SSC Stenographer 2025: Full Details and Tips to Crack the Exam
SSC Steno 2025 Exam Overview
The SSC Stenographer Exam is conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit candidates for the posts of Stenographer Grade C and Grade D. For 2025, SSC has announced a total of 1,590 vacancies, with 1,360 vacancies for Grade D and 230 for Grade C.
Applicants who have successfully submitted their forms are now preparing to appear for the Computer-Based Test (CBT), which is scheduled to be held from 6th to 8th August 2025 across various exam centers in multiple shifts.
The recruitment process consists of two stages: the CBT followed by a Skill Test for shorthand proficiency. Candidates must clear the CBT to qualify for the skill test.
SSC Stenographer 2025 Exam Summary
Below is the exam summary for SSC Stenographer 2025:
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Exam Name | SSC Stenographer 2025 |
Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Posts Offered | Stenographer Grade C & Grade D |
Total Vacancies | 1,590 |
Exam Dates | 6th to 8th August 2025 |
Category | Government Jobs |
Exam Level | National |
Application Mode | Online |
Selection Process | Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Skill Test |
Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
SSC Steno 2025 Exam Important Dates
The official notification for SSC Stenographer 2025 has been released, providing all details about the recruitment process. The online application window is now closed, and the Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be conducted from 6th to 8th August 2025.
Check the complete schedule for the SSC Stenographer 2025 exam below:
Activity | Dates |
---|---|
Official Notification Release Date | 6th June 2025 |
SSC Stenographer Online Application Start | 6th June 2025 |
Last Date to Register | 26th June 2025 (11 PM) |
Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 27th June 2025 |
Application Form Correction & Fee Correction Window | 1st & 2nd July 2025 |
City Intimation Slip Release | 31st July 2025 |
Admit Card Release | 4th August 2025 |
SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Exam Dates | 6th to 8th August 2025 |
SSC Steno 2025 Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
- Minimum Requirement: Candidates must have passed the 12th standard (Class 12) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or university.
- Reference Date: The educational qualification should be as of the closing date of receipt of applications, which is 26th June 2025.
2. Age Limit
- Grade C: Candidates should be between 18 to 30 years of age as of 1st August 2025.
- Grade D: Candidates should be between 18 to 27 years of age as of 1st August 2025.
3. Age Relaxation
SSC provides age relaxation for candidates belonging to certain reserved categories as per government norms:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwD (Unreserved): 10 years
- PwD (OBC): 13 years
- PwD (SC/ST): 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 3 years after deducting military service time period from the actual age.
- Defence Personnel (Disabled in operation during hostilities): 3 years
4. Nationality/Citizenship
Candidates must be:
- Citizens of India,
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan,
- Tibetan refugees who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India,
- Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, and from other specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India. These candidates must possess the eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
5. Skill Test Requirement
- Grade C: Candidates must have a shorthand speed of 100 words per minute (wpm).
- Grade D: Candidates must have a shorthand speed of 80 wpm.
The skill test is mandatory and qualifying in nature. Candidates must clear the skill test to be considered for the final selection.
6. Number of Attempts
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the SSC Stenographer exam. Candidates can appear as many times as they wish, provided they meet the age and educational qualification criteria.
SSC Steno 2025 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
1. Exam Structure
The SSC Stenographer 2025 exam comprises two stages:
- Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Stage 2: Skill Test (Shorthand Test)
2. Stage 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | |
English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | |
Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
- Marking Scheme: +1 mark for each correct answer.
- Negative Marking: −0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
- No marks deducted for unanswered questions.
3. Stage 2: Skill Test (Shorthand Test)
Stage | Details |
---|---|
Skill Test (Shorthand Test) | Candidates qualifying the CBT appear for this test. |
Grade C | Dictation at 100 words per minute for 10 minutes. |
Grade D | Dictation at 80 words per minute for 10 minutes. |
Nature of Test | Qualifying; candidates must meet the required speed. |
4. Syllabus Overview
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies
- Similarities and differences
- Space visualization
- Problem-solving
- Analysis and judgment
- Decision making
- Visual memory
- Discriminating observation
- Relationship concepts
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Verbal and figure classification
- Arithmetic number series
- Non-verbal series
General Awareness
- Current events
- General polity
- Indian Constitution
- History
- Geography
- Economy
- Scientific research
- Culture and heritage
- Books and authors
- Sports
English Language & Comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Fill in the blanks
- Spellings
- Phrases and idioms
- Active and passive voice
- Direct and indirect speech
- One-word substitution
- Sentence improvement
- Error spotting
- Para jumbles
- Cloze test
SSC Steno 2025 Vacancy
SSC has announced the total vacancies for SSC Stenographer Group C and Group D posts. This year, a total of 1590 vacancies have been released.
Category | Grade C | Grade D |
---|---|---|
UR | 117 | 614 |
SC | 22 | 189 |
ST | 14 | 79 |
OBC | 50 | 337 |
EWS | 27 | 141 |
ESM | -- | 103 |
HH | 02 | 11 |
OH | 02 | 13 |
VH | 03 | 11 |
Other PWD | -- | 06 |
Total | 230 | 1360 |
SSC Steno 2025 Salary & Job Profile
SSC Stenographer positions are classified into Grade C and Grade D. These roles offer stable pay, allowances, and long-term career progression in government offices.
Salary Structure & In-Hand Pay
Grade | Pay Scale (₹) | Approx. Basic Pay (₹) | Approx. In-Hand Salary (₹) |
---|---|---|---|
Grade C | 9,300–34,800 | ₹35,400–₹44,900 | ₹50,600–₹60,000 |
Grade D | 5,200–20,200 | ₹25,500–₹29,200 | ₹36,000–₹43,500 |
In-hand salary includes components such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and deductions. The city of posting affects allowances and the final take-home pay.
Job Profile
Grade C Stenographer
- Posted in central ministries and high-level government offices.
- Responsible for maintaining official records, drafting documents, and assisting senior staff.
- Offers higher responsibility and faster promotion prospects.
Grade D Stenographer
- Typically placed in subordinate or regional offices.
- Duties include routine clerical tasks, file maintenance, and basic correspondence.
- Known for better work-life balance.
How to Apply for SSC Steno 2025
- Visit the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in).
- Complete the one-time registration or sign in.
- Fill in the SSC Stenographer 2025 application form.
- Upload scanned photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee: ₹100 for General/OBC; No fee for others.
- Review all details and submit the application.
- Download and save the confirmation page.
Quick Preparation Tips for SSC Steno 2025
- Know the Exam Pattern: CBT + Skill Test.
- Focus on English: It has the highest weightage (100 marks).
- Daily Practice: Work on reasoning, current affairs & vocabulary.
- Shorthand Practice: Aim for 100 wpm (Grade C) and 80 wpm (Grade D).
- Mock Tests & PYQs: Boost accuracy and speed.
- Revise Regularly: Make short notes for quick revision.
- If using Invictaa Plus App, use features like daily live classes, chapter-wise tests, full mock exams, instant analysis, and previous year question papers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for SSC Stenographer?
12th pass candidates can apply for the SSC Stenographer exam.
What is the age limit for SSC Steno?
The age limit is 18–30 years for Grade C and 18–27 years for Grade D.
How is the final merit list prepared for SSC Stenographer?
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) only. The skill test is qualifying in nature, meaning candidates only need to pass it.
Is there negative marking in the exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in the CBT.
Can I learn shorthand after clearing the CBT?
While it's technically possible, it is extremely difficult as shorthand requires months of dedicated practice. It is highly recommended to start learning shorthand along with your CBT preparation.
What is the shorthand speed required?
The required shorthand speed is 100 words per minute (wpm) for Grade C and 80 wpm for Grade D.
What is the permissible error percentage in the skill test?
The permissible error percentage in the skill test is generally 5% for UR (Unreserved) candidates and 7% for reserved category candidates.
Is typing also required for SSC Stenographer?
No, a separate typing test is not conducted. The skill test itself involves transcribing the dictated shorthand passage on a computer, which tests your typing ability.
Is normalization applied in the SSC Steno exam?
Yes, since the Computer-Based Test (CBT) is conducted in multiple shifts, normalization is applied to the scores to ensure fairness by adjusting for variations in the difficulty level of the question papers.
What is the salary for SSC Stenographers?
The approximate in-hand salary is ₹50,000–₹60,000 for Grade C and ₹35,000–₹45,000 for Grade D, depending on the city of posting.
Can I choose my shorthand language (English/Hindi)?
Yes, candidates can choose to appear for the shorthand skill test in either English or Hindi. This preference must be indicated in the application form.
What kind of departments are allotted through SSC Stenographer?
Stenographers are posted in various central government Ministries, Departments, and Organizations, such as the Ministry of External Affairs, Armed Forces Headquarters, Central Vigilance Commission, etc.
Is the skill test qualifying in nature?
Yes, the skill test is mandatory and qualifying in nature. Your final selection depends on your CBT score, provided you pass the skill test.
What is the selection process?
The selection process includes a Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by a Skill Test for those who qualify the CBT.