SSC Stenographer Exam pattern 2026
Stages, sections, marks, duration and negative marking.
Updated 22 October 2026
SSC Stenographer exam pattern 2026
The SSC Stenographer 2026 exam has two stages: a 2-hour Computer Based Test (CBT) of 200 questions for 200 marks, and a qualifying skill test in stenography. The CBT tests reasoning, general awareness and English, while the skill test checks shorthand dictation at 100 wpm for Grade C or 80 wpm for Grade D.
SSC Stenographer selection process
- Computer Based Test – objective, 200 marks; you must reach the minimum qualifying marks to move on, and CBT marks decide the initial merit.
- Skill test (stenography) – qualifying; only CBT-qualified candidates are called.
- Final merit list – prepared from CBT performance for candidates who pass the skill test.
- Document verification – your application details and qualifications are verified.
SSC Stenographer CBT pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Marking scheme
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online, computer-based |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Correct answer | +1 |
| Wrong answer | −0.25 |
English alone carries half the marks, so it has the biggest effect on your merit position.
SSC Stenographer skill test pattern
Candidates hear a passage dictated for 10 minutes and take it down in shorthand, then transcribe it on a computer.
| Grade | Dictation speed | Dictation time | Transcription time (English) | Transcription time (Hindi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade C | 100 wpm | 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 55 minutes |
| Grade D | 80 wpm | 10 minutes | 50 minutes | 65 minutes |
- The test can be taken in English or Hindi; choose the language in the application form.
- It is qualifying: marks are not added to the merit, but you must pass it to be selected.
- PwBD candidates allowed a scribe get extra transcription time as stated in the notification.
- The number of mistakes allowed for each grade and category is set out in the notification.
SSC Stenographer 2026 exam dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| CBT | 9th–15th September 2026 |
| Skill test | To be announced |
More dates are on the SSC Stenographer notification page.
Preparation tips for this pattern
- Learn the full pattern and SSC Stenographer syllabus for both stages before you start.
- Give English the most time: grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
- Read newspapers daily for General Awareness.
- Take regular timed mocks to manage 200 questions in 2 hours.
- Practise shorthand dictation daily at slightly above your target speed (for example, 110 wpm for Grade C) and transcribe on a keyboard, not just on paper.
- Revise important topics regularly and stay calm and confident.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SSC Stenographer exam pattern?
The CBT has 200 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours: 50 on reasoning, 50 on general awareness and 100 on English. A qualifying shorthand skill test follows.
Is there negative marking in SSC Stenographer?
Yes. Each wrong answer costs 0.25 marks, while each correct answer earns 1 mark.
How long is the SSC Stenographer skill test?
Dictation lasts 10 minutes. Transcription time is 40 minutes (English) or 55 minutes (Hindi) for Grade C, and 50 or 65 minutes for Grade D.
What dictation speed is needed for SSC Stenographer?
Grade C requires 100 words per minute and Grade D requires 80 words per minute, in English or Hindi.
Is the SSC Stenographer skill test counted in the merit?
No. It is qualifying only; the merit is prepared from CBT marks for those who pass it.
Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.