SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2026: 731 Vacancies, Apply by May 15

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released an official notification for the Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination 2026, inviting eligible candidates to apply for approximately 731 tentative vacancies in various Ministries, Departments, and Organizations of the Government of India. This is a golden opportunity for candidates with stenography skills who have passed 12th standard. The application window opens on April 24, 2026, and the last date to submit online applications is May 15, 2026. The Computer Based Examination (CBE) is tentatively scheduled for July – August 2026.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

The SSC has announced approximately 731 tentative vacancies for Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and Grade ‘D’ posts. The Commission is in the process of collecting more vacancies, and an updated, post-wise, and category-wise breakdown will be made available on the official website (ssc.gov.in > For Candidates > Tentative Vacancy) in due course. Candidates should note that State-wise/Zone-wise vacancies are not collected by the Commission.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification (as on 01.08.2026)

• Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University on or before the cut-off date, i.e., 01.08.2026.
• Candidates with degrees/diplomas/certificates through Open and Distance Learning mode are eligible if recognized by UGC/Distance Education Bureau for the relevant period.

Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026)

The crucial date for age reckoning is 01.08.2026.

Age Relaxation

Permissible relaxation in the upper age limit is as follows:

Other Criteria

• Candidates must possess skills in stenography.
• Nationality: A citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin migrated from specific countries with the intention of permanently settling in India, holding an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.
• Only male candidates are eligible for Stenographer Grade ‘D’ vacancies, if any, reported in the Border Roads Organization (BRO).

Application Fee

The fee can be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay Debit cards. Fee once paid is non-refundable. Candidates must ensure fee payment is successful, as incomplete applications will be summarily rejected.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The selection process for SSC Stenographer Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Examination 2026 involves the following stages:

1. Computer Based Examination (CBE): Candidates will first appear for a Computer Based Examination. Marks scored in this exam will be normalized if conducted in multiple shifts and will determine final merit and cut-off marks. Minimum qualifying marks for CBE are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS, and 20% for all other categories.
2. Skill Test in Stenography: Candidates shortlisted based on their CBE performance will be called for a mandatory but qualifying Skill Test in Stenography. The Commission will fix category-wise qualifying standards for this test.
3. Document Verification (DV): After the Skill Test and final result declaration, Document Verification will be conducted by the respective User Departments/Organizations. Candidates must produce all original certificates as proof of eligibility.
4. Physical Efficiency Test & Medical Standard (for BRO posts only): For Stenographer Grade ‘D’ posts in the Border Roads Organization (BRO), candidates will undergo Physical Efficiency Test and Medical Standards examination as per Annexure-XVI of the notification. Failure to qualify will lead to cancellation of candidature for BRO posts.
5. Post Preference Submission: Candidates will submit their preferences for various posts and departments through an Online Option Form on the SSC website before the declaration of the First Round of Tentative Allocation/result.
6. Final Selection: Final selection and allocation of posts will be based on the candidates’ performance in the Computer Based Examination and their merit-cum-post preferences.

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through the official SSC website. Follow these steps:

1. One-Time Registration (OTR): If you are a new user or haven’t registered on the new SSC website (https://ssc.gov.in), complete the One-Time Registration process. Ensure your Aadhaar is authenticated or upload required identity documents.
2. Login: Use your Registration Number and password to log in to the online system.
3. Navigate to Application: Click on the “Apply” link in the “Stenographer Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Examination-2026” section under the “Live Exam” tab.
4. Fill Application Form: The application form will pre-fill details from your OTR. Carefully fill in the remaining required information such as educational qualifications, age relaxation claims, and examination center preferences.
5. Live Photo Capture: The application module requires candidates to capture a live photograph. Ensure good lighting, plain background, eye-level camera, full face within the delineated area, and no cap, mask, or spectacles.
6. Upload Signature: Upload a scanned signature in JPEG/JPG format (10 to 20 KB), with dimensions of about 6.0 cm (width) x 2.0 cm (height).
7. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee of ₹100/- if applicable, using online payment methods. Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and ESM candidates are exempted.
8. Review and Submit: Before final submission, use the “Preview/Print” option to thoroughly check all entered details, photograph, and signature. After verifying everything, agree to the declaration and submit the application.
9. Print Application: Take a printout of the submitted application form for your records.

Candidates are strongly advised to submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues due to heavy website load.

Exam Pattern (Computer Based Examination)

The Computer Based Examination will consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions in both English and Hindi (except for the English Language section). There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

Detailed Syllabus (Computer Based Examination)

General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section will include both verbal and non-verbal type questions. Topics covered will include analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, discriminating observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series, abstract ideas and symbols and their relationship, arithmetical computation, and other analytical functions.

General Awareness

Questions will be designed to test the candidate’s general awareness of the environment and its application to society. This includes knowledge of current events and of matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects. The test will also cover questions relating to India and its neighboring countries, especially pertaining to Sports, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Polity (including Indian Constitution), and Scientific Research.

English Language & Comprehension

This section will assess candidates’ understanding of the English Language, its vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, correct usage, and writing ability.

Skill Test in Stenography

The Skill Test is mandatory and qualifying in nature. Candidates will be given one dictation for 10 minutes, which they will have to transcribe on a computer.

Note: Candidates opting for Hindi Stenography will be required to learn English Stenography and vice versa after appointment.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

A Stenographer in government service primarily performs secretarial duties. This includes taking dictation in shorthand and transcribing it, assisting in drafting letters, managing files, answering phone calls, and scheduling appointments. Stenographers work in various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Attached/Subordinate Offices across India. Career progression typically involves promotions to higher grades like Senior Stenographer, Private Secretary, and Personal Assistant, depending on experience and departmental examinations. The role offers a stable career path with opportunities for skill enhancement and exposure to diverse administrative functions.

Preparation Tips

For Computer Based Examination (CBE)

• Understand the Syllabus: Go through the detailed syllabus for General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension.
• Time Management: Practice solving questions within the sectional time limits. The CBE has sectional timers (30 mins for Part I & II, 60 mins for Part III).
• Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions, improve speed, and identify weak areas.
• Negative Marking: Be mindful of the 0.25 negative marking. Avoid random guessing.
• Subject-wise Strategy:
  • General Intelligence & Reasoning: Focus on practicing various types of puzzles, series, coding-decoding, and analogy questions.
  • General Awareness: Stay updated with current affairs, read newspapers daily, and revise static GK (History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science) from standard books.
  • English Language & Comprehension: Improve vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms), grammar rules, and practice reading comprehension passages.

For Skill Test in Stenography

• Consistent Practice: Regular shorthand practice is crucial to achieve and maintain the required speed (100 w.p.m. for Grade C, 80 w.p.m. for Grade D).
• Transcription Accuracy: Focus on accurate transcription. Practice transcribing dictated passages on a computer within the given time limits.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarize yourself with typing software and keyboard shortcuts to improve transcription speed and efficiency.
• Listen Carefully: Develop strong listening skills to accurately capture dictation, including punctuation and formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts?

A: Stenographer Grade ‘C’ is a Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted post, and Stenographer Grade ‘D’ is a Group ‘C’ post. Both roles involve shorthand dictation, transcription, and other secretarial duties in various government departments.

Q2: Can I apply for both Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts?

A: Yes, candidates can indicate their preference for either or both posts (Stenographer Grade ‘C’ or Stenographer Grade ‘D’) in the online application form.

Q3: Is there a negative marking in the Computer Based Examination?

A: Yes, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the Computer Based Examination.

Q4: What is the minimum educational qualification required?

A: Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University as on 01.08.2026.

Q5: Is the Skill Test in Stenography mandatory?

A: Yes, the Skill Test in Stenography is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Candidates must qualify it to be considered for final selection.

Q6: How will the final selection be made?

A: Final selection will be based on the marks scored in the Computer Based Examination and the post preferences submitted by the candidates, provided they qualify the Skill Test and other relevant criteria like Document Verification and Physical/Medical Standards (for BRO posts).

Q7: What documents are required for Document Verification?

A: Candidates will need to produce original and photocopies of Matriculation/10th and 12th certificates, caste/category certificates (if applicable), PwBD certificates (if applicable), Ex-Servicemen certificates (if applicable), photo ID proof, recent passport size photographs, and other relevant documents as specified in the admit card/notification.

Q8: Can I change my examination center after submitting the application?

A: No, requests for change of examination center will not be entertained at any stage. Candidates must carefully select their preferred centers in the online application form.

Q9: What if I face issues during online application or fee payment?

A: Candidates can contact the SSC Toll-Free Helpline Number 1800 309 3063 or the respective Regional Help Line Numbers mentioned in the notification for assistance with application or payment difficulties.

Q10: What if I make a mistake in my application form?

A: SSC provides a ‘Window for Application Form Correction’ after the closing date of applications. Candidates can correct/modify their application parameters by paying a correction fee (₹200 for the first time, ₹500 for the second time).