SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Examination — Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts an open competitive examination for the recruitment of Stenographer Grade 'C' (Group 'B', Non-Gazetted) and Stenographer Grade 'D' (Group 'C') posts in various ministries and departments of the Government of India. This exam is a significant opportunity for candidates with 12th standard education and stenography skills. The selection process involves a Computer-Based Examination to test general aptitude, followed by a mandatory Skill Test in Stenography which is qualifying in nature.
📌 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, to permanently settle here.
Age Limit
The age limits differ for the two grades:
- Stenographer Grade C: 18 to 30 years
- Stenographer Grade D: 18 to 27 years
Age relaxation is available for reserved categories (OBC, SC/ST, PwBD) as per government rules.
Educational Qualification
A candidate must have passed the 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. Candidates must also possess the required stenography skills.
✍️ Exam Syllabus & Pattern
Computer-Based Examination
This is an objective-type test that is the primary stage for merit calculation.
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours |
| II | General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| III | English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Syllabus for Computer-Based Exam
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics like analogy, classification, series, spatial visualization, problem-solving, and judgment.
- General Awareness: Covers current events, history, geography, culture, economic scene, general policy, and scientific research.
- English Language & Comprehension: This section has the highest weightage and tests vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, and reading comprehension.
Skill Test in Stenography
Candidates who qualify the computer-based exam must appear for the Skill Test, which is qualifying in nature. Candidates are given a dictation for 10 minutes in English or Hindi (as opted by them), which they must then transcribe on a computer.
- Dictation Speed:
- Stenographer Grade C: 100 words per minute (w.p.m.)
- Stenographer Grade D: 80 words per minute (w.p.m.)
- Transcription Time:
- Grade C: 40 minutes (English) / 55 minutes (Hindi)
- Grade D: 50 minutes (English) / 65 minutes (Hindi)
👉 Note
- The final merit list is prepared based on the marks scored by candidates in the Computer-Based Examination only, provided they have successfully qualified the Skill Test.
- For full official syllabus & eligibility, refer to SSC official notification.
☞ Tip for Aspirants: Always refer to the latest official notification for syllabus and eligibility details as they may change year to year.