Are you looking for a unique and less-crowded path to a secure central government job after the 12th standard? While lakhs of students run after general exams, a specialized skill like stenography can be your golden ticket to a prestigious career. The SSC Stenographer exam is the perfect opportunity for candidates who possess this unique talent.
But what exactly is a Stenographer? What is the difference between Grade ‘C’ and Grade ‘D’? What is the salary, eligibility, and how does the skill test work?
Welcome to the ultimate master guide by Rojgar Point. In this article, we will decode every aspect of the SSC Stenographer examination. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in shorthand, this guide will provide you with a complete roadmap to success. Let’s get started! ✍️
What is the SSC Stenographer Exam?
First, let’s understand the basics. The SSC Stenographer exam is a national-level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit Stenographers Grade ‘C’ and Grade ‘D’ for various Ministries, Departments, and Organizations of the Government of India.
Who is a Stenographer?
A Stenographer is a professional who is skilled in shorthand, a special way of writing quickly using symbols and abbreviations. Their primary job is to transcribe spoken words into written form. In government offices, they work closely with senior officers, performing crucial tasks like:
- Speech Writing: Taking dictation from officers for preparing speeches.
- Briefings: Assisting in press conferences and briefings by noting down important details.
- Meeting Assistance: Recording the minutes and proceedings of important meetings.
- Clerical Duties: Helping the officer with routine clerical work, maintaining records, and managing appointments.
Grade ‘C’ vs. Grade ‘D’: What’s the Difference?
The SSC recruits for two grades of Stenographers. Understanding the difference is crucial for setting your career goals.
| Feature | Stenographer Grade ‘C’ | Stenographer Grade ‘D’ |
| Post Classification | Group ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted) | Group ‘C’ |
| Pay Level | Higher (Pay Level 6) | Lower (Pay Level 4) |
| Posting Location | Primarily in Ministries/Departments located in Delhi. | In various Central Govt. offices across the country. |
| Nature of Work | Attached to higher-ranking officers (Directors, Secretaries). More responsibility. | Attached to middle and lower-level officers. Work is more of a routine clerical nature. |
| Skill Test Speed | Higher speed required (100 words per minute). | Lower speed required (80 words per minute). |
In short, Grade ‘C’ is a more senior post with a higher salary and is mostly based in the national capital, while Grade ‘D’ has wider, all-India posting locations.
SSC Stenographer Eligibility Criteria (Updated 2025)
To be eligible for this exam, you must meet the following criteria set by the SSC.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India. |
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed 12th Standard (Intermediate) or equivalent from a recognized Board or University. |
| Age Limit | Stenographer Grade ‘C’: 18 to 30 years. Stenographer Grade ‘D’: 18 to 27 years. |
Important Note: Candidates who are in the final year of their 12th standard can also apply, provided they have their pass certificate by the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.
Age Relaxation
The upper age limit is relaxed for candidates from reserved categories as per government rules.
| Category | Age Relaxation Permissible |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern & Selection Process
The selection process for the SSC Stenographer exam consists of two main stages.
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
This is the first and most important stage. Your selection for the skill test depends entirely on your score in this online exam.
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| II | General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| III | English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
- Objective Type: The paper consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Bilingual Paper: The questions (except for the English section) will be set in both English and Hindi.
- Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Stage 2: Skill Test in Stenography
Candidates who clear the cut-off in the CBT are called for the Skill Test. This test is qualifying in nature, meaning you only have to pass it; the marks are not added to the final merit list.
How the Skill Test Works:
- Dictation: A passage will be dictated to you for 10 minutes in either English or Hindi (as per your choice) at a specific speed.
- Transcription: After the dictation, you will be given a computer to type out (transcribe) the passage you noted down in shorthand.
Speed and Time Requirements:
| Post | Language | Dictation Speed | Transcription Time | Transcription Time (for PwD) |
| Stenographer Grade ‘D’ | English | 80 words per minute (w.p.m.) | 50 minutes | 70 minutes |
| Hindi | 80 w.p.m. | 65 minutes | 90 minutes | |
| Stenographer Grade ‘C’ | English | 100 w.p.m. | 40 minutes | 55 minutes |
| Hindi | 100 w.p.m. | 55 minutes | 75 minutes |
The final merit list is prepared solely based on the marks obtained in the Computer Based Test (CBT).
SSC Stenographer Syllabus: What to Study for the CBT
Here’s a look at the important topics you need to cover for the written exam.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: This section tests your logical thinking. Topics include Analogies, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Series (Number, Alphabet), Blood Relations, Syllogism, Venn Diagrams, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- General Awareness: This section covers a vast area. Focus on Static GK (Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Art & Culture, Awards) and Current Affairs of the last 6-8 months. Basic science questions are also included.
- English Language & Comprehension: This is the most important section with the highest weightage (100 marks). Topics include Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, One-word Substitution), Grammar (Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech), and Para Jumbles.
SSC Stenographer Salary Structure (In-Hand)
The salary is a significant motivating factor. As a Stenographer, you receive a handsome salary as per the 7th Pay Commission.
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | City X (Approx. In-Hand Salary) | City Y (Approx. In-Hand Salary) | City Z (Approx. In-Hand Salary) |
| Stenographer Grade ‘D’ (Group C) | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹41,000 – ₹46,000 | ₹37,000 – ₹41,000 | ₹34,000 – ₹38,000 |
| Stenographer Grade ‘C’ (Group B) | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹58,000 – ₹64,000 | ₹54,000 – ₹59,000 | ₹50,000 – ₹55,000 |
This is an estimated monthly salary after standard deductions. The exact amount depends on the city of posting and the latest DA rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need a certificate in stenography to apply?
Ans: No, a formal certificate is not mandatory. You only need to possess the required shorthand skill and pass the skill test conducted by SSC.
Q2: Is stenography difficult to learn?
Ans: Stenography is a skill that requires dedication and consistent practice, just like learning a musical instrument. With 6-12 months of regular practice, one can achieve the required speed.
Q3: Can I choose my posting location?
Ans: Posting is done based on the vacancies in various departments across the country. Grade ‘C’ posts are mostly in Delhi, while Grade ‘D’ posts have all-India service liability.
Q4: What is the career growth for a Stenographer?
Ans: A Stenographer has a well-defined career path. They can get promotions to higher grades and can also become Section Officers through departmental exams, reaching senior positions over their career.
Q5: Is Maths included in the SSC Stenographer exam?
Ans: No, there is no Mathematics paper in the SSC Stenographer written exam. This is a major advantage for students who are not comfortable with Quantitative Aptitude.
We hope this master guide from Rojgar Point has given you a complete and clear understanding of the SSC Stenographer exam. If you have the skill and the dedication, this is one of the best and most direct routes to a secure government job. Start your preparation today and turn your unique skill into a successful career!
