The SSC Stenographer Exam is a national-level recruitment exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to fill non-gazetted posts of Stenographer Grade C and Grade D across central government departments, ministries, and offices. Understanding the detailed SSC Stenographer Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025 is key to cracking this exam on the first attempt.
This exam has two stages: a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and a Skill Test. Let’s cut into the complete subject-wise syllabus, exam structure, marking scheme, and more.
Table of Contents
Overview
Here’s a quick summary of the SSC Stenographer 2025 exam:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Stenographer 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Online CBT & Skill Test |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Number of Questions | 200 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 for every wrong answer |
| Selection Stages | CBT + Skill Test |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
CBT Exam Pattern
The Tier 1 CBT is objective and comprises three sections:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| English Language & Comprehension | 100 | 100 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 2 hours (200 mins for PwD) |
There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
CBT Syllabus
- Space Visualization
- Problem Solving
- Similarities & Differences
- Analysis, Judgment
- Discriminating Observation
- Decision Making
- Visual Memory
- Coding-Decoding
- Number Series
- Direction & Distance
- Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Blood Relations
- Order & Ranking
- Venn Diagrams
- Puzzles
General Awareness
- Static GK
- Current Affairs
- History, Geography
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Economic Scene
- Culture & Heritage
- Scientific Research
- Environment & Ecology
- Sports
- Science & Technology
English Language & Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Active & Passive Voice
- Spelling Correction
- Phrases & Idioms
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Reading Comprehension
Skill Test
Once you clear the CBT, you will be called for the Skill Test. This test includes a dictation followed by transcription.
Dictation Speed
- Grade D: 80 wpm for 8 minutes
- Grade C: 100 wpm for 10 minutes
Transcription Time
| Post | Language | Duration | Duration with Scribe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade C | English | 40 mins | 55 mins |
| Grade C | Hindi | 65 mins | 90 mins |
| Grade D | English | 50 mins | 70 mins |
| Grade D | Hindi | 55 mins | 75 mins |
Skill Test Syllabus
Candidates will transcribe passages that could include:
- Speeches from the Parliament
- Topics of National Interest
- Budget Speeches
- Science & Technology News
- Editorials
- Employment/Unemployment Discussions
- Natural Disasters and Government Response
Qualifying Criteria
| Category | Grade C | Grade D |
|---|---|---|
| General | 5% mistakes | 7% mistakes |
| OBC/SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen | 5% | 10% |
Note: The Skill Test is qualifying in nature. Final selection is based on CBT scores.
Best Books
Here’s a list of top recommended books for each subject:
| Subject | Book | Author |
|---|---|---|
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| English | Plinth to Paramount | Neetu Singh |
| English | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| GK | Lucent GK, NCERTs (6–12), Newspapers | Various |
| Reasoning | A New Approach to Reasoning | B.S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwali |
| Reasoning | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey |
Preparation Tips
- Know the exam structure and subjects in detail
- Make a subject-wise study schedule
- Focus on weak areas first
- Solve past year papers regularly
- Take weekly mock tests
- Stay updated on current affairs
- Revise daily and be consistent
- Practice shorthand regularly for Skill Test
- Choose the skill test language while applying
- Stay healthy and rest well before the exam
FAQs
What is the duration of SSC Steno CBT exam?
The CBT exam duration is 2 hours.
Is there negative marking in SSC Stenographer exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
What is the speed for Steno Skill Test?
80 wpm for Grade D and 100 wpm for Grade C.
Is the Skill Test qualifying in nature?
Yes, it is qualifying and does not affect final merit.
Where can I download the syllabus PDF?
You can download it from the official website ssc.gov.in.
