SSC Stenographer- Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Preparation
Shorthand skills meet government careers - Stenographer Grade C and D posts in central ministries.
The SSC Stenographer examination recruits Stenographers at Grade C (Group B non-gazetted) and Grade D (Group C) in ministries and departments of the Government of India. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, it is the primary route into a government stenography career for 12th-pass candidates with shorthand skills. The 2026 cycle announced 1,170 vacancies (revised upward from the initial count), and selection rests on a computer-based test followed by a shorthand skill test.
1,170 (2026 cycle, revised)
Vacancies
Class 12 Pass
Qualification
CBT + Shorthand Skill Test
Stages
Grade C (Group B), Grade D (Group C)
Posts
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Eligibility Criteria
Education
10+2 (Class 12) pass from a recognised board
Age Limit
18–27 years for Grade D and 18–30 years for Grade C, as on the notification cut-off date. SC/ST +5 years, OBC +3 years, PwD +10 years
Nationality
Citizen of India
Exam Pattern
Selection has two stages. Stage 1 is a 2-hour online CBT with 200 questions worth 200 marks (0.25 negative marking per wrong answer). Stage 2 is a qualifying Skill Test in stenography: Grade C requires dictation at 100 words per minute for 10 minutes, Grade D at 80 WPM, followed by transcription on computer within the prescribed time (roughly 40–65 minutes depending on grade and language).
Computer Based Test (CBT)
Online CBT120 min| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
Skill Test - Stenography (qualifying)
Shorthand Dictation + Computer Transcription75 min| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Dictation 10 min (Grade C: 100 WPM / Grade D: 80 WPM) + timed transcription | - | 0 |
Key Topics & Syllabus
English Language
- check_circleReading Comprehension
- check_circleCloze Test
- check_circleSynonyms & Antonyms
- check_circleIdioms & Phrases
- check_circleSentence Improvement
- check_circleError Detection
- check_circlePara Jumbles
- check_circleFill in the Blanks
General Awareness
- check_circleCurrent Affairs
- check_circleHistory
- check_circleGeography
- check_circleIndian Polity
- check_circleEconomics
- check_circleScience
- check_circleSports & Awards
Reasoning
- check_circleVerbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
- check_circleAnalogy
- check_circleCoding-Decoding
- check_circleSeries
- check_circleBlood Relations
- check_circleLogical Deduction
Stenography Skill
- check_circleShorthand outlines & phraseography
- check_circleSpeed building (80–100 WPM)
- check_circleTranscription accuracy
- check_circleComputer typing fluency
Career Roles & Salary
Stenographer Grade D (Group C)
₹25,500 – ₹81,100/month
Dictation and transcription work in central government offices (Pay Level 4).
Stenographer Grade C (Group B)
₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400/month
Stenography for senior officers - effectively a Personal Assistant track (Pay Level 6).
Personal Assistant (via promotion)
Varies with pay level and seniority
Grade C stenographers typically progress to PA and Private Secretary roles in ministries.
Private Secretary (senior track)
Varies with pay level and seniority
Long-term career peak of the stenographer cadre, attached to top officers in Government of India.
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How to Prepare
Start shorthand from day one - it cannot be crammed
The skill test demands sustained 80 or 100 WPM dictation. Learn a standard system (Pitman is most common) through a certified course and practise dictation at least an hour daily for 4–6 months.
Make English your CBT scoring engine
English alone carries 100 of the 200 CBT marks. Prioritise Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, vocabulary, and grammar - this section decides who clears the cut-off.
Cover GK and Reasoning efficiently
Reasoning is formula-free marks with practice; GK needs one static source plus 6 months of current affairs. Neither should eat into shorthand practice time.
Target Grade C if your speed allows
Grade C pays Pay Level 6 versus Level 4 for Grade D and opens the PA/Private Secretary track. The jump from 80 to 100 WPM is achievable with 2–3 extra months of dictation practice.
Transcribe on a computer, under exam timing
The skill test is transcribed on a computer within a fixed window, and errors beyond the permissible percentage disqualify. Rehearse the full dictation-plus-transcription cycle weekly.
Take timed CBT mocks in the final weeks
Simulate the full 2-hour, 200-question CBT weekly before the exam. Practise free SSC Stenographer mock tests and English practice questions on PrepClever to lock in speed and accuracy.
Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Varies by cycle - released in April in the 2026 cycle; earlier cycles used a July–August window (tentative) |
| Application Window | Roughly 3 weeks from notification |
| CBT Exam | Typically 2–4 months after notification (July–August in the 2026 cycle, tentative) |
| Skill Test | Typically 2–3 months after CBT results |
| Final Result | Varies by year |
* Dates are indicative based on historical patterns. Check the official website for confirmed dates.
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SSC Stenographer FAQ
How many vacancies are there in SSC Stenographer 2026?
The 2026 cycle announced 1,170 vacancies across Grade C and Grade D, revised upward from the initial tentative count. Vacancy numbers swing widely year to year - from a few hundred to over 2,000 - so always check the latest revised figures on ssc.gov.in.
What is the WPM requirement for the SSC Steno skill test?
Grade D: dictation at 80 words per minute for 10 minutes. Grade C: 100 WPM for 10 minutes. Transcription is then done on a computer within a prescribed time that varies by grade and language (English or Hindi).
What shorthand system does SSC Steno require?
SSC does not mandate a specific system. Pitman shorthand is the most widely taught for English; any system works as long as you can take the dictation and transcribe accurately within time.
What is the salary of an SSC Stenographer?
Grade D is a Pay Level 4 post (₹25,500–₹81,100 scale) with in-hand roughly ₹35,000–₹42,000 per month in metros. Grade C is Pay Level 6 (₹35,400–₹1,12,400) with in-hand roughly ₹50,000–₹60,000 depending on posting.
What is the difference between Steno Grade C and Grade D?
Grade C is a Group B post with higher pay (Level 6), a 100 WPM skill requirement, and an age limit up to 30 years; it feeds the PA/Private Secretary track. Grade D is Group C, Level 4, needs 80 WPM, and has an age limit up to 27 years.
Is there negative marking in the SSC Stenographer CBT?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted per wrong answer in the CBT. The skill test is qualifying - it is evaluated on transcription errors, not marks.
Can I clear SSC Steno without a stenography background?
You can, but budget 6–12 months to build shorthand speed from scratch - the CBT syllabus overlaps with other SSC exams, but 80–100 WPM dictation is a trained motor skill. Join a steno course early and treat daily dictation as non-negotiable.
Is SSC Stenographer easier than SSC CHSL?
The CBT is comparable to CHSL Tier 1 in difficulty, and competition is lower because the shorthand requirement filters the applicant pool. If you have or can build steno speed, it is one of the smarter routes to a central government job.
How many attempts are allowed in SSC Stenographer?
There is no attempt limit. You can apply in every cycle while within the age band for your grade and category (up to 27 for Grade D, 30 for Grade C, plus relaxations).
Is SSC Steno a good career?
Yes. It offers solid pay, job security, regular office hours, and a defined promotion ladder - Grade C stenographers commonly rise to Personal Assistant and Private Secretary posts attached to senior officers.
How should I prepare for the SSC Steno CBT?
Split your day between shorthand practice and CBT study, with English getting the largest study share (100 marks). In the last 6–8 weeks, add weekly timed mocks - practise free SSC Stenographer mock tests and sectional questions on PrepClever to benchmark your score.
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