The SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 covers General Intelligence, General Awareness, and English Language. This guide details the 200-mark CBT structure, marking scheme, negative marking, mandatory shorthand dictation speeds, transcription requirements, and the selection process for Grade C and D positions.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026
The SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Examination (CBE) 2026 is scheduled for September 9–12, 2026. The selection process consists of three core stages: the Computer-Based Examination, the Stenography Skill Test, and Document Verification. While final merit is determined by your CBE score, qualifying the Skill Test is mandatory for final appointment.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus: Overview
Before exploring the detailed SSC Steno syllabus and exam pattern, review the table below for essential exam updates and key recruitment information:
| 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
The SSC Stenographer recruitment selection process follows these specific stages:
| 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) is structured into the following key subjects:
- General Awareness
- General Reasoning & Intelligence
- English Comprehension
The official examination scheme for the SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Test is outlined in the following table:
| 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 negative marking in SSC Steno Exam?
Yes, a negative marking system is in place. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks (1/4th of the total marks) will be deducted from your overall score.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 – Subject-wise
We have provided the comprehensive syllabus for General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension below. This syllabus is curated directly from the official SSC notification to ensure your preparation is accurate and aligned with exam standards.
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
SSC Stenographer Syllabus PDF
The updated SSC Stenographer Syllabus is available for all aspirants. Use the direct link below to download the complete syllabus PDF, which covers every topic and subject included in the 2026 exam.
SSC Stenographer Skill Test 2026
The SSC Stenographer Skill Test is conducted using both shorthand dictation and computer transcription methods.
- 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 of the SSC Stenographer Skill Test are detailed in the following table:
Candidates will be required to transcribe a passage dictated at specific, prescribed speeds tailored to the post grade.
- 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
After recording the shorthand notes, candidates must transcribe them onto a computer system. 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 Syllabus 2026
Mastering the Skill Test requirements is vital for success. Candidates will transcribe passages in either English or Hindi. The breakdown below highlights the key focus areas to streamline your shorthand practice.
| SSC Stenographer Syllabus for Skill Test | |
| Tier | Syllabus |
| Syllabus Tier 2 |
|
Qualifying Criteria For SSC Stenographer Skill Test
To appear for the shorthand skill test, candidates must first secure the minimum qualifying cut-off marks established by the SSC for 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 criteria outline the mandatory requirements for the shorthand skill test 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% |
SSC Stenographer Best Books List
Candidates preparing for the 2026 exam can refer to our recommended SSC Stenographer book list to strengthen their subject-wise preparation.
| 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 | |
SSC Stenographer Preparation Tips 2026
Optimize your performance with these expert preparation tips. Implementing these strategies into your daily study schedule will help you cover the entire curriculum effectively.
- 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.
FAQs
The SSC Stenographer 2026 syllabus includes three main segments: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension. Additionally, candidates must successfully qualify for the Shorthand Skill Test.
Yes, a penalty of 0.25 marks applies to every incorrect response in the CBT.
The SSC Stenographer examination consists of a total of 200 objective-type questions.
The SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Examination is conducted for a total of 200 marks.
Yes, the SSC Stenographer Skill Test is mandatory but is purely qualifying in nature.
The selection process consists of two primary stages: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and a Shorthand Skill Test. There is no interview phase for these posts.
Candidates are allotted a total duration of 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the Computer-Based Test.
Yes, the Skill Test is qualifying. The final merit list is compiled exclusively based on the marks obtained in the Computer-Based Test.