SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern, Skill Test & Section-Wise Topics (Grade C & D)

The SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D examination, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, is one of the most sought-after 12th-pass central government jobs for candidates who can take dictation at speed. Understanding the SSC Stenographer syllabus 2026 and exam pattern in full is the first step to clearing both the Computer Based Test and the Skill Test in a single attempt. This guide breaks down every section, the marking scheme, the stenography speed requirements and the transcription time you get, so you can plan your preparation with clarity.

The selection has two stages: a Computer Based Test (CBT) that is common to both Grade C and Grade D, followed by a Skill Test (Stenography Dictation Test) where the required speed differs by grade. There is no interview.

SSC Stenographer 2026 Exam Pattern (CBT)

The Computer Based Test is a single objective paper of 200 questions carrying 200 marks, to be completed in 2 hours.

SectionQuestionsMarks
General Intelligence & Reasoning5050
General Awareness5050
English Language & Comprehension100100
Total200200

Key points to remember about the pattern:

  • Duration is 2 hours (2 hours 40 minutes for candidates eligible for a scribe).
  • There is negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer, so avoid blind guessing.
  • Questions in General Intelligence and General Awareness are set at the 10th (matriculation) standard, while the English Language section is at the 10+2 level.
  • The paper is bilingual (English and Hindi) except for the English Language section.

SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 — Section-Wise Topics

General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section tests both verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Important topics include analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem solving, analysis and judgment, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, and the ability to handle abstract ideas, symbols and their relationships.

General Awareness

Questions here check awareness of the environment and its application to society. The syllabus covers current events, everyday observations and scientific aspects, along with India and its neighbouring countries — especially History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Polity and Scientific Research. Regular reading of current affairs across the last six to twelve months is essential.

English Language & Comprehension

Carrying the highest weight at 100 marks, this section demands strong command of the language. Focus areas include grammar and correct usage, vocabulary, error spotting, fill in the blanks, synonyms and antonyms, spellings, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution, sentence improvement, active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech, and reading comprehension. Because English decides half the CBT score, it deserves the largest share of your preparation time.

SSC Stenographer Skill Test 2026 (Stenography Dictation Test)

Candidates who clear the CBT are called for the Skill Test, where a passage is dictated in English or Hindi for 10 minutes, and the candidate must transcribe it on a computer.

  • Grade D: dictation at 80 words per minute.
  • Grade C: dictation at 100 words per minute.

The transcription time allowed is longer for Hindi and for candidates eligible for a scribe, as specified in the official notice. The Skill Test is qualifying in nature, but accuracy within the permissible error limit is critical, so daily speed and transcription practice matters as much as the written preparation.

SSC Stenographer Selection Process 2026

The complete process runs in three stages: the Computer Based Test, then the Stenography Skill Test for those who qualify, followed by Document Verification before final appointment. Marks in the CBT determine the merit for the Skill Test call, so a strong written score gives you a comfortable margin.

SSC Stenographer Salary 2026

Stenographer Grade C is generally placed at Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400) and Stenographer Grade D at Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 to ₹81,100) under the 7th Pay Commission, along with applicable allowances such as DA, HRA and Transport Allowance depending on the posting.

Preparation Tips for SSC Stenographer 2026

Prioritise English since it is worth 100 of the 200 CBT marks, and build a daily current-affairs habit for General Awareness. For the Skill Test, practise stenography dictation at your target speed every single day and time your transcription so accuracy holds up under pressure. Solve previous-year CBT papers to internalise the pattern, and take full-length mock tests weekly to manage the negative marking and improve speed and accuracy together.

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