SSC Stenographer 2025 Exam Guide

SSC Stenographer 2025 Exam Guide

The SSC Stenographer Exam is held every year to recruit candidates for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D posts in various government departments.

The exam is divided into two parts: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and a Skill (Shorthand) Test. Here’s everything you need to know about the exam, including the syllabus, exam pattern, and application details.

Also read, SSC JE Notification 2025 – Overview

Exam Structure

1. Computer-Based Test (CBT):
   • Format: Objective multiple-choice questions.
   • Total Marks: 200 marks.
   • Sections:
     • General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 questions – 50 marks)
     • General Awareness (50 questions – 50 marks)
     • English Language (100 questions – 100 marks)
   • Duration: 2 hours total (additional time may be provided for disabled candidates).
   • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
2. Skill Test (Shorthand Test):
   • Purpose: To assess your shorthand skills.
   • For Grade C:
     • In English: Dictation for 10 minutes at 100 words per minute (w.p.m); transcription on computer in 40 minutes (55 minutes if using a scribe).
     • In Hindi: Dictation for 10 minutes at 100 w.p.m; transcription in 55 minutes (75 minutes with scribe).
   • For Grade D:
     • In English: Dictation for 8 minutes at 80 w.p.m; transcription in 50 minutes (70 minutes with scribe).
     • In Hindi: Dictation for 8 minutes at 80 w.p.m; transcription in 55 minutes (75 minutes with scribe).
   • Note: The Skill Test is qualifying in nature. If you choose to take the test in one language, you may need to work in the other language after appointment.

Syllabus Overview

CBT Syllabus Topics:

• General Intelligence & Reasoning:
  • Analogies, coding-decoding, series, puzzles, seating arrangements, etc.
• General Awareness:
  • Current affairs, static general knowledge (history, culture, geography, economics, sports, awards), important schemes, and people in the news.
• English Language & Comprehension:
  • Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction, cloze test, and error spotting.

Skill Test (Shorthand) Syllabus:

• You will be dictated a passage on topics such as current events, government policies, or general subjects.
• Prepare by practicing shorthand transcription on a computer.
• Familiarize yourself with the format and practice with sample dictation exercises.

Important Details

• Eligibility:
  • Must be a 12th pass from a recognized board.
  • Age limits differ for Grade C and Grade D (generally between 18-30 years for Grade C and 18-27 years for Grade D).
• Application Process:
  • Applications are submitted online through ssc.gov.in.
  • Follow the detailed instructions for registration, filling in details, uploading your photo and signature, and paying the application fee.
  • General candidates must pay Rs. 100, while SC/ST/PwD/Ex-servicemen and female candidates are exempted.
• Preparation Tips:
  • Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
  • Practice using previous years’ papers and take online mock tests.
  • Focus on time management during both the CBT and the Skill Test.
  • Regularly revise key topics in reasoning, general awareness, and English.

What to Expect After the SSC Stenographer 2025 Exam

• Admit Card: Download your admit card from the SSC website before the exam.
• Results: The results for the CBT and Skill Test will be announced separately in PDF format on the SSC website.
• Cut-Off Marks: Check previous year cut-offs to understand the expected performance level.
• Next Steps: Qualified candidates will move on to the next stage of the recruitment process based on their overall scores.