For thousands of Indian parents dreaming of a military education for their children, the wait is finally over. The Rashtriya Military School has officially released the answer key for the 2026 Common Entrance Test (CET), covering both Class 6 and Class 9 admissions. This crucial document, published in February 2026, allows candidates to calculate their expected scores immediately after the exam held on December 7, 2025.
The release marks a pivotal moment in the selection process for the 2026–2027 academic session. While unofficial keys circulated instantly on social media, this official PDF provides the definitive benchmark for merit lists. Here’s everything you need to know about accessing the key, understanding the scoring, and what comes next.
Official vs. Unofficial Answer Keys: What’s the Difference?
Confusion often arises right after an exam. On the day of the test—December 7, 2025—coaching institutes like DronSchool Institute rushed to publish unofficial solutions on platforms like YouTube. These are helpful for a quick sanity check but carry no weight in the final evaluation.
The twist is that only the school administration holds the authority to finalize results. The official answer key, available as a downloadable PDF on the RMS website, includes corrections for any potential errors in the question paper. It covers all four sets (A, B, C, and D) of the exam. Relying on third-party keys might give you a rough estimate, but the official document is the only one that matters for grievance redressal and final merit ranking.
How to Download and Verify Your Score
Navigating the official portal can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the layout. Fortunately, the process is straightforward once you know where to look. Here is the step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official website of the Rashtriya Military School.
- Locate the "CET Corner" section on the homepage.
- Click on the link labeled "RMS Common Entrance Exam Answer Key" for Classes 6th & 9th.
- Select your specific question paper set (A, B, C, or D).
- Download the PDF file.
Once downloaded, compare your responses with the official answers. To calculate your expected score, simply add up the marks for correct answers. Remember, there is usually no negative marking in these entrance tests, but always double-check the specific instructions provided in the key document.
Understanding the Cut-Off and Merit List Process
Getting the right answers is only half the battle. Admission depends on clearing the cut-off marks, which are calculated based on performance in three specific subjects: Intelligence Test, Mathematics, and General Knowledge & Current Affairs.
This data is managed by NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology), which handles the administrative side of the recruitment. According to previous cycles, such as the 2024 exam conducted on December 8, 2024, the merit lists are generated strictly based on aggregate scores in these three areas, provided candidates meet the minimum qualifying criteria for each subject.
For the current cycle, the First Merit List for Class 9 admissions was scheduled for April 17, 2026. A separate list for Class 6 follows shortly after. If your name appears on this list, you move to the next stage of physical verification and medical examination.
Grievance Redressal: Did You Spot an Error?
What if you believe the official key has a mistake? The RMS administration allows for a grievance redressal process. Candidates can file objections against specific questions within a designated window, usually opening alongside the initial answer key release.
Recent updates from online educators highlight that many students utilized this feature in previous years. If your objection is accepted, the marks for that question may be awarded to all candidates, potentially shifting the cut-off lines. Keep an eye on the official notifications for the deadline to submit these challenges.
Support and Technical Assistance
If you face technical issues while downloading the key or checking your status, help is available. For problems related to the application portal, candidates can contact the NIELIT helpdesk. Ms. Lalita Sharma can be reached at 011-44446771 between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM, and 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM on working days. For email queries, use [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the RMS CET 2026 exam held?
The RMS CET 2026 for Class 6 and Class 9 was conducted on December 7, 2025. The official answer key followed in February 2026, allowing candidates two months to prepare for the result announcement.
Who releases the official answer key?
Only the Rashtriya Military School releases the official answer key. While coaching institutes like DronSchool provide unofficial solutions, they are not authoritative for final merit calculations.
How are cut-off marks calculated?
Cut-offs are based on the total marks obtained in three subjects: Intelligence Test, Mathematics, and General Knowledge & Current Affairs. Candidates must also meet the minimum qualifying criteria in each individual subject to be considered eligible.
When will the merit list be published?
Based on the timeline for the 2026-2027 academic session, the First Merit List for Class 9 was issued around April 17, 2026. The Class 6 merit list typically follows soon after, managed through the NIELIT portal.
Can I challenge the answer key?
Yes, the RMS administration provides a grievance redressal mechanism. Candidates can file objections against specific questions within the notified window. If the objection is valid, marks may be adjusted for all candidates who attempted that question.
