Stenographer Grade C and Grade D Examination

Recruitment of shorthand stenographers in Grade C and Grade D. There is no quantitative section, English is double-weighted at 100 questions, and the stenography skill test is mandatory but qualifying, so merit rests on the written examination alone.

200 questions · 120 minutes · 200 marks · 0.25 negative marking

SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Exam Pattern

Eligibility

Class 12, intermediate or higher secondary pass. No stenography certificate is required to apply.

18 to 30 years for Grade C and 18 to 27 years for Grade D.

Selection Process

1. Computer Based Examination — 200 questions for 200 marks in two hours, 2 hours 40 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates, with 0.25 deducted per wrong answer.
2. Skill Test in Stenography — One ten-minute dictation at 100 words per minute for Grade C or 80 for Grade D, transcribed on a computer. The permitted error rate is what decides it: Grade C allows up to 5 per cent mistakes for unreserved and 7 per cent for reserved categories, Grade D up to 7 and 10 per cent respectively. Mandatory but qualifying: candidates who clear it are selected on their examination merit.
3. Document verification — Final selection follows the examination merit among candidates who cleared the skill test.

SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Syllabus

General Intelligence and Reasoning

• Analogies
• Similarities and differences
• Space visualization
• Problem solving
• Analysis
• Judgment
• Decision making
• Visual memory
• Discriminating observation
• Relationship concepts
• Arithmetical reasoning
• Verbal and figure classification
• Arithmetical number series
• Non-verbal series
• Abstract ideas and symbols and their relationship
• Arithmetical computation
• Other analytical functions

General Awareness

• Sports
• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economic scene
• General polity including the Indian constitution
• Scientific research
• Current events
• India and its neighbouring countries

English Language and Comprehension

• Understanding of the English language
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Sentence structure
• Synonyms and antonyms and their correct usage
• Writing ability
• Comprehension

SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Previous Year Cut-Off Marks

Qualifying Marks

Examination minimum: 30 per cent for unreserved, 25 per cent for OBC and EWS, and 20 per cent for all other categories. The Commission fixes category-wise qualifying standards for the skill test separately for each post.

Exam Calendar

From recent cycles: notice around June to August, the examination around November or December, and the skill test in the following February to April.

SSC Stenographer Grade C and D FAQs

Is there a quantitative section?

No. The paper is General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness and English Language and Comprehension, with English carrying 100 of the 200 questions.

How much is deducted for a wrong answer?

0.25 marks.

Does the skill test count toward merit?

No. It is mandatory but qualifying: candidates who clear it are then selected on their computer based examination merit alone.

What dictation speed is required?

100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 for Grade D, from a single ten-minute dictation.

How long do I get to transcribe?

Grade D allows 50 minutes in English or 65 in Hindi, and Grade C allows 40 minutes in English or 55 in Hindi. Scribe-eligible candidates get 70, 90, 55 and 75 minutes respectively.

Do I need a stenography certificate to apply?

No. Class 12 pass is sufficient; the skill test assesses shorthand ability directly.

Can I apply for both grades?

Yes. You indicate in the application whether you seek Grade C, Grade D or both, and are shortlisted for the skill test of the posts applied for.

Which language should I take the skill test in?

Either, but candidates who take it in Hindi must learn English stenography after appointment and vice versa, failing which probation may not be cleared.

Are Grade C and Grade D cut-offs different?

Yes, substantially. Grade C runs roughly 18 marks above Grade D, and SSC publishes them as separate lists.

Is there an interview?

No.