Punjab and Haryana High Court Steno Typist Recruitment 2026 – Overview

If you have been preparing for a prestigious government job in the legal sector, this is one opportunity you simply cannot afford to miss. The High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh has officially released Employment Notice No. 01/ST/HC/2026 dated 17 February 2026, inviting online applications for the post of Steno Typist. A total of 25 vacancies are on offer — 17 direct posts and 8 departmental posts.

Working under one of India’s most respected constitutional courts is not just a job — it is a long-term career with job security, regular pay revisions, and the dignity of serving in the judicial system. The pay and allowances are governed by Punjab Government rules as adopted by the High Court, ensuring competitive remuneration aligned with the latest pay commission revisions.

Candidates with a graduation degree and proficiency in English Shorthand and computer skills are eligible. The application window is open from 17 February 2026 to 10 March 2026. Read every section carefully before applying — this guide on jobsarkariupdate covers everything you need to know.

Organisation and Recruitment Details

Below is a quick snapshot of this recruitment. Go through it to confirm you are applying for the right post and the right category.

This recruitment is conducted directly by the High Court, which means the selection process is transparent and merit-based. Both direct and departmental candidates need to read separate eligibility conditions, especially for age limits and categories.

Important Dates

Mark these dates in your calendar right now. Missing the application deadline means waiting for the next recruitment cycle, which may not come for months or even years.

Application Fee

The application fee must be paid online at the time of form submission. It is non-refundable under all circumstances, so double-check your eligibility before paying. Additionally, online transaction charges will be levied separately by the payment gateway.

Payment Mode: Online only — Internet banking, debit card, or credit card. There is no offline or challan-based payment option. A common mistake candidates make is selecting the wrong category at the time of payment. Since fee is non-refundable and category cannot be changed after submission, verify your category before clicking Pay.

Age Limit

Age eligibility is calculated as on the last date of application, i.e., 10 March 2026. Make sure your birth date falls within the applicable range before applying.

Age Criteria for Direct Posts

Age Criteria for Departmental Posts

Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first and most important step. The High Court can reject any application at any stage if eligibility is found to be lacking, even after selection. So verify your qualifications thoroughly.

A very common mistake candidates make is assuming that holding a professional degree (like B.Com or B.Tech) automatically qualifies them. Only BA, BSc, or equivalent degrees are mentioned in the notice. If you hold a different degree, verify equivalence with a recognised university before applying. All eligibility conditions must be fulfilled as on 10 March 2026.

Vacancy Details

A total of 25 posts are available under this recruitment. The category-wise breakup is provided below. Please note that the number of vacancies may change at the time of preparation of the merit list depending on actual requirements.

With only 17 direct vacancies, competition will naturally be very high. Thousands of graduates apply for High Court jobs across the region. This makes thorough preparation for the Shorthand and Transcription Test absolutely essential. Do not underestimate the Spreadsheets qualifying test either — failing it disqualifies you regardless of your shorthand performance.

Selection Process

The selection for Steno Typist posts at the Punjab and Haryana High Court is based purely on a skill-based test. There is no written examination covering general knowledge or reasoning. The entire test evaluates your speed, accuracy, and computer proficiency.

Word Processing / Transcription Test

This is the primary test and the main basis for merit ranking. Candidates will be given a shorthand dictation in English at 80 words per minute (wpm) for a duration of 5 minutes. They must then transcribe the dictated content on a computer at a speed of 20 wpm. A candidate who commits more than 4% mistakes will be considered to have failed this test. The final merit list is prepared category-wise based on performance in this test.

Spreadsheets Test

This is a qualifying test carrying 10 marks with a duration of 10 minutes. Candidates must score at least 40% (4 or more marks) to qualify. Marks from this test are not counted in the final merit — it is simply a pass/fail requirement.

Testimonials Checking (Document Verification)

Shortlisted candidates will be called for verification of original documents. A call for testimonials checking does not guarantee selection — it simply means you are provisionally in the running. The High Court reserves the right to decide how many candidates are called at this stage.

Preparation Tips for the Test

Practice English shorthand dictation daily at 80 wpm to build speed and accuracy. Focus on reducing errors — even a 4.1% mistake rate means disqualification. For the Spreadsheets test, practise basic Excel/Calc functions: SUM, AVERAGE, filters, and cell formatting. Use a stopwatch while practising to simulate real exam pressure. Many coaching institutes in Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Ludhiana specifically prepare students for High Court steno tests.

Salary and Pay Scale

The pay and allowances of selected Steno Typist candidates will be governed by the latest rules issued by the Government of Punjab as adopted by the High Court. While a specific pay matrix level was not mentioned in the notification, Steno Typist posts in Punjab High Court establishments generally fall in a competitive pay band.

For the exact current pay matrix level and in-hand salary, candidates are advised to check the latest Punjab Government pay scales applicable to Steno Typist posts. The combined effect of DA, HRA, and other allowances typically results in a comfortable in-hand salary for a government employee in the High Court establishment. Additionally, the prestige and job security of working in a constitutional court adds significant non-monetary value to this role.

How to Apply for Punjab Haryana High Court Steno Typist 2026

The entire application process is online. There is no offline or postal route. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is submitted without errors.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1 – Prepare Your Documents and Details: Before opening the form, keep the following ready: personal details (name, father’s name, DOB, address), valid and active email ID, active mobile number, online payment facility (debit/credit card or internet banking), scanned passport-size photograph (not older than 30 days, white background), and scanned signature.

Step 2 – Visit the High Court Website: Go to the official website of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh. Navigate to the recruitment section and find the Steno Typist 2026 notification link.

Step 3 – Register and Fill the Application Form: Complete the online registration by entering your personal, educational, and category details. Fill in all fields accurately. Once submitted, no changes can be made. Select your category with extra care — it cannot be changed later.

Step 4 – Upload Photo and Signature: Upload a clear, recent passport-size photograph (within 30 days) against a white background. Upload your signature as well. Applications without a valid photo or signature will be rejected outright.

Step 5 – Pay the Application Fee: Pay the applicable fee online. Transaction charges apply over and above the fee amount. Re-check your category before completing payment since the fee is non-refundable.

Step 6 – Submit and Save the Confirmation: After successful submission, save or print at least 5 copies of the application form and keep them safe. These will be needed during testimonials checking and at other stages of the recruitment process.

Application Checklist

Helpline Numbers: For technical queries related to form filling, call 8100091298 on working days between 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM. For general queries about terms and conditions, call 0172-2717605 on working days between 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips for Punjab Haryana High Court Steno Typist 2026

Here are some practical, experience-based tips to help you apply correctly and maximise your chances of selection:

1. Apply in the First Few Days: The application portal opens on 17 February 2026. Apply within the first 3–5 days. This avoids last-minute technical glitches and server congestion that commonly occur near the deadline.

2. Get Your Documents Scanned and Ready in Advance: Photograph, signature, degree certificate, caste/category certificate — have all of these scanned, sized correctly, and saved on your device before starting the form. Trying to arrange these mid-application often leads to mistakes.

3. Practice Shorthand at the Target Speed: The dictation test is at 80 wpm in English. If your current speed is lower, practise at 90–100 wpm so that 80 wpm feels comfortable on exam day. Error control is equally important — stay under 4% at all costs.

4. Do Not Neglect the Spreadsheets Test: Many candidates focus entirely on shorthand and ignore Excel. The Spreadsheets test is qualifying — failing it will cost you the entire effort, regardless of your transcription score. Dedicate at least 15–20 minutes of daily practice to basic spreadsheet tasks.

5. Keep Printed Copies of Your Application Form: The notice specifically asks you to retain at least 5 printed copies. Keep them in a safe place along with your uploaded photograph. These will be needed at testimonials and other stages.

6. Monitor Your Email and the High Court Website Regularly: All updates — admit card, exam date, results — will be communicated via the official website and your registered email. Check both inbox and spam folder regularly. Missing a notification can result in missing the entire test.

7. Do Not Share Your Mobile Number or Email with Strangers: The notice explicitly warns against this. Fraudsters sometimes operate around government job portals. Use your own personal contact details and protect them carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for Punjab Haryana High Court Steno Typist 2026?

The last date and time for online registration is 10 March 2026 at 11:59 PM. No applications will be accepted after this deadline under any circumstances.

Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in this recruitment?

There are a total of 25 vacancies — 17 direct posts and 8 departmental posts for Steno Typist on the establishment of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh.

Q3. What educational qualification is required for this post?

Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) or equivalent degree from a recognised university, along with computer proficiency in Word Processing and Spreadsheets.

Q4. What is the age limit for direct post applicants?

Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years of age as on 10 March 2026 for direct posts. Relaxations apply for SC/ST/BC (3 years), PwD (10 years), and Ex-Servicemen (defence service + 3 years).

Q5. What is the application fee for General category candidates?

General category candidates and SC/ST/BC candidates from outside Punjab, Haryana, and UT Chandigarh must pay a fee of ₹1,000/-. Additional transaction charges apply.

Q6. Is the application fee refundable?

No. The application fee is completely non-refundable once paid. Ensure all details are correct before completing the fee payment.

Q7. What is the selection process for this recruitment?

Selection is based on a Word Processing/Transcription Test (shorthand at 80 wpm dictation, transcription at 20 wpm on computer) and a qualifying Spreadsheets Test (10 marks, 40% pass marks). A final merit list is prepared based on the transcription test.

Q8. Can I make corrections in my application form after submission?

No. Once submitted, no changes are allowed in any field of the application form, including category. Fill in every detail carefully before submitting.

Q9. How will I receive my admit card?

E-Admit cards will be available for download on the official High Court website. Candidates will also receive an SMS or Email notification. Admit cards will not be sent by post. The exam date will be announced separately on the website.

Q10. Can SC/ST/BC candidates from other states claim fee concession?

No. The fee concession for SC/ST/BC is applicable only to candidates who hold a valid certificate issued by the States of Punjab, Haryana, or UT Chandigarh and who are domiciled/permanent residents there. Candidates from other states will be treated as General category.

Q11. Is there any written examination for this post?

No separate written examination covering general knowledge or reasoning is mentioned. The entire selection is based on the Steno Typist skill test — Word Processing/Transcription and Spreadsheets. Merit is prepared from transcription test performance.

Q12. Can government employees apply for this recruitment?

Yes, government employees can apply. However, they must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their Head of Department and produce it at the time of testimonials checking. Failure to submit the NOC will result in cancellation of candidature. Candidates working on contract or ad-hoc basis are not considered government employees and must apply as non-departmental candidates.