The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination annually to recruit qualified candidates for various central government ministries, departments, and organizations.
This exam is open to candidates who have completed their Class 12th (Intermediate) from a recognized board and possess excellent typing and shorthand skills.
Understanding the SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2025 is the first step toward success, as it helps candidates prepare strategically, manage time effectively, and focus on high-scoring areas.
🧩 SSC Stenographer 2025 Exam Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Stenographer Grade ‘C’ & ‘D’ Exam 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Post Category | Central Government |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) & Skill Test |
| Paper Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions |
| Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Marks for each wrong answer |
| Language Medium | English & Hindi |
| Qualification | 12th Pass from a recognized board |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
🧠 SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern 2025
The SSC Stenographer exam comprises two stages:
-
Computer-Based Examination (CBT)
-
Skill Test in Stenography
📘 Stage 1: Computer-Based Examination
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours (120 minutes) |
| Part II | General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| Part III | English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | — | 200 | 200 Marks |
💡 Note: The questions are objective type, and there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
✍️ Stage 2: Skill Test in Stenography
This is a qualifying test where candidates must demonstrate shorthand transcription skills.
| Grade | Dictation Speed | Language | Transcription Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade C | 100 words per minute | English or Hindi | 40 min (English) / 55 min (Hindi) |
| Grade D | 80 words per minute | English or Hindi | 50 min (English) / 65 min (Hindi) |
📚 Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
Let’s break down the SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2025 section by section 👇
🧩 Part I – General Intelligence & Reasoning
This section evaluates your logical and analytical reasoning abilities. Questions will test both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
🔹 A. Verbal Reasoning Topics
| Topic | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Analogies | Finding similarity between pairs of words, numbers, or figures |
| Classification | Grouping or differentiating based on common features |
| Coding-Decoding | Interpreting coded messages |
| Series Completion | Identifying the next term in number or letter series |
| Blood Relations | Determining family relationships |
| Direction Test | Questions based on direction and movement |
| Logical Venn Diagrams | Relationship representation using circles |
| Number, Ranking & Time Sequence | Solving order or position-based problems |
| Mathematical Operations | Using symbols and operators logically |
| Syllogism | Logical conclusion-based statements |
🔹 B. Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics
| Topic | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mirror & Water Images | Recognizing image reflections |
| Figure Series & Completion | Pattern recognition in figures |
| Embedded Figures | Identifying hidden shapes |
| Paper Folding/Cutting | Visual reasoning with folded paper |
| Cubes & Dice | Visualizing 3D structures |
| Pattern Completion | Completing incomplete figures |
🧠 Tip: Focus on pattern-based and logical reasoning puzzles — they carry high weightage.
🌍 Part II – General Awareness
This section checks your understanding of current affairs and general knowledge related to the world around you.
🔹 A. Static General Knowledge
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| History | Ancient, Medieval & Modern Indian History; Indian Freedom Struggle |
| Geography | Indian and World Geography, Physical Features, Climate, Population |
| Polity | Constitution, Governance, Parliament, Fundamental Rights & Duties |
| Economy | Economic Terms, Budget, Banking, Inflation, Fiscal & Monetary Policy |
| Science | Basic Physics, Chemistry, Biology concepts, Scientific discoveries |
| Art & Culture | Indian Dance Forms, Music, Painting, Festivals, Monuments |
| Environment | Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Sustainable Development |
| Sports | Major sports events, tournaments, and winners |
| Books & Authors | Famous works and their authors |
| Awards | National & International Awards – Padma, Nobel, Oscars, etc. |
🔹 B. Current Affairs
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| National News | Government schemes, policies, and appointments |
| International News | Global events, summits, treaties |
| Science & Tech | Innovations, ISRO/NASA missions |
| Economy & Banking | RBI updates, Union Budget, GDP trends |
| Sports | Current tournaments and records |
| Environment | Climate and wildlife initiatives |
🗞️ Tip: Read Monthly Current Affairs PDFs and revise weekly summaries for best results.
📝 Part III – English Language & Comprehension
This section is scoring and crucial for both Grade C & D. It tests your command of English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
🔹 A. Vocabulary Topics
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Synonyms & Antonyms | Similar and opposite words |
| One Word Substitution | Replacing phrases with single words |
| Idioms & Phrases | Commonly used English expressions |
| Spelling Test | Correct spelling identification |
| Homonyms/Homophones | Words with same pronunciation/different meaning |
🔹 B. Grammar Topics
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Parts of Speech | Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adjective, etc. |
| Tenses | Present, Past, Future forms |
| Articles & Prepositions | Proper usage |
| Subject-Verb Agreement | Matching subjects with verbs |
| Active & Passive Voice | Conversion between active/passive |
| Direct & Indirect Speech | Narration changes |
| Sentence Correction | Identifying and fixing grammatical errors |
🔹 C. Comprehension & Writing
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Understanding and analyzing passages |
| Cloze Test | Filling blanks using contextual understanding |
| Para Jumbles | Arranging jumbled sentences logically |
| Sentence Improvement | Improving sentence formation |
📝 Tip: Daily reading of English newspapers and practicing grammar exercises will boost your performance significantly.
🧮 Skill Test in Stenography (Detailed)
This stage tests shorthand writing and transcription skills.
🔹 Step 1 – Dictation Test
-
Candidates must write a passage dictated at:
-
100 words per minute for Grade C
-
80 words per minute for Grade D
-
🔹 Step 2 – Transcription
-
The dictated passage must be transcribed on a computer within a set time limit.
| Grade | Language | Dictation Speed | Transcription Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade C | English | 100 w.p.m. | 40 Minutes |
| Grade C | Hindi | 100 w.p.m. | 55 Minutes |
| Grade D | English | 80 w.p.m. | 50 Minutes |
| Grade D | Hindi | 80 w.p.m. | 65 Minutes |
🎧 Tip: Practice shorthand writing daily using online dictation tools for at least 30–45 minutes.
📘 Recommended Books for SSC Stenographer 2025
| Subject | Book Name | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Awareness | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Dr. Binay Karna |
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| Current Affairs | Monthly Current Affairs Magazine | AffairsCloud / GK Today |
| Shorthand | Pitman Shorthand Instructor & Key | Sir Isaac Pitman |
🧭 Preparation Strategy
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| 🧩 Analyze the Syllabus | Study each topic carefully before making your plan |
| 📅 Make a Study Routine | Allocate daily time slots for English, Reasoning, and GK |
| 💻 Practice Mock Tests | Attempt online SSC mock tests weekly |
| 📖 Regular Revision | Revise previous topics every weekend |
| 🧠 Work on Speed & Accuracy | Especially for reasoning and English |
| 🗞️ Stay Updated | Read daily newspapers and current affairs |
✅ Conclusion
The SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2025 covers a broad range of topics focusing on reasoning, awareness, and English proficiency.
A well-structured preparation plan, consistent practice, and focus on shorthand skill development can help you easily clear both the CBT and Skill Test.
🌟 Key Takeaway: Focus equally on English grammar, daily shorthand practice, and mock test analysis to secure your position as an SSC Stenographer.
