Latest Update — SSC Stenographer 2026
Notification Released: 24 April 2026 — 731 vacancies for Stenographer Grade C & Grade D
Apply Online: 24 April to 15 May 2026 (11 pm) at ssc.gov.in | Fee payment deadline: 16 May 2026 (11 pm)
Application Correction Window: 20th & 21st May 2026
Tentative Exam Date: July–August 2026 (CBT) | Selection: CBT (200 marks) → Skill Test (Qualifying) → Document Verification
What is SSC Stenographer 2026?
The Staff Selection Commission Stenographer Grade C & Grade D Examination 2026 recruits candidates for stenography posts in central government departments. The SSC Stenographer 2026 notification was officially released on 24 April 2026 announcing 731 vacancies. It is one of the most sought-after central government exams for 12th pass candidates, offering Group B (Grade C) and Group C (Grade D) permanent government employment.
Selection is done in two stages: a Computer Based Examination (CBT) of 200 marks, followed by a qualifying Skill Test in Stenography (100 wpm for Grade C, 80 wpm for Grade D). Final merit is based on CBT marks alone — the Skill Test is qualifying in nature.
SSC Stenographer 2026 — Exam Overview Table
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Stenographer Grade C & Grade D Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Posts | Stenographer Grade C (Group B, Non-Gazetted) | Stenographer Grade D (Group C) |
| Total Vacancies | 731 |
| Notification Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 May 2026 (11 pm) |
| Application Mode | Online — ssc.gov.in only |
| Minimum Qualification | 12th Pass from a recognized Board or University |
| Selection Process | CBT (200 marks) + Skill Test in Stenography (Qualifying) |
| Tentative CBT Exam Date | July–August 2026 |
| Stenography Speed | 100 wpm — Grade C | 80 wpm — Grade D |
| Negative Marking | −0.25 per wrong answer in CBT |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC Stenographer 2026 Important Dates
| Activity | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 24 April 2026 | Released |
| Online Application Started | 24 April 2026 | Active |
| Last Date for Registration | 15 May 2026 (11 pm) | Closing Soon |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 May 2026 (11 pm) | Upcoming |
| Application Form Correction Window | 20–21 May 2026 | Upcoming |
| CBT Exam Date (Tentative) | July–August 2026 | Tentative |
| Admit Card — CBT | To be notified | TBA |
| Answer Key | After CBT exam | TBA |
| CBT Result | To be notified | TBA |
| Skill Test Admit Card | After CBT result | TBA |
| Skill Test Date | To be notified | TBA |
| Final Result & Merit List | To be notified | TBA |
| Document Verification | After final result | TBA |
Note on Dates
Only the notification and application window dates are officially confirmed. Exam dates and all subsequent dates will be notified separately on ssc.gov.in. Monitor the SSC Notice Board, SSC Calendar, and SSC Results page regularly for all updates.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Vacancy
SSC has announced a total of 731 vacancies for SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D posts in the 2026 notification. Category-wise vacancy breakup will be notified in due course at ssc.gov.in.
Post-wise Vacancies
| Post | Group | Pay Level | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | Group B (Non-Gazetted) | Pay Level-6 (7th CPC) | To be split from 731 |
| Stenographer Grade D | Group C | Pay Level-4 (7th CPC) | To be split from 731 |
| Total | — | — | 731 |
Year-wise Vacancy Trend
| Year | Total Vacancies | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (Current) | 731 | Official |
| 2024 | ~2006 | Higher |
| 2023 | ~1207 | Medium |
| 2022 | ~1207 | Medium |
Category-wise Vacancy Note
The 731 vacancies include both Grade C and Grade D posts. Detailed category-wise vacancy (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD) breakup will be published separately at ssc.gov.in. Monitor the official SSC Stenographer 2026 notification PDF for complete details.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Eligibility Criteria
All eligibility conditions must be satisfied as on 01 August 2026. Final wording will be in the official notification PDF at ssc.gov.in.
1. Educational Qualification
Minimum Qualification — 12th Pass
Candidates must have passed 12th Standard (Intermediate) from a recognized Board or University. This applies to both Grade C and Grade D posts. No degree or diploma required — just 12th pass is sufficient.
- Stenographer Grade C: 12th Pass from a recognized Board or University (equivalent)
- Stenographer Grade D: 12th Pass from a recognized Board or University (equivalent)
2. Age Limit (as on 01/08/2026)
| Post | Age Limit | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | 18–30 years | Not before 02.08.1996 and not later than 01.08.2008 |
| Stenographer Grade D | 18–27 years | Not before 02.08.1999 and not later than 01.08.2008 |
Age Relaxation — Category-wise
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (UR) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service from actual age |
| Defence Personnel disabled in operation (UR/OBC) | 3 years |
| Defence Personnel disabled in operation (SC/ST) | 8 years |
| Central Govt. Employees (UR, ≥3 years regular service) | Up to 40 years |
| Central Govt. Employees (SC/ST, ≥3 years regular service) | Up to 45 years |
| Widows / Divorced Women / Judicially Separated (UR) | Up to 35 years |
| Widows / Divorced Women / Judicially Separated (SC/ST) | Up to 40 years |
3. Nationality
Who Can Apply — Nationality Conditions
- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) and Vietnam to permanently settle in India
Candidates from categories other than Indian citizens may be admitted to the exam, but appointment will be given only after the necessary eligibility certificate has been issued by the Government of India.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Application Form
Online application was open from 24 April 2026 at ssc.gov.in. The last date for online registration is 15 May 2026 (11 pm). The last date for fee payment is 16 May 2026 (11 pm). Application correction window is available on 20–21 May 2026. No offline mode.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 100/- |
| Female / SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | Nil (Exempted) |
Photo & Signature Specifications
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Photograph | White/light background; JPG; Size: 4 kb–12 kb; Resolution: 100 × 120 pixels (W × H) |
| Signature | Black/blue ink on white sheet; JPG; Size: 1 kb–12 kb; Resolution: 40 × 60 pixels (W × H) |
Apply Before It's Too Late
The last date to apply online is 15 May 2026 (11 pm). Fee payment deadline is 16 May 2026 (11 pm). A correction window is available on 20–21 May 2026 — use it to correct errors in name, DOB, category, or other details. No changes are permitted after the correction window closes.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Selection Process
| Stage | Exam | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Computer Based Examination (CBE / CBT) | 200 | Merit-based Shortlisting |
| Stage 2 | Skill Test in Stenography (100 wpm / 80 wpm) | — | Qualifying Only |
| Stage 3 | Document Verification | — | Mandatory for joining |
Key Selection Rule
Final merit is based on CBT marks only. The Skill Test is purely qualifying — candidates who clear the Skill Test are ranked purely by their CBT score. Minimum qualifying marks in CBT: UR — 30% | OBC/EWS — 25% | SC/ST/PwD/ESM — 20%. Focus maximum effort on CBT performance to maximise your rank in the final merit list.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Exam Pattern
The CBT for SSC Stenographer 2026 consists of 200 objective type MCQ questions across three sections with sectional timing. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
Computer Based Examination (CBT) — 200 Marks | 2 Hours
| Section | Questions | Marks | Sectional Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
| Total — CBT | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Key Points — CBT Pattern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Objective Type — Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Language of Paper | Hindi & English for Part I & II | English only for Part III (English Language) |
| Sectional Timing | Strictly enforced — candidates cannot switch to another section before allotted time ends |
| Negative Marking | −0.25 marks per wrong answer in all sections |
| English Section Weightage | 100/200 marks = 50% of total exam — highest priority section |
Minimum Qualifying Marks in CBT
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks (%) | Out of 200 Marks |
|---|---|---|
| UR (General) | 30% | 60 marks |
| OBC / EWS | 25% | 50 marks |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | 20% | 40 marks |
SSC Stenographer 2026 Syllabus — Complete
The SSC Stenographer 2026 syllabus covers three subjects in the CBT. English Language and Comprehension carries the highest weightage (50%). Both the General Awareness and GI & Reasoning sections are 50 marks each. The Skill Test has a separate stenography speed requirement.
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 Questions | 50 Marks)
| Topic | Key Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Analogies | Semantic, Symbolic, Number, and Figural Analogies |
| Similarities & Differences | Pattern identification among sets of objects, numbers, or figures |
| Space Visualization | 3D visualization, cube and dice, paper folding & cutting, pattern completion |
| Classification | Semantic, Symbolic, Number, and Figural Classification — Odd One Out |
| Number Series | Number patterns, missing term, wrong number in series, figural series |
| Coding & Decoding | Letter coding, number coding, symbolic coding, mixed coding patterns |
| Syllogism & Logical Reasoning | Statement-conclusion, statement-assumption, course of action, Venn diagrams |
| Blood Relations | Family tree problems, coded blood relations, relationship-based questions |
| Visual Memory | Embedded figures, mirror images, water images, figure completion |
| Arithmetical Reasoning | Number-based reasoning, direction & distance, seating arrangement, ranking |
| Decision Making | Situation-based reasoning, problem-solving, course of action |
| Problem Solving | Puzzles, direction & distance, seating arrangement, inequalities |
2. General Awareness (50 Questions | 50 Marks)
| Area | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | National & international events, persons in news — last 12 months from exam date |
| History | Ancient, Medieval, Modern Indian History, freedom movement, important events |
| Geography | Physical, social and economic geography of India and world |
| Indian Economy | Budget, fiscal policy, banking, RBI, government schemes and yojanas |
| Polity & Constitution | Indian Constitution, fundamental rights, Parliament, Judiciary, elections |
| Science & Technology | ISRO, DRDO, space missions, defence technology, scientific discoveries |
| Awards & Honours | Padma Awards, Nobel Prize, Bharat Ratna, Arjuna Awards, national awards |
| Sports | National & international sports events, tournaments, important personalities |
| Culture & Heritage | Indian art forms, classical music, dance, UNESCO sites, important days |
| Environment & Ecology | Climate change, biodiversity, environmental policies, government initiatives |
| Static GK | Books & Authors, important days, capitals & currencies, government schemes |
3. English Language & Comprehension (100 Questions | 100 Marks)
English Section — 50% of Total Exam
English Language & Comprehension carries 100 out of 200 marks — 50% of the entire CBT. This is the single most important section. The question paper for English is in English only (not bilingual). Prioritise grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
| Skill Area | Detailed Topics |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Improvement, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Narration |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution, Spellings / Mis-spelt word detection |
| Sentence Structure | Shuffling of sentence parts, sentence rearrangement, sentence structure improvement |
| Reading Comprehension | Passage-based questions, inference, main idea, vocabulary in context, factual questions |
| Para Jumbles | Rearranging sentences to form coherent paragraphs, identifying correct sequence |
| Cloze Passage | Fill in blanks in a passage with appropriate words from options |
| Idioms & Phrases | Meaning and correct usage of common idioms and phrases in context |
| Comprehension Passage | Long passages with multiple questions testing vocabulary, inference, and understanding |
SSC Stenographer 2026 Skill Test
Candidates who qualify the CBT with the requisite marks will be called for the Skill Test in Stenography. The test is qualifying in nature — it does not add marks to the final merit list. The dictation lasts 10 minutes. Candidates must transcribe the dictated matter on a computer within the prescribed time.
Stenography Speed Requirements
| Post | Dictation Speed | Dictation Duration | Medium Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | 100 words per minute (wpm) | 10 minutes | English or Hindi |
| Stenographer Grade D | 80 words per minute (wpm) | 10 minutes | English or Hindi |
Transcription Time
| Post | Language of Skill Test | Normal Candidates (minutes) | Scribe-Eligible Candidates (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade D | English | 50 | 70 |
| Stenographer Grade D | Hindi | 65 | 90 |
| Stenographer Grade C | English | 40 | 55 |
| Stenographer Grade C | Hindi | 55 | 75 |
Important Points — Skill Test
- Language Requirement Post-Appointment: Candidates opting for Hindi Stenography must learn English Stenography after appointment (and vice versa), failing which their probation may not be cleared.
- Functional Requirement: Candidates must work as English/Hindi Stenographers as per the functional requirement of the User Office, irrespective of the medium of the Skill Test.
- Venue: Skill Test will be held at SSC Regional/Sub-Regional Offices or other centres as decided by the Commission.
- Qualifying Nature: The Skill Test is purely qualifying. Only CBT marks determine the final merit list and allotment of posts.
- Qualifying Standards: SSC fixes category-specific qualifying standards for the Skill Test. Different qualifying benchmarks apply for UR/OBC/SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
SSC Stenographer Cut Off — Official Previous Year Data
Official Cut Off Source
The cut off data below is from the official SSC Stenographer CBT result for the previous examination cycle. Marks are normalised as per SSC's normalization formula. The minimum qualifying standards also applied: UR — 30% | OBC/EWS — 25% | SC/ST/PwD/ESM — 20%.
These figures serve as the best reference for planning SSC Stenographer 2026 CBT target scores. Official 2026 cut off will be announced after result declaration at ssc.gov.in.
Key Cut Off Highlights
Stenographer Grade C — Previous Year CBT Cut Off (Out of 200)
| Category | Cut-off Marks (CBT) | Candidates Shortlisted | % of Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 142.42577 | 2187 | 71.2% |
| OBC | 141.77465 | 2620 | 70.9% |
| EWS | 137.83071 | 1468 | 68.9% |
| SC | 135.44087 | 1219 | 67.7% |
| ST | 120.37748 | 766 | 60.2% |
| OH (Orthopaedically Handicapped) | 119.93641 | 108 | 60.0% |
| VH (Visually Handicapped) | 95.27935 | 156 | 47.6% |
| HH (Hearing Handicapped) | 73.62062 | 100 | 36.8% |
| Others PwD | — | — | — |
| TOTAL — Grade C | 8,624 | — | |
Grade C — Cut Off Insight
The UR cut off for Grade C was 142.43 out of 200 (71.2%) — significantly higher than Grade D. This reflects the competitive nature of the higher-level Group B post. For SSC Stenographer 2026 Grade C, target 145+ marks in CBT to stay safely above the expected UR cut off. English (100 marks) is the most critical differentiator at this level.
Stenographer Grade D — Previous Year CBT Cut Off (Out of 200)
| Category | Cut-off Marks (CBT) | Candidates Shortlisted | % of Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 132.30789 | 4299 | 66.2% |
| OBC | 129.22305 | 7368 | 64.6% |
| EWS | 125.13310 | 3434 | 62.6% |
| SC | 117.77426 | 4398 | 58.9% |
| ST | 105.75225 | 1740 | 52.9% |
| ESM (Ex-Servicemen) | 40.27012 | 418 | 20.1% |
| OH (Orthopaedically Handicapped) | 107.44537 | 242 | 53.7% |
| VH (Visually Handicapped) | 80.23427 | 234 | 40.1% |
| HH (Hearing Handicapped) | 40.20009 | 203 | 20.1% |
| Others PwD | 51.94828 | 120 | 26.0% |
| TOTAL — Grade D | 22,456 | — | |
Grade D — Cut Off Insight
The UR cut off for Grade D was 132.31 out of 200 (66.2%). With 22,456 candidates shortlisted, Grade D has a much higher pool. For SSC Stenographer 2026 Grade D, target 135+ marks in CBT as a safe benchmark above the expected UR cut off. SC candidates should target 122+ and ST candidates should target 110+.
Year-wise CBT Cut Off Comparison — UR Category
| Exam Year | Grade C — UR Cut Off (out of 200) | Grade D — UR Cut Off (out of 200) |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Year (Reference) | 142.42577 (71.2%) | 132.30789 (66.2%) |
| ~2 Years Ago | ~138–140 | ~128–130 |
| ~3 Years Ago | ~132–136 | ~122–126 |
Cut Off Trend Analysis
SSC Stenographer cut offs have shown an upward trend year-on-year due to increasing applicants and a stable exam difficulty. Grade C consistently has a higher cut off than Grade D — reflecting the Group B nature and fewer vacancies. For 2026 planning: target 145+ for Grade C (UR) and 135+ for Grade D (UR). The English section (100 marks) is the biggest differentiator — it can swing your total by 20–30 marks versus the average aspirant.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Salary
SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D are paid as per the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. Along with basic pay, various allowances (DA, HRA, TA) and benefits (CGHS medical, NPS pension, LTC, CEA) are also provided.
| Component | Stenographer Grade C | Stenographer Grade D |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Pay Level-6 | Pay Level-4 |
| Basic Pay (Starting) | Rs. 35,400/month | Rs. 25,500/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~50% of basic pay — revised twice yearly by GOI | |
| HRA (X-City / Y-City / Z-City) | 27% / 18% / 9% of Basic Pay | |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | As per GOI norms and posting location | |
| Approx. In-Hand (X-City) | Rs. 44,000–52,000/month | Rs. 32,000–40,000/month |
| Annual Increment | 3% of basic pay annually | |
| Other Benefits | CGHS Medical, NPS Pension, LTC, CEA, Group Insurance, Earned Leave, Study Leave | |
SSC Stenographer 2026 Preparation Strategy
| Subject / Area | Priority | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | Highest (50%) | English carries 100/200 marks — it is the biggest differentiator. Focus heavily on grammar rules, vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms), reading comprehension, and para jumbles. Practise 30–40 English questions daily. |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | High | 50 questions. 30 minutes allotted. Practise series, coding-decoding, analogies, and spatial reasoning daily. Aim to finish in 22–24 minutes to have buffer. |
| General Awareness | Medium-High | 50 questions. Read newspapers daily. Revise current affairs for last 12 months. Use Lucent GK for static topics. Focus on polity, science & tech, economy, and awards. |
| Stenography Practice | Critical | Practice shorthand daily from Day 1. Target 100 wpm (Grade C) or 80 wpm (Grade D). Build speed gradually. Transcription accuracy and speed both matter. |
| Mock Tests | Essential | Weekly full-length mock tests with sectional timing. Sectional timing is strictly enforced — you must manage 60 minutes for English, 30 each for GI & GA efficiently. |
| Previous Year Papers (PYQs) | Essential | Solve all SSC Stenographer PYQs. Best guide to actual difficulty, question types, and most frequently tested topics. Analyse errors after every mock. |
Top SSC Stenographer 2026 Preparation Tips
- English is the key: With 100/200 marks in English, a 10-mark improvement in English can change your rank by thousands. Don't neglect it.
- CBT cut off targets: Based on previous year data — target 145+ (Grade C, UR) and 135+ (Grade D, UR) in CBT.
- Sectional timing is real: You cannot switch sections. Practise with strict timers from day one to avoid getting stuck.
- Negative marking: −0.25 per wrong answer. Skip questions where you have no idea — don't lose marks on wild guesses.
- Stenography from Day 1: Many candidates focus only on CBT and neglect Stenography practice. The Skill Test is qualifying — fail it and you are out even with a high CBT score.
- Recommended books: Lucent's General Knowledge (GA) | R.S. Aggarwal — Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | Wren & Martin — English Grammar | Arihant SSC Stenographer book | SP Bakshi — Objective English.
- Current affairs: Follow The Hindu or Indian Express daily. Use a monthly current affairs PDF/magazine for last 3–6 months before exam.
- 3-month strategy: Month 1 — complete syllabus; Month 2 — topic-wise mocks + current affairs; Month 3 — full-length mocks daily + revision.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Admit Card
SSC releases admit cards separately for CBT and Skill Test. City intimation is released first, followed by the hall ticket. Download from the SSC Candidate Login at ssc.gov.in. Carry a printed admit card plus a valid photo ID to the exam centre. No hall ticket is sent by post.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Result
Results are stage-wise. The CBT result includes category-wise cut off marks and a list of candidates shortlisted for the Skill Test. After the Skill Test, the final result and merit list are published. All results and score cards available at ssc.gov.in → Results page.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Answer Key
After the CBT, SSC releases a tentative answer key. Candidates can file objections within the notified window. SSC reviews objections and releases a final answer key used for result computation. Always check the SSC Answer Key page at ssc.gov.in after the exam.
SSC Stenographer 2026 FAQs
SSC Stenographer 2026 — Complete Summary
Everything at a Glance
- SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification: 24 April 2026 (Official)
- Total Vacancies: 731 (Grade C + Grade D)
- Last Date to Apply: 15 May 2026 (11 pm) at ssc.gov.in
- Fee Payment Deadline: 16 May 2026 (11 pm)
- Application Correction Window: 20–21 May 2026
- Tentative CBT Exam Date: July–August 2026
- Minimum Qualification: 12th Pass from a recognized Board
- Age Limit: 18–30 years (Grade C) | 18–27 years (Grade D) as on 01/08/2026
- Application Fee: Rs. 100/- for General & OBC (Male); Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/ESM/Female
- Selection Process: CBT (200 marks) + Skill Test in Stenography (Qualifying)
- CBT Pattern: English 100 marks (60 min) + GI&R 50 marks (30 min) + GA 50 marks (30 min) = 200 marks | 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: −0.25 per wrong answer in CBT
- Stenography Speed: 100 wpm (Grade C) | 80 wpm (Grade D) — 10 minutes dictation
- Previous Year Cut Off (UR): Grade C — 142.43 | Grade D — 132.31 (out of 200)
- Grade C Salary: Pay Level-6 | Rs. 35,400/month basic | ~Rs. 44,000–52,000 in-hand
- Grade D Salary: Pay Level-4 | Rs. 25,500/month basic | ~Rs. 32,000–40,000 in-hand
- Official Website: ssc.gov.in