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SSC Stenographer Exam 2026: Complete Guide to Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility and Preparation
SSC Stenographer recruits Grade C and D stenographers for ministries through a CBT and a shorthand skill test. 12th-pass candidates aged 18 to 30 can apply on ssc.gov.in.
Reading time: about 10 minutes. Verify dates, vacancies and post-wise rules in the official notification before applying.
What this guide covers
SSC Stenographer exam overview
SSC Stenographer (Grade C and D) recruitsstenographers for ministries, departments and subordinate offices. The written CBT is open competition, but the shorthand skill test decides final selection, so candidates with trained stenography hold the real edge. Trust only ssc.gov.in.
| Stage | Format | Role |
|---|---|---|
| CBT | 200 questions, 200 marks, 120 minutes | Shortlisting for skill test |
| Skill test | Shorthand dictation and transcription | Qualifying-cum-merit per grade |
| Verification | Documents and medical | Final appointment |
Eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | 12th pass from a recognised board |
| Age | Grade C: 18 to 30 years. Grade D: 18 to 27 years, as on the cut-off date, with relaxation |
| Skill | Shorthand at 100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 for Grade D, with post-wise transcription times. Confirm exact norms in the notification |
Exam pattern
CBT
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
120 minutes with 0.25 negative marking per wrong answer. English carries half the paper, so it decides most shortlists.
Skill test
Dictation at grade-wise speed followed by transcription on computer within the allowed time, in English or Hindi as opted. Only candidates clearing the CBT cut-off are called, in ratio to vacancies.
Syllabus, subject by subject
English (100 marks): comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, idioms, one-word, active-passive, error detection. Reasoning: analogies, series, coding, syllogisms, non-verbal. GA: static GK plus current affairs. Shorthand: Pitman or Gregg systems with daily dictation practice at increasing speeds.
Important dates and how to apply
SSC advertises Stenographer yearly on ssc.gov.in. This guide carries no dates. Opt for English or Hindi shorthand carefully since the skill test follows your choice.
Selection process
- CBT shortlisting by grade-wise cut-offs.
- Shorthand skill test at 100 or 80 words per minute.
- Document verification and medical before allotment.
How to prepare
Split daily time between CBT sections (with English first priority) and shorthand dictation from day one; skill speed cannot be built after the CBT result. Take weekly dictation tests at rising speeds, transcribe under time, and revise GA from monthly compilations.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Preparing only the CBT and starting shorthand after shortlist.
- Under-rating the 100-mark English section.
- Practising dictation without timed transcription.
- Choosing a shorthand medium you cannot sustain.
- Skipping GA revision.
Career opportunities
Grade D stenographers attach to officers with promotion to Grade C and beyond through seniority and departmental exams; direct Grade C entrants start higher with faster growth. Check pay levels in the notification.
Practise with Pratiyogita Kosh
Use Pratiyogita Kosh the way toppers use any test series: take a timed mock for SSC Stenographer, review every error within 48 hours, then build a custom practice set around your weakest topics and re-test. Your dashboard tracks accuracy by subject and topic so each session targets real gaps.
Pratiyogita Kosh is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with any exam body. Archived papers credit their source on the paper page.
Frequently asked questions
What is SSC Stenographer?
The Grade C and D stenographer recruitment for ministries and subordinate offices through SSC.
What qualification is needed?
12th pass from a recognised board, plus shorthand skill at the grade-wise speed.
What is the age limit?
Grade C: 18 to 30 years. Grade D: 18 to 27 years, with relaxation.
What is the CBT pattern?
200 questions for 200 marks in 120 minutes: Reasoning 50, GA 50, English 100, with 0.25 negative marking.
What speed is needed in the skill test?
100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 for Grade D dictation, with transcription on computer.
English or Hindi shorthand?
Either, as opted in the application. Choose the medium you can sustain at speed.
Can I learn shorthand after the CBT?
No. Skill speed needs months of daily dictation, so start alongside CBT preparation.
Where can I practise the CBT?
On Pratiyogita Kosh: SSC-pattern mocks and custom sets for English, reasoning and GA.