Introduction to SSC Stenographer Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC Stenographer Syllabus and Exam Pattern for 2026 are crucial for aspirants looking to secure positions as Stenographers in Grade C and Grade D within central government ministries and departments. Administered by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), this examination comprises two segments: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by a Shorthand Skill Test. A comprehensive understanding of both the syllabus and the exam pattern is essential for candidates to devise an effective study plan and to ensure that no significant topic is overlooked.
Overview of SSC Stenographer Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
| 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 |
Selection Process for SSC Stenographer 2026
The selection procedure for the SSC Stenographer comprises two distinct stages, and candidates must successfully pass each to be eligible for final selection.
Stage 1 - Computer-Based Test (CBT): This is an objective-type multiple-choice examination that assesses General Intelligence as well as Reasoning, General Awareness, along with comprehension of the English Language.
Stage 2 - Shorthand Skill Test: Candidates who meet the CBT cut-off marks will be invited to take the Skill Test, which involves dictation in shorthand followed by transcription on a computer. Note that this test is qualifying and does not contribute to the final merit list.
Exam Pattern for SSC Stenographer 2026
The SSC Stenographer examination has two main 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 performed on a computer |
Detailed SSC Stenographer CBT Exam Pattern 2026
The CBT consists of three sections, and all questions are objective type, administered 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: Each correct answer earns 1 mark, while 0.25 marks are deducted for incorrect answers. Unattempted questions neither gain nor lose marks.
Qualifying Marks (CBT): Not detailed in the official notification. Candidates are advised to check the latest SSC Stenographer notification for the category-wise cut-off marks.
Shorthand Skill Test Exam Pattern 2026
The Skill Test involves both paper and computer components. A passage is dictated in shorthand, which candidates must accurately transcribe on a computer. At the time of application, candidates can select the language for the skill test (English or Hindi); if not specified, English will be the 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 solely qualifying and will not be included in the final merit list.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026
The CBT syllabus comprises three segments with an extensive breakdown of relevant topics for each subject.
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 detailing of specific weightage for individual topics has not been provided; hence, candidates should consider all topics as significant according to the official syllabus.
SSC Stenographer Skill Test Syllabus 2026
The dictated passage for the Shorthand Skill Test generally covers topics in the following areas:
- President’s Speech
- Topics on Natural Calamities
- Speech Delivered in the Parliament
- Editorial Columns from Newspapers
- Railway Speech
- Employment/Unemployment in India
- Topics of National Interest
- Budget Speech
- Science and Technology Topics
- Any Other Topic of National Interest
Preparation Tips for the SSC Stenographer Exam 2026
- Familiarize with the syllabus: Thoroughly review the official syllabus section by section before commencing your preparation to cover all areas.
- Create a realistic study timetable: Allocate your daily study time across General Intelligence, General Awareness, and English, focusing on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Regular shorthand practice: Daily exercises in shorthand and transcription are vital, along with CBT study.
- Attempt previous year papers and mock tests: Engaging with previous years’ question papers will help in understanding the exam structure and managing the time limit effectively.
- Revise weaker areas: Recognize sections where you struggle the most and devote additional time to those areas.
- Stay informed on current affairs: Since General Awareness includes 50 questions, daily or monthly updates on current events are essential.
Important Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| SSC Stenographer Syllabus PDF | Download Here |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions about SSC Stenographer Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
What is the SSC Stenographer syllabus 2026?
The syllabus for the SSC Stenographer CBT includes three segments: General Intelligence along with Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language and Comprehension. Additionally, there is a specific syllabus for the Shorthand Skill Test focusing on dictation and current-interest topics.
What is the exam pattern for SSC Stenographer 2026?
The examination is structured into two stages: first, a Computer-Based Test that consists of 200 questions for a total of 200 marks and has a time span of 2 hours, followed by a qualifying Shorthand Skill Test.
How many questions are there in the SSC Stenographer exam?
The CBT for the SSC Stenographer includes 200 questions, all contributing to a total of 200 marks.
Is there negative marking in the SSC Stenographer exam?
Yes, each incorrect answer incurs a deduction of 0.25 marks in the CBT. No penalties are applied for unattempted questions.
What is the required speed for the SSC Stenographer Skill Test?
Candidates for Stenographer Grade D will be dictated a passage at a speed of 80 words per minute for 8 minutes, while those for Grade C will have a dictation speed of 100 words per minute for 10 minutes.