SSC Stenographer

The 2026 notification opened applications from 24 April to 15 May 2026 and originally scheduled the CBE for July–August 2026. 

The SSC vacancy notice dated 4 June 2026 lists 149 Grade C vacancies and 1,021 Grade D vacancies, totaling 1,170 tentative vacancies.

What is SSC Stenographer?

SSC Stenographer is conducted to recruit candidates with stenography skills for government offices.

The examination recruits candidates for:

• Stenographer Grade C
• Stenographer Grade D

Candidates selected through the examination can work in different Central Government ministries, departments and organisations, including their attached and subordinate offices. 

SSC Stenographer Posts

There are two main posts:

Stenographer Grade C

Grade C is a Group B, Non-Gazetted position. The 2026 vacancy notice includes Grade C posts at Pay Level 6 and Level 7, depending on the department/post. 

Stenographer Grade D

Grade D is a Group C position. The 2026 vacancy notice lists Grade D posts at Pay Level 4. 

Explore: [SSC Stenographer Posts]

SSC Stenographer Eligibility

Candidates must have passed 12th standard or an equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University by the prescribed cut-off date.

For SSC Stenographer 2026, the educational qualification had to be acquired by 1 August 2026. 

The most important additional requirement is stenography skill. SSC specifically states that only candidates possessing stenography skills are eligible to apply. 

Check complete criteria: [SSC Stenographer Eligibility]

SSC Stenographer Age Limit

For SSC Stenographer 2026:

• Grade C: 18–30 years
• Grade D: 18–27 years

The crucial date for age calculation is 1 August 2026. Applicable age relaxation is provided for eligible categories according to government rules. 

Read more: [SSC Stenographer Age Limit]

SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern

The Computer-Based Examination contains three sections:

The examination duration is 2 hours, with sectional timers of 30 minutes for General Intelligence & Reasoning, 30 minutes for General Awareness and 60 minutes for English Language & Comprehension. Candidates eligible for applicable scribe facilities receive the prescribed compensatory time. 

The questions are objective multiple-choice questions and are set in English and Hindi. There is a 0.25-mark negative marking for every incorrect answer. 

See the complete pattern: [SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern]

SSC Stenographer Syllabus

The Computer-Based Examination covers three subjects.

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Topics include:

• Analogies
• Similarities and differences
• Space visualization
• Problem solving
• Analysis
• Judgment
• Decision making
• Visual memory
• Relationship concepts
• Number series
• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning 

General Awareness

Questions cover areas such as:

• Current events
• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Sports
• Economic developments
• Indian Polity
• Constitution
• Scientific research
• General awareness of the surrounding environment 

English Language & Comprehension

This section tests:

• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Sentence structure
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Correct usage
• Comprehension
• Writing ability

View detailed topics: [SSC Stenographer Syllabus]

SSC Stenographer Skill Test

The Skill Test in Stenography is mandatory but qualifying in nature.

Candidates shortlisted through the Computer-Based Examination receive a 10-minute dictation in English or Hindi.

Grade C

• Dictation speed: 100 words per minute

Grade D

• Dictation speed: 80 words per minute

The dictated material must be transcribed on a computer. 

Transcription Time

Candidates eligible for applicable scribe facilities receive the prescribed additional time. 

Candidates who take the Skill Test in Hindi may subsequently be required to learn English stenography, and vice versa, depending on the functional requirements of their department.

Prepare for it: [SSC Stenographer Skill Test]

SSC Stenographer Selection Process

The selection process broadly follows:

Computer-Based Examination → Skill Test in Stenography → Final Selection/Allocation → Document Verification

Candidates are shortlisted for the Skill Test based on their Computer-Based Examination performance.

The Skill Test is mandatory but qualifying. Candidates who qualify the Skill Test are considered for final selection based on their merit in the Computer-Based Examination and applicable post/department preferences.

Read the complete process: [SSC Stenographer Selection Process]

SSC Stenographer Salary

The salary depends on the grade and department.

Grade D

Grade D posts are placed at Pay Level 4.

Grade C

Grade C vacancies can be placed at Pay Level 6 or Level 7, depending on the department/post.

Actual in-hand salary depends on basic pay, applicable allowances, deductions and place of posting.

Check post-wise details: [SSC Stenographer Salary]

SSC Stenographer Vacancy 2026

The SSC Stenographer 2026 vacancy position changed from the initial figure.

The original notification mentioned approximately 731 tentative vacancies and stated that SSC was still collecting updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies. Staff Selection Commission

The subsequent official vacancy notice dated 4 June 2026 lists:

• Grade C: 149 vacancies
• Grade D: 1,021 vacancies
• Total: 1,170 vacancies

These vacancies are tentative and can be revised by SSC.

Check the latest vacancy details: [SSC Stenographer Vacancy]

SSC Stenographer Preparation

SSC Stenographer preparation should be divided into CBE preparation and stenography practice.

1. Build your reasoning basics

Focus on common reasoning concepts and practise timed questions.

2. Prepare General Awareness

Cover static GK, current affairs, Indian history, geography, polity, science and other areas mentioned in the syllabus.

3. Give extra attention to English

English carries 100 out of 200 marks in the CBE, making it the largest section. Regular grammar, vocabulary and comprehension practice is important.

4. Practise stenography every day

Do not wait until after the CBE. Grade C requires 100 wpm and Grade D requires 80 wpm, so developing speed and transcription accuracy takes consistent practice.

5. Practise full-length mocks

The CBE has a sectional timer, so candidates should practise according to the actual section-wise time limits.

Start preparing: [SSC Stenographer Preparation]

SSC Stenographer Previous Year Papers

Previous year papers can help candidates understand:

• Question difficulty
• Frequently tested topics
• English question patterns
• Reasoning trends
• General Awareness coverage
• Time management

Practise PYQs: [SSC Stenographer Previous Year Papers]

SSC Stenographer Books

Preparation resources should cover:

• General Intelligence & Reasoning
• General Awareness
• English Language
• Previous Year Questions
• Stenography practice

Candidates should combine concept preparation with regular timed practice.

See recommended books: [SSC Stenographer Books]

SSC Stenographer Cut Off

SSC uses the Computer-Based Examination marks to shortlist candidates for the Skill Test.

The 2026 notification specifies minimum qualifying marks of:

• UR: 30%
• OBC/EWS: 25%
• Other categories: 20%

The actual shortlisting cut-off can be higher depending on candidate performance, vacancies and category.

Check details: [SSC Stenographer Cut Off]

SSC Stenographer Admit Card

SSC issues admission certificates for candidates appearing in the Computer-Based Examination and subsequent stages.

Candidates should check:

• Examination date
• Shift
• Examination centre
• Reporting time
• Candidate details
• Examination instructions

Check updates: [SSC Stenographer Admit Card]

SSC Stenographer Answer Key

SSC releases the tentative answer key along with candidates’ response sheets after the Computer-Based Examination.

For the 2026 examination, SSC published the tentative answer key and response sheets on 23 September 2026 and invited challenges.

Check updates: [SSC Stenographer Answer Key]

SSC Stenographer Result

The result is based primarily on performance in the Computer-Based Examination for candidates who qualify the mandatory Skill Test.

SSC uses CBE marks and applicable post/department preferences for final allocation.

Check updates: [SSC Stenographer Result]

SSC Stenographer Job Profile

A Stenographer generally performs duties involving:

• Taking dictation
• Transcription
• Preparing official documents
• Maintaining records
• Assisting officers
• Drafting correspondence
• Handling office communication

The exact responsibilities depend on the ministry, department and office of posting.

Explore: [SSC Stenographer Job Profile]

SSC Stenographer Promotion & Career Growth

Career progression depends on the grade, department, service rules, vacancies and departmental requirements.

A stenographer can progress through departmental promotions and gain experience in:

• Secretariat work
• Ministerial offices
• Departmental administration
• Parliamentary/government documentation
• Senior stenography and office-support roles

Read more: [SSC Stenographer Promotion] | [SSC Stenographer Career Growth]

Who Should Prepare for SSC Stenographer?

SSC Stenographer is particularly suitable for candidates who:

• Have passed Class 12
• Want a Central Government job
• Have or are willing to develop stenography skills
• Have good English or Hindi language ability
• Prefer office-based government work
• Can practise shorthand and transcription regularly

Important SSC Stenographer Resources

• [SSC Stenographer Eligibility]
• [SSC Stenographer Age Limit]
• [SSC Stenographer Syllabus]
• [SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern]
• [SSC Stenographer Selection Process]
• [SSC Stenographer Posts]
• [SSC Stenographer Salary]
• [SSC Stenographer Job Profile]
• [SSC Stenographer Skill Test]
• [SSC Stenographer Preparation]
• [SSC Stenographer Books]
• [SSC Stenographer Previous Year Papers]
• [SSC Stenographer Cut Off]
• [SSC Stenographer Vacancy]
• [SSC Stenographer Admit Card]
• [SSC Stenographer Answer Key]
• [SSC Stenographer Result]
• [SSC Stenographer Promotion]
• [SSC Stenographer Career Growth]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SSC Stenographer?

SSC Stenographer is an SSC recruitment examination for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D posts in Central Government ministries, departments and organisations.

Can I apply for SSC Stenographer after 12th?

Yes. Candidates must have passed 12th standard or an equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University by the prescribed cut-off date.

What is the age limit for SSC Stenographer?

The 2026 age limit is 18–30 years for Grade C and 18–27 years for Grade D, calculated as on 1 August 2026.

Is stenography compulsory for SSC Stenographer?

Yes. SSC specifically states that candidates with stenography skills are eligible to apply, and shortlisted candidates must qualify the Skill Test. 

What is the SSC Stenographer Grade C speed?

Grade C candidates receive a 10-minute dictation at 100 words per minute. 

What is the SSC Stenographer Grade D speed?

Grade D candidates receive a 10-minute dictation at 80 words per minute.

Is the SSC Stenographer Skill Test qualifying?

Yes. The Skill Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Final selection is based on CBE merit after candidates qualify the Skill Test. 

How many vacancies are there in SSC Stenographer 2026?

The latest SSC vacancy notice dated 4 June 2026 lists 149 Grade C and 1,021 Grade D vacancies, totaling 1,170 tentative vacancies. 

What is the SSC Stenographer exam pattern?

The CBE has 200 questions for 200 marks: 50 Reasoning, 50 General Awareness and 100 English Language & Comprehension questions. The total duration is 2 hours with sectional timers.