CHILD CONTENT-SINGLE LOADED
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | 2026
SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 731 Vacancies
SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026
Total Posts: 731
Category: All India Govt Jobs, 12th Pass
Job Type: Central Government
Location: All India
⚡ Last Date to Apply: 15/05/2026 | Advt No: SSC Steno Exam 2026 Notice | Apply Mode: Online
- The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially announced the recruitment for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D positions for the year 2026.
- A total of 731 vacancies have been released across various central government departments and ministries.
- Candidates must have passed the 10+2 Intermediate examination from a recognized board in India to be eligible.
- The online application window is open from April 24, 2026, to May 15, 2026.
- The selection process involves a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by a mandatory Stenography Skill Test.
- Age limits are set between 18-27 years for Grade D and 18-30 years for Grade C as of August 1, 2026.
- Application fees are nominal at ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates, while SC, ST, and all female candidates are exempted.
- A significant change this year is the requirement for a live photo capture through a webcam or the official SSC app during registration.
- One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC portal (ssc.gov.in) is mandatory for all applicants.
- The Computer Based Examination is tentatively scheduled for July or August 2026.
- Candidates can correct their application forms during the correction window on May 20-21, 2026, subject to applicable charges.
- Successful candidates will be placed in various Pay Levels depending on the grade and department of posting.
Important Dates
Apply Start
24/04/2026
Last Date
15/05/2026
Fee Last Date
16/05/2026
Admit Card
July 2026
Exam Date
July / August 2026
Result
To be notified
Salary & Pay Scale
25500
Starting Salary per Month
Allowances: DA, HRA, TA and other central govt benefits
Documents Required for Application
- Valid Mobile Number and Email ID for OTR.
- Aadhaar Card or other ID Proof (Voter ID, PAN, Driving License).
- Educational Certificates (10th and 12th Marksheets).
- Live Photo (captured via webcam/app).
- Scanned Signature (JPEG format).
- Category Certificate (if applicable).
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed the 10+2 Intermediate Examination or its equivalent from a recognized Board or University.
- For Stenographer Grade C: Ability to take dictation at 100 words per minute.
- For Stenographer Grade D: Ability to take dictation at 80 words per minute.
Vacancy Details – Post Wise
| Post Name | Total Vacancy |
|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C & D (Combined) | 731 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | 100 |
| SC / ST | 0 |
| PH / PWD | 0 |
| Female | 0 |
| Ex-Servicemen | 0 |
| Payment Mode | Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking) or E-Challan |
Age Limit
Minimum Age
18 Years
Maximum Age
30 Years (Grade C), 27 Years (Grade D)
Age Cutoff Date
01/08/2026
Age Relaxation: As per SSC rules (SC/ST: 5 years, OBC: 3 years)
Selection & Exam Process
Phase I: Computer Based Examination (CBT)
- Objective type multiple choice questions.
- Negative marking of 0.25 for each wrong answer.
Phase II: Skill Test in Stenography
- Candidates will be given one dictation for 10 minutes in English or Hindi.
- Transcription time: Grade D (50 min English/65 min Hindi), Grade C (40 min English/55 min Hindi).
SSC Stenographer CBT Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done on the new portal.
- Log in using your Registration Number and Password.
- Click on the ‘Apply’ link for Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026.
- Fill in the required details and capture your live photo as per the new instructions.
- Upload your scanned signature.
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
- Preview the application form carefully and submit.
- Print the final application form for future reference.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the last date to apply for SSC Stenographer 2026?
A: The last date to apply online is May 15, 2026, until 11:00 PM.
Q: Is there any change in the photo uploading process for SSC Steno 2026?
A: Yes, candidates must now upload a live photo captured via a webcam or the official SSC mobile app with a light/white background.
Q: What is the educational qualification required?
A: Candidates must have passed the 10+2 (Intermediate) exam from any recognized board in India.
Q: What are the age limits for Grade C and Grade D?
A: For Grade D, the age limit is 18-27 years. For Grade C, the age limit is 18-30 years as of August 1, 2026.
Q: Is there a negative marking in the SSC Steno CBT?
A: Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
Q: What is the application fee for female candidates?
A: Female candidates of all categories are exempted from paying the application fee.
Preparation Strategy
Understanding the SSC Stenographer Syllabus
The SSC Stenographer exam is unique because it does not include a Mathematics section, making it a prime choice for students who excel in English and Reasoning. The syllabus is divided into three core areas: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension. The English section carries the highest weightage (100 marks), focusing on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and sentence structure. General Awareness covers current affairs, history, geography, and general science, while Reasoning tests logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Effective Preparation Strategy
- Mastering English: Since English accounts for 50% of the total marks, candidates should focus on daily reading of editorials, practicing active/passive voice, and direct/indirect speech.
- Reasoning Practice: Solve previous year papers to understand the patterns of puzzles, series, and coding-decoding questions.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with the last 6-8 months of national and international news, specifically government schemes and sports.
- Shorthand Skills: Do not wait for the CBT result to start shorthand practice. Stenography is a skill that takes months to master. Aim for a speed of 100 wpm for Grade C and 80 wpm for Grade D.
Exam Pattern and Time Management
The CBT consists of 200 questions to be solved in 120 minutes. This requires a speed of less than 40 seconds per question. Candidates should ideally finish the General Awareness section in 15 minutes and the English section in 45 minutes, leaving a full hour for the Reasoning section which involves calculations and logical deductions. Practicing with mock tests is essential to build this stamina and accuracy.
New Live Photo Instructions
Candidates must be aware of the new SSC photo policy. Unlike previous years where uploaded files were sufficient, you now need a live webcam or the SSC app to take a photo during the application. Ensure the background is light-colored or white and your face is clearly visible without spectacles or caps. Failure to follow these instructions often leads to form rejection.
Disclaimer: jobchecks.in is not affiliated with any Government organization or official recruitment authority.
All information is compiled from official notifications for informational purposes only. Applicants must verify all details from the official notification PDF and official website before applying. We are not responsible for any error or inconvenience caused.
All information is compiled from official notifications for informational purposes only. Applicants must verify all details from the official notification PDF and official website before applying. We are not responsible for any error or inconvenience caused.