The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Stenographer Grade 'C' and 'D' examination annually to recruit skilled stenographers for various ministries, departments, and subordinate offices of the Government of India.
SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2026
According to the final vacancy list released by the Staff
Selection Commission in April 2026, a total of 1,715 vacancies have
been announced for the SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Examination 2026.
Overall Vacancy Summary
| Post | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | 232 |
| Stenographer Grade D | 1,483 |
| Total | 1,715 |
Stenographer Grade C: Ministry-wise & Category-wise
The Grade C vacancies are distributed across various
ministries and departments of the Government of India. Below is the detailed
allocation as per the official notification:
|
Sr. No.
|
Ministry/Department/Office
|
Post Name
|
UR
|
SC
|
ST
|
OBC
|
EWS
|
Total
|
|
1
|
Central Administrative Tribunal (For English Stenographer
only)
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
5
|
|
2
|
Ministry of Finance, Dept. of Revenue, CBIC
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’
|
38
|
8
|
7
|
10
|
13
|
76
|
|
3
|
Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell)
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’
|
23
|
1
|
0
|
13
|
4
|
41
|
|
4
|
Ministry of Home Affairs, Intelligence Bureau
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’ (Hindi)
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
5
|
Election Commission of India (ECI)
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’
|
5
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
2
|
14
|
|
6
|
Ministry of Defence, Armed Force HQ
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’
|
31
|
11
|
5
|
21
|
7
|
75
|
|
7
|
Central Vigilance Commission
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
|
8
|
Ministry of Labour & Employment
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’
|
13
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
13
|
|
9
|
Ministry of Jal Shakti, Dept. of Water Resources
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
10
|
Ministry of Culture
|
Stenographer Grade ‘C’
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
Note: The Skill Test for the 2026 recruitment cycle was conducted on January 28 and 29, 2026. Document Verification (DV) will be carried out by the respective User Departments/Organizations after the declaration of the final result.
Important Information About Vacancies
The Staff Selection Commission acts solely as the recruiting agency. The Commission does not determine the total number of vacancies, backlog vacancies, or reservation-wise distribution.
Vacancies are reported directly by the User Ministries, Departments, and Organizations, and SSC conducts the recruitment process accordingly.
Grade D Stenographers are further classified into two groups:
Group X: Ministries/Departments located mostly in Delhi
Group Y: Offices outside Delhi, including subordinate offices nationwide
READ: FCI Assistant Grade 3 Recruitment 2026: Notification for 33,566 Posts Expected Soon
SSC Stenographer 2026: Important Dates
According to the revised SSC Examination Calendar 2026, here
are the key dates candidates should mark:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Release of Official Notification | April 2026 |
| Start Date to Apply Online | April 24, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | May 15, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | May 16, 2026 |
| Computer‑Based Test (CBT) | July to August 2026 |
| Skill Test | January 2027 (tentative) |
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in) for the exact dates and any updates. The skill test city intimation slip is typically released a few weeks before the examination.
SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026: Eligibility, Age Limit and Relaxation
Nationality
A candidate must be:
- A citizen of India, OR
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, OR
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1,
1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, OR
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan,
Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or East African countries with the intention of permanently
settling in India
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed 12th standard (10+2) or
equivalent from a recognized board or university. Degrees obtained through
recognized Open and Distance Learning modes are valid if approved by UGC-DEB.
Age Limit (as on January 1, 2026)
| Grade | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | 18 to 30 years |
| Stenographer Grade D | 18 to 27 years |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex‑Servicemen | 3 years |
Candidates can attempt the exam unlimited times as long as they meet the age criteria.
SSC Stenographer (2026) Selection Process
The SSC Stenographer 2026 selection process consists of three stages:
1. Computer-Based Test (CBT) - Online written examination
(Tier 1)
2. Skill Test - Shorthand dictation and transcription test
(Qualifying in nature, Tier 2)
3. Document Verification - Verification of original
documents
Important Note: The Skill Test is qualifying in nature, meaning candidates only need to meet the minimum speed and accuracy standards. The final merit list is prepared based solely on performance in the CBT. Therefore, scoring high marks in the written examination is crucial for final selection.
SSC Stenographer Recruitment Exam Pattern
Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT) Pattern
The CBT consists of 200 objective-type questions for 200 marks, to be completed in 2 hours (2 hours 40 minutes for candidates using a scribe) :
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Language of Examination: The CBT is conducted in both English and Hindi, except for the English Language section which is in English only.
Marking Scheme:
- +1 mark for each correct answer
- -0.25 mark (negative marking) for each incorrect answer
- No deduction for unanswered questions
Minimum Qualifying Marks:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 30% |
| OBC/EWS | 25% |
| All Other Categories | 20% |
Stage 2: Skill Test (Shorthand Test) - Detailed Analysis
The Skill Test is the most critical practical component of the selection process. It evaluates a candidate's stenography skills through live dictation followed by computer-based transcription.
Dictation Details:
| Grade | Dictation Speed | Dictation Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Grade C | 100 words per minute (w.p.m.) | 10 minutes |
| Grade D | 80 words per minute (w.p.m.) | 10 minutes |
Transcription Time Limits:
| Grade | Language | Transcription Time |
|---|---|---|
| Grade C | English | 40 minutes |
| Grade C | Hindi | 55 minutes |
| Grade D | English | 50 minutes |
| Grade D | Hindi | 65 minutes |
Key Points for Skill Test Preparation:
- The dictation passage is typically 800-1000 words long for
Grade D and 1000 words for Grade C
- Common dictation topics include: President's speech,
Parliament speeches, Budget speech, Railway budget, topics on
employment/unemployment, natural calamities, science and technology, editorial
columns from newspapers, and topics of national interest
- Candidates must transcribe the dictated passage on a
computer
- Consistent shorthand abbreviations, clear spacing, and
marked paragraph breaks help reduce expansion time during typing
Important Note: Candidates opting for Hindi as the medium for the Skill Test must also learn English Stenography after appointment, as work requirements may vary by User Office.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
This section tests logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Topics include:
Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies (Semantic, Symbolic/Number, Figural)
- Classification
- Coding-Decoding (Letter, Number, Symbol-based)
- Blood Relations
- Direction and Distance
- Order and Ranking
- Sitting Arrangements (Linear, Circular)
- Puzzles
- Syllogisms
- Statement and Conclusion/Argument/Assumption
- Decision Making
- Problem-Solving
- Series (Number, Alphabet, Mixed)
- Venn Diagrams
- Dice and Cube problems
Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Mirror Images and Water Images
- Paper Folding and Cutting
- Embedded Figures
- Pattern Completion
- Figure Matrix
- Visual Memory
- Space Visualization
- Discrimination Observation
General Awareness Syllabus
This section evaluates knowledge of current events and general understanding of the environment.
Static General Knowledge:
- Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Indian National Movement
- Geography (Physical, Political, Economic Geography of
India and World)
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Indian Economy and Economic Scene
- Culture and Heritage
- Awards and Honors
- Books and Authors
- Important Days and Dates
Current Affairs:
- National and International Current Events (last 6 months)
- Government Schemes and Policies
- Budget and Economic Survey
- Sports Events and Tournaments
- Summits and Conferences
- Science and Technology developments
- Defense and Space News
- Appointments and Resignations
Science:
- Basic Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Scientific Research and Inventions
- Computer Knowledge and IT developments
English Language & Comprehension Syllabus
This is the most important section carrying 100 marks. Detailed topics include:
Grammar:
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement/Correction
- Fill in the Blanks
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech (Narration)
Vocabulary:
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- One-word Substitution
- Idioms and Phrases
- Spellings
- Phrase Replacement
Comprehension and Structure:
- Reading Comprehension (Passage-based questions)
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles and Sentence Jumbles
- Sentence Rearrangement
SSC Stenographer Salary Details:
The salary structure for SSC Stenographers follows the 7th Pay Commission guidelines, offering attractive remuneration with periodic revisions.
Grade C Stenographer Salary (Pay Level 6)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 6 |
| Pay Scale | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Grade Pay | ₹4,200 or ₹4,600 |
| Initial Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
Allowances Breakdown:
Dearness Allowance (DA): Calculated as a percentage of
Basic Pay, revised twice yearly (January and July). Assuming 50% DA rate, this
amounts to approximately ₹17,700.
House Rent Allowance (HRA):
- X Cities (Delhi,
Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune): 27% of Basic
Pay (approx. ₹9,558)
- Y Cities (Patna,
Lucknow, Bhopal, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Kochi, etc.): 18% of Basic Pay (approx.
₹6,372)
- Z Cities (Other
towns): 9% of Basic Pay (approx. ₹3,186)
Transport Allowance (TA):
- X Cities: ₹3,600 +
DA on TA (approx. ₹5,400)
- Y & Z Cities:
₹1,800 + DA on TA (approx. ₹2,700)
Approximate Monthly Figures:
- Gross Salary: ₹50,000 - ₹65,000 (varies by posting city)
- In-Hand Salary: ₹45,000 - ₹55,000 (after NPS, CGHS, CGEGIS
deductions)
Grade D Stenographer Salary (Pay Level 4)
|
|---|
Approximate Monthly Figures:
- Gross Salary: ₹37,000 - ₹52,000 (varies by posting city)
- In-Hand Salary: ₹35,000 - ₹45,000 (after deductions)
Allowances Applicable to Both Grades
- Dearness Allowance (DA) - Revised twice yearly
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) - Based on city classification
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Medical Allowance / CGHS benefits
- Special Duty Allowance (for specific postings)
- Dress Allowance
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
Deductions from Salary
| Deduction Type | Calculation |
|---|---|
| National Pension System (NPS) | 10% of (Basic Pay + DA) |
| CGEGIS (Insurance) | ₹30 – ₹60 (fixed) |
| CGHS (Health Scheme) | ₹250 – ₹650 (based on Pay Level) |
| Income Tax | As per applicable tax slabs |
Job Profile and Posting Details
Grade C Stenographer:
- Group B Non-Gazetted post
- Primarily posted in Ministries/Departments of Central
Government located mostly in Delhi
- Responsibilities include taking dictation from senior
officers, preparing official correspondence, maintaining files, and assisting
in administrative work
- Promotion path: Grade C → Private Secretary → Senior
Private Secretary
Grade D Stenographer:
- Group C Non-Gazetted post
- Postings across various Central Government offices
throughout India
- Two groups under Grade D:
Group X:
Ministries/Departments located mostly in Delhi
Group Y: Offices
outside Delhi including subordinate offices nationwide
- Promotion path: Grade D → Grade C → Private Secretary
Career Growth and Promotions
SSC Stenographers enjoy excellent career progression
opportunities through departmental examinations and seniority-based promotions.
With experience, Grade D Stenographers can advance to Grade C positions, and
subsequently to Private Secretary and Senior Private Secretary roles, each
accompanied by higher pay levels and enhanced responsibilities.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to submit your SSC Stenographer 2026
application:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to ssc.gov.in
Step 2: One-Time Registration (OTR)
- If you are a new user, click on "Register Now"
- Complete the One-Time Registration process by providing:
- Basic personal
details (Name, Date of Birth, Parent's Name)
- Mobile number and
Email ID (these will be verified via OTP)
- Aadhaar details
(optional but recommended)
- After successful registration, you will receive a unique
Registration Number and can set your Password
Step 3: Login to the Portal
- Use your Registration Number and Password to log in
- Navigate to the "Latest Notifications" section
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
- Select "Stenographer Grade C & D Examination,
2026"
- Fill in all required details including:
- Educational
qualifications (12th pass details)
- Personal
information
- Preference for
exam centers (choose carefully as changes are not allowed later)
- Category details
(for reservation benefits)
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Recent passport-size photograph (20-50 KB, JPEG format)
- Signature (10-20 KB, JPEG format)
- Ensure the images are clear and meet the specified
dimensions
Step 6: Pay Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹100/- |
| SC/ST/Female/Ex‑Servicemen/PwBD | Exempted (Nil) |
Payment can be made online via:
- Debit Card / Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI (BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.)
- SBI Challan (offline mode)
Step 7: Final Submission
- Review all details carefully before final submission
- Once submitted, changes cannot be made to the application
form
- After successful submission, download and print the
confirmation page
- Save the PDF of your application form for future reference
Important Points to Remember
- No Prior Experience Required: While stenography skill is
essential for the Skill Test, no formal work experience is mandated to appear
for the examination.
- Skill Test is Qualifying: The final merit list is prepared
based solely on performance in the CBT. Focus on maximizing your written exam
score.
- Document Verification: Candidates who clear both stages
will be called for document verification. Required documents include:
- Original and valid
photo identification card
- 10th and 12th
grade certificates and mark sheets
- Caste/Category
certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate
(if applicable)
- No Objection
Certificate (if currently employed with government undertaking)
- Any other document
as stipulated by SSC
Stay updated by regularly visiting the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in) for the latest notifications and announcements regarding SSC Stenographer 2026.
