Stenographer Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Examination, 2026

SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility, Cut-offs

 Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is an exam conducting body responsible for recruiting Stenographers in various sections that comes under the  Government of India. The posts for Stenographers are classified into two categories namely, Grade C and Grade D. SSC Stenographers have a  good pay scale & being a government job, SSC Stenographers have a stable salary structure.

 Staff Selection Commission has released the examination notification for Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination 2026. Total numbers of vacancies 731 through Official website.

The key points about SSC Stenographer 2026 are tabulated below for quick reference:

Stenographer Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Examination 2026 PDF

SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC Stenographer 2026 examination will be conducted in 2 stages. The first stage comprises of ‘Grade C and Grade D’ exam conducted in Online mode & having MCQs and is conducted online.

SSC Stenographer 2026 – Exam Pattern (Computer-Based Test)

• Time Duration: 2 Hours
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
  
  Notes:

1. All questions will be Objective in nature having Multiple Choices and will be set in Hindi and English except for English section.
2. Marks scored by the candidates in Computer Based Examination, if conducted in multiple shifts, will be normalized by using the procedure published by the Commission vide Notice dated 02-06-2025 and such normalized scores will be used to determine final merit and cut-off marks.
3. There shall be no provision for re-evaluation/ re-checking of scores of any stage/ paper(s) of the Examination. No correspondence in this regard shall be entertained.

Skill Test

Candidates qualifying the Computer Based Examination will be called for the Skill Test. The Skill Test shall be of qualifying nature only and the  Board has the right to fix the qualifying standards in the Skill Test as per the categories of candidates.

 Candidates appearing for this process will be given one dictation for 10 minutes in English/ Hindi at the speed of 100 words per minute for Grade  ‘C’ posts and 80 w.p.m. for Grade ‘D’ posts of Stenographer.

Note:
 The Candidates who are opting Stenography Test in "Hindi" will compulsorily be required to learn English Stenography and vice-versa after their appointments in probation failing which the appointing departments may cancel their candidature during probation period. Candidates  need to work as English/ Hindi stenographers as per requirements of the Office, irrespective of the medium of Skill Test that candidate opted  during the examination process.

How to apply

• Applications must be submitted only in online mode at the new website of SSC Headquarter i.e. https://ssc.gov.in or through my SSC mobile application (which can be downloaded from Google Play Store). For detailed instructions, please refer to Annexure-III and Annexure-IV (In the detailed notification) relating to the mobile app, available on the website of the Commission. Sample proforma of One-time Registration and online Application Forms are attached as Annexure-IIIA and Annexure-IVA (In the detailed notification)
• Last date for submission of online applications is 15-05-2026 (23:00 Hrs).
• Candidates are advised in their own interest to submit online applications much before the closing date and not to wait till the last date to avoid the possibility of disconnection/ inability or failure to login to the SSC website on account of heavy load on the website during the closing days. All the candidates who wish to apply in response to this Notice and have not generated their One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new website (https://ssc.gov.in) will be required to do so as the earlier OTR generated on the old website (https://ssc.nic.in) will not be functional for the new website. Subsequent to OTR, the candidates can proceed to fill the application for the examination. Once an OTR has been generated on the new website, it will continue to remain valid for all the examinations to be applied for on the new website. The detailed instructions for OTR are given in Annexure-III to this Notice
• The candidates are advised to opt for Aadhaar Based Authentication, in terms of Aadhaar Policy as published on the website of the Commission, while completing their OTR process. The application(s) of the Candidates who opt for Aadhaar Authentication will not be rejected on the ground that photograph and/or signature uploaded by the candidate are not as per prescribed standards. Such candidates will not be required to produce recent colour photographs, original valid Photo-Identity proof for admission to the examination venue at the time of Computer Based Examination.
• For applying, the candidate is not required to have a pre-existing photograph of himself / herself. The application module has been designed 14 to capture a photograph of the candidate filling up the application form. For this purpose, the candidate has to stand / sit before the camera when prompted by the application module and follow the following instructions while capturing the photograph:

(i) Find a place with good light and plain background.

ii) Ensure the camera is at eye level before taking the photo.

(iii) Position himself directly in front of the camera and look straight ahead.

(iv) Ensure that his face is fully inside prescribed area delineated by the camera and that it is neither too close nor too far. It should cover the area fully and no part of the face should be outside the area delineated by the camera. (v) Candidates should not wear a cap, mask or glasses/spectacles while capturing the photo.

• The appearance of a candidate in the examination should be as per the photograph in the application form. The candidates should ensure that the photograph captured is clear, without cap or spectacles, and with a full frontal view. Applications with photographs not in accordance with the instructions are liable to be rejected. In no case should the candidate capture the photographs of his/her pre-existing photograph. All such applications where the photographs of his/her pre-existing photograph is captured will be rejected. However, the application of candidates submitted through Aadhaar Based Authentication process will not be rejected on the aforesaid grounds.
• Before submitting the Application Form, candidate must ensure that the photograph is uploaded as per the given instructions. If the photograph is not uploaded by the candidate in the desired format, his application/candidature will be rejected or cancelled. However, above rejections will not be applicable to the Aadhaar authenticated candidates.
• Candidates are required to upload the scanned signature in JPEG/JPG format (10 to 20 KB). Image dimension of the signature should be about 6.0 cm (width) x 2.0 cm (height). Applications with inappropriate photographs or blurred/miniature signatures, not meeting the above requirements, will be rejected summarily. However, the application of candidates submitted through Aadhaar Based Authentication process will not be rejected on the aforesaid grounds.
• PwBD and PwD candidates willing to avail the benefit of reservation or scribe or both are required to upload Certificate of Disability as per Annexure-I, Annexure-IA, Annexure-XI to XIII (In the detailed notification) whichever is applicable, at the time of filling online application form
• The Commission does not accept any responsibility for the candidates not being able to submit their applications within the last date on account of the aforesaid reasons or for any other reason beyond the control of the Commission.
• Before submission of the online application, candidates must check through Preview/ Print option that they have filled correct details in each field of the form. They should also check that photograph and signature are meeting all the above requirements. Candidates are advised to keep a copy of the 15 application and other requisite documents (score/marks, answer response sheet etc) of examination for a period of at least 03 years for future reference in case of probable consideration of their candidature by other agencies in accordance with the directions issued by DOPT vide its O.M. No.39020/1/2016- Estt. (B) dated 21.06.2016.
• The information furnished by the candidates in their applications will be verified by the User Department/Commission with reference to the original documents during the Document Verification. During verification of documents, if it is found that any information furnished by the candidate in the application is wrong, his/ her candidature will be rejected forthwith. The candidates should ensure that they have furnished correct information in the application form.

Application Fee:

• Fee payable: ₹100/- (Rs One Hundred Only).
• Women candidates and candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and Ex-servicemen (ESM) eligible for reservation are exempted from payment of fee.
• Fee can be paid only by online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking or by using Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay Debit cards.
• Online fee can be paid by candidates up to 16.05.2026 (23:00 hours).
• Candidates who are not exempted from fee payment must ensure that their fee has been deposited with SSC. If the fee is not received by SSC, status of the Application Form is shown as ‘Incomplete’ and this information is printed on the top of the printout of online Application Form. Further, status of fee payment can be verified at the ‘Payment Status” link provided in the candidate’s login screen. Such applications which remain incomplete due to non-receipt of fee will be SUMMARILY REJECTED and no request for consideration of such applications and fee payment after the period specified in the Notice of Examination shall be entertained.
• Fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstances will not be adjusted against any other examination or selection.

SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026

General Intelligence & Reasoning:

It would include questions of both verbal and non-verbal type. The test will include questions on analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, discriminating observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series etc. The test will also include questions designed to test the candidate’s abilities to deal with abstract ideas and symbols and their relationship, arithmetical computation and other analytical functions.

General Awareness:

Questions will be designed to test the ability of the candidates‟ general awareness of the environment around him and its application to society. Questions will also be designed to test the knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person. The test will also include questions relating to India and its neighboring countries especially pertaining to Sports, History, Culture, Geography, Economic scene, 20 General Polity including Indian Constitution, and Scientific Research etc. These questions will be such that they do not require a special study of any discipline.

For VH candidates of 40% and above visual disability,

There will be no component of Maps/Graphs/Diagrams/Statistical Data in the General Intelligence & Reasoning/ General Awareness Paper.

English Language & Comprehension:

In addition to the testing of candidates' understanding of the English Language, its vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms and its correct usage, etc., his/ her writing ability would also be tested.
 

SSC Stenographer Cut-Off Marks Comparison

SSC Stenographer 2025 Cut Off

SSC Stenographer Cut Off 2025 ‘Grade C’

SSC Stenographer Cut Off 2025 ‘Grade D’

🕘 2022 Cut-Offs

🕘 2021 Cut-Offs

SSC Stenographer Previous Year Cut off: 2018-19

 The Cut-Offs for SSC Stenographer Cut Off 2018 exam shall be declared once the results are announced by SSC (Staff Selection Commission).
 Let's have a glimpse on the previous year’s cut-off for the SSC Stenographer exam.

 The previous year cut off for SSC Stenographer 2018-19 is listed below for both Grade C and Grade D.

 List A: Candidates qualified for Skill Test (Stenographer Grade ‘C’)

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Cut-Off Marks

🔹 List A: Candidates Qualified for Skill Test (Stenographer Grade ‘C’)

🔹 List B: Candidates Qualified for Skill Test (Stenographer Grade ‘D’)

 SSC Stenographer Vacancy 2026

Tentative Vacancies: 731

There are approx 731 vacancies. However, Commission is in the process of collecting vacancies. Updated vacancies, Post-wise & category-wise will be made available on the website of the Commission (https://ssc.gov.in> For Candidates > Tentative Vacancy) in due course. Candidates may note that Statewise/ Zone-wise vacancies are not collected by the Commission.

SSC Stenographer Vacancy 2025

 Tentative vacancies: There are approx. 2006 vacancies. However, firm number of vacancies will be determined in due course. Updated vacancies, if any, along with post-wise & category-wise vacancies will be made available on the website of the Commission (https://ssc.gov.in> For  Candidates > Tentative Vacancy) in due course. Candidates may note that State-wise/ Zone-wise vacancies are not collected by the Commission.  SSC Stenographer Exam Vacancy

SSC Stenographer Salary & Job Profile 2026

 
 The Stenographer Exam is conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for the recruitment of Stenographer Grade "C" and Grade "D" posts in various Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations in the Government of India.

 SSC Stenographer Job Profile 2026:

 Let’s briefly discuss the job profile of a Stenographer. There are two grades in SSC Stenographer post:

 1. Stenographer Grade C: Candidates will be posted in Delhi region only for this Grade who opts for Grade C Examination.
 2. Stenographer Grade D: These posts can be further subdivided into two groups:
 a. Group X Stenographers:
 Required for Ministries/Departments of Central Government located in Delhi and nearby regions.
 b. Group Y Stenographers:
 Required for Offices/Departments of Central Government including Attached/Subordinate Offices located in various States and Union Territories of India.

SSC Stenographer Job Responsibilities 2026:

The main job responsibilities of SSC Stenographer include hearing and taking down shorthand notes. The overall work profile of an SSC Stenographer are listed below:

 1. PR (Public Relations): 
A Stenographer is required to makes notes daily. They have to make notes on the government’s response on various issues that need to be communicated among the masses.

 2.  Assisting the Ministries: 

A stenographer helps the ministers in preparing the speech which has to be delivered by them.

 3. Press Conference: 

Stenographers need to attend press conferences along with the Ministers or Senior Officers so that he could record the statements of the persons in the conference to make it available for the general public through the newspapers, journals, etc.

 4. Writing/transcribing speeches: 

Stenographers are required to take shorthand notes of public speeches which are made by the various ministries time to time. Then he needs to transcribe those notes on a computer which are then made public via media.

SSC Stenographer Salary 2026:

 SSC Stenographer Grade C Salary explained below:

SSC Stenographer Salary for Grade D posts

SSC Stenographer 2026 – Salary Components & Allowances

Academic Qualification

The Candidates applying for SSC Stenographer must have passed 12th standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board/University.
Note: Candidates qualifying in the Computer Based Examination and the Skill Test will be required to produce all the relevant Certificates in  original such as Mark sheets, Provisional Certificates etc. for completion of 12th standard or equivalent examination as proof of having acquired  the minimum educational qualification, failing which the candidature of such candidates will be cancelled by the Commission.

 Nationality:

 Candidates applying for SSC Stenographer posts must be either:
 1. A citizen of India, or
 2. A subject of Nepal, or
 3. A subject of Bhutan, or
 4. A Tibetan refugee who took asylum in India before January 1, 1962. Person with Indian origin who has transferred from one of the following
 countries: Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, etc. provided that
 the candidate has to produce a certificate of eligibility at the time of appointment.

Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026) and Age Relaxation:  

(a)Stenographer Grade ‘C’: 18 to 30 years as on 01.08.2026, i.e., candidates born not before 02.08.1996 and not later than 01.08.2008 are eligible to apply.
(b)Stenographer Grade ‘D’: 18 to 27 years as on 01.08.2026, i.e., Candidates born not before 02.08.1999 and not later than 01.08.2008 are eligible to apply.

 Age Relaxation:

Permissible relaxation in upper age limit for Group ‘C’ posts only