SSC Stenographer 2026 — Notification, Exam Date, Eligibility & Vacancy (Grade C & D)

SSC Stenographer 2026 recruits candidates for Stenographer Grade 'C' and Grade 'D' posts in various central government ministries, departments and offices. The notification has already been released — here's the complete, verified breakdown for this cycle.

SSC Stenographer 2026 Overview

Detail	Information
Conducting Body	Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Posts	Stenographer Grade 'C' and Grade 'D'
Notification Released	24 April 2026
Application Window	24 April – 15 May 2026
Computer Based Exam (CBT)	Expected July–August 2026
Total Vacancies	1,170 (revised)
Official Website	ssc.gov.in

The exact CBT date will be confirmed via the SSC exam calendar and admit card release — always cross-check with ssc.gov.in.

SSC Stenographer 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised Board or University.

Age Limit

• Grade 'C': 18 to 30 years
• Grade 'D': 18 to 27 years

Age is reckoned as on 1 August 2026. Age relaxation applies for reserved categories — 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and further relaxation for PwBD and other eligible categories as per government norms.

SSC Stenographer 2026 Vacancies

SSC has announced a revised total of 1,170 vacancies for Grade 'C' and Grade 'D' posts combined in this cycle — an increase from the number initially notified. The category- and post-wise breakup is released with the official notification/detailed notice on ssc.gov.in.

SSC Stenographer 2026 Exam Pattern

Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)

200 objective-type questions for 200 marks, 2 hours duration:

• General Intelligence & Reasoning — 50 marks
• General Awareness — 50 marks
• English Language & Comprehension — 100 marks

0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.

Stage 2: Skill Test (Stenography)

Candidates who qualify the CBT take a dictation-based stenography skill test:

• Grade 'C': 10-minute dictation at 100 words per minute (WPM)
• Grade 'D': 10-minute dictation at 80 words per minute (WPM)

Transcription must be completed within the time limit prescribed by SSC, and the skill test is qualifying in nature, followed by document verification.

Application Fee

₹100 for General/OBC candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-servicemen and all female candidates are exempted from the application fee.

How to Apply for SSC Stenographer 2026

1. Visit the official website: ssc.gov.in
2. Register once via the SSC "One Time Registration" (OTR) portal if not already registered
3. Log in and select the SSC Stenographer Grade 'C' & 'D' 2026 application link
4. Fill in personal, educational and category details
5. Upload photograph and signature as per specifications
6. Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit the form

SSC Stenographer 2026 Preparation Strategy

Since English Language & Comprehension carries the highest weight (100 of 200 marks), prioritise daily reading practice, grammar rules and vocabulary alongside your Reasoning and General Awareness revision. Start stenography practice early and build dictation speed gradually toward the 80/100 WPM target — speed without accuracy will not clear the skill test.

Practice free SSC Stenographer CBT mock tests and sectional quizzes on FreePrep.in — instant scoring, no login required. If you're also targeting other SSC exams, check our SSC CHSL 2026 notification guide and SSC CGL syllabus 2026 guide.

SSC Stenographer 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions

How many vacancies are there in SSC Stenographer 2026?
SSC has announced a revised total of 1,170 vacancies for Grade 'C' and Grade 'D' posts combined.

What is the age limit for SSC Stenographer 2026?
Grade 'C' candidates must be 18–30 years old and Grade 'D' candidates 18–27 years old, as on 1 August 2026, with relaxation for reserved categories.

When is the SSC Stenographer 2026 CBT exam?
The Computer Based Exam is expected in July–August 2026; the exact date will be confirmed via the admit card on ssc.gov.in.

What is the required dictation speed for the skill test?
Grade 'C' requires 100 words per minute and Grade 'D' requires 80 words per minute, both for a 10-minute dictation.

Is there an interview for SSC Stenographer?
No. Selection is based on the CBT followed by a qualifying skill test (stenography) and document verification — there is no interview.