If you have been waiting for a central government job that combines language skills with a structured career path, the timing could not be better. The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the SSC Stenographer Recruitment notification on April 24, 2026, opening up 731 vacancies for Grade C and Grade D stenographer posts. The online application window is already live at ssc.gov.in, and the last date to register is May 15, 2026. So if you are eligible and serious about this opportunity, now is the time to act.
Let us walk through everything you need to know, vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern, skill test, salary, cutoff, and exactly how to apply. If you are also exploring language-based government job opportunities, you can check the detailed guide on SSC Translator Recruitment to understand eligibility, exam pattern, and career scope.
SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026 — Quick Summary
Before getting into the details, here is a quick overview of the entire recruitment drive:
| Exam Name | SSC Stenographer 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Posts | Grade C & D Stenographers |
| Total Vacancies | 731 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Dates | April 24 to May 15, 2026 |
| Exam Level | National |
| Selection Process | Written Exam (CBT) and Skill Test |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026 — Important Dates
Every aspirant must lock in these dates before doing anything else. Missing a deadline, especially the fee payment cutoff, can cost you the entire application.
| Activity | Date |
| Official Notification Release Date | April 24, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | April 24, 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | May 15, 2026 (11 PM) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | May 16, 2026 (11 PM) |
| Application Form Correction Window & Correction Fee Payment | May 20 & 21, 2026 |
| Tentative Exam Date | July – August 2026 |
SSC Stenographer Vacancy 2026
SSC has announced a combined total of 731 vacancies for SSC Stenographer Recruitment, covering both Grade C and Grade D posts.
| Post | Vacancies |
| Stenographer Grade C | 731 (combined) |
| Stenographer Grade D | — |
The post-wise distribution of the 731 vacancies between Grade C and Grade D has not been individually specified in the notification. As and when SSC releases further breakdowns, candidates can check the official website for updated details.
Eligibility Criteria for SSC Stenographer 2026
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first thing you must check before applying for the SSC Stenographer Recruitment. The parameters are clearly defined in the official notification. For candidates also interested in MTS, you can check the SSC MTS 2026 Notification for complete details.
Educational Qualification (as on August 1, 2026)
The minimum educational qualification required is a Class 12 pass from a recognized board or university. There is no specific stream restriction, any student who has cleared Class 12 from a recognised institution qualifies on the academic front. Candidates must be ready to produce the relevant documents for verification after qualifying the examination.
Age Limit (as on August 1, 2026)
The age requirements differ between Grade C and Grade D posts.
For Stenographer Grade C, candidates must fall between 18 and 30 years of age. Eligible candidates are those born not before August 2, 1996, and not later than August 1, 2008.
For Stenographer Grade D, candidates must fall between 18 and 27 years of age. Eligible candidates are those born between August 2, 1999, and August 1, 2008, inclusive.
Age Relaxation (Category-Wise)
Here is the category wise age relaxation for this recruitment.
| Category | Upper Age Limit / Age Relaxation |
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwD (Unreserved) | 10 Years |
| PwD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwD (SC / ST) | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service from the actual age as on the closing date |
| Defense personnel disabled in operation during hostilities or a disturbed area and released | 3 Years |
| Defense personnel disabled in operation during hostilities or a disturbed area and released (SC / ST) | 8 Years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees with min. 3 years of regular continuous service | Up to 40 Years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees with min. 3 years regular continuous service (SC / ST) | Up to 45 Years |
| Widows / Divorced Women / Women judicially separated and not remarried | Up to 35 Years |
| Widows / Divorced Women / Women judicially separated and not remarried (SC / ST) | Up to 40 Years |
Nationality
A candidate must be either a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a subject of Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam with the intent to permanently settle in India. Candidates belonging to the last group must hold a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India. Such candidates may appear in the exam, but SSC issues the appointment offer only after the eligibility certificate has been formally issued. For aspirants preparing for this exam, enrolling in SSC CGL Coaching in Assam can be highly beneficial.
Application Fee for SSC Stenographer 2026
The application fee is kept simple and affordable:
| Category | Application Fee |
| General and OBC | Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST / PwD / Ex-Servicemen / Female | Nil |
Fee payment happens entirely online. There is no option for offline payment, cash, or a demand draft.
How to Apply Online for SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026
The application process for SSC Stenographer Recruitment runs entirely through the official SSC portal at ssc.gov.in. Here is how to complete it without any confusion.
- Start by visiting ssc.gov.in and clicking the registration link for SSC Stenographer 2026. A new window opens up, click on the “New User/Register Now” option. Enter your basic details such as your name, parents’ names, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number, then click Submit. SSC will issue you a Registration ID after this step, keep it safe.
- Next, log in using the Registration ID, date of birth, and password to complete your registration. Upload your photograph and signature in the formats specified below. Then log back in with your registered ID and password to complete Part II of the application form. Fill in all personal and educational details carefully.
- Before hitting Final Submit, preview the entire form thoroughly. Once submitted, you cannot edit the application. After you are satisfied with the details, click Final Submit, pay the application fee as per your category, and download a printed copy of the submitted form for future reference.
Photograph Specifications: The photograph must be taken against a white or light-colored background. The file size must be more than 4 KB and less than 12 KB. The resolution should be 100 × 120 pixels.
Signature Specifications: The signature must be in black or blue ink on a white sheet. The scanned copy must be in JPG format, with a file size between 1 KB and 12 KB. The resolution should be 40 × 60 pixels.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Exam Pattern
The SSC Stenographer Recruitment selection process runs in two stages, the Computer Based Examination (CBT) followed by the Skill Test in Stenography. Here is the complete exam pattern for the CBT:
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Timing |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| English Language and Comprehension | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours |
A few important points about CBT that every candidate must keep in mind. The question paper is an objective type with multiple-choice questions. The paper is available in both Hindi and English, except for Part III (English Language and Comprehension), which is available only in English. SSC has introduced sectional timers, 30 minutes each for General Awareness and Reasoning, and 60 minutes for the English section. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer, so careless attempts can damage your score. Move on from uncertain questions rather than guessing blindly. For structured preparation and expert guidance, you can explore SSC CGL Coaching in Guwahati.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
To advance to the Skill Test stage, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifying percentages in the CBT:
Unreserved category candidates need a minimum of 30%. OBC and EWS candidates need 25%. All other categories need a minimum of 20%.
Skill Test in Stenography
Candidates who clear the minimum qualifying marks in the CBT get called for the Skill Test. The skill test is qualifying in nature, clearing it is mandatory, but the final merit list gets prepared based on CBT marks, not skill test performance.
In the Skill Test, candidates receive one dictation passage for 10 minutes. The speed for Grade C is 100 words per minute (wpm), and for Grade D is 80 wpm. After the dictation, candidates must transcribe the passage on a computer within the time limits given below.
| Post | Language of Skill Test | Time Duration (Minutes) | Time Duration for Scribe-Eligible Candidates (Minutes) |
| Stenographer Grade D | English | 50 | 70 |
| Stenographer Grade D | Hindi | 65 | 90 |
| Stenographer Grade C | English | 40 | 55 |
| Stenographer Grade C | Hindi | 55 | 75 |
One important thing to note here is that candidates who opt to take the skill test in Hindi must learn English Stenography after appointment, and vice versa. After joining, candidates work as English or Hindi stenographers based on the functional requirement of their posting office, regardless of the language they chose during the skill test. The Skill Test is conducted at the Commission’s Regional or Sub-Regional Offices. Detailed instructions regarding the venue and process get communicated by the concerned regional office to shortlisted candidates.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Syllabus
Knowing the syllabus thoroughly is the starting point for any effective preparation plan. The CBT covers three major sections, and here is what each section includes:
| General Awareness | English Language and Comprehension | General Intelligence and Reasoning |
| Sports | Grammar | Arithmetic Computation |
| Economy | Vocabulary | Number Series |
| Current Affairs | Synonyms & Antonyms | Visual Memory |
| Awards and Honours | Sentence Structure | Blood Relation |
| Scientific Research | Reading Comprehension | Syllogism |
| History | Para Jumbles | Decision Making |
| Important Days & Dates | Problem-Solving Skills | — |
SSC Stenographer 2026 Salary
All provisionally appointed candidates for Stenographer Grade C (Group B, Non-Gazetted) and Stenographer Grade D (Group C) posts receive an attractive monthly salary. Beyond the basic pay, candidates also get Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and other applicable allowances. Standard deductions such as provident fund and income tax also apply.
| Salary Component | Stenographer Grade C | Stenographer Grade D |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 9,300 – 34,800 | Rs. 5,200 – 20,200 |
| Pay Band (Grade Pay) | Rs. 4,200 or 4,600 (Grade Pay 2) | Rs. 2,400 (Grade Pay 1) |
| Initial Salary | Rs. 5,200 | Rs. 5,200 |
| Basic Salary | Rs. 14,500 | Rs. 7,600 |
SSC Stenographer 2026 Admit Card and Result
The admit card for the SSC Stenographer Recruitment will get released on ssc.gov.in. SSC issues the admit cards for the CBT exam and the skill test separately at different stages. Candidates can download their admit card using their registration number and password.
The results follow the same two-stage pattern. SSC first declares the CBT result, followed by the final result that combines CBT and skill test performance. The final merit list gets prepared based on marks obtained in the CBT exam.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Previous Year Cut-Off
To set a realistic score target for your preparation, here is a look at the previous year cutoff marks for both Grade C and Grade D:
SSC Stenographer Cut-Off — Grade C (Previous Year)
| Category | Cut-Off Marks | Candidates Available |
| SC | 135.44087 | 1219 |
| ST | 120.37748 | 766 |
| OBC | 141.77465 | 2620 |
| EWS | 137.83071 | 1468 |
| UR | 142.42577 | 2187 |
| OH | 119.93641 | 108 |
| HH | 73.62062 | 100 |
| VH | 95.27935 | 156 |
| Total | — | 8624 |
SSC Stenographer Cut-Off — Grade D (Previous Year)
| Category | Cut-Off Marks | Candidates Available |
| SC | 117.77426 | 4398 |
| ST | 105.75225 | 1740 |
| OBC | 129.22305 | 7368 |
| EWS | 125.13310 | 3434 |
| UR | 132.30789 | 4299 |
| ESM | 40.27012 | 418 |
| OH | 107.44537 | 242 |
| HH | 40.20009 | 203 |
| VH | 80.23427 | 234 |
| Others-PwD | 51.94828 | 120 |
| Total | — | 22,456 |
These cutoffs give you a clear benchmark to aim for during your preparation. Grade C cutoffs are noticeably higher than Grade D across all categories, which reflects the higher competition and salary attached to that post.
SSC Stenographer 2026 Preparation Tips
With lakhs of candidates appearing for this recruitment every year, your preparation strategy needs to be smart and consistent, not just hard-working.
Start by going through the complete syllabus and exam pattern in detail. Knowing which topics carry more weight helps you prioritize your study time effectively. Time management during CBT matters enormously because of the sectional timer. Practice allocating your time wisely, a—aroundminutes for English and 30 minutes each for Reasoning and General Awareness works well as a rough benchmark during mock tests.
Attempt full-length mock tests weekly and monthly. This is the most effective way to build both speed and accuracy simultaneously. Mock tests also help you get comfortable with the pressure of the sectional timer, which many first-time SSC candidates underestimate. On top of mock tests, solve SSC Stenographer previous year papers to understand the type and difficulty of questions that actually appear in the exam.
Stay updated on current affairs throughout your preparation. Newspapers, reliable online news sources, and monthly current affairs digests all help keep your General Awareness section sharp. Finally, start practising shorthand daily, the Skill Test requires 80 wpm for Grade D and 100 wpm for Grade C. Shorthand speed builds only through consistent daily practice, not last-minute cramming.
Conclusion
SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026 is one of the most accessible and genuinely rewarding central government recruitment opportunities of this year. With 731 vacancies across Grade C and Grade D posts, a Class 12 qualification requirement, and a well-defined two-stage selection process, this recruitment opens its doors to a very wide pool of candidates across the country. Moreover, looking at the previous year’s cutoffs helps you set an honest and realistic target score. Grade C cutoffs hover around 142 for the unreserved category, while Grade D sits around 132 for the same group. Both are achievable with the right preparation plan and consistent practice. If this opportunity fits your profile, go ahead and apply today, and start your preparation without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SSC Stenographer Notification 2026 been released?
Yes, the SSC Stenographer 2026 notification has been officially released by the Staff Selection Commission on April 24, 2026. The notification PDF is available on the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in and covers all the important details, including vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, selection process, syllabus, and important dates. A total of 731 vacancies have been announced for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D posts. The online application window opened on the same day, April 24, 2026 and the last date to register is May 15, 2026 at 11 PM. Candidates who want to apply must complete their registration and fee payment before the respective deadlines to avoid losing their opportunity.
What is the selection process for SSC Stenographer Grade C and D 2026?
The selection process for SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026 runs in two stages. The first stage is a Computer-Based Examination (CBT) that covers three sections, General Awareness, General Intelligence and Reasoning, and English Language and Comprehension for a total of 200 marks over 2 hours with sectional timers. Candidates who clear the minimum qualifying marks in the CBT get shortlisted for the second stage, which is the Skill Test in Stenography. In the Skill Test, candidates receive a 10-minute dictation passage and must transcribe it on a computer within the prescribed time. The skill test is qualifying in nature, meaning SSC uses it to determine who meets the required stenography speed standard, 100 wpm for Grade C and 80 wpm for Grade D, rather than as a scoring component. The final merit list and selection get based on the CBT marks of candidates who clear both stages.
What is the age limit for SSC Stenographer 2026?
The age limit for the SSC Stenographer depends on the post. For Stenographer Grade C, the age range is 18 to 30 years as on August 1, 2026, which means candidates must be born not before August 2, 1996, and not later than August 1, 2008. For Stenographer Grade D, the age range is 18 to 27 years as on the same date, meaning candidates must be born not before August 2, 1999, and not later than August 1, 2008. Beyond the general limits, SSC provides standard category-wise relaxations, 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates, 10 years for unreserved PwD candidates, and higher relaxations for special categories including ex-servicemen, defence personnel, central government civilian employees, and widowed or divorced women as specified in the notification.
