The SSC Stenographer Exam is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit candidates for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D posts in various ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India. It is a popular choice among candidates seeking a stable government job with good career growth. The selection process consists of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by a Skill Test in stenography, which evaluates candidates’ shorthand and typing abilities.
The CBT assesses General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension. Candidates who qualify both stages are considered for final selection based on merit. The exam requires a strong command of English, quick thinking, and proficiency in stenography. Overall, the SSC Stenographer Exam offers a promising career opportunity with job security, attractive salary, and additional government benefits.
SSC Stenographer Grade C, D: Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization Name | Government of India |
| Exam Conducting Body Name | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Stenographer Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Examination 2026 |
| Post Name | Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and Stenographer Grade ‘D’ |
| Total No. of Questions | CBE – 200 |
| Total Marks | CBE – 200 |
| Time Duration | 2 Hours (120 minutes) for CBE |
| SSC Stenographer Selection Process |
|
| Official Website | Click Here |
SSC Stenographer Grade C, D: Exam Pattern
| Section | Details |
| Question Type & Language | Objective Type (Multiple Choice Questions); Available in English & Hindi |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer |
| Normalization | Scores normalized if exam is held in multiple shifts |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Duration |
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours total |
| II | General Awareness | 50 | 50 | (Sectional timers: 30 Minutes each for Part I & Part II, and 60 Minutes for Part III) |
| III | English Language and Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
Stage 2: Skill Test in Stenography
The Dictation Phase:
- You will be given one dictation for 10 minutes in either English or Hindi (depending on what you selected in your application).
- Stenographer Grade ‘C’: The dictation speed will be 100 words per minute (w.p.m.).
- Stenographer Grade ‘D’: The dictation speed will be 80 words per minute (w.p.m.).
The Transcription Phase: After taking down the dictation in shorthand, you will have to transcribe the matter on a computer. The time allotted for transcription varies by post and language:
| Post | Language of Skill Test | Transcription Time | Time for Candidates eligible for Scribe |
| Stenographer Grade ‘D’ | English | 50 minutes | 70 minutes |
| Stenographer Grade ‘D’ | Hindi | 65 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Stenographer Grade ‘C’ | English | 40 minutes | 55 minutes |
| Stenographer Grade ‘C’ | Hindi | 55 minutes | 75 minutes |
SSC Stenographer Grade C, D: Syllabus
| Subject | Detailed Topic-Wise Breakdown |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | The test includes both verbal and non-verbal type questions. Key topics include: • Analogies • Similarities and differences • Space visualization • Problem solving and analysis • Judgment and decision making • Visual memory • Discriminating observation • Relationship concepts • Arithmetical reasoning • Verbal and figure classification • Arithmetical number series and non-verbal series • Dealing with abstract ideas, symbols, and their relationships • Arithmetical computation and other analytical functions |
| General Awareness | Questions are designed to test general awareness of the environment, its application to society, and current events. Key focus areas include: • Everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects • India and its neighboring countries • Sports • History and Culture • Geography • Economic scene • General Polity, including the Indian Constitution • Scientific Research (Note: These questions will not require a special study of any specific discipline. For VH candidates with 40% and above visual disability, there will be no Maps/Graphs/Diagrams/Statistical Data in this section or the reasoning section.) |
| English Language & Comprehension | This section tests your fundamental understanding and writing ability. Key topics include: • Understanding of the English Language • Vocabulary • Grammar • Sentence structure • Synonyms and Antonyms • Correct usage of words • Writing ability |
SSC Stenographer Grade C, D: Preparation Tips
- Respect the Sectional Timers: The exam features a strict 2-hour duration split by sectional timers—30 minutes each for Parts I and II, and 60 minutes for Part III. You cannot rely on borrowing time from one section to finish another. Practice with timed mock tests to ensure you can complete 50 reasoning or awareness questions in just 30 minutes.
- Prioritize the English Section: English Language and Comprehension single-handedly accounts for 100 out of the 200 total questions and marks. Dedicate half of your daily study time to expanding your vocabulary, mastering grammar rules, and practicing reading comprehension.
- Navigate the Penalty System: With a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect response, wild guessing will severely damage your final normalized score. Focus on accuracy. If you are entirely unsure of a concept during the exam, it is mathematically safer to skip it.
- Practice Stenography Consistently: The CBE is only the first stage. You will eventually have to transcribe a 10-minute dictation on a computer at a speed of 100 words per minute (w.p.m.) for Grade ‘C’ and 80 w.p.m. for Grade ‘D’. Do not wait until after the written exam to practice your shorthand; build your speed and accuracy daily.
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