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SSC Stenographer Syllabus 2027

16 September 2026 · 9 min read

SSC Stenographer Syllabus for 2027

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) organizes the Stenographer Grade C and Grade D Examination to fill stenographer roles across various government ministries, departments, and organizations. Candidates preparing for this exam need to familiarize themselves with the updated syllabus, exam format, and skill test prerequisites.

SSC Stenographer Syllabus for 2027

The SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Examination for 2027. The recruitment process includes a Computer-Based Examination (CBE), a Stenography Skill Test, and a Document Verification phase. The CBE scores determine the final merit list, while the Skill Test is essential but only required to be passed.

SSC Stenographer Syllabus: Overview

Before delving into the specific syllabus and exam pattern for the SSC Stenographer, consult the table below for essential updates and details.

SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Exam 2027 – Essential Information

Exam Title: SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Exam 2027

Organizer: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

Positions Available: Stenographer Grade C and Grade D

Total Openings: soon update***

Exam Schedule: soon update***

Selection Procedure: Includes a Computer-Based Examination (CBE), followed by a Skill Test and Document Verification

Exam Format: Computer-Based

Question Count: 200

Maximum Score: 200

Duration: 2 hours

Subjects Covered: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension

Penalty for Wrong Answers: Deduction of 0.25 marks per incorrect response

Skill Test: Conducted purely for qualification purposes.

SSC Stenographer Selection Process

The SSC Stenographer recruitment process is conducted in multiple stages. Candidates must qualify at each applicable stage to proceed further in the selection process.

Stage 1 – Computer-Based Examination (CBE)

The first stage is an objective-type examination consisting of multiple-choice questions. The test is conducted online through a computer-based format.

Stage 2 – Shorthand Skill Test

Candidates who qualify for the computer-based examination are called for the shorthand skill test. In this stage, candidates are required to take shorthand notes and subsequently transcribe the dictated content on a computer.

Stage 3 – Document Verification

Candidates shortlisted after the required stages undergo document verification. Their educational qualifications, identity, category certificates and other relevant documents are checked before final appointment.

The Skill Test is qualifying in nature, and candidates must meet the prescribed requirements to remain eligible for further consideration.

SSC Stenographer CBT Exam Pattern 2027

The SSC Stenographer Computer-Based Test (CBT) assesses candidates across three sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language and Comprehension.

The examination consists of 200 objective-type questions carrying 200 marks. Candidates get a total of 120 minutes to complete the test.

The section-wise distribution is as follows:

  1. General Intelligence and Reasoning: 50 questions for 50 marks, with 30 minutes allotted.

  2. General Awareness: 50 questions for 50 marks, with 30 minutes allotted.

  3. English Language and Comprehension: 100 questions for 100 marks, with 60 minutes allotted.

Overall, candidates have to attempt 200 questions for a maximum of 200 marks within 2 hours.

Is There Negative Marking in the SSC Stenographer Exam?

Yes. The SSC Stenographer CBT includes negative marking. 0.25 marks (one-fourth mark) are deducted for every incorrect answer. Therefore, candidates should attempt questions carefully and avoid making random guesses, particularly when they are unsure of the answer.

SSC Stenographer 2027 Syllabus – Subject-Wise Breakdown

The SSC Stenographer 2027 syllabus is divided into three major sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language and Comprehension. Candidates should understand the topics covered under each section and plan their preparation accordingly.

General Intelligence and Reasoning

This section evaluates a candidate's logical thinking, analytical ability, observation skills, and problem-solving approach. Important topics include:

  1. Similarities and Differences

  2. Space Visualization

  3. Problem Solving

  4. Decision Making

  5. Analytical Functions

  6. Judgment

  7. Visual Memory

  8. Discriminating Observation

  9. Coding and Decoding

  10. Direction and Distance

  11. Blood Relations

  12. Order and Ranking

  13. Puzzles

  14. Venn Diagrams

  15. Number Series

  16. Verbal Reasoning

  17. Non-Verbal Reasoning

General Awareness

The General Awareness section tests candidates on their knowledge of important events, Indian society, history, geography, politics, economy, and developments in science. Key areas of preparation include:

  1. Current Affairs

  2. Static General Knowledge

  3. Indian History

  4. Indian Culture

  5. Geography

  6. Indian Polity

  7. Indian Constitution

  8. Economic Developments

  9. Sports

  10. Scientific Research

  11. Science and Technology

Candidates should regularly follow important current events along with revising static GK topics.

English Language and Comprehension

The English section carries significant weight in the SSC Stenographer examination. It covers grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and candidates' ability to understand and use the English language correctly.

Major topics include:

  1. Spelling and Vocabulary

  2. Synonyms and Antonyms

  3. Phrases and Idioms

  4. Fill in the Blanks

  5. Error Detection

  6. Sentence Correction

  7. Phrase Replacement

  8. Active and Passive Voice

  9. Direct and Indirect Speech

  10. Reading Comprehension

  11. Sentence Rearrangement

  12. Para Jumbles

Regular reading, vocabulary revision, and practice with previous-year questions can help candidates improve their performance in this section.

SSC Stenographer Skill Test 2027

The SSC Stenographer Skill Test is conducted to assess candidates' shorthand and transcription abilities. Candidates first record a dictated passage in shorthand and then transcribe the same passage on a computer.

The skill test can be taken in English or Hindi. Candidates need to select their preferred language while submitting the application form. If no language is selected, the test is conducted in English.

Dictation Speed for the Skill Test

Candidates are given a passage for dictation for 10 minutes. The required dictation speed differs according to the post:

Stenographer Grade C: 100 words per minute (w.p.m.)

Stenographer Grade D: 80 words per minute (w.p.m.)

After completing the shorthand dictation, candidates must type the dictated passage on a computer within the prescribed transcription time.

The SSC Stenographer Skill Test is qualifying in nature, meaning the marks obtained in this test are not added to the final merit score.

Transcription Time

The transcription time varies according to the post, language, and whether the candidate is eligible for additional time as a scribe candidate.

For Grade C, the transcription time is generally 40 minutes in English and 65 minutes in Hindi. Candidates eligible for a scribe receive 55 minutes in English and 90 minutes in Hindi.

For Grade D, the transcription time is generally 50 minutes in English and 55 minutes in Hindi. Candidates eligible for a scribe receive 70 minutes in English and 75 minutes in Hindi.

SSC Stenographer Skill Test Syllabus 2027

The shorthand passage can be based on a variety of subjects. Candidates should therefore practice dictation and transcription using passages covering different themes, such as:

  1. Presidential speeches

  2. Parliamentary speeches

  3. Railway-related speeches

  4. Budget-related speeches

  5. National-interest topics

  6. Science and technology

  7. Natural calamities

  8. Employment and unemployment in India

  9. Newspaper editorial topics

  10. Other subjects of national importance

Regular practice with passages from different subjects can help candidates become comfortable with varying vocabulary and sentence structures.

Qualifying Criteria for SSC Stenographer Skill Test

Candidates must first qualify for the CBT examination and meet the SSC's prescribed cut-off to be shortlisted for the Skill Test.

The Skill Test itself is qualifying in nature. Candidates are required to stay within the permissible error limit prescribed by SSC. The permitted mistakes differ according to the post and category.

For Grade C, the permissible mistakes are generally 5% for General candidates and 5% for OBC/SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen candidates.

For Grade D, the permissible mistakes are generally 7% for General candidates and 10% for OBC/SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen candidates.

Candidates who exceed the prescribed error limit are not considered to have qualified the Skill Test. The final merit position is determined on the basis of the marks obtained in the computer-based examination, subject to fulfilling the required Skill Test and other eligibility conditions.

SSC Stenographer Best Books List 2027

Selecting suitable study material is an important part of SSC Stenographer preparation. Instead of referring to too many books, candidates should choose a few reliable resources and use them consistently along with previous-year question papers and mock tests.

English Language

For English preparation, candidates can use:

  • Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi

  • Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh

  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

These books can help candidates strengthen grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence correction, and other important areas of the English section.

General Awareness

For General Awareness, useful resources include:

General Knowledge by Lucent Publication

NCERT textbooks from Classes 6 to 12

Monthly current affairs magazines and newspapers

Candidates should regularly revise static GK while keeping themselves updated with important national and international events.

General Intelligence and Reasoning

For Reasoning, candidates can refer to:

  1. A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal, Non-Verbal and Analytical by B.S. Sijwali and Indu Sijwali

  2. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal

  3. Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey

Along with these books, solving SSC Stenographer previous-year questions is recommended to understand the question pattern and improve accuracy.

SSC Stenographer Preparation Tips 2027

A well-planned preparation strategy can help candidates cover the syllabus efficiently and improve their performance. Candidates preparing for SSC Stenographer 2027 can follow these practical preparation tips:

Understand the Syllabus First: Go through the latest syllabus and identify the important topics in each subject. This will help you avoid spending excessive time on less relevant areas.

Create a Realistic Study Routine: Divide your available study hours between English, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Set daily targets that are achievable and track your progress regularly.

Follow Reliable Study Material: Stick to trusted books, quality notes, previous-year papers, and official SSC resources instead of constantly switching between different sources.

Practice Questions Every Day: Regular question practice is essential. Solve previous-year papers and take mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the examination pattern.

Analyse Your Mistakes: After completing a mock test or practice set, review the questions you answered incorrectly. Identify the reason behind each mistake and work on that topic.

Give Extra Attention to Weak Areas: Identify the subjects or chapters where your performance is comparatively weaker and dedicate additional practice time to them.

Keep Up With Current Affairs: Make current affairs a regular part of your General Awareness preparation. Revise important events periodically rather than leaving them for the final stage.

Improve Time Management: Practice solving questions within a fixed time limit. Gradually work on increasing your speed while maintaining accuracy.

Revise at Regular Intervals: Regular revision helps retain important facts, vocabulary, formulas, concepts, and previously studied topics for longer.

Stay Consistent: A consistent study routine is more useful than occasional long study sessions. Try to follow your timetable every day and make adjustments when necessary.

Take Guidance When Needed: If you have difficulty understanding a particular topic, seek help from a teacher, mentor, or reliable educational resource.

Follow Official Notifications: Regularly check the official SSC website for examination notices, application updates, schedules, answer keys, results, and other important announcements.