Important Notice: Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D Recruitment 2026. A total of 731 vacancies are available across Central Government ministries and departments. Candidates who have passed Class 12th are eligible. Online registration closes on 15 May 2026.
SSC Stenographer 2026 – Overview
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Post Names | Stenographer Grade C | Stenographer Grade D |
| Total Vacancies | 731 Posts |
| Job Type | Central Government (Group B Non-Gazetted / Group C) |
| Application Mode | Online (One-Time Registration) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Notification Released | 24 April 2026 |
| Application Start | 24 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15 May 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 16 May 2026 |
| Correction Window | 20–21 May 2026 |
| CBT Exam (Tentative) | July / August 2026 |
| Skill Test (Stenography) | After CBT – as per schedule |
Age Limit (as of 01 August 2026)
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Grade D – Maximum Age | 27 Years |
| Grade C – Maximum Age | 30 Years |
| OBC Relaxation | +3 Years |
| SC / ST Relaxation | +5 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per SSC rules |
Educational Qualification
- Passed 10+2 (Class 12th) or equivalent from any recognized Board in India
- Both Grade C and Grade D require the same academic eligibility
- A stenography skill test is conducted as part of the selection process
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100 |
| SC / ST | Nil (Exempt) |
| All Female Candidates | Nil (Exempt) |
| Form Correction (1st time) | Rs. 200 |
| Form Correction (2nd time) | Rs. 500 |
Exam Pattern – Computer Based Test (CBT)
| # | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|
| 1 | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| 2 | General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| 3 | English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Duration: 2 Hours | Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
Skill Test – Stenography Speed Requirements
| Post | Language | Dictation Time | Transcription Time |
|---|
| Grade D | English | 10 min @ 80 wpm | 50 min |
| Hindi | 10 min @ 80 wpm | 65 min |
| Grade C | English | 10 min @ 100 wpm | 40 min |
| Hindi | 10 min @ 100 wpm | 55 min |
Selection Process
- Computer Based Test (CBT) – 200 marks, 2 hours, objective type
- Stenography Skill Test – Dictation at 80/100 wpm, transcription on computer
- Document Verification – Shortlisted candidates verify originals
- Final Merit List – Based on CBT score (skill test is qualifying only)
How to Apply Online
- Visit the SSC portal: ssc.gov.in
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done (live webcam photo required)
- Log in and select the Stenographer Grade C & D 2026 notification
- Fill in the application form with personal and academic details
- Choose exam center preferences
- Pay Rs. 100 fee (if applicable) and submit by 15 May 2026
Grade C vs Grade D – Which Should You Apply For?
| Factor | Grade D | Grade C |
|---|
| Pay Level | Level 4 (Rs. 25,500+) | Level 6 (Rs. 35,400+) |
| Age Limit | Up to 27 years | Up to 30 years |
| Steno Speed | 80 wpm | 100 wpm |
| Competition | Higher (more vacancies) | Lower (higher skill bar) |
| Best For | Freshers with basic steno skills | Experienced steno candidates |
Pro Tip: SSC Stenographer is one of the few Central Government exams where Class 12th qualification is enough. If you have shorthand skills at 100 wpm, target Grade C — higher pay (Level 6), less competition due to speed requirement. Grade D (80 wpm) has more seats and is perfect for freshers. The skill test is only qualifying — your CBT score determines the final merit, so focus preparation on English (100 marks in CBT).