SSC Stenographer Eligibility Criteria 2026
SSC Stenographer Eligibility Criteria 2026 requires candidates to have passed 12th standard from a recognized board, with the age limit set at 18-30 years for Grade C and 18-27 years for Grade D as on 01.08.2026, along with standard age relaxations for reserved categories.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination to recruit stenographers for various Ministries/Departments/Organizations of the Government of India. The recruitment offers posts in two grades with different pay scales and responsibilities. Understanding the SSC Stenographer Eligibility Criteria 2026 is crucial before applying to avoid rejection later.
Download Official SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification PDF
Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Exam 2026 |
| Posts | Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and Grade ‘D’ |
| Educational Qualification | 12th Pass / 10+2 or equivalent |
| Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026) | Grade C: 18-30 years Grade D: 18-27 years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Educational Qualification for SSC Stenographer 2026
Candidates must have passed 12th standard (10+2) or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University as on the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. Original mark sheets and certificates will be verified during document verification.
Age Limit for SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Date of Birth Range (as on 01.08.2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | 18 years | 30 years | Born not before 02.08.1996 and not later than 01.08.2008 |
| Stenographer Grade D | 18 years | 27 years | Born not before 02.08.1999 and not later than 01.08.2008 |
Age Relaxation for SSC Stenographer 2026
| Category | Age Relaxation (Upper Age Limit) |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwD + SC / ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years (after deduction of military service rendered) |
| Widows / Divorced Women (Unreserved) | Up to 35 years (Grade C) / 30 years (Grade D) |
| Widows / Divorced Women (SC / ST) | Up to 40 years |
Ex-Servicemen (ESM) Eligibility for SSC Stenographer 2026
Ex-Servicemen means a person who has served in any rank (combatant or non-combatant) in the Regular Army, Navy, or Air Force of the Indian Union. It also includes personnel of the Territorial Army and other specified categories who fulfill the conditions laid down by the Government of India. Ex-Servicemen get age relaxation and are eligible for reservation as per rules. However, sons/daughters/dependents of ex-servicemen are not eligible for age relaxation under the ESM category.
Number of Attempts for SSC Stenographer Exam
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the SSC Stenographer examination. Candidates can appear as many times as they want, provided they continue to satisfy the age limit and other eligibility criteria.
Nationality / Citizenship Criteria
A candidate must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates other than Indian citizens must produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Skill Test Requirements (Stenography Speed)
The Skill Test is qualifying in nature:
- Grade C: 100 words per minute (w.p.m.) dictation
- Grade D: 80 words per minute (w.p.m.) dictation
Candidates must transcribe the dictated passage on computer within the given time.
How to Apply Online for SSC Stenographer 2026
- Visit the official website ssc.gov.in
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill the online application form carefully
- Upload required documents and pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit and take a printout for future reference
