  • Apply lessons to upcoming exams.

One exam does not define your capability.

8. Timeline Ahead - What Comes Next

  1. Objection window (to be announced)
  2. Review of objections by PRL
  3. Final Answer Key
  4. Result declaration
  5. Further selection stages (if applicable)

No official dates are announced yet. Depend only on PRL’s website.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros:

  • Transparency in evaluation
  • Opportunity to correct genuine errors
  • Early performance assessment

Cons:

  • Emotional stress
  • Over-analysis
  • Social media misinformation

Why patience matters: This phase is about verification, not verdict.

10. Candidate Checklist

  • ✔ Download and save provisional answer key PDF
  • ✔ Match correct paper/post
  • ✔ Calculate score carefully
  • ✔ Keep objection proof ready (if required)
  • ✔ Track objection deadlines
  • ✔ Follow only official PRL updates

11. Conclusion

The answer key is a tool, not a judgment. Use it to understand where you stand-not to label yourself as successful or failed.

ISRO PRL recruitment is competitive, structured, and fair. What matters now is calm analysis, correct action, and mental discipline. Whether this exam works out or not, your preparation journey continues-and that consistency always pays off.

12. FAQs

Q1. Is the PRL answer key final? No. It is provisional and subject to correction after objections.

Q2. Can everyone raise objections? Yes, but only valid, well-supported objections have a chance of acceptance.

Q3. Is the objection deadline announced? Not available yet. Candidates must check prl.res.in regularly.

Q4. Will marks change after final answer key? Yes, if objections are accepted, scores may change accordingly.

Q5. When will results be declared? Not announced yet. Results usually follow after final answer key publication.