Overview
SSC Stenographer recruits Stenographers Grade C and Grade D for various central government ministries and departments. It follows a single computer-based objective exam, followed by a Skill Test in stenography that is the true differentiator between candidates — clearing the written stage only earns you a shot at the dictation-and-transcription test, where shorthand speed and transcription accuracy decide final selection. Because the written syllabus overlaps heavily with SSC CHSL, many candidates prepare for both exams together and specialise in stenography skill separately.
What's New in the 2026 Cycle
What changed in the 2026 cycle
- Single computer-based exam stage (no Tier II CBT) — followed directly by the Skill Test in Stenography.
- Skill Test speed requirements differ by grade: Grade C generally requires a higher dictation speed than Grade D.
- Transcription time allowance differs for English and Hindi stenography.
- No interview — final selection is based on the CBE plus the qualifying/merit-linked Skill Test as per current scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Grade C: 18–30 years; Grade D: 18–27 years (relaxation per government norms) |
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised Board or equivalent |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS male candidates). Women and SC/ST/PwD/ESM candidates are exempted. |
SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern
The SSC Stenographer selection process runs through cbe + skill test. Each stage has its own timing, marking scheme and qualifying rules, detailed below.
Computer-Based Examination (CBE)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
Skill Test in Stenography
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Dictation (English/Hindi) | — | Qualifying |
| Transcription on computer | — | Qualifying |
SSC Stenographer Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
Below is the complete topic-wise SSC Stenographer syllabus for every subject tested across all stages, with a short note on what each section actually rewards — use this to build a section-wise study plan rather than relying on generic topic summaries.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Standard SSC-pattern reasoning; consistent timed practice is the fastest route to improvement.
- Analogy, similarities & differences
- Spatial orientation & visualisation
- Coding-decoding
- Problem-solving & analysis
- Arithmetical & figural classification
- Non-verbal reasoning
General Awareness
Broad current-affairs section — build a steady weekly revision habit rather than last-minute cramming.
- Current affairs — national & international
- India & neighbouring countries
- History, geography & culture
- Polity, economy & general science
- Sports, awards & important days
English Language & Comprehension
Carries the largest weightage in the CBE — prioritise vocabulary and error-spotting practice early.
- Grammar & sentence structure
- Vocabulary — synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution
- Error spotting & sentence improvement
- Cloze test & para jumbles
- Reading comprehension
Stenography Skill Test
The actual selection differentiator — begin shorthand practice in parallel with written prep, since speed-building takes months.
- Shorthand dictation at prescribed speed (grade-specific, English or Hindi)
- Accurate transcription within the allotted time window
- Error percentage must stay within the prescribed qualifying limit
Selection Process
- Computer-Based Examination (CBE).
- Skill Test in Stenography — dictation and transcription.
- Document Verification.
- Final result based on CBE performance plus qualifying the Skill Test.
Salary & Job Profile
Stenographer Grade C posts are placed in Pay Level 6 (₹35,400–₹1,12,400), while Grade D posts fall in Pay Level 4 (₹25,500–₹81,100), with Dearness Allowance, HRA and Transport Allowance added depending on the recruiting department.
Best Books for SSC Stenographer Preparation
- Objective General English — S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal
- Lucent's General Knowledge
- Pitman/Kailash Chandra shorthand practice manuals (English/Hindi, as per chosen medium)
Previous Cut-off Trends
Approximate — always verify officially
SSC Stenographer CBE cut-offs vary by grade and medium (English/Hindi), typically falling in a broad range depending on vacancy count that year. Since the Skill Test in Stenography is a hard qualifying gate independent of CBE rank, a good CBE score alone doesn't guarantee selection — always check the latest official cut-off notification.
Preparation Tips
- Begin stenography/shorthand practice in parallel with written preparation — speed-building takes months, not weeks.
- English Language carries the single largest weightage in the CBE, so prioritise vocabulary and error-spotting practice.
- Practise transcription on a computer keyboard specifically, since typing speed and accuracy under time pressure differ from handwriting.
- Track your shorthand error percentage in every practice dictation — the Skill Test qualifying limit is strict and non-negotiable.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Carry your Document Checker and a valid original photo ID for both the CBE and the Skill Test stage.
- For the Skill Test, practise transcription specifically on a computer keyboard, since handwriting speed doesn't reliably predict typing/transcription speed.
- Confirm your chosen stenography medium (English or Hindi) well in advance and practise consistently in that medium only.
- Arrive early for the Skill Test — dictation timing is strict and latecomers may not be accommodated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grade C is a higher pay-scale post typically requiring a faster shorthand dictation speed than Grade D; both share the same written CBE syllabus.
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer in the Computer-Based Examination.
The Skill Test is a mandatory qualifying stage — candidates who don't meet the prescribed speed and accuracy requirements are not selected, regardless of CBE score.
The written CBE syllabus overlaps significantly with CHSL in Reasoning, GA and English, but Stenographer has no separate Tier II CBT — instead it moves straight to the stenography Skill Test.
Yes, candidates can generally opt for either English or Hindi stenography, subject to the option exercised at the time of application.
Related Exams
Back to Syllabus Hub — browse all government exam syllabus pagesSyllabus content on this page is compiled and reviewed against the official Staff Selection Commission notification as of 22 Mar 2026. Exam patterns, vacancies, salary figures and cut-offs are subject to change — always cross-check with the official notification at ssc.gov.in before applying.