Are you gearing up for the SSC Stenographer 2026 exam and wondering where to start? The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts this highly competitive exam annually to recruit candidates for Grade ‘C’ and Grade ‘D’ posts in various government ministries and departments. With thousands of vacancies expected, cracking the exam requires a solid grasp of the SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 and a strategic preparation plan.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026, exam pattern, key topics, and expert tips to help you ace the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Skill Test. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or looking to improve your score, this post has everything you need. Let’s dive in!
What is the SSC Stenographer Exam 2026?
The SSC Stenographer exam is a national-level recruitment drive for stenography roles in central government offices. It offers stable jobs with attractive salaries, perks, and career growth opportunities. The 2026 notification is expected around June-July 2026, with the CBT likely in August-September.
The selection process includes:
- Tier 1: Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Objective-type questions worth 200 marks.
- Tier 2: Skill Test – Stenography dictation and transcription (qualifying in nature).
Understanding the SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 is crucial as it remains consistent year-over-year, focusing on Class 10-12 level concepts.
SSC Stenographer Exam Pattern 2026
Before jumping into the syllabus, familiarize yourself with the exam structure. The CBT is a single paper of 2 hours duration, conducted in English and Hindi (except for the English section).
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 hours (total) |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
- Medium: Bilingual (except English).
- Skill Test: For Grade ‘C’ – 100 w.p.m. in English/Hindi; For Grade ‘D’ – 80 w.p.m. (English)/100 w.p.m. (Hindi). Includes 10 minutes extra for PwD candidates.
Download the official SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 PDF from ssc.gov.in once the notification drops for quick reference.
Detailed SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Breakdown
The SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 for CBT covers three core subjects. We’ve listed the key topics below to help you prioritize your study plan.
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 Questions, 50 Marks)
This section tests your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Expect questions similar to other SSC exams but at a moderate difficulty level.
Key Topics:
- Analogies
- Similarities and differences
- Space visualization
- Spatial orientation
- Problem-solving
- Analysis and judgment
- Decision making
- Visual memory
- Discrimination
- Observation
- Relationship concepts
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Figural classification
- Arithmetic number series
- Non-verbal series
- Coding and decoding
- Statement conclusion
- Syllogistic reasoning
- Semantic analogy, classification, and series
- Symbolic/numerical operations
- Trends and figural pattern folding/unfolding
- Semantic classification
- Figural pattern folding/unfolding
- Space orientation
- Critical thinking
- Emotional intelligence
- Social intelligence
- Word building
- Coding/decoding
- Numerical operations
Pro Tip: Practice puzzles and seating arrangements daily to score 40+ in this section.
2. General Awareness (50 Questions, 50 Marks)
Stay updated on current events and static GK. This section evaluates your knowledge of India and the world.
Key Topics:
- India and neighboring countries: History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy, and Scientific Research
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Sports
- Books and Authors
- Important Schemes
- Important Days
- Portfolio
- People in News
- Science – Inventions & Discoveries
- Environment
- Geography
- Economy
- History
- Polity
- Static GK
Pro Tip: Read newspapers like The Hindu and follow monthly current affairs magazines. Aim for 35+ marks by focusing on the last 6-12 months’ events.
3. English Language & Comprehension (100 Questions, 100 Marks)
As the highest-weighted section, English demands strong grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. All questions are in English.
Key Topics:
- Spot the error
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms/antonyms
- Spelling/detecting misspelled words
- Idioms & phrases
- One-word substitution
- Improvement of sentences
- Active/passive voice
- Direct/indirect narration
- Shuffling of sentence parts
- Cloze passage
- Comprehension passage
- Sentence structure
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
Pro Tip: Read editorials and practice 2-3 comprehensions daily. Target 80+ marks for a competitive edge.
SSC Stenographer Skill Test 2026: What to Expect
The Skill Test is mandatory and qualifying. You’ll transcribe a 10-minute dictation on a computer.
- Dictation Speed:
- Grade ‘C’: 100 words per minute (w.p.m.) in English or 100 w.p.m. in Hindi.
- Grade ‘D’: 80 w.p.m. in English or 100 w.p.m. in Hindi.
- Transcription Time:
- English: 40 minutes (Grade ‘C’), 50 minutes (Grade ‘D’).
- Hindi: 55 minutes (Grade ‘C’), 65 minutes (Grade ‘D’).
- Error Allowance: Up to 5% for Grade ‘C’ and 8% for Grade ‘D’.
Practice shorthand regularly using apps or local coaching for accuracy.
Preparation Tips for SSC Stenographer 2026
Cracking SSC Stenographer 2026 isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart strategies. Here’s how to optimize your prep:
- Create a Study Timetable: Allocate 2 hours daily to each subject, with weekly mocks.
- Use Quality Resources:
- Books: “SSC Stenographer Guide” by RPH Editorial, “English for General Competitions” by Neetu Singh, “Lucent’s General Knowledge”.
- Online Platforms: Testbook, Adda247 for mock tests.
- Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Solve at least 10 past papers to understand question trends.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Analyze mocks to identify and improve gaps.
- Time Management: During CBT, attempt English first to secure marks quickly.
- Stay Healthy: Include breaks, exercise, and 7-8 hours of sleep.
- Join Study Groups: Discuss doubts on forums like SSC Adda or Telegram channels.
With consistent effort, you can aim for a score above 150 in CBT.
Recommended Books for SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026
| Subject | Book Name | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Awareness | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Lucent Publications |
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| Overall | SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Exam Guide | Disha Experts |
These books align perfectly with the SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 and include practice sets.
FAQs on SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026
Is the SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 the same as 2025?
Yes, the syllabus remains unchanged, focusing on the three core subjects. Check the official notification for any minor updates.
How to Download SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 PDF?
Visit ssc.gov.in, go to the ‘Notice’ section, and download the notification PDF once released.
What is the weightage of English in SSC Stenographer 2026?
English Language & Comprehension carries 100 marks out of 200 in the CBT.
Is there negative marking in SSC Stenographer 2026?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
When is the SSC Stenographer 2026 exam date?
Tentative dates will be announced in the notification, expected in mid-2026.
Conclusion: Start Your SSC Stenographer 2026 Journey Today!
The SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2026 is your roadmap to success—master it, practice relentlessly, and stay updated with official announcements. With the right approach, this exam can open doors to a rewarding government career. Bookmark this guide, share it with fellow aspirants, and drop your queries in the comments below.
Ready to crack SSC Stenographer 2026? Download free mock tests from trusted sites and begin your prep now. All the best—your dream job awaits!
Hi, I’m Varun Pathak, the founder of TheSarkariNaukri.com—a dedicated platform for the latest updates on government jobs (Sarkari Naukri) in India. With years of experience curating reliable information on job vacancies, admit cards, exam results, and preparation strategies, I help thousands of aspirants navigate the competitive world of public sector opportunities. Passionate about job security, career growth, and empowering freshers for roles like IAS, IPS, and PSU positions, I update the site regularly with actionable insights for 2025 and beyond. Let’s connect to turn your career dreams into reality!