The SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 features General Intelligence, General Awareness, and English Language. This guide provides full details on the 200-mark Computer-Based Examination (CBE), negative marking, sectional time distribution, and critical requirements for the Stenography Skill Test for Grade C and D positions.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026: Complete Breakdown
The SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Examination (CBE) 2026 is scheduled to be held from 9 to 12 September 2026. The recruitment roadmap includes a Computer-Based Examination, a Stenography Skill Test, and Document Verification. While the CBE score determines your final merit ranking, the Skill Test is a mandatory qualifying component.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus: Quick Overview
Before diving into the detailed subject-wise syllabus and exam pattern, please review the summary table below for essential recruitment updates and exam specifications:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name |
SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026
|
| Conducting Body |
Staff Selection Commission
|
| Posts |
Stenographer Grade C and Grade D
|
| Total Vacancies | 1,170 |
| SSC Stenographer Exam Date 2026 |
9 to 12 September 2026
|
| Selection Process |
CBE, Skill Test and Document Verification
|
| Exam Mode |
Computer-Based Examination
|
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Subjects |
General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language & Comprehension
|
| Negative Marking |
0.25 marks for each wrong answer
|
| Skill Test |
Qualifying in nature
|
SSC Stenographer Selection Process 2026
Candidates must successfully clear the following stages to secure a position:
| Tier | Type of Examination | Mode of examination |
| Tier-1 | Objective Multiple Choice | CBT (Online) |
| Tier-2 | Shorthand Skill Test | Transcription is to be done on a computer, and shorthand notes are to be taken in shorthand notepads. |
SSC Stenographer CBT Exam Pattern 2026
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) evaluates candidates across three primary sections:
- General Awareness
- General Reasoning & Intelligence
- English Comprehension
The official marking scheme and structure of the SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Test are outlined in the table below:
| Parts | Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Allotted |
|
I
|
General Intelligence and Reasoning
|
50 | 50 | 30 Mins |
|
II
|
General Awareness
|
50 | 50 | 30 Mins |
|
III
|
English Language
|
100 | 100 | 60 Mins |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Mins | |
Is there a negative marking scheme in the SSC Steno Exam?
Yes, a penalty of 0.25 marks (1/4th of the total marks) is applied for every incorrect answer provided in the examination.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026: Detailed Subject Analysis
Below is the comprehensive syllabus for General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension. This curriculum is based on the official SSC notification, ensuring your study plan is aligned with the latest exam requirements.
General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus
- Space Visualization
- Problem-Solving
- Similarities & Differences
- Analysis, Judgement
- Discriminating Observation
- Decision Making
- Visual Memory
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction & Distance
- Blood Relation
- Order & Ranking
- Puzzle
- Venn Diagram
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Number Series
- Verbal Reasoning
General Awareness Syllabus
- Static Awareness
- Current Affairs
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- General polity
- Economic scene
- Scientific research
- Sports
- Indian constitution
- Science & Technology
English Comprehension Syllabus
- Spellings
- Phrases & Idiom Meaning
- Active & Passive Voice
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Fill in the Blanks
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Error Spotting
- Para Jumble & Sentence Jumble
- Phrase Replacement/ Sentence Correction
Download SSC Stenographer Syllabus PDF
The official SSC Stenographer syllabus is available for download. Use the direct link below to access the full PDF, which contains a detailed topic-wise breakdown to streamline your exam preparation.
SSC Stenographer Skill Test 2026 Details
The SSC Stenographer Skill Test is conducted on both paper and computer platforms.
- A shorthand test will have to be done on the Shorthand Notepad, and the same has to be transcribed on a computer.
- Skill test language can be either English or Hindi.
- The language of the skill test has to be chosen by the candidates while filling up the form only.
- But if the candidate does not choose any language, then the skill test will be done in English only.
The technical specifications for the Skill Test are detailed in the table below:
During the Skill Test, candidates will be required to transcribe a dictated passage at the specified speed requirements.
- For Stenographer Group ‘D’: 80 words per minute (w.p.m) for 10 Minutes
- For Stenographer Group ‘C’: 100 words per minute (w.p.m) for 10 Minutes
Once the shorthand notes are taken, candidates must transcribe the content onto a computer. Please note that the Skill Test is strictly qualifying in nature.
| Post | Language of Skill Test | Time Duration | Time Duration for candidates Who are allowed the scribe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade D | English | 50 Minutes | 70 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade C | Hindi | 65 Minutes | 90 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade C | English | 40 Minutes | 55 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade D | Hindi | 55 Minutes | 75 Minutes |
SSC Stenographer Skill Test Requirements 2026
Mastering the Skill Test format is vital for success. Candidates will transcribe dictated passages in either English or Hindi. Use the table below to understand the key testing parameters and focus areas for your practice.
| SSC Stenographer Syllabus for Skill Test | |
| Tier | Syllabus |
| Syllabus Tier 2 |
|
Qualifying Criteria for the SSC Stenographer Skill Test
To qualify for the shorthand test, candidates must first meet the minimum cut-off marks prescribed by the SSC in the Computer-Based Examination.
- The minimum qualifying marks vary for Grade C and Grade D posts. Candidates scoring higher in the CBT may be shortlisted for both Grade C and Grade D Skill Tests, which comprise Tier II of the selection process.
- Only those who clear the written exam will be eligible to appear for the shorthand skill test, which is qualifying in nature.
- The final merit list will be based solely on the marks obtained in the written test.
The following section outlines the specific qualifying standards for both Grade C and Grade D positions.
| Category | Permissible Mistake out of total words | |
|---|---|---|
| Grade C | Grade D | |
| General | 5% | 7% |
| OBC/SC/ST/Ex-servicemen | 5% | 10% |
Recommended Books for SSC Stenographer 2026
Boost your preparation with our curated list of recommended books for the SSC Stenographer examination, organized by subject for your convenience.
| SSC Stenographer Book List 2026 | ||
| Subject | Books | Author |
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| Plinth to Paramount | Neetu Singh | |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
| GK | General Knowledge (GK) |
Lucent Publication
|
| NCERT Books |
From Class 6th to 12th
|
|
| Current Affairs |
Monthly Magazine & Newspaper
|
|
| Reasoning | A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal, Non-Verbal and Analytical |
B.S Sijwali, Indu Sijwali
|
| Verbal & Nonverbal Reasoning | R.S Aggarwal | |
| Analytical Reasoning | M. K Pandey | |
Effective Preparation Tips for SSC Stenographer 2026
To excel in the 2026 exam, follow these proven preparation strategies. We have highlighted key habits and study methods to integrate into your daily routine for optimal results.
- Study the Official Syllabus: Review the official syllabus and concentrate on key topics.
- Plan Your Schedule: Develop a study schedule with realistic deadlines for each subject.
- Use Trusted Material: Utilise official SSC materials and recommended books for your preparation.
- Practice Tests daily: Work through previous papers and take mock tests to enhance time management skills.
- Work on Weak Areas: Identify your weak points and allocate more time to improve them.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs, especially in General Awareness.
- Manage Time Well: Practice effective time management and focus on sections with higher marks.
- Revise Regularly: Consistently review topics to aid retention.
- Be Consistent: Adhere to your study plan diligently.
- Get Guidance: Seek assistance from teachers or mentors if needed.
- Stay Informed: Monitor SSC notifications for any updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What subjects are covered in the SSC Stenographer Syllabus?
The 2026 syllabus comprises three main sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension, followed by a mandatory Shorthand Skill Test.
Is there negative marking in the SSC Stenographer examination?
Yes, a penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for every incorrect response in the CBT.
How many questions appear in the SSC Stenographer CBT?
The SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Examination consists of 200 objective-type questions.
What is the total maximum mark for the SSC Stenographer exam?
The SSC Stenographer examination is conducted for a total of 200 marks.
Is the SSC Stenographer Skill Test qualifying in nature?
Yes, the Skill Test is mandatory but is assessed on a qualifying basis only.
What is the selection process for SSC Stenographer 2026?
The selection process involves two main phases: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and a Shorthand Skill Test. No interview round is conducted for this post.
What is the duration of the SSC Stenographer CBT?
Candidates are allotted a total of 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the Computer-Based Test.
Does the Skill Test affect the final merit list?
The Skill Test is strictly qualifying. The final merit list is compiled based exclusively on the performance in the Computer-Based Test.