The SSC Stenographer (Steno) exam is a golden opportunity for candidates seeking stable jobs in ministries, departments, and organizations under the Government of India. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), this exam recruits for Grade C and D posts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the SSC Steno Exam Pattern 2026, including the latest syllabus, marking scheme, skill test details, and expert preparation strategies. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or looking to refine your approach, this post has everything you need to ace the exam.
As of August 2025, the SSC Stenographer 2026 notification is yet to be released, but based on previous patterns, it is expected around June 2026, with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) likely in August 2026. The exam pattern is anticipated to remain consistent with recent years—always cross-check the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in) for the latest updates once the notification is out.
Overview of SSC Stenographer Exam 2026
The SSC Stenographer exam is a national-level recruitment test for Stenographer Grade ‘C’ (Group B, Non-Gazetted) and Grade ‘D’ (Group C) posts. For 2026, the vacancies are to be announced in the official notification, with details split between Grade C and D. In 2025, there were approximately 1,590 vacancies (230 for Grade C and 1,360 for Grade D), so expect a similar scale. The selection process involves two main stages:
- Tier 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT) – An objective-type online exam.
- Tier 2: Skill Test in Stenography – A qualifying practical test.
Candidates must qualify in both stages to be shortlisted. The exam is bilingual (English and Hindi), except for the English Language section.
Eligibility Criteria for SSC Steno 2026 (Quick Recap)
Before diving into the pattern, ensure you meet the basics:
- Age Limit: 18-30 years for Grade C; 18-27 years for Grade D (relaxations apply for reserved categories).
- Educational Qualification: 12th standard or equivalent from a recognized board.
- Nationality: Indian citizen or eligible as per SSC rules.
Now,
let’s break down the SSC Steno Exam Pattern 2026.SSC Steno Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 1 (CBT)
The Tier 1 CBT is the first hurdle, designed to test your reasoning, awareness, and language skills. It’s a 2-hour online exam worth 200 marks. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | Analogies, similarities, space visualization, problem-solving, etc. |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | Current events, history, geography, economy, polity, science. |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, comprehension. |
| Total | 200 | 200 | – |
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes). For PwD candidates, it’s 2 hours 40 minutes.
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based).
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer; -0.25 marks (1/4th) for each wrong answer. No negative marking for unattempted questions.
- Qualifying Marks: UR: 30%, OBC/EWS: 25%, SC/ST/Others: 20% (may vary based on SSC’s discretion).
- Medium: Bilingual (Hindi/English), except English section.
Important Note: For visually handicapped (VH) candidates with 40% or more disability opting for a scribe, sections like General Intelligence & Reasoning and General Awareness won’t include maps, graphs, diagrams, or statistical data.
This pattern ensures a balanced assessment, with English carrying the highest weightage – a key area to focus on for SSC Steno Exam Pattern 2026 preparation.
SSC Steno Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Breakdown
The syllabus is aligned with the exam pattern and covers essential topics. Here’s a detailed look:
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
This section tests logical and analytical skills through verbal and non-verbal questions.
- Verbal: Analogies, similarities/differences, arithmetical reasoning, number series.
- Non-Verbal: Space visualization, visual memory, non-verbal series, coding-decoding.
- Other Topics: Problem-solving, judgment, decision-making, relationship concepts, figure classification.
Pro Tip: Practice puzzles and previous year questions to build speed.
2. General Awareness
Stay updated with current affairs and static GK.
- Current Events: National and international news, sports, awards.
- Static GK: History, culture, geography, economic scene, general polity, Indian Constitution, scientific research.
Focus on India and its neighbors. Read newspapers and use apps for daily updates.
3. English Language & Comprehension
The heaviest section, emphasizing language proficiency.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, one-word substitutions.
- Grammar: Sentence correction, error spotting, fill in the blanks.
- Comprehension: Reading passages, cloze tests.
- Writing Skills: Sentence structure, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech.
Download the official SSC Stenographer Syllabus PDF from ssc.gov.in for topic-wise weightage once available.
SSC Steno Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 2 (Skill Test)
Qualifiers from Tier 1 proceed to the Skill Test, which is qualifying in nature – no marks, but you must meet the standards set by SSC.
- Format: Stenography test in English or Hindi (as chosen in the application).
- Dictation: 10 minutes at:
- 100 words per minute (wpm) for Grade C.
- 80 wpm for Grade D.
- Transcription on Computer:
- Grade C: 40 minutes (English) / 55 minutes (Hindi).
- Grade D: 50 minutes (English) / 65 minutes (Hindi).
- Error Tolerance: SSC allows a certain percentage of errors (typically 5-8% for Grade C, 7-10% for Grade D), but exact limits will be in the notification.
- Mode: Offline dictation, online transcription.
The Skill Test evaluates your shorthand speed and typing accuracy – practice daily with mock dictations.
Preparation Tips for SSC Steno 2026
Cracking the SSC Steno Exam Pattern 2026 requires a strategic approach:
- Understand the Pattern: Start with mock tests to familiarize yourself with the 200-question format.
- Subject-Wise Strategy:
- Reasoning: Solve 50 questions daily from books like RS Aggarwal.
- GA: Follow Lucent’s GK and Pratiyogita Darpan for current affairs.
- English: Read The Hindu editorials; practice from Norman Lewis for vocabulary.
- Skill Test Prep: Invest in a stenography course; practice at increasing speeds using audio tools.
- Time Management: Allocate 35-40 minutes for English, 30 each for others in CBT.
- Resources: Use official SSC previous papers, apps like Adda247 or Testbook for mocks.
- Health Tips: Maintain typing speed (35-40 wpm) and shorthand accuracy; take breaks to avoid strain.
Aim for 140-160 marks in CBT to be safe, considering cut-offs from past years (around 120-140 for UR).
FAQs on SSC Steno Exam Pattern 2026
1. What is the negative marking in SSC Steno CBT?
There is a deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
2. Is the Skill Test qualifying?
Yes, it’s mandatory and qualifying; no marks are added to the final score.
3. Can I choose Hindi for the Skill Test?
Yes, you can opt for English or Hindi during application.
4. Where to download SSC Stenographer Syllabus PDF?
Visit ssc.gov.in for the official PDF once the notification is released.
5. What are the vacancies for SSC Steno 2026?
Vacancies are to be announced in the official notification; in 2025, there were approximately 1,590 posts split between Grade C and D.
In conclusion, mastering the SSC Steno Exam Pattern 2026 is about consistent practice and smart preparation. Bookmark this guide, stay motivated, and check ssc.gov.in for updates. Good luck – your government job awaits! If you have questions, drop them in the comments.
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