SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026 — Apply Online for 731 Vacancies (Grade C & D)

Quick Highlights

Important Dates

Application Fee

Payment Mode: Online only — BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay Debit Card.

Note: Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.

SSC Stenographer 2026 Vacancy Details

The SSC Stenographer 2026 notification mentions approximately 731 tentative vacancies for Stenographer Grade C and Stenographer Grade D posts. Updated post-wise and category-wise vacancy details will be made available on the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in under For Candidates > Tentative Vacancy. State-wise or Zone-wise vacancies are not collected by the Commission.

Reservation Details

• Reservation is available for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen (ESM), and PwBD candidates as per government norms.
• ESM vacancies are reserved only for Stenographer Grade D (Group C) posts.
• Only male candidates are eligible for BRO (Border Roads Organization) vacancies under Stenographer Grade D.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Candidates must be Indian citizens. Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, and persons of Indian origin who have migrated from certain specified countries with intent to permanently settle in India, are also eligible subject to eligibility certificate from the Government of India.

Educational Qualification

• Must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
• The result must have been declared on or before the cut-off date of 01 August 2026.
• Open and Distance Learning qualifications approved by the UGC Distance Education Bureau are accepted.
• Candidates with equivalent qualifications must produce a relevant Equivalence Certificate at the time of Document Verification.

Important: Only candidates who have skills in stenography are eligible to apply for this SSC Stenographer Online Form 2026.

Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)

Age Relaxation

SSC Stenographer 2026 Exam Pattern

The Computer Based Examination will be conducted in objective type multiple choice format. Question paper will be set in both English and Hindi (except English Language & Comprehension section).

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• PwBD / Scribe-eligible candidates get 2 hours 40 minutes total (Part I: 40 min, Part II: 40 min, Part III: 80 min).
• Marks scored will be normalized if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts.

Minimum Qualifying Marks in CBE

• UR category: 30%
• OBC / EWS: 25%
• All other categories: 20%

SSC Stenographer 2026 Syllabus

General Intelligence and Reasoning

Covers analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, discriminating observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, number series, and non-verbal series. Questions on abstract ideas, symbols, and their relationships are also included.

General Awareness

Tests awareness of the environment and its application to society. Includes current events, sports, history, culture, geography, economy, Indian Constitution, general polity, and scientific research. Covers India and its neighboring countries.

English Language and Comprehension

Tests understanding of the English language including vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, correct usage, and writing ability. For VH candidates with 40% or more visual disability, no Maps, Graphs, Diagrams, or Statistical Data questions are included in Parts I and II.

Skill Test in Stenography

Candidates shortlisted in the CBE will appear in the Stenography Skill Test. Candidates receive a dictation for 10 minutes and must transcribe it on a computer. The Skill Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature.

Note: Candidates opting for Hindi Skill Test must learn English Stenography after appointment, and vice versa. Candidates must work as English/Hindi stenographers as per the functional requirement of the posting office.

Selection Process

1. Computer Based Examination (CBE): Online objective type test covering General Intelligence, General Awareness, and English Language.
2. Stenography Skill Test: Qualifying in nature. Candidates must clear category-wise qualifying standards set by the Commission.
3. Document Verification (DV): Conducted by User Departments after declaration of final result.
4. Final Allocation: Based on merit in CBE and merit-cum-preference of posts/departments submitted by candidates through the First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA) mechanism.

Tie-Breaking Rules

In case of equal marks in CBE, the tie is resolved in this order:

1. Marks in Part III (English Language and Comprehension)
2. Marks in Part II (General Awareness)
3. Date of birth — older candidate placed higher
4. Alphabetical order of names

How to Apply for SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D Recruitment 2026

1. Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in and complete your One Time Registration (OTR) if not done already. Keep your Aadhaar number, mobile number, email ID, and Matriculation certificate details ready.
2. Log in to the SSC portal using your Registration Number and password. Click on the 'Apply' link under the Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026 section in the Live Exam tab.
3. Fill in the application form carefully. Personal and OTR details will be auto-filled. Enter your educational qualification details, post preference (Grade C or Grade D or both), and medium of Skill Test (English or Hindi).
4. Capture your live photograph as per instructions — good lighting, plain background, no cap or spectacles, full frontal face view. Upload your scanned signature in JPEG format (10–20 KB, dimensions 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm).
5. Select your preference for three Examination Centres from anywhere in the country. Choose carefully as no change will be allowed later.
6. Preview your completed application form and verify all details. Accept the declaration and submit the form.
7. Pay the application fee of Rs 100 online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Debit Card. Fee-exempted categories (Women, SC, ST, PwBD, ESM) do not need to pay. Last date for fee payment is 16 May 2026.
8. Take a printout of the submitted application form and keep it safely for future reference. Download your Admit Card from the SSC website approximately 2–3 days before the examination date.

Documents Required

• Matriculation / Secondary / 10th class certificate (for date of birth and name proof)
• 12th Standard or equivalent mark sheet and certificate
• Caste / Category certificate (SC, ST, OBC, EWS) if applicable
• PwBD disability certificate in prescribed format, if applicable
• Ex-Serviceman discharge certificate / Serving Defence Personnel certificate, if applicable
• Age relaxation certificate (if seeking any special relaxation)
• No Objection Certificate, if currently employed in a Government organization
• Valid photo ID proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, or Passport
• Two passport size recent colour photographs for Document Verification

Physical Efficiency Test (for BRO Vacancies Only)

Candidates applying for posts in Border Roads Organization (BRO) must pass a Physical Efficiency Test (One Mile Run within 10 minutes) and meet region-wise physical standards of height, chest, and weight. Medical standards specific to BRO deployment at high-altitude and difficult areas also apply. Only male candidates are eligible for BRO vacancies.

General Rules and Important Instructions

• Only one online application is allowed per candidate. Multiple applications will lead to cancellation of candidature.
• Name, father's name, mother's name, and date of birth must be filled exactly as per Matriculation certificate.
• Candidates are advised to apply early and not wait for the last date to avoid website congestion.
• Aadhaar-based authentication candidates will not face rejection on grounds of photograph or signature issues.
• OBC certificate holders must ensure they do not fall under the creamy layer on the closing date of application.
• EWS candidates must possess Income and Asset Certificate valid for financial year 2026–27.
• Possession of mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, or any electronic gadget in the examination hall is strictly prohibited and can lead to debarment of 3–5 years.
• Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidate.
• Selected candidates are liable to serve anywhere in India (All India Service Liability).
• Admit cards will be available for download on the SSC website about 2–3 days before the examination. No admit cards will be sent by post.

Application Form Correction Window

SSC will provide a correction window from 20 May 2026 to 21 May 2026 for candidates who wish to modify their online application. Key points:

• Correction allowed twice during this window.
• Correction charges: Rs 200 for first correction; Rs 500 for second correction.
• Applicable to all candidates irrespective of gender or category.
• If correction charges are not paid, the previously submitted application remains valid.
• No corrections allowed after the window closes under any circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many vacancies are there in SSC Stenographer 2026?

There are approximately 731 tentative vacancies in SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D Examination 2026. The Commission is still in the process of collecting vacancies, and updated post-wise and category-wise details will be published on the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in under the Tentative Vacancy section.

What is the last date to apply for SSC Stenographer 2026?

The last date for online application submission is 15 May 2026 (up to 23:00 hours). The last date for online fee payment is 16 May 2026 (up to 23:00 hours). Candidates are advised to apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.

What is the educational qualification required for SSC Stenographer 2026?

Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University on or before the cut-off date of 01 August 2026. Open and Distance Learning degrees recognized by UGC and the Distance Education Bureau are also accepted for this purpose.

What is the application fee for SSC Stenographer 2026?

The application fee is Rs 100. Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen (ESM) eligible for reservation are fully exempted from fee payment. Fee can be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, or RuPay Debit cards.

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

For Stenographer Grade C, the age limit is 18 to 30 years as on 01 August 2026. For Stenographer Grade D, the age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 01 August 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and other categories as per government rules.

What is the exam pattern for SSC Stenographer 2026?

The Computer Based Examination has three parts: Part I — General Intelligence and Reasoning (50 questions, 50 marks), Part II — General Awareness (50 questions, 50 marks), and Part III — English Language and Comprehension (100 questions, 100 marks). Total duration is 2 hours with sectional timers. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.

What is the Skill Test requirement in SSC Stenographer 2026?

Shortlisted candidates must appear in a Stenography Skill Test. For Grade C, the dictation speed is 100 words per minute with transcription time of 40 minutes (English) or 55 minutes (Hindi). For Grade D, dictation speed is 80 words per minute with transcription time of 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi). The Skill Test is qualifying in nature.

Can I apply for both Stenographer Grade C and Grade D in SSC Stenographer 2026?

Yes, candidates can apply for Stenographer Grade C only, Grade D only, or both Grade C and Grade D in a single application form. The option to select the post(s) is available in the online application form itself. Candidates should choose their post preference carefully as it cannot be changed later.

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