SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern | Download Syllabus PDF

The Staff Selection Commission recruits candidates for Stenographer Grade C and D positions through a two-stage process: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and a mandatory Skill Test. To excel in the CBT, candidates must align their study plan with the official SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026. Understanding key topics is essential for effective preparation. The exam evaluates candidates across 200 questions covering General Awareness, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and English Language & Comprehension. 

SSC Stenographer Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

For the SSC Stenographer 2026 cycle, the Commission aims to fill 731 vacancies for Grade C and D posts. Achieving a high score requires a deep dive into the latest syllabus, marking scheme, and exam pattern to ensure comprehensive preparation. 

SSC Stenographer Syllabus & Exam Pattern- Highlights
Organization	Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Exam Name	SSC Stenographer 2026
Posts	Grade C & D Stenographers
Exam Level	National
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test
SSC Stenographer Exam Date 2026	July/August 2026
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Number of Questions	200
Negative Marking	0.25
Minimum Qualifying Marks	UR: 30%, OBC/EWS: 25%, All Other Categories: 20%
Selection Process	Computer-based test and skill test
Official website	www.ssc.gov.in

SSC Stenographer Selection Process 2026

The selection process for SSC Stenographer Grade C and D comprises a 200-mark Computer-Based Test followed by a qualifying Skill Test. Only those who meet the cutoff for the CBT are invited to appear for the Skill Test. Final appointment is strictly based on merit across both stages of the examination. 

Stages	Qualifying Nature
Computer-Based Test (CBT)	Scoring
Skill Test	Qualifying

SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026

The SSC Steno syllabus is divided into General Awareness (GK), General Intelligence & Reasoning, and English Language & Comprehension. By mastering subject-wise topics, candidates can optimize their study time and build a strong conceptual foundation, making it easier to tackle diverse question formats during the exam. 

SSC Stenographer General Awareness Syllabus

To conquer the General Awareness section of the SSC Stenographer Exam 2026, candidates should prioritize topics like Indian History, Geography, Static GK, the Indian Constitution, and current national and international events. 

1. Static Awareness
2. Current Affairs
3. Science & Technology
4. History
5. Culture
6. Geography
7. Economic scene
8. General polity
9. Scientific research
10. Indian constitution
11. Sports

SSC Stenographer English Language & Comprehension Syllabus

The English Language section tests proficiency through core grammatical concepts. Key areas to focus on include vocabulary (synonyms & antonyms), idiom meanings, sentence structure, error spotting, and reading comprehension. 

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Synonyms & Antonyms
3. Fill in the Blanks
4. Spellings
5. Phrases & Idiom Meaning
6. Active & Passive Voice
7. Direct & Indirect Speech
8. Para Jumble & Sentence Jumble
9. Phrase Replacement/ Sentence Correction
10. Error Spotting

SSC Stenographer General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus

The Reasoning section is often the most demanding and requires consistent practice. Candidates should focus on high-yield topics such as coding-decoding, verbal reasoning, analogy, visual memory, blood relations, and logical series to boost speed and accuracy.
Analogy

1. Similarities & Differences
2. Space Visualization
3. Problem-Solving
4. Analysis, Judgement
5. Decision Making
6. Visual Memory
7. Discriminating Observation
8. Coding-Decoding
9. Puzzle
10. Venn Diagram
11. Direction & Distance
12. Blood Relation
13. Order & Ranking
14. Number Series
15. Verbal Reasoning
16. Non-Verbal Reasoning

SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern 2026

Familiarity with the marking scheme, question distribution, and time constraints is vital for creating a high-impact study schedule for the SSC Stenographer Exam 2026. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the CBT and Skill Test structure. 

SSC Stenographer CBT Exam Pattern

The Computer-Based Test carries a maximum of 200 marks. The question paper is provided in both Hindi and English, except for the English Language & Comprehension section. Reviewing the full exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. 

• +1 will be given for every correct answer.
• 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
• There will be a sectional timing for each part.

SSC Stenographer CBT Exam Pattern 2026
Subjects	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
General Awareness	50	50	30 minutes
General Intelligence & Reasoning	50	50	30 minutes
English Language & Comprehension	100	100	60 minutes
Total	200	200	120 minutes (2 hours)

SSC Stenographer CBE Minimum Qualifying Marks

The official notification specifies the following minimum qualifying criteria for the SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Examination: 

(i) UR: 30%
(ii) OBC/EWS: 25%
(iii) All Other Categories: 20%

SSC Stenographer Skill Test 2026

Candidates who successfully clear the CBT are shortlisted for the Skill Test in Stenography, which consists of a dictation and transcription exercise. Please review the specific requirements for this stage below.

Dictation

In the dictation test, candidates must demonstrate speed and accuracy. For Stenographer Grade C, the dictation speed is 100 words per minute for 10 minutes. Detailed requirements for Stenographer Grade D are provided in the table below. 

Grades	Speed	Duration
Stenographer ‘C’	100 w.p.m	10 minutes
Stenographer ‘D’	80 w.p.m	10 minutes

SSC Stenographer Transcription

For the transcription phase, candidates must accurately type the dictated matter onto a computer within the time limits prescribed by the Commission.

Posts	Language of Skill Test	Time Duration	Time Duration (in minutes) for the candidates who are allowed to use a scribe
Stenographer ‘C’	Hindi	55 minutes	75 minutes
	English	40 minutes	55 minutes
Stenographer ‘D’	Hindi	65 minutes	90 minutes
	English	50 minutes	70 minutes