The SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern form the base of preparation for candidates aiming for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D posts in central government ministries and offices. The exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and has two stages: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and a Shorthand Skill Test. Knowing the syllabus and pattern of both stages together helps candidates plan an effective study strategy and avoid missing important topics.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview
Candidates can check the quick overview of the SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Recruitment Name | SSC Stenographer 2026 |
| Post Names | Stenographer Grade C, Stenographer Grade D |
| Exam Level | National |
| Selection Stages | Computer-Based Test (CBT), Shorthand Skill Test (Qualifying) |
| Mode of CBT | Online |
| Total Questions (CBT) | 200 |
| Total Marks (CBT) | 200 |
| CBT Duration | 2 hours (200 minutes for PwBD candidates) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 mark for each wrong answer |
| Skill Test Language | English or Hindi |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
SSC Stenographer Selection Process 2026
The SSC Stenographer selection process has two stages, and candidates must qualify each stage to be considered for final selection.
- Stage 1 - Computer-Based Test (CBT): An objective multiple-choice test covering General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension.
- Stage 2 - Shorthand Skill Test: Candidates who clear the CBT cut-off are called for the skill test, where a passage is dictated in shorthand and then transcribed on a computer. The skill test is qualifying in nature.
The final merit list is based solely on the marks obtained in the CBT; the Skill Test does not add marks to the merit list but must be cleared to be considered for selection.
SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC Stenographer exam has two tiers - the CBT (Tier-1) and the Shorthand Skill Test (Tier-2).
| Tier | Type of Examination | Mode of Examination |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-1 | Objective Multiple Choice | CBT (Online) |
| Tier-2 | Shorthand Skill Test | Shorthand notes taken on paper, transcription done on computer |
SSC Stenographer CBT Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT consists of three sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language. All questions are objective type, and the exam is conducted online.
| Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 hours cumulative (200 minutes for PwBD candidates) |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| English Language | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Marking Scheme: 1 mark is awarded for each correct answer, and 0.25 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. No marks are added or deducted for unattempted questions.
Qualifying marks (CBT): Not specified in the official notification. Candidates must check the latest SSC Stenographer notification once released for category-wise cut-off criteria at the CBT stage.
Shorthand Skill Test Exam Pattern 2026
The Skill Test is conducted on both paper and computer. A passage is dictated in shorthand, which candidates must then transcribe on a computer. Candidates choose the skill test language (English or Hindi) at the time of filling the application form; if no language is chosen, the test is conducted in English by default.
Dictation speed:
- Stenographer Grade D: 80 words per minute (w.p.m) for 8 minutes
- Stenographer Grade C: 100 words per minute (w.p.m) for 10 minutes
Transcription time allotted:
| Post | Language of Skill Test | Time Duration | Time Duration for Candidates Allowed a Scribe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade D | English | 50 Minutes | 70 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade C | Hindi | 65 Minutes | 90 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade C | English | 40 Minutes | 55 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade D | Hindi | 55 Minutes | 75 Minutes |
Qualifying criteria (permissible mistakes) for the Skill Test:
| Category | Grade C | Grade D |
|---|---|---|
| General | 5% | 7% |
| OBC/SC/ST/Ex-servicemen | 5% | 10% |
The Skill Test is qualifying in nature and does not count towards the final merit list.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026
The SSC Stenographer CBT syllabus is divided into three sections. Below is the detailed subject-wise topic breakdown.
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Space Visualization
- Problem-Solving
- Similarities & Differences
- Analysis, Judgement
- Discriminating Observation
- Decision Making
- Visual Memory
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction & Distance
- Blood Relation
- Order & Ranking
- Puzzle
- Venn Diagram
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Number Series
- Verbal Reasoning
2. General Awareness
- Static Awareness
- Current Affairs
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- General Polity
- Economic Scene
- Scientific Research
- Sports
- Indian Constitution
- Science & Technology
3. English Language and Comprehension
- Spellings
- Phrases & Idiom Meaning
- Active & Passive Voice
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Fill in the Blanks
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Error Spotting
- Para Jumble & Sentence Jumble
- Phrase Replacement / Sentence Correction
Note on topic weightage: The source material does not specify which individual topics within each subject carry higher weightage. This has been left out rather than guessed — candidates should treat all listed topics as important based on the official syllabus.
SSC Stenographer Skill Test Syllabus 2026
The dictated passage for the Shorthand Skill Test is generally based on the following topic areas:
- President’s Speech
- Topics on Natural Calamities
- Speech Given in the Parliament
- Topics from the Editorial Columns of Newspapers
- Railway Speech
- Employment/Unemployment in India
- Topics of National Interest
- Budget Speech
- Topics on Science and Technology
- Any Other Topic of National Interest
How to Prepare for SSC Stenographer Exam 2026
- Study the syllabus first: Go through the official SSC Stenographer syllabus subject by subject before starting any topic, so no area is missed.
- Build a realistic timetable: Divide daily study time across Reasoning, General Awareness, and English based on your strong and weak areas.
- Practice shorthand daily: Since the Skill Test requires speed and accuracy, daily shorthand and transcription practice is essential alongside CBT preparation.
- Solve previous year papers and mock tests: Regular practice with SSC Stenographer PYQs helps in understanding question patterns and managing the 2-hour time limit.
- Revise weak areas: Track sections where you lose the most marks and dedicate extra revision time to them.
- Stay updated on current affairs: General Awareness carries 50 questions, so following daily/monthly current affairs is important.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| SSC Stenographer Syllabus PDF | Download Here |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
