The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for Stenographer Grade ‘C’ (Group ‘B’, Non-Gazetted) and Grade ‘D’ (Group ‘C’) posts for the 2026-27 cycle. With approximately 731 tentative vacancies across various Central Government Ministries and Departments, this is a prime opportunity for 12th-pass candidates with stenography skills.
This year’s notification brings a major change in the exam pattern (Sectional Timing), making it crucial for aspirants to understand the new rules before starting their preparation.
SSC Stenographer 2026: Recruitment Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Posts | Stenographer Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ |
| Total Vacancies | 731 (Tentative) |
| Application Dates | April 24, 2026, to May 15, 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | 12th Pass (Intermediate) |
| Selection Process | Computer Based Exam (CBE) + Skill Test |
| Exam Date (CBE) | July – August 2026 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates & Deadlines
- Notification Release: April 24, 2026
- Online Application Start: April 24, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: May 15, 2026 (11:00 PM)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: May 16, 2026 (11:00 PM)
- Application Correction Window: May 20 – May 21, 2026
- Computer Based Exam (CBE): July – August 2026
Salary Structure: Grade ‘C’ vs Grade ‘D’ (7th Pay Commission)
One of the biggest attractions of this job is the stable and high salary package.
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand Salary (2026) |
| Grade ‘C’ | Level 6 / 7 | ₹35,400 – ₹44,900 | ₹52,000 – ₹65,000 |
| Grade ‘D’ | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹38,000 – ₹46,000 |
Allowances & Perks:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised twice a year (currently approx. 54-58% expected by 2026).
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 9% to 27% based on city category (X, Y, Z).
- Transport Allowance (TA): Fixed amount based on city and grade.
- Other Benefits: CGHS (Medical), CGEGIS (Insurance), and NPS (Pension).
Eligibility Criteria (As of August 1, 2026)
1. Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized Board or University as of 01.08.2026.
- Mandatory Skill: Proficiency in Stenography (Shorthand) is required for the second stage of the selection process.
2. Age Limit
- Grade ‘C’: 18 to 30 years (Born between 02.08.1996 and 01.08.2008).
- Grade ‘D’: 18 to 27 years (Born between 02.08.1999 and 01.08.2008).
- Age relaxation applies for SC/ST (5 yrs), OBC (3 yrs), and PwBD (10-15 yrs).
NEW: Revised Exam Pattern (Sectional Timing)
IMPORTANT: For the first time, SSC has introduced Sectional Timing in the Stenographer CBE. You can no longer switch between subjects at will.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Sectional Timer |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 Minutes |
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
- Normalization: Marks will be normalized across multiple shifts for final merit.
Syllabus Highlights
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Similarities, Space Visualization, Analysis, Judgment, Visual Memory, Coding-Decoding.
- General Awareness: Current Affairs (Last 8-10 months), History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Polity, and Scientific Research.
- English Language: Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms, Cloze Test, and Reading Comprehension.
Phase 2: Skill Test in Stenography
Candidates who clear the CBE cutoff will be called for the Skill Test. This test is Qualifying in nature.
- Dictation: 10 minutes at the speed of 100 w.p.m. for Grade ‘C’ and 80 w.p.m. for Grade ‘D’.
- Transcription Time (on Computer):
- Grade ‘D’: 50 min (English) / 65 min (Hindi)
- Grade ‘C’: 40 min (English) / 55 min (Hindi)
How to Apply Online at ssc.gov.in
- Registration: Visit ssc.gov.in and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Live Photo: Use the SSC official app or portal to capture a live photograph. Ensure clear background and no specs/caps.
- Apply: Login and click “Stenographer Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Exam 2026” under the Latest Notifications.
- Fee Payment: Pay ₹100/- via Net Banking, Visa, Mastercard, or RuPay. (SC/ST/Women/PwBD are Exempt).
- Print: Save your application receipt for the exam hall entry.
Quick Links
| Document/Action | Link |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Apply Online Link | Click Here |
| OTR Registration Guide | Read More |
| Free Mock Test 2026 | Start Now |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the biggest change in SSC Steno 2026?
The introduction of Sectional Timing (30/30/60 mins) is the major update this year.
Q2: Can I apply if I don’t know Shorthand yet?
Yes, but you must learn it and be proficient before the Skill Test (approx. 4-6 months after the written exam).
Q3: What is the negative marking?
It is 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
Q4: Is the live photo mandatory?
Yes, uploaded studio photos are no longer allowed; a live photo through the SSC portal/app is required.