SSC STENO CBT
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LATEST UPDATE 2026
The Staff Selection Commission has not yet released the official notification for the SSC Stenographer 2026 examination. However, based on previous trends, the online application process is expected to begin during May–June 2026, with the last date for submission likely by the end of June. The SSC Stenographer examination is tentatively expected to be conducted between August and September 2026.
OVERVIEW
SSC Stenographer is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for recruitment to the posts of Stenographer Grade C and Grade D (Non-Gazetted). Candidates selected through this examination are appointed in various central government ministries, departments, and their subordinate offices across India.
Exam Name: Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Stenographer
Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission
Post Name: Stenographer Grade C and Grade D
Exam Level: National
Exam Frequency: Once a year
Registered Candidates (Last Year): Approx. 3.5 lakh
Test Takers (Last Year): Approx. 2.76 lakh
Help Desk: 011-24363343 / 011-24367526
Official Website: ssc.gov.in
IMPORTANT DATES (EXPECTED)
The official SSC Stenographer notification has not yet been released. Based on previous years, the tentative schedule is as follows:
SSC Stenographer Notification – June 2026
Online Registration Start – June 2026
Last Date to Apply – End of June 2026
Last Date to Pay Application Fee – End of June 2026
Application Correction Window – July 2026
SSC Stenographer Exam (Grade C & D) – August to September 2026
VACANCY DETAILS
For SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2024, around 1,926 vacancies were announced (approximately 239 for Grade C and 1,687 for Grade D).
For SSC Stenographer 2025, vacancies were initially around 261, which were later revised to approximately 1,590 vacancies (around 230 Grade C and 1,360 Grade D).
For SSC Stenographer 2026, the official vacancy count has not been released yet. Based on recent trends, the expected vacancies may range between 1,000 to 2,000 posts, depending on departmental requirements.
SALARY STRUCTURE
As per SSC norms:
Grade C Pay Scale: ₹9,300 – ₹34,800
Grade D Pay Scale: ₹5,200 – ₹20,200
Allowances include:
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Dearness Allowance (DA)
Transport Allowance
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Candidates applying for the SSC Stenographer examination must meet the eligibility requirements. Failure to satisfy these conditions will result in rejection of candidature.
Eligibility is based on:
Nationality
Age Limit and Relaxation
Educational Qualification
Medical Standards
NATIONALITY
A candidate must be:
A Citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan Refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 for permanent settlement, or
A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam for permanent settlement in India.
Candidates belonging to the above categories (except Indian citizens) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
AGE LIMIT
Grade C: 18 to 30 years
Grade D: 18 to 27 years
AGE RELAXATION
SC/ST – 5 years
OBC – 3 years
PwD (UR) – 10 years
PwD (OBC) – 13 years
PwD (SC/ST) – 15 years
Ex-Servicemen – 3 years after deduction of military service
Defence personnel disabled in operations – 3 years
Defence personnel disabled in operations (SC/ST) – 8 years
Central Government employees (3+ years service) – up to 40 years
Central Government employees (SC/ST) – up to 45 years
Widows/Divorced/Judicially separated women – up to 35 years
Widows/Divorced/Judicially separated women (SC/ST) – up to 40 years
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized Board or University.
Additional requirement for Skill Test:
Candidates must have working knowledge of Shorthand/Stenography in English or Hindi as per post requirement.
Note:
No minimum percentage is required in Class 12.
Candidates must possess the certificate before the last date of application.
MEDICAL STANDARDS
Candidates must be physically and mentally fit.
Normal vision (with or without spectacles) and normal hearing are required.
Clear speech is necessary.
A medical examination by authorized government doctors is conducted before final appointment.
EXAM PATTERN
The SSC Stenographer examination consists of two stages:
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Skill Test in Stenography
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Mode: Online
Question Type: Objective (MCQs)
Total Questions: 200
Total Marks: 200
Duration: 120 minutes (160 minutes for PwD candidates)
Negative Marking: 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
Language: English and Hindi
Section-wise distribution:
General Intelligence & Reasoning – 50 Questions – 50 Marks
General Awareness – 50 Questions – 50 Marks
English Language & Comprehension – 100 Questions – 100 Marks
Candidates qualifying CBT are called for the Skill Test.
SKILL TEST IN STENOGRAPHY (QUALIFYING)
Dictation Duration: 10 minutes
Language: English or Hindi
Required Speed:
Grade C – 100 words per minute
Grade D – 80 words per minute
Transcription Time:
Grade C – English: 40 min | Hindi: 55 min
Grade D – English: 50 min | Hindi: 65 min
This stage is qualifying only and does not add marks to the final score.
EXAM SYLLABUS (CBT)
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem solving, judgment, decision making, coding-decoding, number series, syllogisms, blood relations, direction sense, puzzles, and non-verbal reasoning.
General Awareness
Current affairs, Indian history, geography, polity, economy, culture, science and technology, sports, awards, environment, and general knowledge.
English Language & Comprehension
Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, cloze test, sentence improvement, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, spellings, and para jumbles.
SELECTION PROCESS
Computer-Based Examination
Skill Test in Stenography
Minimum qualifying marks in CBT:
UR – 30%
OBC/EWS – 25%
Others – 20%
Final selection is based on CBT performance and Skill Test qualification.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications must be submitted online at ssc.gov.in or through the My SSC mobile app.
Steps include registration, form filling, uploading photograph and signature, previewing the form, and fee payment.
Application Fee:
General/OBC – ₹100
Women, SC, ST, PwD, ESM – Nil
EXAM CENTERS
SSC Stenographer exam centers are available across all regions of India including Central, Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western, North-Eastern, and North-Western regions. Allocation is based on preferences selected during application.
ADMIT CARD
SSC Stenographer admit card will be available on ssc.gov.in. Separate admit cards are issued for CBT and Skill Test. Candidates must download and print the admit card for examination.
EXAM RESULT
SSC releases CBT results first, followed by the final result after the Skill Test. The final merit list is prepared based on CBT marks.
IMPORTANT LINK
Official Website: ssc.gov.in
OVERVIEW
SSC Stenographer is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment to the posts of Stenographer Grade C and Grade D (Non-Gazetted). Candidates selected through this examination are appointed in various Central Government ministries, departments, and their subordinate offices across different states and Union Territories.
Exam Full Name: Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Stenographer
Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Purpose of Exam: Recruitment for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D posts
Exam Frequency: Once a year
Exam Level: National
Candidates Registered Last Year: Approximately 3.5 lakh
Test Takers Last Year: Approximately 2.76 lakh
Help Desk: 011-24363343 / 011-24367526
Official Website: ssc.gov.in
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Candidates applying for the SSC Stenographer Examination must meet the required eligibility conditions. If a candidate does not satisfy the criteria related to age, educational qualification, or other requirements, the candidature will be rejected. The eligibility is determined by the Staff Selection Commission.
Eligibility is based on the following conditions:
Nationality
Age Limit and Relaxation
Educational Qualification
Medical Standards
Nationality
A candidate must be:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan Refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 for permanent settlement, or
A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam for permanent settlement in India.
Candidates belonging to the above categories (except Indian citizens) must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Note: Candidates requiring a certificate of eligibility may be allowed to appear in the examination, but appointment will be given only after the certificate is issued.
Age Limit
Grade C: 18 to 30 years
Grade D: 18 to 27 years
Age Relaxation
SC/ST: 5 years
OBC: 3 years
PwD (Unreserved): 10 years
PwD (OBC): 13 years
PwD (SC/ST): 15 years
Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of military service
Defence personnel disabled in operations: 3 years
Defence personnel disabled in operations (SC/ST): 8 years
For Group C posts only:
Central Government employees with at least 3 years of regular service: Up to 40 years
Central Government employees (SC/ST): Up to 45 years
Widows/Divorced/Women judicially separated (not remarried): Up to 35 years
Widows/Divorced/Women judicially separated (SC/ST): Up to 40 years
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized Board or University.
Additional Requirement (Skill Test):
Candidates must have knowledge of shorthand/stenography in English or Hindi as per post requirement.
Note:
There is no minimum percentage requirement in Class 12. Passing is sufficient.
Candidates appearing in Class 12 final year are not eligible unless they possess the certificate before the last date of application.
Medical Standards
General Health:
Candidate must be physically and mentally fit and free from any serious disease or disability that may affect job performance.
Vision:
Normal eyesight with or without spectacles. Colour vision should be normal.
Hearing:
Normal hearing ability without assistance.
Speech:
Clear speech is required as the job involves dictation and transcription.
Other Conditions:
No physical deformity affecting work efficiency.
No chronic illness affecting regular duty.
Medical Examination:
Final appointment is subject to medical fitness certified by authorized government doctors.
EXAM PATTERN
The SSC Stenographer Examination is conducted in two stages:
Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Stage 2: Skill Test (Stenography)
Exam Mode: Online
Question Type: Objective (MCQ)
Total Questions: 200
Total Marks: 200
Duration: 120 minutes (160 minutes for PwD candidates)
Negative Marking: 0.25 mark for each wrong answer
Exam Language: English and Hindi (English section only in English)
Selection Process: CBT + Skill Test
Section-wise Pattern
General Intelligence & Reasoning – 50 Questions – 50 Marks
General Awareness – 50 Questions – 50 Marks
English Language & Comprehension – 100 Questions – 100 Marks
Total: 200 Questions – 200 Marks
Note: There is no separate timing for each section. Candidates who qualify CBT will be called for the Skill Test.
Skill Test in Stenography (Qualifying)
Dictation Duration: 10 minutes
Language: English or Hindi
Required Speed:
Grade C: 100 words per minute
Grade D: 80 words per minute
Transcription Time:
Grade C:
English – 40 minutes
Hindi – 55 minutes
Grade D:
English – 50 minutes
Hindi – 65 minutes
For eligible PwD candidates, additional time is provided.
The Skill Test is qualifying in nature and its marks are not added to the final merit.
Marking Scheme
1 mark for each correct answer
0.25 mark deducted for each wrong answer
No deduction for unanswered questions
Minimum qualifying marks in CBT:
UR: 30%
OBC/EWS: 25%
Others: 20%
SSC also applies normalization for exams conducted in multiple shifts.
EXAM SYLLABUS
1. Computer-Based Test (CBT)
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem solving, decision making, visual memory, relationship concepts, coding-decoding, number series, non-verbal reasoning, classification, puzzles, blood relations, and direction sense.
General Awareness
Current affairs, Indian history, geography, polity, economy, culture, science and technology, environment, sports, awards, and general knowledge about India and neighbouring countries.
English Language & Comprehension
Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, fill in the blanks, sentence improvement, error detection, active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech, spelling correction, cloze test, and sentence rearrangement.
2. Skill Test (Qualifying)
Dictation: 10 minutes
Language: English or Hindi
Speed Requirement:
Grade C – 100 WPM
Grade D – 80 WPM
Transcription must be completed within the prescribed time on a computer.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process consists of two stages:
Computer-Based Examination
Skill Test (Stenography)
Candidates must indicate their preference for Grade C or Grade D in the application form.
Candidates are shortlisted for the Skill Test based on CBT marks. The Skill Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature.
Final selection and allocation of departments are based on CBT performance and post preference.
If a selected candidate does not receive any communication within one year of result declaration, they should contact the concerned department or organization.
EXAM SYLLABUS
The SSC Stenographer examination consists of two main stages:
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Skill Test in Stenography (Qualifying)
Computer-Based Test (CBT) Syllabus
The CBT includes three sections with objective (MCQ) questions.
General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 Questions)
This section tests logical, analytical, and problem-solving ability.
Topics include:
Analogies
Similarities and differences
Space visualization and orientation
Problem solving and analysis
Judgment and decision making
Visual memory
Relationship concepts
Arithmetical reasoning
Verbal and figure classification
Coding-decoding
Number series (arithmetical and figure)
Non-verbal reasoning
Syllogism
Statement and conclusion
Blood relations
Direction sense
Puzzles and pattern completion
Weightage:
Total 50 Questions
Approximately 4–5 questions from each major topic
General Awareness (50 Questions)
This section tests knowledge of current events and general awareness of the environment.
Topics include:
Current affairs (National & International)
Indian History
Geography (India & World)
Indian Polity and Constitution
Economic scene and basic economics
Indian culture and heritage
Science and technology (basic level)
Sports and awards
Important days and events
Static GK related to India and neighbouring countries
Environment and ecology (basic)
Weightage:
Total 50 Questions
35–40 questions from Static GK
8–10 questions from Current Affairs (last 4–5 months)
English Language & Comprehension (100 Questions)
This section tests grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Topics include:
Reading comprehension
Synonyms and antonyms
One word substitution
Spotting errors
Sentence correction and improvement
Fill in the blanks
Idioms and phrases
Cloze test
Active and passive voice
Direct and indirect speech
Spelling correction
Para jumbles and sentence rearrangement
Phrase replacement and sentence completion
Weightage (Approximate):
Grammar & Sentence Structure: 55–60 questions
Error detection, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks
Reading comprehension: 15–20 questions
Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, One word substitution): 10–15 questions
GENERAL INTELLIGENCE & REASONING – Detailed Topics
Analogy – Identify relationships between words or numbers (Easy)
Alphabet Test – Arrangement and letter-based questions (Easy)
Arithmetic Reasoning – Mathematical logic-based problems (Moderate)
Blood Relations – Family-based questions (Easy)
Classification – Odd one out (Easy)
Coding-Decoding – Pattern-based coding (Easy)
Direction Sense – Distance and direction problems (Easy)
Syllogism – Logical conclusions (Easy)
Matrix – Coding using grid patterns (Difficult)
Venn Diagram – Relationship-based diagrams (Moderate to Difficult)
Missing Number – Pattern-based number problems (Moderate)
Paper Folding & Cutting – Non-verbal reasoning (Difficult)
Visual Memory – Figure-based pattern observation (Difficult)
Figure Formation & Analysis – Shape arrangement (Difficult)
Figure Series – Pattern sequence (Moderate)
Mirror Image – Symmetry-based questions (Moderate)
Pattern Completion – Visual sequence completion (Moderate)
Counting of Figures – Counting shapes (Moderate)
Difficulty Level: Mostly Easy to Moderate, with some time-consuming visual questions.
GENERAL AWARENESS – Detailed Topics
Current Affairs – Last 4–5 months events
Economy & Finance – Basic Indian economy and banking
Geography – Physical and Indian geography (Class 10 level)
History – Ancient, Medieval, Modern India (Class 10 level)
Indian Polity – Constitution, President, Parliament, Constitutional bodies
Science & Technology – Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics
Static GK – Awards, books, organizations, sports, important days
Difficulty Level: Class 10 standard
ENGLISH COMPREHENSION – Detailed Topics
Fill in the Blanks – Grammar/Vocabulary based
Sentence Correction – Improve incorrect sentences
Error Spotting – Identify grammatical mistakes
Active and Passive Voice
Para Jumbles – Arrange sentences logically
One Word Substitution
Idioms and Phrases
Spelling Correction
Synonyms and Antonyms
Reading Comprehension (Passage based)
Cloze Test – Paragraph with blanks
Difficulty Level: 10+2 level
Skill Test in Stenography (Qualifying Only)
Dictation Duration: 10 minutes
Language: English or Hindi (as chosen)
Required Speed:
Grade C – 100 words per minute
Grade D – 80 words per minute
Transcription Time:
Grade C:
English – 40 minutes
Hindi – 55 minutes
Grade D:
English – 50 minutes
Hindi – 65 minutes
Note:
The Skill Test is qualifying in nature. Marks are not added to the CBT score but qualifying it is mandatory for final selection.
EXAM PATTERN
The SSC Stenographer Examination is conducted in two stages:
Stage 1 – Computer-Based Test (CBT) and
Stage 2 – Skill Test in Stenography.
The CBT is objective in nature and conducted online, while the Skill Test evaluates shorthand and transcription speed.
Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Mode: Online
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Questions: 200
Total Marks: 200
Duration: 120 Minutes
(160 Minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe)
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
Exam Language:
General Intelligence & Reasoning – Hindi & English
General Awareness – Hindi & English
English Language – English only
Section-wise Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Note:
There is no separate time for each section.
Candidates must manage the total time of 120 minutes.
Marking Scheme
Correct Answer: +1 mark
Wrong Answer: –0.25 mark
Unattempted Questions: No penalty
Minimum Qualifying Marks (CBT)
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| SC / ST / Others | 20% |
Candidates who qualify the CBT will be shortlisted category-wise for the Skill Test.
Normalization of Marks
Since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, SSC uses a normalization process to adjust scores based on the difficulty level of different shifts. Final CBT marks are calculated after normalization.
Stage 2: Skill Test in Stenography (Qualifying Only)
This stage tests shorthand speed and transcription ability. It is qualifying in nature and marks are not added to the final merit.
Dictation Duration: 10 minutes
Language: English or Hindi (as chosen in the application)
Required Speed
| Post | Speed |
|---|---|
| Grade C | 100 words per minute |
| Grade D | 80 words per minute |
Transcription Time
| Post | English | Hindi |
|---|---|---|
| Grade C | 40 minutes | 55 minutes |
| Grade D | 50 minutes | 65 minutes |
Extra time is provided for PwD candidates as per SSC rules.
Selection Process Summary
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Skill Test (Qualifying)
Final merit is prepared based on CBT marks only, subject to qualifying the Skill Test.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Candidates applying for the SSC Stenographer Examination must fulfill the prescribed eligibility conditions. If a candidate does not meet the required criteria such as age, educational qualification, or medical standards, their candidature will be rejected. The eligibility for SSC Stenographer is determined by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The eligibility is based on the following parameters: Nationality, Age Limit and Relaxation, Educational Qualification, and Medical Standards.
Nationality
A candidate must be either a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a subject of Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Candidates belonging to these categories must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Such candidates may be allowed to appear in the exam, but the appointment will be given only after the certificate is produced.
Age Limit
The minimum age to apply is 18 years. The upper age limit depends on the post. For Stenographer Grade C, the age limit is 18 to 30 years. For Stenographer Grade D, the age limit is 18 to 27 years.
Age Relaxation
The upper age limit is relaxable for reserved categories as per government rules. SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation, OBC candidates get 3 years, PwD (Unreserved) get 10 years, PwD (OBC) get 13 years, and PwD (SC/ST) get 15 years relaxation. Ex-servicemen get 3 years relaxation after deduction of military service. Defence personnel disabled during service get 3 years relaxation (8 years for SC/ST). Central Government employees with at least 3 years of service can apply up to 40 years (45 years for SC/ST). Widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated and not remarried can apply up to 35 years (40 years for SC/ST).
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed the 12th standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. There is no minimum percentage requirement; passing the examination is sufficient. Candidates must possess the qualification before the last date of application. Candidates appearing in the final year of Class 12 are generally not eligible. Additionally, candidates should have knowledge of shorthand and typing (stenography) in English or Hindi for the skill test.
Medical Standards
Candidates must be physically and mentally fit and should not have any serious illness or disability that may affect job performance. Normal vision is required, with or without spectacles, and proper colour vision is necessary. Candidates must have normal hearing ability and clear speech, as the job involves dictation and transcription. There should be no physical deformity or chronic illness that affects regular work. A medical examination will be conducted by government-authorized doctors before final appointment, and candidates who fail the medical standards may be disqualified even after clearing the CBT and Skill Test.
IMPORTANT DATES
The Staff Selection Commission has not yet released the official notification for the SSC Stenographer 2026 examination. However, based on previous years’ trends, the application process is expected to begin in June. The last date for submitting the online application and fee payment is likely to be at the end of June. The application correction window is expected to be available in July. The SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D Computer-Based Examination is tentatively scheduled to be conducted between August and September.
SSC Stenographer Notification – June
Online Registration Start – June
Last Date for Online Application – End of June
Last Date for Fee Payment – End of June
Application Form Correction Window – July
SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Exam Date – August to September