Staff Selection Commission · Stenographer posts in central ministries and departments
SSC Stenographer: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Skill Test & Eligibility
The Stenographer exam recruits 12th pass candidates with shorthand skills as Stenographer Grade C and Grade D in central government offices.
SSC Stenographer latest updates
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Important dates
Dates for the next SSC Stenographer cycle (notification, last date, admit card, exam and result) appear here when they are announced. See the exam calendar →
Check your eligibility
- ✓Stenographer Grade CAge 18–30 +3
- ✓Stenographer Grade DAge 18–27 +3
SSC Stenographer vacancies
Total, category-wise and post-wise vacancies appear here when the SSC Stenographer notification is released.
Eligibility and age limit
| Posts | Qualification | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | 12th pass | 18–30 |
| Stenographer Grade D | 12th pass | 18–27 |
| Category | Age relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (UR / OBC / SC-ST) | 10 / 13 / 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service |
Age is counted as on 1 August of the exam year.
Application fee
Selection process
- 1Computer based exam200 questions · 200 marks
- 2Skill testDictation and transcription · qualifying
- 3Final allocationOn computer based exam merit, then document verification
SSC Stenographer exam pattern
Computer based exam 2 hours (30 + 30 + 60 minutes by part) · 200 questions · 200 marks · −0.25 per wrong answer
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Skill test in stenography qualifying
| Grade | Dictation | Transcription (English / Hindi) |
|---|---|---|
| Grade C | 10 minutes at 100 words a minute | 40 / 55 minutes |
| Grade D | 10 minutes at 80 words a minute | 50 / 65 minutes |
The exam is set in English and Hindi. The skill test is qualifying; final allocation follows computer based exam merit.
SSC Stenographer syllabus
Subject by subject. The number on a topic is how many practice questions we have for it.
English Language & Comprehension
100 questions · 100 marksGeneral Intelligence & Reasoning
50 questions · 50 marksGeneral Awareness
50 questions · 50 marksSSC Stenographer cut-offs
Year-wise official cut-offs for every category appear here once they are published.
SSC Stenographer salary by post
| Pay level | Posts | Basic pay (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 | Stenographer Grade C (some departments, e.g. IB, CVC, NHRC) | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Level 6 | Stenographer Grade C (most departments) | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Level 4 | Stenographer Grade D | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
Pay scales are from the 7th Pay Commission. In-hand pay depends on the city (HRA) and current dearness allowance.
SSC Stenographer mock tests and previous year papers
Exams with a similar syllabus
Your Stenographer preparation already covers most of these exams. Compare them side by side →
SSC Stenographer articles
Preparation strategy, syllabus breakdowns and cut-off analysis for SSC Stenographer are on the way. Read the blog →
SSC Stenographer frequently asked questions
What shorthand speed is needed for SSC Stenographer?
100 words a minute for Grade C and 80 words a minute for Grade D, dictated for 10 minutes.
Is the skill test qualifying?
Yes. Final allocation is made on computer based exam merit among candidates who pass the skill test.
What is the age limit for SSC Stenographer?
18–30 years for Grade C and 18–27 years for Grade D, as on 1 August of the exam year, with category relaxation.
Is there negative marking in SSC Stenographer?
Yes, 0.25 marks per wrong answer in the computer based exam.
Sources: SSC Stenographer 2026 notice (24-04-2026) · Stenographer 2026 revised tentative vacancies (pay levels) (checked 14 Sept 2026). Always confirm in the official notice before applying.