SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026: The SSC Stenographer 2026 recruitment process is a golden opportunity for candidates looking to secure Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts in various Central Government Ministries and Departments. Unlike other SSC exams like CGL or CHSL, this exam does not include a Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) section, making it highly popular for language and logic-oriented students.
Below is the comprehensive guide to the SSC Stenographer Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Stenographer 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Posts | Grade C & Grade D |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) + Skill Test |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks |
| Selection Process | CBT + Skill Test |
The exam is conducted in two stages:
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
This stage tests stenography speed and transcription ability.
| Post | Speed |
|---|---|
| Grade C | 100 words per minute |
| Grade D | 80 words per minute |
| Post | English | Hindi |
|---|---|---|
| Grade C | 40 min | 55 min |
| Grade D | 50 min | 65 min |
The skill test is qualifying in nature, but mandatory to clear.
The CBT exam consists of three main subjects:
This section tests logical thinking and analytical ability.
Focus on practice and speed to score well.
This section evaluates knowledge of current events and static GK.
Daily newspaper reading and revision is crucial.
This is the most scoring section (100 marks).
Strong grammar and vocabulary are key.
The selection process includes:
There is no interview in this exam.
Know the weightage:
The recruitment is conducted in two primary stages:
Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Objective Multiple Choice.
Stage 2: Stenography Skill Test – Qualifying in nature.
The Stage 1 exam is conducted online and consists of three sections.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | (120 Minutes) |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Negative Marking: For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
Language: Except for the English section, the paper is bilingual (English & Hindi).
Weightage: English carries 50% of the total weightage, making it the most critical subject.
This section tests your proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills.
Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Homonyms, and Spellings.
Grammar: Tenses, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech, Parts of Speech.
Sentence Structure: Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles.
Reading: Comprehension passages to test inference and understanding.
This section includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Logical Reasoning: Syllogism, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense.
Pattern Recognition: Analogies (Semantic, Number, Figure), Number Series, Alphabet Series.
Visual Reasoning: Mirror Images, Paper Folding, Embedded Figures, Venn Diagrams.
Decision Making: Problem-solving, Analysis, and Judgement.
Focused on current events and general knowledge of the environment.
Current Affairs: Events of the last 10–12 months (National & International).
Static GK: Indian History, Geography, Culture, and Economy.
Polity: Indian Constitution, General Politics, and Scientific Research.
Science: Everyday science and recent technological advancements.
Candidates who clear the CBT cut-off are called for the Skill Test. This stage is qualifying only; marks are not added to the final merit.
Dictation: You will be given a 10-minute dictation in either English or Hindi (as per your choice).
Transcription: You must transcribe the shorthand notes on a computer within the allotted time.
| Post | Dictation Speed | Transcription Time (English) | Transcription Time (Hindi) |
| Stenographer Grade C | 100 WPM | 40 Minutes | 55 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade D | 80 WPM | 50 Minutes | 65 Minutes |
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
Example:
If you attempt 100 questions:
Master Shorthand Early: Don’t wait for the CBT result to start learning Stenography. It is a motor skill that takes months to master.
Focus on English: Since it carries 100 marks, practice daily reading and grammar drills.
Mock Tests: Solve previous years’ papers to adapt to the 2-hour timeframe.
Accuracy Over Speed: In the CBT, avoid blind guessing due to the 0.25 negative marking.
The SSC Stenographer syllabus includes three main sections:
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the CBT exam.
This section includes:
It covers:
The English section includes:
Yes, after qualifying the CBT, candidates must appear for a Skill Test in Stenography.
Yes, the CBT syllabus is the same for both grades. The difference lies in the skill test speed and job responsibilities.
The exam is considered moderate in difficulty, but strong English skills and consistent practice are key to success.
Yes, current affairs play a crucial role in the General Awareness section.
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