Answer Key Download
📘 Introduction
Every year, millions of students across India appear for various exams — academic tests, entrance exams, government assessments, internship screenings, certification exams, and skill evaluation tests. After the exam, the first thing every student searches for is the Answer Key.
An answer key helps students:
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Check their responses
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Predict their score
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Evaluate their performance
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Understand mistakes
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Estimate their ranking
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Plan their next steps (rechecking, improvement, etc.)
But many students face problems like:
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Not finding the correct answer key link
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Confusion between official and unofficial answer keys
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Difficulty downloading PDF files
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Calculating marks incorrectly
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Not understanding how to raise objections
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Missing deadlines for key challenges
This page solves ALL those problems in a clear, student-friendly way.
📌 What Is an Answer Key?
An Answer Key is the official set of correct answers released by the exam authority after the exam. It contains:
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Question numbers
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Correct options
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Explanations (in some cases)
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Solutions (sometimes)
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Marking scheme
It helps students understand how many questions they answered correctly or incorrectly.
Depending on the exam, answer keys can be:
✔ Preliminary / Provisional Answer Key
Released soon after the exam for students to check and challenge.
✔ Final Answer Key
Released after verifying objections.
Marks are calculated based on the final key only.
📚 Types of Answer Keys
Different exams release answer keys in different formats.
1. PDF Answer Key
A downloadable PDF document containing answers.
2. OMR Response Sheet
Your actual marked answers with correct responses shown.
3. Login-Based Answer Key
You must log in to view the answer key on your dashboard.
4. Set-wise Answer Key
Separate answer keys for:
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Set A
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Set B
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Set C
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Set D
5. Subject-wise Answer Key
Different keys for different subjects or papers.
Understanding the format helps avoid confusion.
📅 When Are Answer Keys Released?
Generally, answer keys are released:
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1–3 days after exam – Preliminary
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5–10 days after objections – Final
However, timelines vary depending on the exam authority:
Academic Exams
3–7 days after exam
Scholarship/Entrance Tests
1–5 days after exam
Certification Exams
Instantly or within 48 hours
Government/Competitive Exams
5–15 days depending on department
Always check official notifications for exact dates.
📥 Where to Download Answer Keys (Exact Pattern)
Most official websites release answer keys under one of these sections:
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Answer Key
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Download Section
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Examination → Keys/Responses
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Notifications → Announcements
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Student Login / Candidate Login
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Latest Updates / Recent News
Look for a link titled:
“Answer Key”
“Provisional Answer Key”
“Final Answer Key”
“Response Sheet Download”
Never download answer keys from unofficial or unknown websites.
🖥 Step-by-Step Guide to Download Answer Key
Here is the universal method used across most exam portals.
🟦 Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official portal where you registered or downloaded your admit card.
🟦 Step 2: Locate the Answer Key Section
Check the menu bar or announcement section for:
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Answer Key / Hall Ticket / Result area
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A notification titled “Download Answer Key”
🟦 Step 3: Choose Your Question Paper Set
If your exam had multiple sets:
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Set A
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Set B
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Set C
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Set D
Choose the correct one.
🟦 Step 4: Log In (If Required)
Enter:
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Registration ID
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Mobile number
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Email ID
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Password
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Date of Birth
Different portals follow different login methods.
🟦 Step 5: Download the Key
The answer key appears in:
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PDF format
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OMR format
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Dashboard preview
Click Download → Save to device.
🟦 Step 6: Match Your Answers
Use:
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PDF key
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Question paper
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OMR / Response sheet
Cross-check every question properly.
🔍 Understanding Provisional vs Final Answer Key
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the post-exam process.
📌 Provisional Answer Key
Released first.
Students can:
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Check responses
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Point out mistakes
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Submit objections
This key may contain errors, so your final marks are NOT based on this key.
📌 Final Answer Key
Released after all challenges are reviewed.
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No changes are accepted after this
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Your result is based on the final key
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It is 100% accurate and official
Always wait for the final key to estimate your result correctly.
📖 How to Calculate Your Marks Using the Answer Key
Most exams follow one of these patterns.
✔ Pattern 1: Correct = +1, Wrong = 0 (No Negative Marking)
Formula:
Marks = Number of Correct Answers
✔ Pattern 2: Correct = +1, Wrong = –0.25 (Negative Marking)
Formula:
Marks = Correct × 1 – Wrong × 0.25
✔ Pattern 3: Correct = +2, Wrong = –0.5
Formula:
Marks = Correct × 2 – Wrong × 0.5
✔ Pattern 4: Multiple Correct Options
Marking differs:
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Partial marking
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Full marking
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Zero marking
Read the official marking scheme carefully.
📘 Importance of Answer Keys
Many students underestimate the value of answer keys.
Here’s why they matter:
✔ Helps to predict your score early
No need to wait days/weeks for results.
✔ Helps analyze your mistakes
Important for future exams.
✔ Helps decide whether to challenge the key
If an answer seems incorrect.
✔ Builds exam strategy
Helps identify weak areas.
✔ Essential for competitive exams
Every mark counts.
🛠 Common Problems While Downloading Answer Keys
Students often face issues like:
❌ Problem 1: Link Not Working
Reason: Server is down due to heavy traffic.
Solution:
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Refresh the page
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Try non-peak hours
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Use a different browser
❌ Problem 2: “Invalid Credentials” Error
Solution:
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Check login ID
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Reset password
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Try email login instead of phone
❌ Problem 3: Blank PDF or Corrupted File
Solution:
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Re-download
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Update PDF reader
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Try opening on a laptop
❌ Problem 4: Answer Key Not Visible in Dashboard
Solution:
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Your exam might not have released the key yet
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Check notification section
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Clear cache and log in again
📤 How to Raise Objections Against Answer Key
This is one of the most important post-exam features.
If you think the official key is incorrect, you can challenge it.
✔ Step 1: Download the Provisional Key
Check the question you think is wrong.
✔ Step 2: Collect Proof
Acceptable proof includes:
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NCERT book page
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Standard reference book
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Verified online academic sources
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University notes
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Research article
Proof must be reliable.
✔ Step 3: Go to “Challenge Answer Key” Section
Usually available in:
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Dashboard
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Notification panel
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Answer key area
✔ Step 4: Select Question Number
Choose the question you want to challenge.
✔ Step 5: Upload Proof & Justification
Explain clearly why the answer is wrong.
✔ Step 6: Pay Challenge Fee (If applicable)
Most exams charge:
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₹50 per question
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₹100 per question
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₹200 per question
Refundable if your challenge is correct.
✔ Step 7: Submit
Take a screenshot of your submission.
📑 How Exam Authorities Review Objections
After objections are submitted:
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Experts review all challenges
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Genuine mistakes are corrected
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New final answer key is prepared
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Results are calculated based on final key
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Final answer key is published publicly
This ensures fairness.
🎯 Why You Should Check the Final Answer Key
Many students skip this step — big mistake!
The final key helps you:
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Verify your final marks
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Ensure your objections were addressed
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Understand your exact mistakes
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Estimate your rank
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Prepare for cut-off expectations
📊 How Cut-Off Depends on Answer Keys
Your estimated marks help you understand:
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Expected cut-off
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Chances of passing
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Chances of getting a seat
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Whether you should prepare for next stage
Cut-offs depend on:
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Total candidates
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Difficulty level
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Average performance
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Previous year trends
📄 Why Unofficial Answer Keys Should Be Avoided
Many coaching centers release unofficial keys.
These may contain:
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Wrong answers
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Incomplete explanations
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Confusing solutions
Only official answer keys should be trusted for mark calculation.
📜 Sample Answer Key Format (For Understanding)
Some keys also include:
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Full solutions
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Explanations
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Diagrams
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Additional notes
📬 Notifications to Watch After Answer Key Release
After the answer key, students should follow:
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Final key release date
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Result date
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Merit list publication
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Counseling schedule
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Certificate / scorecard download
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Rechecking window
Never miss these deadlines.
📚 Advanced Tips for Using Answer Keys Effectively
✔ 1. Analyze Your Mistakes
Check whether the mistake was due to:
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Misreading the question
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Not knowing the concept
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Calculation error
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Lack of revision
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Time pressure
✔ 2. Track Mistakes with a Notebook
Create a “Mistake Book”:
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Wrong answers
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Why they were wrong
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Correct explanation
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Future strategy
✔ 3. Compare Your Performance with Previous Exams
Helps understand whether:
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You improved
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You need revision
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Your exam strategy is working
✔ 4. Estimate Your Rank with Accuracy
Based on:
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Total marks
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Highest marks
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Cut-off trends
✔ 5. Decide Whether to Prepare for Next Level
If it’s a multi-stage exam (Prelims → Mains → Interview):
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Start preparing early
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Don’t wait for the result
🔍 Difference Between Preliminary Key and Official Key
| Feature | Preliminary Key | Final Key |
|---|---|---|
| Can be challenged | Yes | No |
| 100% accurate? | Not guaranteed | Yes |
| Used for result? | No | Yes |
| Released when? | Soon after exam | After objections |
| Contains errors? | Possibly | No |
🧾 How to Read OMR Response Sheet
Some exams allow you to download:
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Your OMR sheet
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Official answer key
You can compare both:
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Circle → Your answer
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Highlight → Correct answer
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Match → Calculate score
This is the most accurate evaluation method.
🛡 Is the Answer Key Always 100% Correct?
Final answer key = Yes
Preliminary answer key = Not always
This is why objection windows exist.
📁 How to Save Answer Keys for Future Reference
Always store your answer keys in:
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Google Drive
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Phone storage
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Computer folder
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Email (self-send)
You may need them for:
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Rechecking requests
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Future exams
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Performance analysis
📘 Extended FAQs (Most Important)
1. Is the answer key mandatory to check?
Not mandatory, but very useful.
2. Can I challenge the final answer key?
No — only provisional keys can be challenged.
3. What if I miss the objection deadline?
You cannot challenge after the window closes.
4. Which answer key should I trust?
Only official answer keys.
5. How many answer keys are released?
Usually two:
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Provisional
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Final
6. Do all exams provide answer keys?
Most academic and competitive exams do.
7. Are answer keys available offline?
Rarely. Most are online PDFs.
8. Will my marks change after objections?
Yes, if your objection is correct.
9. How do I challenge multiple questions?
Submit each one separately.
10. Will I get a refund if my challenge is valid?
Yes, most platforms refund.
✨ Final Conclusion
The answer key is an essential post-exam document that helps students evaluate their performance, analyze responses, estimate marks, and understand the next steps. Whether it’s a scholarship exam, government exam, NPTEL test, AICTE internship assessment, or academic evaluation, checking the answer key ensures clarity, transparency, and confidence.
This page provides a complete 360° guide on:
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Downloading answer keys
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Understanding provisional and final keys
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Calculating marks
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Raising objections
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Checking OMR sheets
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Tracking exam updates
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Avoiding common download problems
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Using answer keys to improve future performance
If you follow this page step-by-step, you’ll never face confusion related to answer key downloads again.