SSC Stenographer Eligibility 2026

SSC Stenographer eligibility criteria 2026

To be eligible for SSC Stenographer 2026 you need a Class 12 (10+2) pass from a recognised board or university and must be 18–30 years old for Grade C or 18–27 years old for Grade D. Reserved categories get age relaxation, and you must later clear a shorthand skill test at 100 wpm (Grade C) or 80 wpm (Grade D).

Nationality

A candidate must be:

• a citizen of India, or
• a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
• a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1962, or
• a person of Indian origin from another country who intends to settle in India permanently, as specified in the notification.

Candidates in the non-citizen categories may need a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India.

SSC Stenographer age limit

Post	Age limit
Stenographer Grade 'C'	18–30 years
Stenographer Grade 'D'	18–27 years

Age is counted on the crucial date given in the notification.

Age relaxation

Category	Relaxation beyond upper age limit
SC / ST	5 years
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)	3 years
PwBD (Unreserved)	10 years
PwBD (OBC)	13 years
PwBD (SC / ST)	15 years
Ex-Servicemen (ESM)	3 years after deducting military service from actual age on the crucial date
Defence personnel disabled in operations during hostilities and released as a result	3 years (OBC: 6 years; SC/ST: 8 years)
Central government civilian employees with continuous service	As per notification
Widows / divorced / judicially separated women (not remarried)	As per notification

Educational qualification

Both Grade C and Grade D need a pass in Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent exam from a recognised board or university, on or before the cut-off date in the notification.

You do not need a shorthand certificate to apply. What matters is passing the stenography skill test at the required speed after the CBT.

Skill requirement

Grade	Required shorthand speed	Language
Grade C	100 words per minute	English or Hindi
Grade D	80 words per minute	English or Hindi

The language for the skill test is chosen in the application form. Test format and transcription time are explained on the SSC Stenographer exam pattern page.

Physical and medical fitness

• No height, chest or other physical measurements are prescribed.
• Candidates must be physically and mentally fit for stenography work, as per the rules of the department they join.
• PwBD candidates can apply for posts identified as suitable for them in the notification.

Other conditions

• Candidates should not have a criminal record or any disqualification under government rules.
• All eligibility claims are checked at document verification, so keep your Class 10 (date of birth), Class 12 and category certificates ready.

Number of attempts

There is no limit on attempts for SSC Stenographer. You can apply every year while you are within the age limit for your grade.

Check the dates and fee on the SSC Stenographer notification page and the pay for each grade under SSC Stenographer posts and salary.

Frequently asked questions

What is the qualification for SSC Stenographer?

A Class 12 (10+2) pass or equivalent from a recognised board or university is required for both Grade C and Grade D.

What is the age limit for SSC Stenographer Grade C and D?

Grade C is 18 to 30 years and Grade D is 18 to 27 years, with relaxation for reserved categories.

Do I need a shorthand certificate to apply for SSC Stenographer?

No. You only need to pass the skill test at 100 wpm for Grade C or 80 wpm for Grade D after clearing the CBT.

Can I take the SSC Stenographer skill test in Hindi?

Yes. The skill test can be taken in English or Hindi, and the choice is made in the application form.

Is there a limit on attempts for SSC Stenographer?

No. You can appear every year as long as you meet the age and qualification conditions.

Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.