SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026 — 731 Posts | Apply by 15 May

SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Recruitment 2026 apply online 731 vacancies 12th pass SSC stenographer notification
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SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026 — Apply Online for 731 Grade C & D Posts | Last Date 15 May 2026 | ssc.gov.in
SSC • Steno Grade C & D • 24 April 2026

SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026 — 731 Posts Stenographer Grade C (Group B) & Grade D (Group C) • Apply Online 24 April–15 May 2026 • 12th Pass Required • CBT + Skill Test • Grade C: 100 wpm | Grade D: 80 wpm • ssc.gov.in

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination 2026 notification (F. No. E/13/2026-C-2) on 24 April 2026 for approximately 731 tentative vacancies across Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organisations. Grade C is a Group B Non-Gazetted post (Pay Level-6: ₹35,400–₹1,12,400) and Grade D is a Group C post (Pay Level-4: ₹25,500–₹81,100). Minimum qualification: 12th standard (Class XII) pass from a recognised Board. Age limit: 18–30 years for Grade C and 18–27 years for Grade D as on 01.08.2026. Apply online at ssc.gov.in from 24 April to 15 May 2026. CBT exam scheduled for July–August 2026, followed by a Skill Test in Stenography. NEW for 2026: Sectional timers in CBT (30 min each for Parts I & II, 60 min for Part III) and live photograph capture during application.

📋 731 Steno Posts — Grade C & D
🏢 Central Govt — Group B & C Posts
📅 Apply: 24 April–15 May 2026
Last Date: 15 May 2026 (23:00 hrs)
🎂 Age: 18–30 (Grade C) | 18–27 (Grade D)
💰 Level-6: ₹35,400–₹1,12,400
💸 Fee: ₹100 (Gen/OBC/EWS Male)
🏋 Grade C: 100 wpm | Grade D: 80 wpm
📋
731
Total Posts
🚫
15 May
Apply Last Date
💻
200 Q
CBT Exam
🏋
100/80
wpm (C/D)
💰
₹35.4K+
Grade C Pay
01
Recruitment Overview
Verified from SSC Stenographer Grade C & D 2026 notification F. No. E/13/2026-C-2 dated 24 April 2026
ParticularsDetails
Conducting BodyStaff Selection Commission (SSC), New Delhi
Advertisement No.F. No. E/13/2026-C-2
Notification Date24 April 2026
PostsStenographer Grade 'C' (Group B Non-Gazetted) + Stenographer Grade 'D' (Group C)
Total Vacancies731 (tentative) — final post/category-wise figures at ssc.gov.in → Tentative Vacancy (to be updated)
Grade C PostGroup B, Non-Gazetted | Pay Level-6 | ₹35,400–₹1,12,400/month
Grade D PostGroup C | Pay Level-4 | ₹25,500–₹81,100/month
Educational QualificationPassed 12th standard (Class XII) or equivalent from a recognised Board or University as on 01.08.2026. ODL acceptable if approved by Distance Education Bureau, UGC.
Application Opens24 April 2026
Application Closes15 May 2026 (23:00 hrs)
Correction Window20–21 May 2026 (₹200 first correction; ₹500 second correction)
CBT Exam DateTentatively July–August 2026
Age Limit (Grade C)18–30 years as on 01.08.2026
Age Limit (Grade D)18–27 years as on 01.08.2026
Application Fee₹100 (General/OBC/EWS Male) | Exempted: Women, SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen
Ex-SM ReservationOnly for Grade D (Group C) — NOT for Grade C (Group B)
BRO PostsMale candidates only for BRO Grade D posts (1-mile run + physical/medical standards)
AISLAll India Service Liability — can be posted anywhere in India
Selection ProcessCBT → Skill Test (qualifying) → Document Verification → Appointment
Final MeritBased on CBT marks (among Skill Test qualifiers); Skill Test is qualifying only
OTR RequiredOne-Time Registration on new ssc.gov.in portal (old portal OTR credentials will not work)
Live Photo CaptureNEW 2026 — live photograph captured via application module; no pre-existing photo upload
Official Websitessc.gov.in
02
Important Dates
Apply by 15 May — correction window 20-21 May — CBT July–August 2026 — age cutoff 01.08.2026
📣SSC Stenographer Grade C & D 2026 Notification Released — F. No. E/13/2026-C-2 at ssc.gov.in24 April 2026
🟢Online Application Portal Opens — Complete OTR first on new ssc.gov.in portal, then apply24 April 2026
🚫Last Date to Submit Online Application (up to 23:00 hrs)
Apply early — SSC portal experiences high traffic near last date
15 May 2026
Application Form Correction Window (₹200 first / ₹500 second correction)20–21 May 2026
💻Computer Based Examination (CBT) — 200 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours with sectional timers (new)July–August 2026
🏋Skill Test in Stenography — Grade C: 100 wpm | Grade D: 80 wpm | 10-min dictation + computer transcriptionAfter CBT result
📋Document Verification by User Departments + Final AppointmentAfter Skill Test
⚠ Vacancies are tentative. The Commission is collecting final figures from user departments — updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be uploaded at ssc.gov.in → For Candidates → Tentative Vacancy in due course.
03
Grade C vs Grade D — Key Differences
Different groups, pay scales, age limits, dictation speeds, and Ex-SM reservation eligibility
Stenographer Grade C
Stenographer Grade 'C'
Group B — Non-Gazetted
Pay LevelLevel-6 (7th CPC)
Pay Scale₹35,400–₹1,12,400/month
Age Limit18–30 years (as on 01.08.2026)
Dictation Speed100 wpm for 10 minutes
Transcription (English)40 minutes on computer
Transcription (Hindi)55 minutes on computer
Ex-SM ReservationNOT available for Grade C
BRO PostsNot mentioned for Grade C
Stenographer Grade D
Stenographer Grade 'D'
Group C
Pay LevelLevel-4 (7th CPC)
Pay Scale₹25,500–₹81,100/month
Age Limit18–27 years (as on 01.08.2026)
Dictation Speed80 wpm for 10 minutes
Transcription (English)50 minutes on computer
Transcription (Hindi)65 minutes on computer
Ex-SM ReservationAvailable for Grade D only
BRO PostsMale only; 1-mile run in 10 min
📝 Can you apply for both Grade C and Grade D?

Yes — candidates can indicate their preference for Grade C, Grade D, or both in the online application form. If you meet the eligibility conditions for both grades (especially the age limit — Grade D requires max 27 years, stricter than Grade C's 30 years), you can apply for both. In the Skill Test, Grade C candidates attempt dictation at 100 wpm while Grade D candidates attempt at 80 wpm. If you're confident in stenography at 100 wpm, applying for both maximises your chances of selection.

04
Eligibility Criteria — Qualification & Age
12th pass — age 18-30/27 as on 01.08.2026 — stenography skills tested in Skill Test

Educational Qualification:

🎓 Minimum Qualification — 12th Standard
  • Must have passed 12th standard (Class XII) or equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University
  • Qualification must be completed as on or before 01 August 2026 (the age/qualification cutoff date)
  • Degrees/diplomas/certificates acquired through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode are accepted if approved by the Distance Education Bureau, UGC for the relevant year
  • Graduate, postgraduate, or any higher qualification candidates are eligible — there is no upper qualification bar for this post
  • Stenography skills are tested in the Skill Test — stenography training is not required at application stage but candidates must be able to take dictation and transcribe at the required speed

Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026):

GradeCategoryAge RangeDate of Birth Range
Grade CGeneral (UR) / EWS18–30 years02.08.1996 to 01.08.2008 (both inclusive)
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)18–33 years (+3 yrs)02.08.1993 to 01.08.2008
SC / ST18–35 years (+5 yrs)02.08.1991 to 01.08.2008
Grade DGeneral (UR) / EWS18–27 years02.08.1999 to 01.08.2008 (both inclusive)
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)18–30 years (+3 yrs)02.08.1996 to 01.08.2008
SC / ST18–32 years (+5 yrs)02.08.1994 to 01.08.2008
PwBD candidates receive additional age relaxation (10–15 years depending on category combination). Ex-Servicemen: service period + 3 years additional relaxation for Grade D. All age relaxations as per Government of India rules.
⚠ Key Eligibility Notes
  • Government/PSU employees: Must obtain and submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or undertaking from their employer at the time of application
  • Nationality: Indian citizens. Also eligible: subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (before 01.01.1962), and persons of Indian origin from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi) etc. — require eligibility certificate from competent authority
  • Ex-SM reservation: Available only for Grade D (Group C) posts; Ex-SM candidates are fee-exempted for both grades
  • BRO restriction: Grade D BRO posts are male candidates only; additionally, BRO candidates must pass a 1-mile run in 10 minutes and meet medical/physical standards
  • AISL (All India Service Liability): Both Grade C and Grade D are AISL posts — selected candidates can be posted at any centre in India
05
Application Fee & Salary
₹100 fee for UR/OBC/EWS male — Grade C Pay Level-6 ₹35,400 | Grade D Pay Level-4 ₹25,500
CategoryApplication Fee
General (UR) / OBC (NCL) / EWS — Male candidates₹100/- (online payment only)
Women / SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-ServicemenExempted (₹0)
Payment via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit card at ssc.gov.in. Correction window fee: ₹200 (first correction) and ₹500 (second correction) — no category exemption for correction fees.
SSC Stenographer 2026 — Pay Scale (7th Pay Commission)
Grade C: ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 | Grade D: ₹25,500–₹81,100
Both posts are permanent central government positions | Plus DA, HRA, TA and all central govt allowances
💰 Dearness Allowance (DA) 🏢 House Rent Allowance (HRA) 🚌 Travel Allowance (TA) 💉 Medical Benefits 🆕 NPS Pension 📄 LTC & Other Benefits
PostGroupPay Level (7th CPC)Pay ScaleEst. In-Hand
Stenographer Grade CGroup B (Non-Gazetted)Level-6₹35,400–₹1,12,400~₹44,000–₹50,000/month
Stenographer Grade DGroup CLevel-4₹25,500–₹81,100~₹33,000–₹38,000/month
In-hand salary varies by city classification (X/Y/Z category for HRA). Estimated figures include basic pay + DA + HRA for Y-class city. Central govt employees receive additional benefits: children education allowance, LTC, medical reimbursement, advances, and annual increments.
06
CBT Exam Pattern — 2026 (New Sectional Timer Introduced)
200 questions | 200 marks | 2 hours | Sectional timer NEW — 30+30+60 min | –0.25 negative marking
50
General Intelligence & Reasoning
50 Questions • 50 Marks • 30 min timer (NEW)
50
General Awareness
50 Questions • 50 Marks • 30 min timer (NEW)
100
English Language & Comprehension
100 Questions • 100 Marks • 60 min timer (NEW)
PartSectionQuestionsMarksTime
Part IGeneral Intelligence & Reasoning505030 min NEW
Part IIGeneral Awareness505030 min NEW
Part IIIEnglish Language & Comprehension10010060 min NEW
Total2002 hours
Objective MCQ — bilingual (Hindi & English) except English section (English only). Negative marking: –0.25 per wrong answer. No deduction for unattempted questions. Marks normalised if multiple shifts. No re-evaluation of scores. Sectional timer is new in 2026 — candidates cannot switch sections before the timer expires; once time is up, the system moves automatically to the next part.

Minimum Qualifying Marks in CBT (to be shortlisted for Skill Test):

CategoryMinimum % Required in CBT
General (UR)30% — i.e., 60 out of 200
OBC (NCL) / EWS25% — i.e., 50 out of 200
SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen20% — i.e., 40 out of 200
These are minimum qualifying marks, not cut-off marks. Actual shortlisting cut-off will be much higher based on competition. SSC may also prescribe qualifying marks in each individual part/section of the CBT. Clearing qualifying marks does not guarantee a call for the Skill Test — only top performers within each category are shortlisted.
📋 NEW in 2026 — Sectional Timer is a Game Changer
  • Sectional timing is new for SSC Stenographer 2026. In previous years, candidates could freely navigate between all sections during the 2-hour window. From 2026, Part I (30 min) and Part II (30 min) must be completed within their fixed timers before the system moves you to Part III (60 min). You cannot return to previous parts.
  • Strategy: Complete General Awareness in 30 minutes — identify quick wins (current events, static GK) first. For Reasoning, manage time tightly at 36 seconds per question.
  • English gets 60 minutes for 100 questions — this is comfortable at 36 seconds per question. However, comprehension passages take longer, so attempt vocabulary and grammar questions first.
  • New live photograph requirement: The application module now captures your live photograph — ensure good lighting, plain background, no spectacles, and proper framing. Applications with poor or non-compliant photos will be rejected.
  • Old SSC portal OTR credentials: If you registered on the OLD SSC portal (ssc.nic.in), your credentials do not work on the new ssc.gov.in portal. Complete fresh OTR on the new portal.
07
Skill Test in Stenography — Complete Details
Qualifying only — 10-min dictation + computer transcription — CBT marks determine final merit
Stenographer Grade C
100
Words Per Minute (wpm) dictation speed
Dictation Duration10 minutes
Transcription (English)40 minutes on computer
Transcription (Hindi)55 minutes on computer
Qualifying Marks UR/EWS40%
Qualifying Marks Others35%
NatureQualifying only — no merit marks
Stenographer Grade D
80
Words Per Minute (wpm) dictation speed
Dictation Duration10 minutes
Transcription (English)50 minutes on computer
Transcription (Hindi)65 minutes on computer
Qualifying Marks UR/EWS40%
Qualifying Marks Others35%
NatureQualifying only — no merit marks
DetailGrade CGrade D
Dictation Speed100 wpm80 wpm
Dictation Duration10 minutes10 minutes
Transcription — English40 minutes (computer)50 minutes (computer)
Transcription — Hindi55 minutes (computer)65 minutes (computer)
Language ChoiceEnglish OR Hindi — chosen at application time — cannot be changed later
Qualifying Marks (UR/EWS)40% accuracy required
Qualifying Marks (Others)35% accuracy required (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-SM)
NatureQualifying only — marks NOT added to final merit list
Post-AppointmentProficiency in BOTH English and Hindi stenography required to successfully complete probation
The Skill Test is qualifying — passing it is mandatory for selection but marks scored have no role in final merit. Only CBT marks determine the final merit list and selection order. Candidates who fail the Skill Test are eliminated from selection regardless of CBT performance.
🏋 Skill Test Preparation Tips
  • Practice shorthand daily — 100 wpm (Grade C) or 80 wpm (Grade D) requires months of consistent practice. Pitman and Gregg are the most widely taught shorthand systems in India. Start immediately — do not wait until the CBT result is out.
  • Transcription accuracy matters more than speed: The test has a fixed dictation speed, but your transcription accuracy (40%/35% required) determines whether you pass. One error in shorthand notation cascades into multiple transcription errors.
  • Language choice is final: Choose English if your shorthand is stronger in English notation systems; choose Hindi if you're trained in Devanagari shorthand. The longer transcription time for Hindi (55 min Grade C, 65 min Grade D) compensates for the complexity.
  • Post-appointment bilingual requirement: Even though you choose only one language for the Skill Test, BOTH English and Hindi stenography proficiency are required during probation. Begin learning the second language shorthand before joining.
  • Computer transcription: The matter is transcribed on a computer (not typewriter). Ensure your typing speed in the chosen language is adequate for the allocated transcription time.
08
How to Apply Online
OTR on new ssc.gov.in → Live photo capture (new) → Fill form → Pay ₹100 → Submit by 15 May 2026
1

Complete OTR on the New SSC Portal — ssc.gov.in

Visit ssc.gov.in and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not done already. Note: if you registered on the old SSC portal (ssc.nic.in), those credentials will NOT work — register fresh on the new portal. During OTR, provide: Name (as in 10th certificate), Date of Birth, Gender, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID. Create a strong password. Save your Registration Number — you will need it for all future SSC applications and admit card downloads.

2

Login and Open Stenographer Grade C & D Exam 2026

Login with your Registration Number and Password. Navigate to the "Live Exam" tab and find "Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination-2026". Click Apply. Read the complete instructions carefully. Check eligibility requirements, ensure your qualification and age are as per the notification, and proceed.

3

Capture Live Photograph (New for 2026)

NEW — Live photograph capture via application module. Instead of uploading a pre-taken photo, the system will capture your photograph live using your device camera. Ensure: plain/neutral background, no spectacles, good lighting (face clearly visible), formal attire. Applications where the live photograph does not meet requirements will be rejected. Upload your signature (scanned, 10–20 KB, JPEG) in the designated field.

4

Fill Application Form — Education, Post Preference & Exam Centre

Fill in: educational qualification details (board/university, year of passing, marks/grade), post preference (Grade C, Grade D, or both), preferred exam city, language preference for Skill Test (English or Hindi — this choice is final), and category details. Columns 1–18 are auto-filled from OTR. If OTR details need correction, click "Modify Registration" before proceeding. Double-check all entries — corrections after submission require the paid correction window.

5

Pay ₹100 Fee, Submit & Print by 15 May 2026

General/OBC/EWS male candidates pay ₹100 via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit card. Women/SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-SM candidates are fee-exempted — select the "Exempted" option. Click "Final Submit" after verifying all details and checking the "I agree" declaration. Download and print the confirmation PDF immediately — SSC recommends retaining application documents for at least 3 years. The correction window is available from 20–21 May 2026 if any permitted field needs changes.

New OTR on ssc.gov.in (old portal credentials invalid) Live photograph — no pre-existing photo Language for Skill Test is FINAL at application Apply by 15 May 2026 (23:00 hrs) Correction: 20–21 May 2026 (₹200/₹500)
09
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete Q&A — SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply for SSC Stenographer 2026?+
The last date to apply online for SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026 is 15 May 2026 (up to 23:00 hours). The online application portal opened on 24 April 2026 at ssc.gov.in. A correction window is available from 20–21 May 2026 (₹200 for first correction, ₹500 for second correction). Do not wait for the last date — SSC portals face heavy traffic near the deadline.
What is the age limit for SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D 2026?+
Age is calculated as on 01 August 2026. Grade C: 18–30 years for UR/EWS (born 02.08.1996–01.08.2008); 18–33 years for OBC; 18–35 years for SC/ST. Grade D: 18–27 years for UR/EWS (born 02.08.1999–01.08.2008); 18–30 years for OBC; 18–32 years for SC/ST. Age relaxation also available for PwBD (10–15 years) and Ex-Servicemen (Grade D only).
What is the difference in dictation speed and transcription time between Grade C and Grade D?+
Grade C: Dictation at 100 wpm for 10 minutes. Transcription time: English 40 minutes, Hindi 55 minutes (on computer). Grade D: Dictation at 80 wpm for 10 minutes. Transcription time: English 50 minutes, Hindi 65 minutes (on computer). The language (English or Hindi) chosen at application time is fixed and cannot be changed. Both grades have the same qualifying marks — 40% for UR/EWS and 35% for other categories.
What is the new sectional timer rule in SSC Stenographer CBT 2026?+
SSC has introduced sectional timers for the first time in SSC Stenographer 2026. 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. Once a section's timer expires, the system automatically moves to the next section. You cannot go back or switch sections mid-way. This is a significant change from previous years when candidates could freely navigate between sections during the 2-hour duration.
Is the Skill Test marks added to the final merit list?+
No. The Skill Test in Stenography is qualifying in nature only. Marks scored in the Skill Test are NOT added to the final merit list. However, failing the Skill Test means disqualification from selection, regardless of how high your CBT score is. The final merit list and selection order are determined entirely by CBT (Computer-Based Examination) marks among all candidates who have passed the Skill Test. This makes CBT the decisive stage for final ranking.
What is the live photograph requirement in SSC Stenographer 2026 application?+
SSC has introduced a new live photograph capture system for SSC Stenographer 2026. Instead of uploading a pre-existing photograph from your device, you must capture a live photograph through the application module on ssc.gov.in at the time of filling the application. Requirements: plain/neutral background, no spectacles, good lighting, face clearly visible. Applications with non-compliant photographs will be rejected. Ensure your device camera is working properly before starting the application process.
Can Ex-Servicemen apply for SSC Stenographer Grade C 2026?+
Ex-Servicemen can apply for both Grade C and Grade D posts but reservation under Ex-SM category is available only for Stenographer Grade D (Group C) posts — NOT for Grade C (Group B Non-Gazetted). However, Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from paying the application fee for both grades. Ex-SM candidates applying for Grade C will be treated as UR/OBC/SC/ST (whichever they belong to) for reservation and cut-off purposes.
My old OTR from SSC NIC portal is not working — what should I do?+
SSC has migrated to a new portal at ssc.gov.in. Old OTR credentials from the previous SSC portal (ssc.nic.in) do NOT work on the new portal. You must complete a fresh One-Time Registration (OTR) on ssc.gov.in by providing your name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID. This new OTR will then be used for SSC Stenographer 2026 and all future SSC exams on the new portal.
Can I apply for both Grade C and Grade D in SSC Stenographer 2026?+
Yes. You can apply for Grade C, Grade D, or both in the SSC Stenographer 2026 application form. However, check both sets of eligibility: Grade D has a stricter age limit (27 years max for UR) compared to Grade C (30 years). If you are 28–30 years of age, you can only apply for Grade C. If under 27 years, you may apply for both. Applying for both maximises your chances — if you qualify in the Skill Test for Grade C (100 wpm), Grade D (80 wpm) is also automatically achievable for you.
What happens if I choose Hindi for the Skill Test — do I also need to know English shorthand?+
For the Skill Test itself, you only need proficiency in the language you chose (Hindi or English) — chosen at application time. However, the notification specifies that all provisionally appointed stenographers must develop proficiency in BOTH English and Hindi stenography to successfully complete the probation period after joining. So while Hindi shorthand is sufficient for the test, you will be required to learn English shorthand (or vice versa) during your probation period in the job.
10
Official Links — SSC Stenographer Grade C & D 2026
Apply at ssc.gov.in only — check tentative vacancies at ssc.gov.in → For Candidates
📝 About SSC Stenographer Posts — Career Prospects

Stenographer Grade C (Group B Non-Gazetted) and Grade D (Group C) are posted across Central Government Ministries, Departments, Attached/Subordinate Offices, and Statutory Bodies including high-profile organisations like CBIC (Customs & Indirect Taxes), CBDT (Income Tax), Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). Stenographers are responsible for taking dictation from senior officers in shorthand and transcribing it accurately — a skill-based role that combines administrative work with language proficiency. Grade C posts carry supervisory functions in addition to stenographic duties. Both posts offer a structured career path with promotions to Personal Assistant (PA), Private Secretary (PS), and further ranks over time, making stenography one of the most respected career streams in the Indian civil service.

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