SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2026: 731 Vacancies, Apply Online

The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the notification for Stenographer Grade ‘C’ (Group B, Non-Gazetted) and Grade ‘D’ (Group C) Examination 2026. A total of 731 vacancies are available across various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organizations including CBIC, CBDT, DoPT, and Border Roads Organization. Candidates with 12th pass qualification and stenography skills can apply online from April 24 to May 15, 2026 on ssc.gov.in. The Computer Based Examination will be held in July-August 2026 followed by a mandatory Skill Test in stenography at 100 wpm (Grade C) or 80 wpm (Grade D).

Based on official SSC notification F. No.: E/13/2026-C-2 SECTION dated April 24, 2026. Verified: April 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

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Important Dates

Vacancy and Category Analysis

Approximately 731 tentative vacancies have been announced. Category-wise breakdown (UR/SC/ST/OBC/EWS) and post-wise distribution are not yet released. The Commission is in the process of collecting final vacancy numbers from User Departments (CBIC, CBDT, DoPT, BRO). Updated vacancies will be made available on ssc.gov.in under “For Candidates > Tentative Vacancy”. For Border Roads Organization (BRO), only male candidates are eligible for Stenographer Grade ‘D’ posts. Ex-Servicemen (ESM) vacancies are reserved only for Group ‘C’ (Stenographer Grade D) posts — not for Grade C. PwBD candidates should note that different disability categories are suitable for Grade C vs Grade D as per DoEPD notification. The Commission does not collect state-wise or zone-wise vacancies.

Salary and In-Hand Calculation

Application Fee

Payment modes: BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa/Mastercard/Maestro/RuPay Debit cards only. Fee once paid is non-refundable.

Age Limit (as on August 1, 2026)

Age Relaxation (beyond upper age limit): SC/ST: 5 years | OBC: 3 years | PwBD (UR/EWS): 10 years | PwBD (OBC): 13 years | PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years | ESM: 3 years after military service deduction | Central Govt Civilian employees (3+ years service): up to 40 years (45 for SC/ST). For Grade D only: Widows/divorced women: up to 35 years (40 for SC/ST).

Example calculation: A General category candidate born on August 15, 1997 is 28 years 11 months on Aug 1, 2026 — eligible for Grade C (max 30) but NOT for Grade D (max 27).

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification (as on August 1, 2026): Must have passed 12th standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) degrees are accepted only if approved by Distance Education Bureau, UGC for the relevant period. Engineering/medical degrees via ODL are NOT permitted except IGNOU B.Tech for enrollments up to 2009-10 per Supreme Court order.

Nationality: Citizen of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or PIO migrant from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with permanent settlement intent and eligibility certificate from Government of India.

Final year candidates: Result must be declared on or before August 1, 2026. Mere processing of result is not sufficient. Documentary proof of passing required at document verification.

Selection Process

Stage 1: Computer Based Examination (CBE)

Objective type, 200 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours duration. Three parts with sectional timers: Part I (General Intelligence & Reasoning) 50 questions/50 marks — 30 minutes; Part II (General Awareness) 50 questions/50 marks — 30 minutes; Part III (English Language & Comprehension) 100 questions/100 marks — 60 minutes. Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Question paper in both English & Hindi.

Stage 2: Skill Test (Stenography) — Mandatory but Qualifying

One dictation for 10 minutes. Transcription on computer. Candidates opting Hindi stenography must learn English stenography after appointment (and vice versa) — probation may not be cleared otherwise.

Your first 7 days after notification:

1. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on ssc.gov.in — new OTR required even if you had old one on ssc.nic.in
2. Decide between Grade C, Grade D, or both — select carefully in application
3. Choose your Skill Test language (English or Hindi) — this cannot be changed later
4. For PwBD candidates: Determine if you need scribe — upload disability certificate Annexure-I/IA now
5. Prepare Aadhaar for optional authentication (avoids photo/signature rejection risk)
6. Check BRO physical standards if applying for BRO posts (height 152-162.5cm based on region, chest 75-76cm unexpanded + 5cm expansion)
7. Keep 12th marksheet and certificate ready for roll number, board name, passing year entry

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Exam Syllabus

Exam Pattern — Computer Based Examination

Syllabus by Subject

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Verbal and non-verbal type: analogies, similarities/differences, space visualization, problem solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, discriminating observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal/figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series, abstract ideas and symbols.

General Awareness

General awareness of environment and application to society. Current events, everyday observation and experience in scientific aspects. India and neighboring countries: Sports, History, Culture, Geography, Economic scene, General Polity including Indian Constitution, Scientific Research. No special study of any discipline required.

English Language & Comprehension

Understanding of English Language: vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, correct usage, and writing ability.

Note for VH candidates (40%+ visual disability): No Maps/Graphs/Diagrams/Statistical Data in General Intelligence & Reasoning or General Awareness papers.

How to Apply

Online applications only at ssc.gov.in or through “my SSC” mobile app (Google Play Store).

1. Visit ssc.gov.in and click “Login or Register” → One Time Registration (OTR)
2. Enter personal details: Name, Father/Mother name exactly as per 10th certificate, Date of Birth
3. Provide 10th class details: Board name, Roll number, Year of passing
4. Verify mobile number and email via OTP — Registration Number generated
5. Login with Registration Number and password → Complete Additional Details (category, nationality, visible identification mark, permanent address)
6. Click “Final Submit” → Enter OTP from mobile/email → Accept declaration
7. Go to “Live Exam” tab → “Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026” → Click “Apply”
8. Capture live photograph (webcam or mobile app via QR code) — NO pre-existing photo allowed
9. Upload scanned signature (JPEG, 10-20 KB, 6cm x 2cm dimensions)
10. Select 3 exam centre preferences (anywhere in India, in priority order)
11. Choose Skill Test medium (English or Hindi) and post(s) applying for (Grade C / Grade D / Both)
12. Pay fee (₹100) if not exempted → Submit → Download application printout

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the in-hand salary for SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D?

Grade C (Group B, Non-Gazetted) estimated in-hand: ₹45,000–₹55,000 per month. Grade D (Group C) estimated in-hand: ₹35,000–₹45,000 per month. Actual pay depends on Pay Level (typical Level 6 for Grade C, Level 4 for Grade D), HRA classification of posting city, DA rates, and NPS deduction of 10% of basic+DA. Exact pay scale will be in appointment letter.

What is the last date to apply for SSC Stenographer 2026?

Online applications close on May 15, 2026 at 23:00 hours. Fee payment deadline is May 16, 2026 (23:00 hrs). The correction window opens May 20-21, 2026 with ₹200 (first correction) and ₹500 (second correction) charges.

What are total vacancies for SSC Stenographer 2026?

Approximately 731 tentative vacancies. Category-wise and post-wise breakdown not yet released. Updated vacancies will be published on ssc.gov.in under “For Candidates > Tentative Vacancy”. The Commission is still collecting final numbers from User Departments (CBIC, CBDT, DoPT, BRO).

What is the age limit for General category for Stenographer Grade D?

18 to 27 years as on August 1, 2026. Candidates born between August 2, 1999 and August 1, 2008 are eligible. For Grade C: 18 to 30 years (born August 2, 1996 to August 1, 2008). OBC gets 3 years relaxation, SC/ST gets 5 years, PwBD gets 10-15 years depending on category.

Is 12th pass required for SSC Stenographer?

Yes, 12th standard or equivalent from a recognized Board or University is the minimum educational qualification. Result must be declared on or before August 1, 2026. Open Distance Learning (ODL) 12th certificates are accepted only if the board/university has Distance Education Bureau approval.

What is the Skill Test dictation speed for SSC Stenographer Grade C?

100 words per minute for Grade C. For Grade D: 80 words per minute. One 10-minute dictation in English or Hindi (as opted in application). Transcription time: Grade C English 40 min / Hindi 55 min; Grade D English 50 min / Hindi 65 min. Candidates using scribe get additional time (55/75/70/90 minutes respectively).

Is there negative marking in SSC Stenographer CBE?

Yes. 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer. No negative marking for unattempted questions. The exam has 200 questions (200 marks) with sectional timers — Part I (30 min), Part II (30 min), Part III (60 min).

Can final year 12th students apply for SSC Stenographer 2026?

Only if the result is declared on or before the cut-off date of August 1, 2026. The result must be officially declared by the Board by that date. Mere processing of result is not sufficient. Documentary proof of passing will be required at document verification.

What documents are required for SSC Stenographer application?

Live photograph (captured during application), scanned signature (10-20 KB, 6cm x 2cm), 12th certificate details (board, roll number, passing year), category certificate (if applicable), PwBD certificate (Annexure-I/IA for scribe request), Aadhaar (optional but recommended). For document verification later: original 10th and 12th certificates, caste certificate, disability certificate, ID proof.

What are the physical standards for BRO Stenographer posts?

Only male candidates eligible for BRO Grade D posts. Height requirements vary by region: Western Himalaya 158cm, Eastern Himalaya 152cm, West Plain 162.5cm, other regions 157cm. Gorkhas minimum 152cm. Chest: minimum 75-76cm unexpanded with 5cm expansion. Weight: 47.5-50kg by region. One mile run mandatory in 10 minutes. Physical Efficiency Test held at GREF Centre, Pune after selection.