It has been nearly one and a half months since the Higher Secondary Third Semester results were declared. Many students have noticed discrepancies between their expected marks (as per the answer key) and the marks actually awarded in the final result. After repeated emails, RTI applications, and continuous pressure from students, the Council has finally issued an official notice providing students with a marks clarification and answer key challenge opportunity.
This article explains the entire process in simple English, including eligibility, deadlines, application formats, and why every eligible student should apply.
What Triggered This New Opportunity?
Earlier, the Council released the model answer keys, which many students and teachers believed contained multiple errors. Despite repeated requests, no correction was made initially. Students were advised to file RTI applications, and after a large number of RTIs were submitted, the Council was compelled to introduce alternative mechanisms for redressal.
Official Notice Overview (Dated 17/12/2025)
The Council’s notice introduces two separate processes:
- Marks Clarification (Discrepancy Resolution)
- Answer Key Challenge
Both processes have different procedures and deadlines, which are explained below.
Process 1: Marks Clarification (Mismatch in Obtained vs Expected Marks)
Who Can Apply?
Students who believe that:
- Their obtained marks do not match the marks they should receive according to the published answer key.
Even a difference of 1–2 marks is sufficient if the student is confident.
Also Read: CBSE Issues Urgent Circular for Class 10 & 12 Board Exams 2026 – Students Must Read This Now
How to Apply?
- Application must be handwritten
- Written on plain A4 paper
- Submitted through the Head of the Institution (School)
- The school will forward it to the Deputy Secretary of the respective Regional Office
📌 Direct submission to the Council is NOT allowed
Deadline
🗓 On or before 24 December 2025
Documents Required (Photocopies Only)
- Admit Card
- Registration Card
- Final Result Marksheet (Board-issued copy)
❗ Do not submit originals.
Application Content (What to Write)
Your application should include:
- School name and address
- Subject line (exactly as per notice)
- Statement mentioning discrepancy between obtained and expected marks
- List of subjects (one or multiple)
- Paper code (from marksheet)
- Question booklet number (if available)
- Reference to official notice number and date
- Request to forward the application as per Council guidelines
End with:
- Full signature
- Full name (in CAPITAL letters)
- Stream (Arts/Science/Commerce)
- Roll number
- Registration number
- School name + school code
- Mobile number
- Date
Process 2: Answer Key Challenge (Correction of Model Answer Key)
Who Can Apply?
Students who believe that:
- The Council’s model answer key is incorrect
- A specific question has a wrong official answer
📌 Important Note:
This process does NOT affect individual answer sheets directly.
If the answer key is corrected, marks increase for all students, not just the applicant.
How to Apply?
- Application must be prepared with:
- Question number
- Question booklet color
- Subject name
- Candidate name
- Roll number
- Registration number
- Address
- Mobile number
- Application must be forwarded by the Head of the Institution
- Final submission is done via email by the school
❗ Emails sent directly by students will NOT be considered.
Deadline
🗓 21 December 2025
(Only 4 days available)
Who Cannot Apply?
- Teachers
- Private tutors
- Coaching institutes
- Third parties
🚫 Only students themselves are eligible.
Why Every Eligible Student Should Apply
- 💰 No application fee
- 🖊 Only handwritten application required
- 📄 Minimal photocopy cost
- 📈 Even 1–2 marks can impact future admissions
- ⚖ Fair chance for correction after long delays
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting typed applications
- Sending applications directly to the Council
- Missing deadlines
- Forgetting required documents
- Submitting originals instead of photocopies
FAQs – Higher Secondary Answer Key Challenge 2025
1. Can I apply for only one subject?
Yes, even a single subject is allowed.
2. Is question booklet number mandatory?
No, it is optional if unavailable.
3. Will my marks definitely increase?
Marks increase only if an error is officially confirmed.
4. Can I apply for both processes?
Yes, if you meet eligibility for both.
5. Is RTI still required?
No, this process is a result of mass RTI submissions.
6. Will this affect final marksheets?
Yes, if corrections are approved, revised results may be issued.