SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D recruit stenographers in central government ministries and departments. You need a 12th pass. After a computer based exam you take a dictation skill test, which is qualifying.
- Qualification
- 12th pass
- Age
- Grade C 18-30, Grade D 18-27 (as on 01-08-2026)
- Written exam
- 200 marks, 2 hours, 0.25 negative marking
- Skill test
- Dictation 10 minutes: 100 wpm (C), 80 wpm (D)
Latest noticeStenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination 2026 (applications 24-04-2026 to 15-05-2026). SSC conducted the computer based exam in September 2026, so read the next notice on ssc.gov.in for dates and vacancies.
01 / Eligibility
- Education: 12th standard or equivalent from a recognised board or university, passed on or before 01-08-2026.
- Age, Grade C: 18 to 30 years as on 01-08-2026 (born between 02-08-1996 and 01-08-2008).
- Age, Grade D: 18 to 27 years as on 01-08-2026 (born between 02-08-1999 and 01-08-2008).
- You say in the online application whether you apply for Grade C, Grade D, or both. Upper age relaxation applies to reserved categories under Government of India rules.
02 / Selection process
- Step 01Computer Based Examination
- Step 02Skill Test in Stenography
- Step 03Document verification
Candidates shortlisted from the computer based exam appear in the Skill Test. The Skill Test is compulsory but qualifying, and the merit list is made from the written exam.
03 / Exam pattern
Objective multiple choice, in English and Hindi, 2 hours in all, with a 30-minute timer for Part I and Part II and 60 minutes for Part III. Each wrong answer loses 0.25 mark.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| II | General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| III | English Language and Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
04 / Skill test
One dictation of 10 minutes, in English or Hindi as you choose in the application. The speed is 100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 words per minute for Grade D. You then transcribe it on a computer in the time the notice gives.
Questions students ask
Who can apply for SSC Stenographer?
12th-pass candidates. Grade C needs age 18-30 and Grade D age 18-27 on 01-08-2026.
What speed is needed in the skill test?
100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 words per minute for Grade D, from a 10-minute dictation.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 mark for each wrong answer in the computer based exam.
Figures come from the official notice (SSC notice of Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026), last checked October 2026. Every notice can change posts, age and pattern: always read the latest one on the official website.
Batches, fees and timings: call to enquire