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SSC Stenographer (Grade C and D)

Evidence status: 🟢 official. Every number below is from the Stenographer Grade 'C' and 'D' Examination, 2026 notice (F. No. E/13/2026-C-2), fetched from ssc.gov.in on 2026-09-29.

SSC Stenographer recruits Grade C and Grade D stenographers for central ministries and departments.

At a glance
Conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Posts Stenographer Grade 'C' (Group 'B', Non-Gazetted) and Stenographer Grade 'D' (Group 'C')
Stages Computer Based Examination (shortlist + merit) → Skill Test in Stenography (mandatory, qualifying) → document verification / final allocation on CBT merit
2026 cycle (per notice) Online applications 24.04.2026–15.05.2026 (23:00); fee payment to 16.05.2026 (23:00); correction window 20.05.2026–21.05.2026; CBT July–August 2026 (tentative)
Qualification Passed 12th standard or equivalent from a recognized Board or University as on 01.08.2026
Age (as on 01.08.2026) Grade 'C': 18–30 years (born 02.08.1996–01.08.2008); Grade 'D': 18–27 years (born 02.08.1999–01.08.2008); relaxations per notice

Official sources

Exam pattern

Computer Based Examination: objective multiple-choice, set in English and Hindi, 200 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours with a sectional timer (30 minutes each for Part I and Part II, 60 minutes for Part III). Candidates eligible for scribe get 2 hours 40 minutes (40 + 40 + 80). −0.25 per wrong answer. Scores are normalised across shifts where applicable. Minimum qualifying marks in the CBT: 30% (UR), 25% (OBC/EWS), 20% (all other categories).

Part Subject Questions Marks
I General Intelligence and Reasoning 50 50
II General Awareness 50 50
III English Language and Comprehension 100 100

Skill Test in Stenography: only CBT-shortlisted candidates appear (category-wise, for the post(s) applied for: Grade 'C', Grade 'D', or both). One 10-minute dictation in English or Hindi (as opted in the application) at 100 words per minute for Grade 'C' and 80 words per minute for Grade 'D', transcribed on computer. It is mandatory but qualifying: the Commission fixes category-wise qualifying standards per post, and final selection is on CBT merit among those who qualify the skill test.

Post Language Transcription time Scribe-eligible time
Grade 'D' English 50 minutes 70 minutes
Grade 'D' Hindi 65 minutes 90 minutes
Grade 'C' English 40 minutes 55 minutes
Grade 'C' Hindi 55 minutes 75 minutes

Syllabus

  • General Intelligence and Reasoning: verbal and non-verbal: analogies, similarities and differences, space visualisation, problem solving, analysis, judgement, decision making, visual memory, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning and number series, classification, abstract ideas and symbols.
  • General Awareness: environment and society, current events, everyday observation and science as expected of an educated person, plus India and neighbouring countries (sports, history, culture, geography, economy, polity including the Constitution, scientific research). No maps/graphs/diagrams/statistics component for VH candidates with 40%+ visual disability.
  • English Language and Comprehension: vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, correct usage, and writing ability.

How to prepare (free, in order)

  1. Shorthand takes months: practise dictation daily from the start.
  2. English carries the most CBT questions.

Free resources