SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2025 Notification Out: Check Eligibility, Dates, Apply Online

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the much-anticipated notification for the SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2025. This recruitment drive presents a significant opportunity for young, ambitious individuals who have completed their 10+2 education and possess stenography skills. Stenographers play a crucial role in various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Attached/Subordinate Offices, providing essential secretarial assistance. This year, the SSC aims to fill a total of 261 tentative posts for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D, offering a stable and respected career path in the government sector.

The online application process for the SSC Steno 2025 examination commenced on June 6, 2025, providing candidates a window until June 26, 2025, to submit their applications through the SSC’s official website. It is imperative for all aspiring candidates to meticulously review the complete official advertisement before applying. This detailed notification outlines the comprehensive selection procedure, the updated examination syllabus, pattern, crucial dates, and other vital information that can significantly impact your preparation and application strategy. A thorough understanding of these details will not only facilitate a smooth application process but also lay a strong foundation for your exam preparation. Don’t miss this chance to secure a coveted position in the central government.

Important Dates:

Staying organized with important dates is critical for any competitive examination. Here are the key dates for the SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2025. Mark these in your calendar and set reminders to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.

• Application Begin: 06 June 2025
• Last Date for Apply Online: 26 June 2025 (up to 11:00 PM)
• Last Date for Online Fee Payment: 27 June 2025 (up to 11:00 PM)
• Last Date for Payment : 28 June 2025
• Dates for Window for Application Form Correction & Online Payment of Correction Charges: 01 July 2025 to 02 July 2025 (up to 11:00 PM)
• Date of Computer-Based Examination (CBE): 06 August 2025 to 11 August 2025
• Skill Test Exam Date: As per Schedule (Dates will be announced later by SSC)

These dates are crucial for planning your application, fee payment, and most importantly, your study schedule for the Computer-Based Examination.

Application Fee:

The Staff Selection Commission charges a nominal application fee for the SSC Stenographer 2025 examination. Understanding the fee structure is important for completing your application. The fee can typically be paid online through various digital payment modes, including Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or through an offline E-Challan generated from the SSC website.

• General / OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹100/-
• SC / ST Candidates: ₹0/- (Exempted from fee payment)
• All Category Female Candidates: ₹0/- (Exempted from fee payment)

Correction Charges:

SSC has introduced a facility for candidates to make corrections to their application forms. However, this comes with a charge:

• First Time Correction Charge: ₹200/-
• Second Time Correction Charge: ₹500/-

Candidates are strongly advised to fill out their application forms with utmost care to avoid errors and the subsequent need for corrections, which incur additional charges. Ensure all details are accurate before final submission.

Eligibility Criteria (as on 01/08/2025):

Meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria is fundamental for any candidate wishing to apply for the SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2025. This includes both age limits and educational qualifications.

• Age Limit:

  • Minimum Age: 18 Years for both Grade C and Grade D posts.
  • Maximum Age for Stenographer Grade D: 27 Years (Candidates born not earlier than 02-08-1998 and not later than 01-08-2007).
  • Maximum Age for Stenographer Grade C: 30 Years (Candidates born not earlier than 02-08-1995 and not later than 01-08-2007).
• Age Relaxation: The SSC provides age relaxation for candidates belonging to certain categories as per government rules. This is a significant benefit for many aspirants:
  • SC/ST: 5 years
  • OBC: 3 years
  • PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities):
    • Unreserved: 10 years
    • OBC: 13 years
    • SC/ST: 15 years
  • Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 3 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age as on closing date of receipt of application.
  • Other categories as per government norms (e.g., Central Government Civilian Employees, Widows, Divorced Women, Judicially Separated Women).

• Educational Qualification:

  • Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Intermediate) or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University in India.
  • While specific streams (Science, Commerce, Arts) are not typically specified, having a good command of the English or Hindi language is indirectly essential due to the nature of the stenography skill test.

It is crucial to verify that you meet all these criteria before proceeding with your application to avoid disqualification at a later stage.

Vacancy Details:

The Staff Selection Commission has officially announced a total of 261 tentative posts for the SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2025. It is important to note that these figures are tentative and may be subject to change based on the final requirements of the user departments/ministries. SSC typically releases the detailed, post-wise and category-wise breakdown of vacancies (i.e., for which specific Ministries/Departments how many posts are available for Grade C and Grade D, and their reservation break-up) on its official website in due course, often before the final result declaration.

• Total Posts: 261 (Tentative)

Candidates are advised to regularly check the SSC’s official website for the updated and detailed vacancy list. While 261 posts might seem limited, competition is always high for government jobs, so diligent preparation is key.

Selection Process:

The selection process for SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2025 is designed to assess both the general aptitude and the specific stenography skills of the candidates. It typically comprises two main stages:

1. Computer-Based Examination (CBE) – Tier-I: This is the first and most crucial stage, acting as a screening test.

   • Mode: Online (Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions).

   • Total Marks: 200

   • Total Questions: 200

   • Time Duration: 2 Hours (120 minutes)

   • Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. This makes accuracy vital.

   • Subject-wise Distribution:

     • General Intelligence & Reasoning: 50 Questions | 50 Marks
       • Syllabus Overview: This section includes questions of both verbal and non-verbal type. It tests analytical ability, problem-solving skills, differences, similarities, space visualization, visual memory, decision making, judgment, analysis, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series, coding-decoding, statement-conclusion etc. Key topics often include analogies, coding-decoding, blood relations, syllogism, seating arrangements, series completion, mirror images, water images, paper folding, cubes and dice. Practice with previous year papers is highly recommended.
     • General Awareness: 50 Questions | 50 Marks
       • Syllabus Overview: This section covers a wide range of topics, including current events of national and international importance, India and its neighboring countries, history (Ancient, Medieval, Modern Indian History), culture, geography (Indian and World Geography), economic scene, General Polity including Indian Constitution, and Scientific Research. Questions are designed to test general knowledge and awareness of the environment and its application to society. Focus on static GK along with recent developments in various fields.
     • English Language & Comprehension: 100 Questions | 100 Marks
       • Syllabus Overview: This section is comprehensive and tests the candidate’s understanding of English language fundamentals. It includes questions on spotting errors, fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, spelling/detecting misspelled words, idioms & phrases, one-word substitution, improvement of sentences, active/passive voice of verbs, conversion² into direct/indirect narration, shuffling of sentence parts, shuffling of sentences in a passage, cloze passage, and comprehension passage.³ This section carries the highest weightage, emphasizing the importance of strong English grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. Regular practice of grammar rules, reading newspapers, and solving comprehension passages will be beneficial.

   • The question paper for General Intelligence & Reasoning and General Awareness sections will be set in both English and Hindi.

2. Skill Test in Stenography (Tier-II): Candidates who qualify the Computer-Based Examination based on the cut-off marks set by SSC will be shortlisted for the Skill Test. This test is qualifying in nature, meaning the marks obtained here will not be added to the final merit list, but passing it is mandatory for selection.
   • Nature of Test: Dictation and Transcription.
   • Dictation: Candidates will be given one dictation for 10 minutes in either English or Hindi (as opted by the candidate in the application form). The passage will be from a general topic, speech, or current affairs related content.
   • Transcription: The dictated passage needs to be transcribed on a computer.
     • For Stenographer Grade C:
       • Dictation Speed: 100 words per minute (w.p.m.)
       • Transcription Time: English – 40 minutes; Hindi – 55 minutes
     • For Stenographer Grade D:
       • Dictation Speed: 80 words per minute (w.p.m.)
       • Transcription Time: English – 50 minutes; Hindi – 65 minutes
   • Scribe Facility: Compensatory time and Scribe facility will be provided to eligible PwBD candidates as per government rules.
   • Evaluation: The skill test is evaluated based on the number of mistakes made during transcription. SSC prescribes permissible limits for mistakes (e.g., typically 5% for Unreserved/OBC candidates and 7% for SC/ST/PwBD candidates, though this can vary slightly with each notification). Candidates exceeding these error limits will not qualify the skill test. Regular practice of shorthand dictation and transcription is paramount for this stage.

Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared solely based on the marks obtained by candidates in the Computer-Based Examination (Tier-I), provided they qualify the Skill Test. Higher marks in Tier-I significantly increase your chances of final selection.

How to Fill SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Online Form 2025:

Applying for the SSC Stenographer 2025 examination requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process:

1. Understand SSC OTR (One-Time Registration) Instruction: SSC has migrated to a new website: ssc.gov.in. All candidates, whether new or existing (who registered on the old ssc.nic.in website), MUST complete a One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new portal. You will not be able to apply for any recruitment without completing this OTR. The OTR involves providing your basic details, contact information, and uploading scanned copies of your photograph and signature. This is a one-time process; once registered, you can apply for future SSC examinations using the same registration details. Ensure all OTR details are accurate as they will be automatically populated in your application forms.
2. SSC Photo Instruction (Crucial Update): A significant change has been implemented regarding photo upload. SSC now requires candidates to upload a live photo, taken either through a webcam on their computer or through the official SSC App (if available for this purpose).
   • Key points for the live photo:
     • Ensure you are looking straight at the camera, with a neutral expression.
     • The background should be plain, light-colored, and preferably white.
     • The photo should be clear, with no shadows or glare on your face.
     • Wear no caps, hats, or dark glasses (unless for medical reasons, with a medical certificate).
     • Both ears should be visible, and the face should be clearly visible from chin to crown.
     • The image should be of high resolution, typically between 20 KB to 50 KB.
3. Gather Required Documents and Information: Before starting the application, keep the following ready:
   • Your OTR details (Registration Number and Password).
   • Scanned signature (JPG format, 10 KB to 20 KB, dimension approx. 4.0 cm width x 2.0 cm height).
   • Live photograph as per SSC’s new guidelines.
   • Educational qualification details (Board/University name, Roll Number, Year of Passing, Percentage/CGPA for 10th and 12th standard).
   • Personal details (Aadhaar number or other valid ID proof, active mobile number, valid email ID, etc.).
   • Category certificate number and issuing authority (if applicable for SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
   • Disability Certificate details (if applicable for PwBD).
4. Visit the Official SSC Website: Navigate to the Staff Selection Commission’s new official website: https://ssc.gov.in/. This is the only legitimate portal for SSC applications.
5. Log In to Your Account: Click on the “Login” button, usually located at the top right corner. Enter your OTR Registration Number and Password. If you are a new user, complete the OTR first by clicking on “Register Now”.
6. Locate the Application Link: Once logged in, go to the “Latest Notifications” or “Apply” section. You will see a list of ongoing recruitments. Find the link for “Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2025” and click on “Apply”.
7. Fill the Application Form : The application form will appear with some pre-filled details from your OTR profile. Carefully fill in all the remaining mandatory fields:
   • Select your preferred Examination Centres (you typically get three choices, usually in order of preference).
   • Indicate your choice of Skill Test medium (English/Hindi). Be very careful with this choice as it cannot be changed later.
   • Confirm your highest educational qualifications.
   • Provide any other relevant details asked in the form, such as preference for Grade C or Grade D (if asked at this stage, sometimes preferences are taken later).
8. Upload Live Photograph and Scanned Signature: Follow the instructions on the portal for uploading your live photograph (via webcam/SSC App) and the scanned signature. Ensure they meet the specified dimensions and file size. The system will guide you through the live photo capture process.
9. Preview and Verify Details: Before final submission, it is crucial to click on the “Preview” button. This will display your entire application form. Check every column and detail very carefully for any errors or discrepancies. Ensure your name, date of birth, father’s name, mother’s name, educational qualifications, category, and most importantly, your photo and signature are correctly uploaded and visible. Any mistakes here could lead to rejection or issues during document verification. This is your last chance to make free corrections.
10. Pay Application Fee: If you are required to pay the application fee (General/OBC/EWS Male candidates), proceed to the payment gateway. You can choose from various online payment options (UPI, Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card) or generate an offline Challan. Your application will be considered incomplete if the fee is not submitted successfully. Keep the transaction ID or challan receipt for your records.
11. Final Submission and Printout: After successful payment (if applicable) and thorough review of your application, click on the “Submit” button. Upon successful submission, you will receive a confirmation message. It is highly recommended to take a printout of the final submitted application form for your future reference and records. This printout is crucial as proof of your application and might be required during document verification. Also, consider saving a soft copy of the form.

Important Reminders for Applicants:

• Read the complete official notification carefully, as it is the most authentic source of information.
• Ensure all information provided is accurate and verifiable with original documents.
• Apply well in advance of the closing date to avoid last-minute technical glitches, server overload, or payment issues on the website.
• Keep your OTR details (Registration Number and Password) safe and confidential.
• Regularly check the SSC website for updates, corrigenda, or further notices regarding the examination.

Important Links:

These are essential links for accessing the official notification, applying online, and staying updated with the Staff Selection Commission. Bookmark these for quick access.

Conclusion:

The SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2025 offers a valuable government career opportunity. With 261 tentative vacancies, aspirants should prepare diligently for the Computer-Based Test and master their stenography skills for the Skill Test. Ensure your application is filled accurately, following the latest guidelines, including the new live photo requirement. Stay updated via the official SSC website for all important announcements. With focused effort, you can secure a stable position in the central government. Best of luck!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SSC Stenographer 2025 Recruitment:

This section addresses common queries that candidates often search for, providing quick and comprehensive answers.

Q1: What is the minimum educational qualification for SSC Stenographer 2025?

A1: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 (Intermediate) examination or its equivalent from a recognized Board or University in India.

Q2: What are the age limits for SSC Stenographer Grade C and D?

A2: For Grade D, the age limit is 18-27 years. For Grade C, it is 18-30 years. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government rules.

Q3: Is the SSC Stenographer exam conducted every year?

A3: Yes, the Staff Selection Commission generally conducts the Stenographer (Grade C & D) Examination annually, subject to vacancy availability and administrative requirements.

Q4: How many vacancies are there for SSC Stenographer 2025?

A4: As per the short notification, there are a total of 261 tentative posts for SSC Stenographer Grade C & D in 2025. The detailed breakdown will be released later.

Q5: What is the application fee for the SSC Stenographer 2025 exam?

A5: The application fee is ₹100/- for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. SC/ST candidates and all female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.

Q6: What is the new photo instruction for SSC applications?

A6: SSC now requires candidates to upload a live photo taken via a webcam or the official SSC App. The photo should be clear, with a light/white background, and the candidate must look straight ahead. Old scanned photos are generally not accepted anymore.

Q7: Is there negative marking in the SSC Stenographer CBT exam?

A7: Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the Computer-Based Examination (Tier-I).

Q8: What is the syllabus for the SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Exam?

A8: The CBE consists of three sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 marks), General Awareness (50 marks), and English Language & Comprehension (100 marks).4 Topics include analogies, coding-decoding, current affairs, history, geography, English grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.

Q9: Is the Skill Test mandatory for selection?

A9: Yes, the Skill Test in Stenography is mandatory and qualifying in nature. Candidates must pass this test to be considered for final selection, even if they score high in the CBE.

Q10: What are the dictation speeds for Grade C and Grade D stenographers?

A10: For Grade C, the dictation speed is 100 words per minute (w.p.m). For Grade D, it is 80 w.p.m.

Q11: Can I change my exam center preference after submitting the application?

A11: Generally, exam center preferences cannot be changed once the application is submitted. SSC allows a correction window for certain fields, but center changes are usually not permitted.

Q12: What should I do if I made a mistake in my application form?

A12: SSC provides a “Window for Application Form Correction” after the application period ends. You can correct certain details during this window by paying a correction charge (₹200 for first time, ₹500 for second time). No changes are allowed after this window.

Q13: How is the final merit list prepared for SSC Stenographer?

A13: The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained by candidates in the Computer-Based Examination (Tier-I), provided they have qualified the Skill Test.

Q14: What is the salary of an SSC Stenographer?

A14: The salary for Stenographer Grade C is typically Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) and for Grade D is Pay Level 2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200) as per the 7th Pay Commission, along with various allowances (DA, HRA, TA, etc.). The actual in-hand salary varies based on city and allowances.