SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification Released – 731 Grade C & D Posts

Last verified on: 26 April 2026 (IST)

Key Highlights

Organisation	Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Post Name	Stenographer Grade C (Group B, Non-Gazetted) & Grade D (Group C)
Notification No.	F. No. E/13/2026-C-2
Total Vacancies	731 (tentative)
Educational Qualification	12th Pass from a recognised board
Age Limit (Grade C)	18–30 years (as on 01.08.2026)
Age Limit (Grade D)	18–27 years (as on 01.08.2026)
Application Fee	₹100 (General/OBC/EWS); Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/Women/ESM
Application Start Date	24 April 2026
Application Last Date	15 May 2026 (11:00 PM)
Correction Window	20–21 May 2026
CBT Exam Date (Tentative)	July–August 2026
Official Website	ssc.gov.in

Vacancy Details

SSC has announced approximately 731 tentative vacancies for Stenographer Grade C and Grade D posts. These positions are spread across various ministries, departments, organisations, attached and subordinate offices, and statutory bodies of the Government of India. The category-wise vacancy breakup has not been published in the notification at this stage; SSC has stated that final vacancy figures will be updated on ssc.gov.in in due course after receipt from user departments.

Grade C posts are classified as Group B, Non-Gazetted. Grade D posts are classified as Group C. Both carry All India Service Liability, meaning selected candidates can be posted anywhere in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University. The crucial date for possessing this qualification is 1 August 2026. Degrees or diplomas obtained through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) are acceptable provided the university is recognised by the Distance Education Bureau, UGC. Candidates whose results were declared on or before 1 August 2026 are eligible, subject to production of documentary proof.

Stenography skill is mandatory. Candidates without shorthand ability are not eligible to apply, as the Skill Test is a compulsory qualifying stage.

Age Limit and Relaxation

For Grade C: Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years of age as on 1 August 2026. Eligible birth window: 2 August 1996 to 1 August 2008.

For Grade D: Candidates must be between 18 and 27 years of age as on 1 August 2026. Eligible birth window: 2 August 1999 to 1 August 2008.

Age relaxation as per Government of India norms: OBC – 3 years; SC/ST – 5 years; PwBD (General) – 10 years; PwBD (OBC) – 13 years; PwBD (SC/ST) – 15 years; Ex-Servicemen – 3 years after deduction of military service. For BRO Grade D posts, only male candidates are eligible and they must meet physical and medical standards as specified in the notification.

Salary and Pay

Pay scales are governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission:

Stenographer Grade C: Pay Level-6 in the Pay Matrix, with a basic pay range of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 per month.
Stenographer Grade D: Pay Level-4 in the Pay Matrix, with a basic pay range of ₹25,500 to ₹81,100 per month.

In addition to basic pay, appointed candidates receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA) as per applicable government rates. The actual in-hand salary will vary depending on the city of posting and applicable deductions. Refer to the official notification PDF on ssc.gov.in for authoritative pay details.

Selection Process

Selection is conducted in three stages:

Computer-Based Test (CBT): A single paper of 200 marks covering General Intelligence and Reasoning (50 marks, 30 min), General Awareness (50 marks, 30 min), and English Language and Comprehension (100 marks, 60 min). Sectional timing applies — candidates cannot switch between sections before the timer for that section expires. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. The CBT is tentatively scheduled for July–August 2026.
Skill Test in Stenography (Qualifying): Candidates shortlisted from the CBT appear for a stenography skill test. Grade C: dictation at 100 words per minute (wpm) in English or Hindi; transcription time is 40 minutes (English) or 55 minutes (Hindi). Grade D: dictation at 80 wpm; transcription time is 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi). Minimum qualifying marks: 40% for UR/EWS; 35% for others. This stage is qualifying in nature; marks are not counted toward the final merit.
Document Verification (DV): Conducted by the user department for candidates who qualify both stages. Final merit is based on CBT marks only, on a category-wise basis.

Important Dates

Notification Release Date	24 April 2026
Online Application Opens	24 April 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	15 May 2026 (11:00 PM)
Application Correction Window	20–21 May 2026
CBT Exam Date (Tentative)	July–August 2026
Admit Card Release	To be announced on ssc.gov.in
Skill Test Date	To be announced on ssc.gov.in

Application Fee

The application fee is ₹100 (Rupees One Hundred only) for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates. No fee is payable by women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen (ESM) candidates. Payment must be made online via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit card. Once submitted, the fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. No request for adjustment of fee against any other examination will be entertained.

How to Apply

Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in.
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done. You will need your Aadhaar number, valid mobile number, and active email ID.
Log in using your Registration Number and password.
Click on the link for “Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026” in the active applications section.
Fill in the application form with your educational, personal, and preference details, including your preferred exam centre region and language for the Skill Test (English or Hindi).
Capture a live photograph through the application module. The system does not accept pre-existing photos. Ensure a plain background and adequate lighting. Upload your scanned signature (10–20 KB, JPEG format).
Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
Click Final Submit. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Government/PSU employees must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or undertaking as required. Keep your registered email and mobile number active throughout the recruitment cycle for official communications.

Documents Required

Candidates should keep the following documents ready for upload and subsequent verification:

Recent passport-size photograph (20–50 KB, JPEG)
Scanned signature (10–20 KB, JPEG)
Aadhaar card (for OTR/authentication)
Class 12 marksheet and pass certificate from a recognised board
Date of birth proof (Class 10 certificate/marksheet)
Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD), if applicable
Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate, if applicable
NOC from employer, if currently in government/PSU service

Offer / Notice Verification and Scam Warning

SSC communicates all official notifications, admit cards, and results exclusively through ssc.gov.in and its regional websites. The Commission does not send appointment letters or job offers through WhatsApp, Telegram, or third-party email addresses.

Candidates should not pay any amount to agents, coaching centres, or individuals claiming to secure selection or a posting. SSC does not charge any fee beyond the prescribed application fee paid through the official portal.

Any PDF circulating on social media that is not directly hosted on ssc.gov.in should be treated as unverified. Always cross-check the notification number (F. No. E/13/2026-C-2) and the official URL before acting on any information. If you receive a suspicious communication, report it to SSC’s helpline at 1800-309-3063.

Official Links

Official SSC Website – ssc.gov.in
SSC Stenographer 2026 Official Notification PDF (ssc.gov.in) – If this direct link does not resolve, navigate to ssc.gov.in → Latest News → Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026.
Apply Online – SSC One-Time Registration Portal (ssc.gov.in)
SSC Candidate Login / OTR Portal

Note: Always access official links by typing ssc.gov.in directly in your browser. Avoid clicking links shared on social media or messaging apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for SSC Stenographer Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit the online application form is 15 May 2026 at 11:00 PM. A correction window is available from 20 to 21 May 2026 for fee-paying candidates.

Q2. Can a candidate apply for both Grade C and Grade D posts?

Yes. Candidates can indicate their preference for Grade C, Grade D, or both within the same application form on the SSC portal.

Q3. Is stenography skill mandatory even for Grade D posts?

Yes. The Skill Test in Stenography is compulsory for both Grade C and Grade D. Candidates who do not qualify the Skill Test are not considered for final selection regardless of their CBT score.

Q4. What is the exam pattern for the CBT?

The CBT consists of 200 questions carrying 200 marks, divided into three sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning (50 marks, 30 min), General Awareness (50 marks, 30 min), and English Language and Comprehension (100 marks, 60 min). There is sectional timing and a negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.

Q5. What is the stenography speed requirement for the Skill Test?

Grade C candidates must achieve a dictation speed of 100 words per minute. Grade D candidates must achieve 80 words per minute. The test can be taken in English or Hindi as per the candidate’s preference.

Q6. What happens if the live photograph capture fails during the application?

SSC’s new application module requires a live photograph to be captured via webcam during form submission; pre-existing photos are not accepted. If the capture fails, ensure adequate lighting, a plain background, and no spectacles. If the issue persists, contact SSC’s helpline at 1800-309-3063 before the application deadline.