SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Recruitment 2026
SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Recruitment 2026: Notification, Syllabus, Cutoff & Apply Online
Quick Summary: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) releases the official notification for SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Recruitment 2026. Candidates who completed 12th class from a recognized board can apply online for Non-Gazetted Stenographer posts across central government ministries and departments. Read full details about eligibility, age limit, syllabus, skill test speed, and online application steps below.
1. SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Recruitment 2026: Overview
The Staff Selection Commission conducts a national competitive examination to recruit Stenographers for Grade 'C' (Group B, Non-Gazetted) and Stenographer Grade 'D' (Group C) posts in various Ministries, Departments, and Offices of the Government of India. This job offers a stable central government career with good salary allowances.
| Recruitment Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC Stenographer Grade 'C' and 'D' Examination 2026 |
| Post Names | Stenographer Grade C & Stenographer Grade D (731 to 1,170 tentative vacancies) |
| Job Location | All over India (Central Government Ministries & Offices) |
| Job Type | Group B (Non-Gazetted) & Group C Central Government Job |
| Minimum Education | 12th Pass (Intermediate) from a recognized Board |
| Selection Mode | Computer Based Test (CBE) + Stenography Skill Test |
| Application Mode | Online Mode Only |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
2. Important Dates & Schedule
Keep track of official dates for registration, fee payment, exam schedule, and skill test announcements. The table below lists all key dates for SSC Stenographer 2026:
| Event Activity | Important Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | Official Schedule (As per SSC Calendar) |
| Online Application Start Date | Notification Date |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 30 Days from Notification Release |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | Next day after application closing |
| Application Form Correction Window | 2 to 3 Days after fee closing |
| Computer Based Exam (CBE) Date | To Be Announced Official |
| Skill Test Schedule | After CBE Result Declaration |
3. Vacancy Details & Salary Pay Scale
Vacancies are distributed category-wise and department-wise. Salary structure varies according to post grade and pay matrix levels under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
| Post Title | Group Category | Pay Matrix Level (7th CPC) | Approximate Monthly Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | Group B (Non-Gazetted) | Level-6 (Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400) / Level-7 | Rs. 52,000 - Rs. 65,000 (City Dependent) |
| Stenographer Grade D | Group C | Level-4 (Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100) | Rs. 38,000 - Rs. 48,000 (City Dependent) |
4. Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill educational qualifications, age limits, and nationality conditions before applying.
A. Educational Qualification
Must have passed 12th Standard (Intermediate) or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University as on the crucial cutoff date mentioned in the official notification.
B. Age Limit & Category Relaxation
Age limit is calculated as per the official cutoff date stated in the notification document.
| Post Name | Minimum Age | Maximum Age (General / UR) |
|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | 18 Years | 30 Years |
| Stenographer Grade D | 18 Years | 27 Years |
Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation Table
| Category Code | Reserved Category Name | Upper Age Relaxation Offered |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 Years |
| 02 | Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 Years |
| 03 | Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD - Unreserved) | 10 Years |
| 04 | PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| 05 | PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 Years |
| 06 | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 Years after deduction of military service rendered |
5. Selection Process
The recruitment process involves two main stages followed by Document Verification:
- Stage 1: Computer Based Examination (CBE / Tier 1) - Objective multiple choice test covering Reasoning, General Awareness, and English.
- Stage 2: Stenography Skill Test - Practical shorthand dictation and transcription test on computer. This stage is qualifying in nature.
- Stage 3: Document Verification (DV) & Medical Fitness - Conducted by the allotted User Departments after final merit preparation.
6. Examination Pattern Details
Understand the detailed paper format for both Tier 1 objective test and the Stenography skill test.
Computer Based Examination (CBE) Pattern
| Part / Section | Subject Name | Total Questions | Total Marks | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 Questions | 50 Marks | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) (160 Minutes for Scribe eligible candidates) |
| Part II | General Awareness | 50 Questions | 50 Marks | |
| Part III | English Language & Comprehension | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | |
| Total | Written Test Combined | 200 Questions | 200 Marks | 120 Minutes |
Important Exam Rules: Questions are available in both English and Hindi (except Part III English Section). There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Normalization of marks is applied for multi-shift examinations.
Stenography Skill Test Details
Candidates who qualify the Computer Based Exam are called for the shorthand skill test. Candidates receive a dictation for 10 minutes in English or Hindi at the required shorthand speed:
| Post Grade | Dictation Speed Required | Dictation Duration | Language Chosen | Transcription Time Allowed on Computer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | 100 Words Per Minute (wpm) | 10 Minutes | English | 40 Minutes |
| Hindi | 55 Minutes | |||
| Stenographer Grade D | 80 Words Per Minute (wpm) | 10 Minutes | English | 50 Minutes |
| Hindi | 65 Minutes |
7. Full & Micro Syllabus Breakdown
Study topic-by-topic details to build a effective preparation schedule for all three subjects.
A. General Intelligence & Reasoning Micro Syllabus (50 Questions / 50 Marks)
| Reasoning Sub-Topic | Specific Micro Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Analogies & Classification | Semantic Analogy, Symbolic/Number Analogy, Figural Analogy, Semantic Classification, Symbolic Classification. |
| Series Completion | Number Series, Alphabet Series, Mixed Series, Figural Series. |
| Coding-Decoding | Coding by Shifting, Matrix Coding, Sentence Coding, Symbol Substitution. |
| Spatial Visualization | Venn Diagrams, Paper Folding & Cutting, Embedded Figures, Pattern Completion, Cubes and Dice. |
| Problem Solving & Logic | Blood Relations, Direction & Distance, Syllogism, Statement-Conclusion, Decision Making, Ranking and Order. |
B. General Awareness Micro Syllabus (50 Questions / 50 Marks)
| General Awareness Area | Specific Micro Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Indian History | Ancient Indian History, Medieval Era, Freedom Struggle, Important Governor Generals, Modern Indian Movements. |
| Indian Geography | Physical Geography, Rivers and Lakes, Climate, Agriculture, Forests, Wildlife Reserves, Indian Map Geography. |
| Indian Polity & Governance | Constitution of India, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, President, Parliament, Judiciary, Constitutional Bodies. |
| Indian Economy | Basic Economic Concepts, Inflation, Budgeting, Five-Year Plans, Banking Systems, Government Welfare Schemes. |
| General Science | Everyday Physics, Basic Chemistry Concepts, Biology, Human Anatomy, Diseases and Nutrition, Environmental Science. |
| Current Affairs & Static GK | National and International News, Awards and Honors, Sports Victories, Books and Authors, Important Days, Headquarters of International Organizations. |
C. English Language & Comprehension Micro Syllabus (100 Questions / 100 Marks)
| English Grammar & Verbal Ability | Specific Micro Topics Included |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, One-Word Substitution, Spelling Correction, Idioms and Phrases. |
| Grammar Rules | Parts of Speech, Nouns, Pronouns, Verbs, Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions. |
| Sentence Structure | Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Active and Passive Voice, Direct and Indirect Speech (Narration). |
| Comprehension & Reading | Reading Comprehension Passages, Cloze Test, Sentence Rearrangement (Para Jumbles), Fill in the Blanks. |
8. Subject-Wise Weightage Analysis
The English section carries 50% weightage in the total exam score. Prioritize English grammar and vocabulary practice alongside reasoning drills.
| Subject Section | Question Count | Mark Allocation | Percentage Weightage | Suggested Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 50% | 50 Minutes |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 Questions | 50 Marks | 25% | 45 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 50 Questions | 50 Marks | 25% | 25 Minutes |
| Total | 200 Questions | 200 Marks | 100% | 120 Minutes |
9. Cutoff Trends & Qualifying Expectations
Score targets depend on category-wise competition and paper difficulty levels. Review previous session cutoffs out of 200 marks:
| Category Name | Grade C Cutoff Marks Range | Grade D Cutoff Marks Range |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR / General) | 145 - 155 Marks | 130 - 142 Marks |
| OBC | 140 - 150 Marks | 125 - 138 Marks |
| EWS | 138 - 148 Marks | 120 - 132 Marks |
| SC | 130 - 140 Marks | 110 - 122 Marks |
| ST | 118 - 128 Marks | 100 - 112 Marks |
10. Step-by-Step How to Apply Online at ssc.gov.in
Follow these steps to complete your online form on the official portal:
- Step 1: New OTR Registration: Go to the official website ssc.gov.in and click on 'Register Now' to complete your One Time Registration (OTR) using active mobile number and email ID.
- Step 2: Login to Candidate Portal: Enter your Registration Number and Password to access your dashboard.
- Step 3: Choose Examination: Under 'Live Examinations', select 'SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Examination 2026' and click 'Apply'.
- Step 4: Fill Personal & Academic Details: Select exam center choices, enter 12th class passing details, and select shorthand medium choice (English or Hindi).
- Step 5: Capture Live Photograph & Upload Signature: Capture a clean live photo using web camera or mobile camera app as required by SSC, and upload scanned signature in prescribed format.
- Step 6: Pay Application Fee: Pay Rs. 100/- fee using UPI, Net Banking, or Credit/Debit Cards (Exempted categories pay Rs. 0).
- Step 7: Final Submit & Print: Verify all details, click 'Final Submit', and download the printout copy of the application form for future records.
11. Recommended Books & Preparation Strategy
Using standard books helps build strong conceptual foundations for both written test and skill test.
| Subject Area | Recommended Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| English Grammar | Objective General English / High School English Grammar | S.P. Bakshi / Wren & Martin |
| English Practice | SSC English Chapterwise Solved Papers | Kiran Publication / MB Publication |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal / Lucent |
| General Knowledge | Lucent General Knowledge / NCERT Summary | Lucent Publication |
| Shorthand Skill | Pitman Shorthand Instructor and Key (English) / Rishi Pranali (Hindi) | Pitman / Local Standard Publishers |
12. Official Direct Links
Use these links to access official resources on the SSC website:
| Resource Description | Direct Link Action |
|---|---|
| Official Website Portal | Visit ssc.gov.in |
| New OTR Registration Link | Complete OTR |
| SSC Exam Calendar Portal | View Calendar |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Q1: What is the full form of SSC Stenographer?
Answer: SSC Stenographer stands for Staff Selection Commission Stenographer Examination conducted for Grade C and Grade D posts.
Q. Q2: What is the minimum educational qualification for SSC Stenographer 2026?
Answer: Candidates must have passed 12th standard (Intermediate) or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
Q. Q3: Is mathematics asked in the SSC Stenographer examination?
Answer: No, mathematics (quantitative aptitude) is not asked in the SSC Stenographer written examination.
Q. Q4: What are the three subjects in the SSC Stenographer Tier 1 exam?
Answer: The three subjects are General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 marks), General Awareness (50 marks), and English Language & Comprehension (100 marks).
Q. Q5: What is the total mark for the SSC Stenographer Tier 1 Computer Based Test?
Answer: The total written test carries 200 marks for 200 multiple-choice questions.
Q. Q6: What is the time duration of the SSC Stenographer written test?
Answer: The total time duration is 2 hours (120 minutes) for regular candidates.
Q. Q7: Is there negative marking in the SSC Stenographer exam?
Answer: Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
Q. Q8: What is the shorthand dictation speed required for Stenographer Grade C?
Answer: The dictation speed required for Stenographer Grade C is 100 words per minute (wpm) for 10 minutes.
Q. Q9: What is the shorthand dictation speed required for Stenographer Grade D?
Answer: The dictation speed required for Stenographer Grade D is 80 words per minute (wpm) for 10 minutes.
Q. Q10: What is the age limit for SSC Stenographer Grade C post?
Answer: The age limit for Stenographer Grade C is 18 to 30 years for Unreserved candidates.
Q. Q11: What is the age limit for SSC Stenographer Grade D post?
Answer: The age limit for Stenographer Grade D is 18 to 27 years for Unreserved candidates.
Q. Q12: What is the age relaxation for SC and ST candidates?
Answer: SC and ST candidates receive an upper age relaxation of 5 years.
Q. Q13: What is the age relaxation for OBC candidates?
Answer: OBC candidates receive an upper age relaxation of 3 years.
Q. Q14: What is the application fee for General and OBC male candidates?
Answer: The online application fee is Rs. 100/-.
Q. Q15: Are female candidates exempted from application fee payment?
Answer: Yes, all female candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen are exempted from paying the application fee.
Q. Q16: How can I apply online for SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026?
Answer: You can apply online by completing One Time Registration (OTR) on the official website ssc.gov.in and filling the online application form.
Q. Q17: Is the Stenography Skill Test qualifying or scoring in nature?
Answer: The Stenography Skill Test is qualifying in nature. Marks obtained in Tier 1 written test decide the final merit selection.
Q. Q18: What is the transcription time for English shorthand in Grade C?
Answer: Candidates get 40 minutes to transcribe Grade C English dictation on a computer.
Q. Q19: What is the transcription time for Hindi shorthand in Grade C?
Answer: Candidates get 55 minutes to transcribe Grade C Hindi dictation on a computer.
Q. Q20: What is the transcription time for English shorthand in Grade D?
Answer: Candidates get 50 minutes to transcribe Grade D English dictation on a computer.
Q. Q21: What is the transcription time for Hindi shorthand in Grade D?
Answer: Candidates get 65 minutes to transcribe Grade D Hindi dictation on a computer.
Q. Q22: Can I choose both Hindi and English shorthand for the skill test?
Answer: No, you must choose either English or Hindi medium for the Stenography Skill Test while filling out the application form.
Q. Q23: What is the pay level for Stenographer Grade C?
Answer: Stenographer Grade C comes under Pay Level-6 (Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400) or Pay Level-7 under 7th CPC.
Q. Q24: What is the pay level for Stenographer Grade D?
Answer: Stenographer Grade D comes under Pay Level-4 (Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100) under 7th CPC.
Q. Q25: Is a physical efficiency test required for SSC Stenographer posts?
Answer: No, physical efficiency tests are not required for general Stenographer posts.
Q. Q26: What is the official website for SSC Stenographer online registration?
Answer: The new official website portal for all SSC online registrations is ssc.gov.in.
Q. Q27: Can diploma holders after 10th apply for SSC Stenographer?
Answer: Equivalent qualifications approved by the government as 12th standard pass are eligible, provided they meet official terms.
Q. Q28: Is normalisation applied to SSC Stenographer exam marks?
Answer: Yes, marks are normalized for multi-shift examinations using the official SSC normalization formula.
Q. Q29: What percentage of weightage does English carry in the written exam?
Answer: English Language and Comprehension carries 100 out of 200 marks, which equals 50% of total score.
Q. Q30: Where are Document Verification checks conducted?
Answer: Document Verification is conducted directly by the allotted User Departments after the final result declaration.
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