SSC Stenographer Syllabus, Exam Pattern — Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination 2026
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 12th standard or equivalent from a recognised Board or University (as on 01.08.2026). Only candidates who have skill in stenography are eligible to apply. Age: Grade 'C' 18–30 years, Grade 'D' 18–27 years (as on 01.08.2026). |
| Selection process | Computer Based Examination → Skill Test in Stenography (qualifying) → Document Verification (conducted by the user departments) |
| Negative marking | 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the Computer Based Examination. |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
Exam Pattern
Computer Based Examination
Objective-type multiple-choice questions only, set in English and Hindi. Each part has its own sectional timer. Scribe-eligible candidates get 2 hours 40 minutes in total (40 + 40 + 80 minutes).
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I — General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Part II — General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Part III — English Language and Comprehension | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Total: 200 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours
Skill Test in Stenography (qualifying)
One dictation of 10 minutes in English or Hindi (as opted in the application form), transcribed on a computer. Scribe-eligible candidates get extra transcription time: Grade 'D' 70 min (English) / 90 min (Hindi); Grade 'C' 55 min (English) / 75 min (Hindi).
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 'C' — dictation at 100 w.p.m. (10 minutes) | — | Qualifying | Transcription: 40 min (English) / 55 min (Hindi) |
| Grade 'D' — dictation at 80 w.p.m. (10 minutes) | — | Qualifying | Transcription: 50 min (English) / 65 min (Hindi) |
The skill test is qualifying in nature — its marks are not counted in the merit list.
Syllabus — Topics to Prepare
Note: this body does not publish a topic-wise syllabus — the pattern above is official, and these are the standard topics asked under each section. Treat them as an indicative preparation list.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- 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
- Abstract ideas and symbols and their relationships
- Arithmetical computation and other analytical functions
General Awareness
- Current events and matters of everyday observation and experience (in their scientific aspect)
- India and its neighbouring countries — Sports
- History, Culture, Geography
- Economic scene
- General Polity including Indian Constitution
- Scientific Research
English Language & Comprehension
- Understanding of English, vocabulary and grammar
- Sentence structure
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Correct usage
- Writing ability
Sources (official documents)
Checked: Pattern, syllabus and skill-test details verified from the official SSC notice dated 24 April 2026 (Paras 13–15). SSC itself titles this syllabus 'Indicative Syllabus' in the notice. Always confirm with the latest notice before applying.