Staff Selection Commission Grade “C” Stenographers Limited Departmental Competitive Examination 2025

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for the Grade “C” Stenographer post. The **crucial date for counting of approved service** for most services is July 1, 2025.

Length of Service:

Candidates must have rendered a specified length of approved and continuous service in Grade “D” Stenographer posts as of the crucial date (July 1, 2025), varying by service/cadre:

• Central Secretariat Stenographers Services (CSSS): Not less than six years’ approved service. If appointed through competitive examination, results should be announced not less than six years before crucial date, and rendered not less than five years’ approved and continuous service.
• Indian Foreign Service Branch(B) Stenographers: Not less than six years’ approved service and successful completion of mandatory training. Eligibility service for direct recruitment Stenographers Grade ‘D’ holding regular posts before commencement of these rules is five years.
• Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographers Service (AFHQ): Not less than three years’ approved and continuous service. If appointed through competitive examination, results should be announced not less than three years before crucial date, and rendered not less than two years’ approved and continuous service.
• Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service (M/o Railways): Not less than six years’ approved service. If appointed through competitive examination, results should be announced not less than six years before crucial date, and rendered not less than five years’ approved and continuous service. Eligibility service shall continue to be three years’ for officials holding Stenographer Grade ‘D’ posts on regular basis before the date of commencement of the Rules.
• Election Commission of India Stenographers Service (ECI): Not less than three years’ approved and continuous service. If appointed through competitive examination, results should be announced not less than three years before crucial date, and rendered not less than two years’ approved and continuous service.
• Central Vigilance Commission (CVC): Five years’ of regular service in the grade of Stenographer Grade ‘D’ after appointment thereto as on crucial/cut-off date.

Note: Stenographers Grade “D” who are on deputation to ex-cadre posts with approval of competent authority, and those having a lien in Stenographer Grade “D” of the service, are eligible.

Computer Literacy:

For CSSS and Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service, any Stenographer Grade “D” appearing in the examination for promotion to Personal Assistant shall be required to transcribe his/her shorthand notes on computers.

Aadhaar-Based Authentication:

Candidates opting for Aadhaar-Based Authentication will not be rejected if their photograph and/or signature are not as per prescribed standards, and will not need to produce recent color photographs or original valid Photo-Identity proof at the examination venue.

Vacancy Details

Below is the detailed breakdown of tentative vacancies for the recruitment year 2025 across various Services/Cadres. Note that vacancies for Central Vigilance Commission are to be intimated later.

Application Process

Candidates must apply online through the Staff Selection Commission’s new website: https://ssc.gov.in. The application process consists of two main parts:

1. One Time Registration (OTR):

• All candidates must first complete their OTR on the new website. The previous OTR on ssc.nic.in will not be functional.
• Candidates are advised to opt for Aadhaar-Based Authentication during OTR. If authenticated, you will not need to produce recent color photographs or original valid Photo-Identity proof at the exam venue, and your photo/signature will not be rejected based on prescribed standards.
• Keep your mobile number (for OTP), Email ID (for OTP), Aadhaar Number (or other ID proof), and Matriculation (10th Class) details ready.

2. Filling of Online Application Form:

• After OTR, log in with your Registration Number and password.
• Information from OTR (S.No. 1-18) will be auto-filled and non-editable.
• Live Photograph: The application module will capture a live photograph. Ensure you find a place with good light and plain background, sit/stand directly in front of the camera at eye level, and ensure your face is fully within the red rectangular area. Do not wear a cap, mask, or glasses/spectacles. Applications with blurred or non-compliant photographs will be rejected.
• Scanned Signature: Upload your scanned signature in JPEG/JPG format (10 to 20 KB), with dimensions of 6.0 cm (width) x 2.0 cm (height). Blurred or miniature signatures will be rejected.
• Indicate your Department/Cadre/Service and the Examination Year (2025).
• Provide details of your joining date in the Feeder Service/Cadre and length of service.
• Select the medium for the Stenography Skill Test (English or Hindi).
• Indicate your working Ministry/Department/Office details.
• Answer questions regarding PwBD status and scribe requirement if applicable.
• Compulsory Document Submission: After submitting the online application, a printed copy of the form along with necessary documents (as per Annexure-I of the Notice) must be duly forwarded by your respective Service/Organisation/Cadre Controlling Authority to “The Regional Director, Staff Selection Commission (Northern Region), Block No.12, C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003” to reach by:
  • January 27, 2026 (1800hrs) for general candidates.
  • February 3, 2026 (1800hrs) for candidates residing abroad, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
• Only applications forwarded by your Head of Department/Head of Office will be considered. Ensure your application reaches the Commission through proper channel before the prescribed last date and time.
• Candidates must attach certified true copies of the first page of their Service Book and particulars of service, attested by their Head of Department/Office.
• Submission of multiple applications will lead to rejection.

Candidates are advised to submit applications much before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Exam Pattern

The examination will consist of two main parts: a Computer Based Examination (CBE) and a Stenography Skill Test, followed by an Evaluation of Service Records.

Part-A: Computer Based Examination (200 Marks)

• The question paper will be of Objective Type Multiple Choice only.
• Questions will be set both in English & Hindi, except for “Comprehension and Knowledge of English Language” which will be in English only.
• There will be negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

Part-B: Short Hand Skill Test in Hindi or in English (200 Marks)

• Candidates shortlisted from the Computer Based Examination will appear for the Skill Test.
• One dictation for 10 minutes will be given in English or Hindi (as opted in the application form) at a speed of 100 words per minute (w.p.m.) for the post of Stenographer Grade “C”.
• The matter will have to be transcribed on computer.
• Transcription time:
• English: 40 minutes (55 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates)
• Hindi: 55 minutes (75 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates)
• No exemption from Stenography test will be granted.

Part-C: Evaluation of Record of Service (Maximum 100 Marks)

• This part will be decided by the Commission at its discretion based on performance in the Computer Based Examination and Stenography Skill Test.

Syllabus & Topics

The syllabus for the Computer Based Examination is designed to test general aptitude and English language proficiency. The standard of the question paper for Part-A will be approximately that of the matriculation examination.

General Awareness:

Questions will aim to test the candidate’s general awareness of the environment around them and its application to society. This includes current events and everyday observations in their scientific aspect. The test will also cover topics related to India and its neighboring countries, specifically pertaining to:

• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economics
• Science
• General Polity
• Scientific Research

Comprehension and Knowledge of English Language:

Questions will be designed to test the candidate’s understanding and knowledge of the English language. This section will cover:

• Vocabulary
• Spelling
• Grammar
• Sentence Structure
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Sentence Completion
• Phrases and Idiomatic Use of Words
• There will also be a question on Comprehension of a Passage.

For the Stenography Skill Test (Part-B), candidates will be tested on their ability to take shorthand dictation and transcribe it on a computer, as per the specified speed and time limits.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Grade “C” Stenographers Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 involves multiple stages to ensure the most suitable candidates are chosen.

Stages of Selection:

1. Computer Based Examination (CBE): Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks as fixed by the Commission to be called for the Stenography Skill Test.
2. Stenography Skill Test: The Commission will set category-wise qualifying standards for the Skill Test. Candidates who qualify will proceed to the next stage.
3. Evaluation of Service Records (APAR Evaluation): This part carries a maximum of 100 marks and will be evaluated by the Commission at its discretion, based on performance in the CBE and Skill Test.

Final Selection:

• Finally selected candidates will be arranged by the Commission in separate merit lists for each participating Cadre/Service.
• The selection will be based on the aggregate marks obtained in the Computer Based Examination, Skill Test, and APAR evaluation.
• Reservation: Reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates will be applied as per government orders. Candidates from these categories may be recommended by a relaxed standard if necessary, subject to their fitness for selection.
• This is a competitive examination, not merely a qualifying one. Inclusion in the Select List is entirely within the competence of the Government and does not confer a right to selection unless the cadre authority confirms suitability after due enquiry.

Salary Details

The official notification for the Grade “C” Stenographers Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025, does not explicitly state the pay scale or salary details for the Grade “C” Stenographer post.

However, successful candidates selected for Grade “C” Stenographer posts can expect a salary as per the relevant Central Government pay matrix levels for this designation. Generally, Stenographer Grade ‘C’ posts fall under Pay Level 4 or Pay Level 6 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) matrix, depending on the specific service/cadre and its structure.

Candidates are advised to refer to the rules of their respective Services/Cadres for detailed information on salary structure, allowances, and other benefits applicable to Grade “C” Stenographers.

Tips, Mistakes & FAQs

Tips for Application and Examination:

• Read the Notice Carefully: Thoroughly read the official notification, especially the eligibility criteria and instructions for candidates, before starting your application.
• One-Time Registration (OTR): Complete the OTR on the new SSC website (ssc.gov.in) accurately. Verify all details carefully as OTR data cannot be edited later.
• Aadhaar-Based Authentication: Opt for Aadhaar-Based Authentication during OTR to avoid issues with photo/signature standards and to simplify entry at the exam venue.
• Live Photograph: Follow the instructions for capturing the live photograph precisely. Ensure good lighting, a plain background, and no cap, mask, or spectacles.
• Signature Guidelines: Upload a clear scanned signature (10-20 KB, 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm). Blurred or miniature signatures will be rejected.
• Forwarding Documents: Ensure the printed application form and required documents are certified and forwarded by your Head of Department/Office well before the deadline. Non-receipt or delay will lead to rejection.
• Time Management: For the Computer Based Examination, practice time management, especially for the English Language section.
• Shorthand Practice: Regularly practice shorthand dictation at 100 w.p.m. and transcription on a computer in your chosen medium (English/Hindi).
• Stay Updated: Regularly visit the SSC (Northern Region) website (sscnr.nic.in) for updates regarding the examination schedule and admit cards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Multiple Applications: Submitting more than one application form will lead to rejection of candidature.
• Incorrect OTR Details: Providing incorrect name, father’s name, mother’s name, or date of birth details in OTR that do not match Matriculation Certificate.
• Non-Compliance with Photo/Signature Specs: Uploading blurry photos/signatures or not adhering to the prescribed dimensions and clarity.
• Late Submission of Hard Copy: Failing to ensure that the printed application form and documents are forwarded by the Head of Department/Office to SSC before the specified deadline.
• Impersonation/Misconduct: Engaging in any form of malpractice during the examination, which will lead to cancellation of candidature and debarment.
• Not Opting for Scribe (if eligible): If eligible for a scribe, failing to opt for it in the online application form and/or not providing requisite certificates.
• Changing Exam Centre: No request for change of exam centre will be entertained. Appearing at a different centre than allotted will lead to cancellation of candidature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):