SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern: CBT Plus Skill Test
A written CBT ranks you. A shorthand skill test then decides whether the rank counts.
SSC Stenographer selection has two stages: a 2-hour online computer-based test with 200 questions for 200 marks, followed by a skill test in stenography for candidates who clear the written stage. The CBT ranks you against the cut-off; the skill test is the gate that decides whether that rank converts into a post.
This page covers the written mechanics and the stage sequence. The dictation speeds and transcription rules have their own page.
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The CBT: Sections and Marks
Two hours, online, three sections:
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Questions
50
Marks
50
General Awareness
Questions
50
Marks
50
English Language & Comprehension
Questions
100
Marks
100
Total
Questions
200
Marks
200
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Half the Paper Is English
No other section comes close: English carries 100 questions where reasoning and general awareness carry 50 each. At one question per 36 seconds on average, the paper rewards candidates who read fast and decide faster, and the English section is where reading speed compounds most.
A practical consequence for attempt order: many candidates open with reasoning, the quickest section, then bank general awareness, and give English the largest remaining block. Whatever order you choose, rehearse it under timed conditions before exam day.
The CBT format, as real questions. No signup.
The Two-Stage Sequence
- 1
Written CBT
The 200-mark paper above. Clearing its cut-off earns the skill-test call for your grade.
- 2
Skill test in stenography
Dictation for 10 minutes at your grade's speed (100 WPM for Grade C, 80 WPM for Grade D), then transcription on a computer within the prescribed time. Qualifying in nature, and decisive.
Marking Scheme: Check the Current Notification
SSC states the exact marking scheme, including any deduction for wrong answers, in each cycle's official notification on ssc.gov.in. Confirm it there before finalising an attempt strategy.
Exam Pattern FAQs
How many questions are in the SSC Stenographer CBT?expand_more
200 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours: 50 reasoning, 50 general awareness and 100 English.
Is the SSC Stenographer skill test scored?expand_more
The skill test is a qualifying stage: you must transcribe your dictation within the prescribed limits, but it does not add marks to your CBT score.
Is the SSC Stenographer CBT difficult?expand_more
The CBT is comparable to CHSL Tier 1 in difficulty, and competition is lower because the shorthand requirement filters the applicant pool. The harder gate for most candidates is the skill test, not the written paper.
Next steps
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