1. Introduction

Once the exam is over, the mind rarely rests. Most candidates who appeared for the Bihar SHS Ophthalmic Assistant Exam 2025 are currently stuck between relief and anxiety-relief that the paper is done, and anxiety about whether the effort was enough.

This is exactly why the answer key phase matters so much. It is not just a document with correct options; it is the first official signal of where you realistically stand in the selection process. If used calmly and correctly, it can save you from unnecessary stress and help you plan your next move with clarity.

2. Answer Key Overview

The provisional answer key for the Ophthalmic Assistant recruitment has been released by State Health Society Bihar (SHSB) on 26 December 2025.

Key points to understand:

  • This is a provisional answer key, not the final one.
  • It allows candidates to check responses and raise objections (if genuinely required).
  • The exam was conducted on 20 December 2025 under Advertisement No. 07/2025.

The answer key is available only through the official SHSB portal (login required using registration details). Avoid relying on unofficial PDFs circulated on social media.

3. How to Check and Use the Answer Key Properly

Many students rush through this stage and end up either overestimating or underestimating their performance. A calm, methodical approach is essential.

Correct way to use the answer key:

  1. Log in to the official SHSB examination portal.
  2. Open the answer key and your response sheet side by side.
  3. Match each question carefully-question number and option both.
  4. Mark responses as:
    • Correct
    • Incorrect
    • Doubtful (only if genuinely ambiguous)

Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Checking answers from memory instead of the response sheet
  • Ignoring question language nuances
  • Assuming coaching keys or YouTube explanations are final
  • Calculating score without confirming negative marking rules

Remember: accuracy matters more than speed at this stage.

4. How to Calculate Expected Score (Safely)

Before calculating your score, first check the official marking scheme mentioned in the notification. As of now, exact negative marking details are not clearly updated in the answer key notice, so candidates must rely on the original exam notification.

A safe approach:

  • Add marks only for answers you are sure are correct
  • Deduct marks only if negative marking is explicitly mentioned
  • Keep a range score (best-case and conservative-case)

Important: Your raw score ≠ final merit score. Normalisation (if applied), category-wise cut-offs, and vacancy distribution will affect the final result.

5. Cut-Off Expectations: A Reality Check

It is natural to search for “expected cut-off”, but blind numbers often do more harm than good.

Cut-offs depend on:

  • Total vacancies (220 posts)
  • Difficulty level of the paper
  • Number of candidates who actually appeared
  • Category-wise reservation
  • Overall score distribution

Since this is a technical health-sector post, competition quality matters as much as quantity.

Advice: Instead of asking “What will be the cut-off?”, ask ➡️ “Am I clearly above average, around average, or below average?”

That perspective is far more useful right now.

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

Raising objections is a right, but it is also a responsibility.

You SHOULD raise an objection if:

  • The answer key clearly contradicts standard textbooks or guidelines
  • There is a factual or technical error
  • You can provide documentary proof (PDF, textbook page, government guideline)

You should NOT raise an objection if:

  • You marked the wrong option under exam pressure
  • The question felt “confusing” but is technically correct
  • You are following a coaching institute’s opinion blindly

Cost vs Benefit Reality:

  • Objection fees are usually non-refundable
  • Emotional objections often lead to financial loss without result

Only raise objections when logic, evidence, and syllabus alignment are on your side.

7. What to Do After Checking the Answer Key

If your score is comfortably high:

  • Start preparing documents for verification
  • Keep monitoring the official website regularly
  • Do not relax completely-final results can still surprise

If your score is borderline:

  • Prepare for both outcomes
  • Continue light revision or parallel exam prep
  • Avoid over-analysis of every single mark

If your score is low:

  • Accept it calmly-it does not define your ability
  • Identify weak areas objectively
  • Use this experience to refine preparation for future health-sector exams

This exam is one opportunity, not the final verdict of your career.

8. Timeline Ahead: What Comes Next

Based on the standard SHSB recruitment cycle, candidates can expect:

  1. Objection window (short duration)
  2. Final answer key release
  3. Result declaration (date not available yet)
  4. Document verification for shortlisted candidates

Always rely on updates from the official SHSB website only.

9. Pros & Cons of the Answer Key Phase

Pros

  • Transparency in evaluation
  • Early self-assessment
  • Chance to correct genuine errors

Cons

  • Overthinking and stress
  • Social media misinformation
  • Emotional reactions based on partial understanding

The key is balanced engagement-stay informed, not obsessed.

10. Candidate Checklist

✔ Registration / Enrollment details ✔ Response sheet downloaded ✔ Answer key saved ✔ Objection proof (if applicable) ✔ Objection deadline tracked ✔ Original notification revisited

11. Conclusion

The release of the answer key is not a judgment-it is feedback. How you respond to this feedback matters more than the marks themselves.

Stay patient, stay realistic, and stay focused on the larger journey. Government recruitment is a marathon, not a single sprint. Those who learn calmly from each stage ultimately go the farthest.

12. FAQs

Q1. Is this the final answer key? No. This is a provisional answer key.

Q2. When will the result be declared? The exact date is not available yet. Candidates should regularly check the SHSB website.

Q3. Can marks change after objection? Yes, but only if objections are valid and accepted by the authority.

Q4. Should I stop preparing for other exams now? No. Always keep preparation ongoing until final selection is confirmed.