🔥 At a Glance: SSC Stenographer Grade C & D 2026
- Total Vacancies: Approx. 731 (Tentative, More Expected)
- Posts: Stenographer Grade 'C' (Group B) & Grade 'D' (Group C)
- Qualification: 12th Pass (Higher Secondary) from a Recognized Board
- Age Limit: Grade C: 18–30 Yrs | Grade D: 18–27 Yrs (as on 01.08.2026)
- Last Date to Apply: 15 May 2026 (11:00 PM)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 16 May 2026 (11:00 PM)
- Jump to Direct Apply Link ↓
SSC Stenographer Grade C & D 2026 Recruitment Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for the Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination, 2026 on 24th April 2026. This is a golden opportunity for candidates who have completed their 12th standard and possess stenography skills to secure a prestigious Central Government Job across various Ministries, Departments, and Organizations of the Government of India.
The examination will be conducted as an Open Competitive Computer Based Examination for direct recruitment to the posts of Stenographer Grade 'C' (Group 'B', Non-Gazetted) and Stenographer Grade 'D' (Group 'C'). Candidates with skills in stenography are eligible to apply. Below you will find complete, verified details from the official notification.
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination, 2026 |
| Post Name | Stenographer Grade 'C' (Group B, Non-Gazetted) & Stenographer Grade 'D' (Group C) |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 731 (Tentative – Final Vacancies to be Updated on ssc.gov.in) |
| Job Location | All Over India (All India Service Liability – AISL) |
| Apply Mode | Online (via OTR on ssc.gov.in or mSSC App) |
| Notification No. | F. No.: E/13/2026-C-2 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
📅 SSC Steno 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 24 April 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15 May 2026 (23:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 16 May 2026 (23:00 Hrs) |
| Window for Application Form Correction | 20 May 2026 to 21 May 2026 (23:00 Hrs) |
| Computer Based Examination (CBE) | July – August 2026 |
| Admit Card Available | Approx. 10 Days Before Exam Date (on ssc.gov.in) |
| Toll-Free Helpline | 1800 309 3063 (Toll Free) |
🏢 SSC Steno 2026 Vacancy Details
As per the official notification, there are approximately 731 tentative vacancies. However, the Commission is in the process of collecting final vacancies. Updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be published on the official website at ssc.gov.in > For Candidates > Tentative Vacancy.
| Post Name | Group | Nature | Approx. Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade 'C' | Group B | Non-Gazetted | ~731 (Combined, Tentative) |
| Stenographer Grade 'D' | Group C | – |
💳 SSC Steno 2026 Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS Male Candidates: ₹ 100/-
- SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen (ESM): ₹ 0/- (Nil / Exempted)
- All Female Candidates (All Categories): ₹ 0/- (Exempted)
- Payment Mode: BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay Debit Card (Online only)
- Important: Fee once paid will NOT be refunded under any circumstances.
⏳ SSC Steno 2026 Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026)
The crucial date for age reckoning is 01 August 2026.
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Born Between (Eligible) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade 'C' | 18 Years | 30 Years | 02 Aug 1996 to 01 Aug 2008 |
| Stenographer Grade 'D' | 18 Years | 27 Years | 02 Aug 1999 to 01 Aug 2008 |
Age Relaxation (Upper Age Limit)
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD (Unreserved / EWS) | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 Years (after deducting military service from actual age) |
| Widows / Divorced Women (Not Remarried) | Up to 35 Years of Age |
| Widows / Divorced Women – SC/ST (Not Remarried) | Up to 40 Years of Age |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (3+ Yrs Regular Service) – Group C only | Up to 40 Years of Age |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees – SC/ST (3+ Yrs Regular Service) – Group C only | Up to 45 Years of Age |
🎓 SSC Steno 2026 Eligibility / Educational Qualification
As per the official notification, the essential educational qualification for both posts is as follows:
- Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
- This qualification must be completed on or before the cut-off date: 01 August 2026.
- Only those candidates who have skills in Stenography are eligible to apply.
- Degrees obtained through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode are recognized, provided they have approval from the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), UGC for the relevant period.
📝 SSC Steno 2026 Exam Pattern (Computer Based Examination)
The CBE consists of three parts with a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The question paper will be set in both English and Hindi (Objective Type / MCQ).
| Part | Subject | Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours (Sectional Timer: 30 min each for Part I & II; 60 min for Part III) PwBD/Scribe eligible: 2 Hrs 40 Min |
| Part II | General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Part III | English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | ||
Minimum Qualifying Marks in CBE
- UR (Unreserved): 30%
- OBC / EWS: 25%
- All Other Categories (SC, ST, PwBD, ESM etc.): 20%
Tie-Breaking Rules
In case of equal marks in CBE, ties are resolved by: (1) Marks in Part III (English), (2) Marks in Part II (General Awareness), (3) Date of Birth (older candidate ranked higher), (4) Alphabetical order of names.
📖 SSC Steno 2026 Exam Syllabus (Indicative)
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, Similarities & Differences, Space Visualization, Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Verbal & Figure Classification, Non-Verbal Series, Abstract Ideas & Symbols, Arithmetical Computations. |
| General Awareness | Current Events, Sports, History, Culture, Geography, Indian Economy, General Polity, Indian Constitution, Scientific Research. Questions related to India and its neighboring countries. No special discipline study required. |
| English Language & Comprehension | Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms, Correct Usage of English, Writing Ability, Reading Comprehension. |
Note for VH Candidates (40%+ visual disability): No Maps/Graphs/Diagrams/Statistical Data in Part I & II.
🎙️ SSC Steno 2026 Skill Test (Stenography)
Candidates shortlisted in the CBE will appear for a Stenography Skill Test. A dictation will be given for 10 minutes, and the matter must be transcribed on computer.
| Post | Dictation Speed | Language | Transcription Time | Transcription Time (PwBD with Scribe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade 'D' | 80 w.p.m. | English | 50 Minutes | 70 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade 'D' | 80 w.p.m. | Hindi | 65 Minutes | 90 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade 'C' | 100 w.p.m. | English | 40 Minutes | 55 Minutes |
| Stenographer Grade 'C' | 100 w.p.m. | Hindi | 55 Minutes | 75 Minutes |
⚙️ SSC Steno 2026 Selection Process
- Stage 1 – Computer Based Examination (CBE): Objective Type MCQ exam with 200 Questions / 200 Marks. Negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer.
- Stage 2 – Skill Test in Stenography: Qualifying in nature. Transcription on computer from dictation at 100 wpm (Grade C) or 80 wpm (Grade D).
- Post Preference (Online Option Form): Candidates who qualify the Skill Test fill their Post/Department preferences online before the First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA).
- First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA): Based on CBE merit and post preferences under a sliding mechanism. Once a post is allotted, no change is permitted.
- Document Verification (DV): Conducted by respective User Departments after declaration of final result.
💻 How to Apply for SSC Steno 2026 Online Form
- Step 1: Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in. You can also use the mSSC mobile app (available on Google Play Store).
- Step 2: Complete the One Time Registration (OTR): Click on "Login or Register". Note: OTR from old website (ssc.nic.in) will NOT work on the new portal. Complete fresh OTR on ssc.gov.in.
- Step 3: Opt for Aadhaar Based Authentication during OTR for a smoother experience (photo/signature rules are relaxed for Aadhaar-authenticated candidates).
- Step 4: Log in using your new Registration Number and Password. Click "Apply" under "Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026" in the Live Exam tab.
- Step 5: Fill in your Educational Qualification details. Select your preferred Examination Centers (3 choices in order of priority).
- Step 6: Choose your Medium of CBE & Skill Test (English or Hindi) and the Post(s) you are applying for (Grade C, Grade D, or both).
- Step 7: Capture a Live Photo – You do NOT need a pre-existing photograph. The portal captures your photo live. Ensure: Good lighting, plain background, camera at eye level, no cap, mask, or spectacles/glasses.
- Step 8: Upload your scanned Signature in JPEG/JPG format (10–20 KB), dimensions approx. 6.0 cm (W) × 2.0 cm (H). Blurred signatures will be rejected.
- Step 9: Pay the application fee online (₹100 for General/OBC/EWS males; Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/ESM and all females).
- Step 10: Review the form carefully using the Preview option. Click Final Submit and take a printout. Keep it for at least 3 years.
🔖 Reservation & PwBD Eligibility
Reservation is available for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen (ESM), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per Government of India rules.
- ESM vacancies are reserved for Group C (Stenographer Grade D) only.
- Posts have been identified suitable for specific disability categories including Visual Impairment (B, LV), Hearing Impairment (D, HH), Locomotor Disabilities (OA, OL, BL, OAL, CP, LC, Dw, AAV), and others as per notification.
- PwBD candidates with less than 40% disability but with difficulty in writing can also avail scribe facility with a certificate from a competent medical authority (as per Annexure-IA of the notification).
- Compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour is granted to candidates eligible for scribe.
- Only male candidates are eligible for Stenographer Grade D vacancies in the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
📍 Examination Centers
Candidates must choose 3 Examination Centers in order of preference from all over India. No change of center will be permitted after submission under any circumstances. Key regions and sample centers include:
| Region | Key Centers |
|---|---|
| Central Region (CR) | Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, Patna, Muzaffarpur |
| Eastern Region (ER) | Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Siliguri, Gangtok |
| Karnataka Kerala Region (KKR) | Bengaluru, Mysore, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode |
| Madhya Pradesh Region (MPR) | Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Raipur, Bilaspur |
| Northern Region (NR) | Delhi, Jaipur, Dehradun, Bikaner, Udaipur |
| North Western Region (NWR) | Chandigarh, Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Shimla |
| Southern Region (SR) | Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Madurai, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam |
| Western Region (WR) | Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Surat, Nashik, Panaji |
| North Eastern Region (NER) | Guwahati, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, Kohima, Agartala |
🔗 SSC Steno 2026 Important Web Links
| Apply Online (OTR / Login) | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification (PDF) | Download PDF |
| Check Tentative Vacancy (Updated) | ssc.gov.in → For Candidates → Tentative Vacancy |
| Download mSSC Mobile App | Google Play Store |
| SSC Helpline (Toll Free) | 1800 309 3063 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
❓ SSC Steno 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for SSC Stenographer Grade C & D 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 15 May 2026 (23:00 Hrs). The last date for making the online fee payment is 16 May 2026 (23:00 Hrs).
Q2. What is the educational qualification required for SSC Steno 2026?
Ans: Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University on or before the cut-off date of 01.08.2026. Stenography skills are mandatory.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in SSC Steno 2026?
Ans: The tentative vacancy count is approximately 731. The Commission is still collecting final post-wise and category-wise vacancies, which will be updated on ssc.gov.in under "For Candidates > Tentative Vacancy".
Q4. What is the age limit for SSC Stenographer Grade D 2026?
Ans: For Stenographer Grade 'D', the age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 01.08.2026 (i.e., born between 02 August 1999 and 01 August 2008). Age relaxation is applicable as per category (SC/ST: +5 Yrs, OBC: +3 Yrs, PwBD: +10 Yrs).
Q5. Is the Skill Test (Stenography Test) qualifying or merit-based?
Ans: The Skill Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Final selection and merit are determined purely based on marks scored in the Computer Based Examination (CBE).
Q6. Can I apply if I had an account on the old ssc.nic.in website?
Ans: No. The old OTR from ssc.nic.in will NOT work on the new website. All candidates must complete a fresh One Time Registration (OTR) on ssc.gov.in before applying.
Q7. Can I apply for both Stenographer Grade C and Grade D?
Ans: Yes. Candidates can apply for Stenographer Grade 'C', Grade 'D', or both in a single application form (S. No. 27 in the Application Form).
Q8. What is the speed required for the SSC Stenography Skill Test?
Ans: Dictation speed is 100 words per minute (w.p.m.) for Grade 'C' and 80 w.p.m. for Grade 'D'. Transcription is done on a computer.
Q9. Do I need to upload a pre-existing photograph?
Ans: No. The SSC application module is designed to capture your live photograph at the time of filling the form. Do NOT photograph a pre-existing photo — such applications will be rejected. Ensure no spectacles, cap, or mask while capturing the photo.
Q10. What is the application fee for OBC candidates?
Ans: OBC male candidates must pay ₹ 100/-. However, all female candidates are exempted from the fee regardless of category.
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