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SSC Stenographer 2026: Grade C and D Exam Pattern, Skill Test and Eligibility

Last updated 10 October 2026  •  Exam held 9 to 12 Sep 2026, result awaited

SSC Stenographer recruits Grade C and Grade D stenographers for central government ministries and departments. It is the only Class 12 entry route that reaches Pay Level 6, and the reason is simple: the shorthand skill test filters out most applicants, so the field is far smaller than SSC CHSL. The 2026 computer-based exam was held from 9 to 12 September and results are awaited.

SSC Stenographer 2026 at a Glance

SSC Stenographer 2026 Important Dates

SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern

The computer-based test runs for two hours with 200 questions carrying 200 marks. Note the weighting: English Language and Comprehension alone carries half the paper, twice the share of any other section. That is unusual among SSC exams and it should shape how you split your preparation time.

SSC Stenographer Skill Test: Shorthand Speed

The skill test is where this recruitment is actually won or lost. Candidates who clear the CBT take a shorthand dictation lasting 10 minutes, then transcribe it on a computer. The test is qualifying, not merit-scoring, but the required speeds take months of daily practice to reach reliably.

Dictation is offered in English or Hindi, and you choose your language in the application form. Transcription times differ between the two, and the permitted error margin is tight, so confirm the exact transcription window and error allowance for your language and grade in the official notification.

SSC Stenographer Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board. No shorthand certificate is required to apply, and no graduation is needed for either grade. You only need to demonstrate the shorthand speed at the skill test stage, which means a Class 12 pass candidate who starts learning shorthand now can realistically target the next cycle.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age bracket is 18 to 30 years for Stenographer Grade C and 18 to 27 years for Grade D. Upper age limits are relaxed by three years for OBC (non-creamy layer), five years for SC and ST, and ten years for persons with benchmark disabilities, with further provisions for ex-servicemen and departmental candidates.

SSC Stenographer Selection Process

Selection runs through the computer-based test, the shorthand skill test and document verification. The CBT decides the merit list; the skill test is purely qualifying. That ordering matters for strategy: a high CBT score gets you a post, but failing the skill test removes you entirely no matter how well you scored, and there is no second attempt within the same cycle.

SSC Stenographer Salary

In-hand pay adds Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance, which vary with the posting city.

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