SSC Stenographer

Every topic matched to the official PDF Official notice, ssc.gov.in

31 topics, each explained 5 units

SSC Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to fill Stenographer posts in central government ministries and departments candidates need to be 12th pass to apply. There are two stages — a written Computer Based Examination covering Reasoning, General Awareness and English, followed by a mandatory Stenography Skill Test in dictation and computer transcription. Since final merit is decided by the CBE marks among those who clear the skill test, both a strong written score and reliable shorthand speed matter.

Exam Pattern

SSC Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for Stenographer Grade 'C' (Group 'B', Non-Gazetted) and Grade 'D' (Group 'C') posts in central ministries and departments. Eligibility: 12th pass from a recognized board; age 18-30 for Grade 'C' and 18-27 for Grade 'D' (2025 cycle, as on 01.08.2025; category relaxations apply). Two stages. Stage 1 — Computer Based Examination: one objective paper, 200 questions/200 marks, 2 hours — General Intelligence & Reasoning 50/50, General Awareness 50/50, English Language & Comprehension 100/100; negative marking 0.25 per wrong answer; marks normalized across shifts; questions in English and Hindi (except the English part). Stage 2 — Skill Test in Stenography (mandatory, qualifying): ONE dictation of 10 minutes in English or Hindi (as opted in the application) at 100 words per minute for Grade 'C' and 80 wpm for Grade 'D', transcribed on computer. Transcription time — Grade 'C': English 40 min, Hindi 55 min; Grade 'D': English 50 min, Hindi 65 min. Candidates opting the Hindi skill test must learn English stenography after appointment (and vice versa). Final merit is based on CBE marks among skill-test qualifiers. CONFIRMED against SSC Notice of Examination F.No. E/16/2025-C-2, Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' Examination, 2025 (ssc.gov.in).

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SSC Stenographer — related updates

SSC SSC Stenographer Grade C, D exam 2026 dates revised 01 Sep 2026 SSC SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Final Result 2026 Out - Download PDF 25 Aug 2026

Full Syllabus

1 General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 Q)

What the syllabus lists	What it means and how to prepare
analogies	Analogies — spot the relationship between one pair of words or numbers and find the same relationship in another pair solve 10-15 daily to build speed.
similarities and differences	Similarities and differences — pick out which item, shape or number in a group matches the others or stands apart practise comparing point by point rather than scanning quickly.
space visualization	Space visualization — questions about mentally folding paper, rotating shapes or picturing 3D forms beginners find it easier to actually fold paper by hand while practising.
problem solving	Problem solving — work out a logical answer from a given set of facts or conditions read the question twice and jot down the conditions before attempting a solution.
analysis	Analysis — break the given information into small parts to work out exactly what is being asked try writing out the underlying logic while practising each question.
judgment	Judgment — choose the most sensible, practical response to a given situation the reasonable and courteous option is usually the right one, not the harshest.
decision making	Decision making — reach the correct conclusion by applying several given conditions together go through each condition one by one like a checklist to avoid mistakes.
visual memory	Visual memory — remember a figure, picture or sequence shown briefly and recognise it later daily practice memorising short image sequences builds this skill.
discriminating observation	Discriminating observation — spot the small differences between figures or pictures that look almost identical compare each part carefully instead of guessing.
relationship concepts	Relationship concepts — puzzles about family relations, like brother-sister or uncle-nephew the easiest method is to draw a small family tree while solving.
arithmetical reasoning	Arithmetical reasoning — draw logical conclusions using numbers and basic maths facts given in the question keep your basic maths solid, since it tests logic more than formulas.
verbal and figure classification	Verbal and figure classification — pick the word or figure that does not belong with the rest of the group identify the common property first, then spot the odd one out.
number series	Number series — spot the pattern in a sequence of numbers and find the next one practise common patterns like addition, multiplication or squares regularly.
abstract ideas and symbols	Abstract ideas and symbols — understand logic conveyed through symbols and shapes rather than words read each symbol's meaning carefully in the question instead of assuming it.
arithmetical computation	Arithmetical computation — straightforward calculation questions involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division practise tables and quick mental maths daily to build speed.

2 General Awareness (50 Q)

What the syllabus lists	What it means and how to prepare
environment and its application to society	Environment and its application to society — how environmental issues affect everyday life and society read newspaper reports on pollution and the environment regularly.
current events	Current events — recent national and international happenings read headlines daily from a newspaper or trusted news app and jot down the key points in a notebook.
everyday science	Everyday science — general science facts connected to daily life, such as the human body, common diseases and everyday devices revising class 6-10 science textbooks is enough.
India and neighbouring countries — Sports, History, Culture, Geography, Economic scene, General Polity including Indian Constitution, Scientific Research	India and neighbouring countries — questions on sports, history, culture, geography, the economy, polity (including the Constitution) and scientific research related to India and its neighbours cover each area briefly using basic NCERT books.

3 English Language & Comprehension (100 Q)

What the syllabus lists	What it means and how to prepare
vocabulary	Vocabulary — knowing the correct meaning of words and using them properly write down ten new words with their meanings daily and use each in a sentence.
grammar	Grammar — the rules for forming correct English sentences, such as tense, articles and prepositions revise each rule with examples from a basic grammar book repeatedly.
sentence structure	Sentence structure — recognising the correct word order and construction of a sentence practise rearranging jumbled sentences correctly on a daily basis.
synonyms	Synonyms — identifying another word that means the same as a given word when learning a new word, also memorise two or three of its synonyms alongside it.
antonyms	Antonyms — identifying a word that means the opposite of a given word note down the opposite word alongside every new word you learn each day.
correct usage	Correct usage — spotting the right use of a word or grammar rule within a sentence keep a separate list of commonly confused pairs like few/a few and since/for.
writing ability	Writing ability — completing, joining or rephrasing sentences correctly build your written English by practising short paragraphs or sentences every day.

4 Skill Test norms

What the syllabus lists	What it means and how to prepare
10-minute dictation at 100 wpm (Grade C) / 80 wpm (Grade D)	10-minute dictation — matter is read out at 100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 words per minute for Grade D, to be taken down in shorthand practise daily dictation at this exact speed with a timer.
computer transcription — Grade C: English 40 min / Hindi 55 min; Grade D: English 50 min / Hindi 65 min	Computer transcription — the shorthand notes must be typed out on a computer within a set time (Grade C: English 40 minutes/Hindi 55 minutes, Grade D: English 50 minutes/Hindi 65 minutes) practise fast, accurate computer typing every day.
Qualifying in nature	Qualifying in nature — this skill test is pass/fail only according to this pack, final merit is based on CBE marks, so make sure your shorthand meets at least the required standard.
practise daily dictation at target speed	Practise daily dictation at target speed — rehearse every day at the exact speed (100 or 80 wpm) you will be tested at, so your hand and mind both get used to that pace.

5 Preparation tip from the pattern itself

What the syllabus lists	What it means and how to prepare
English section carries HALF the CBE marks (100/200) — steno aspirants who practise only shorthand and neglect English grammar/vocabulary lose the ranking half of the paper	The English section carries half of the CBE marks (100/200) — candidates who focus only on shorthand and skip English grammar and vocabulary end up losing half the paper for no reason give English equal study time alongside reasoning and general awareness.

Not covered in this pack — where to find it

Vacancy count	Not stated in this pack
Exam date / CBE schedule	Not stated in this pack
Application fee	Not stated in this pack
Cut-off or qualifying marks for the CBE	Not stated in this pack
Exact age relaxation by category	Only mentioned that relaxations apply — the years are not given
Granular official topic-by-topic syllabus	SSC publishes only a prose Indicative Syllabus, not a fixed topic list

Free practice — 21 questions

Work out the answer yourself first, then tap “Show answer”. Every answer shows the method, not just the letter.

How many total questions are there in the SSC Stenographer Computer Based Examination (CBE)?
- A 200
- B 150
- C 180
- D 250
Show answer

A — 200

The CBE is a single objective paper of 200 questions/200 marks, as stated in the exam pattern.

Exam Pattern
What is the total duration given for the CBE?
- A 1 hour
- B 1.5 hours
- C 3 hours
- D 2 hours
Show answer

D — 2 hours

The exam pattern states the CBE is a 2-hour objective paper.

Exam Pattern
How many marks are allotted to the English Language & Comprehension section in the CBE?
- A 50
- B 100
- C 75
- D 150
Show answer

B — 100

English Language & Comprehension carries 100 questions/100 marks out of the CBE's 200 total, per the exam pattern.

English Language & Comprehension (100 Q)
How many questions are asked from the General Awareness section in the CBE?
- A 25
- B 40
- C 50
- D 60
Show answer

C — 50

General Awareness carries 50 questions/50 marks, per the exam pattern.

General Awareness (50 Q)
How many marks are deducted for each wrong answer in the CBE?
- A 0.25
- B 0.20
- C 0.33
- D 0.50
Show answer

A — 0.25

The exam pattern specifies negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer in the CBE.

Exam Pattern
Which section carries the highest marks in the CBE?
- A General Intelligence & Reasoning
- B General Awareness
- C All three carry equal marks
- D English Language & Comprehension
Show answer

D — English Language & Comprehension

Reasoning and Awareness carry 50 marks each while English Language & Comprehension carries 100 marks — exactly half of the 200 total — per the pattern.

Preparation tip from the pattern itself
How long is the dictation in the Stage 2 Skill Test?
- A 5 minutes
- B 20 minutes
- C 10 minutes
- D 15 minutes
Show answer

C — 10 minutes

The Skill Test involves ONE dictation of 10 minutes, per the exam pattern.

Skill Test norms
What is the required dictation speed for Grade 'D' Stenographer?
- A 80 wpm
- B 60 wpm
- C 100 wpm
- D 120 wpm
Show answer

A — 80 wpm

The dictation speed is 80 words per minute for Grade 'D' (100 wpm for Grade 'C'), per the exam pattern.

Skill Test norms
What is the minimum educational qualification to apply for SSC Stenographer?
- A 10th pass
- B Graduate
- C Post Graduate
- D 12th pass
Show answer

D — 12th pass

The exam pattern states eligibility requires a 12th pass from a recognized board.

Exam Pattern
Find the next number in the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?
- A 40
- B 42
- C 36
- D 44
Show answer

B — 42

The differences between consecutive terms are 4, 6, 8, 10 — increasing by 2 each time. So the next difference is 12, giving 30 + 12 = 42.

number series
Book is to Library as Medicine is to ?
- A Pharmacy
- B Doctor
- C Patient
- D Hospital
Show answer

A — Pharmacy

A library is the place where books are kept and issued; a pharmacy is the place where medicines are kept and dispensed — the same 'item : place it is kept' relationship.

analogies
A is B's father. B is C's sister. D is A's father. How is D related to C?
- A Father
- B Uncle
- C Grandfather
- D Brother
Show answer

C — Grandfather

Since B and C are siblings and A is B's father, A is also C's father. D is A's father, which makes D the grandfather of C.

relationship concepts
What is 15% of 240?
- A 30
- B 36
- C 32
- D 40
Show answer

B — 36

15% of 240 = (15/100) x 240 = 36.

arithmetical computation
A train travels 300 km in 5 hours. What is its average speed?
- A 50 km/h
- B 55 km/h
- C 65 km/h
- D 60 km/h
Show answer

D — 60 km/h

Average speed = Distance / Time = 300 / 5 = 60 km/h.

arithmetical reasoning
A shopkeeper buys an item for ₹400 and sells it for ₹460. What is his profit percentage?
- A 15%
- B 10%
- C 12%
- D 20%
Show answer

A — 15%

Profit = 460 - 400 = 60. Profit% = (60/400) x 100 = 15%.

arithmetical reasoning
Find the average of 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36.
- A 20
- B 22
- C 24
- D 26
Show answer

C — 24

Sum = 12+18+24+30+36 = 120. Average = 120/5 = 24.

arithmetical computation
Which word does not belong with the others: Apple, Banana, Carrot, Mango?
- A Apple
- B Carrot
- C Banana
- D Mango
Show answer

B — Carrot

Apple, Banana and Mango are all fruits, while Carrot is a vegetable — the odd one out.

verbal and figure classification
Find the simple interest on ₹5000 at 8% per annum for 2 years.
- A ₹600
- B ₹700
- C ₹900
- D ₹800
Show answer

D — ₹800

Simple Interest = (P x R x T)/100 = (5000 x 8 x 2)/100 = ₹800.

arithmetical computation
Choose the word most similar in meaning to 'ABUNDANT'.
- A Plentiful
- B Scarce
- C Empty
- D Small
Show answer

A — Plentiful

'Abundant' means existing in large quantities — the closest synonym is 'Plentiful'.

synonyms
Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'GENUINE'.
- A Authentic
- B Real
- C Fake
- D True
Show answer

C — Fake

'Genuine' means real or authentic; its opposite is 'Fake'.

antonyms
Identify the grammatically correct sentence.
- A She don't like tea.
- B She doesn't like tea.
- C She doesn't likes tea.
- D She not like tea.
Show answer

B — She doesn't like tea.

With the third-person singular subject 'She', the correct auxiliary is 'doesn't' followed by the base verb 'like' — 'She doesn't like tea.'

grammar

These questions are built from the official pattern and syllabus on this page. Every answer was independently re-solved before it was published.

This exam recruits at these levels: 12th Pass

Note — Always confirm the syllabus and pattern against that year's official notification — changes are possible.

Start PractisingPlay a free quiz in Meri Taiyari

SSC Stenographer — related updates

SSC SSC Stenographer Grade C, D exam 2026 dates revised 01 Sep 2026 SSC SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Final Result 2026 Out - Download PDF 25 Aug 2026

Official source: https://ssc.gov.in/api/attachment/uploads/masterData/NoticeBoards/Notice_of_adv_steno_2025.pdf