SSC Stenographer Syllabus
SSC Stenographer has one computer-based test for both Grade C and Grade D, followed by a shorthand skill test. The CBT carries 200 marks. Half of it is English, so language preparation carries more weight here than in any other SSC exam.
The skill test is qualifying, but it is where most candidates drop out. Start shorthand practice early rather than after the CBT result.
SSC Stenographer Syllabus pages
Open any page below for the full, topic-level SSC Stenographer syllabus.
Syllabus page | What it covers |
200 questions, three subjects | |
50 questions | |
50 questions | |
100 questions | |
Dictation speed and transcription time |
SSC Stenographer exam pattern
Stage | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
CBT | Reasoning (50), General Awareness (50), English Language and Comprehension (100) | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
Skill test | 10 minutes of dictation, then transcription on computer | n/a | Qualifying | See below |
SSC Stenographer subject-wise syllabus
General Intelligence and Reasoning
Analogies, similarities and differences, space visualisation, problem solving, analysis, judgement, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetic number series and non-verbal series.
General Awareness
Current events, sports, history, culture, geography, economic scene, general polity, the Constitution and scientific research.
English Language and Comprehension
Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, correct usage, error spotting, fill in the blanks, idioms, one-word substitution, voice, narration, cloze test and comprehension passages.
Skill test
Grade C: 100 words per minute dictation, 40 minutes to transcribe in English or 55 minutes in Hindi. Grade D: 80 words per minute, 50 minutes in English or 65 minutes in Hindi.
FAQs on the SSC Stenographer Syllabus
Is the SSC Stenographer CBT the same for Grade C and D?
Yes. Both grades sit the same paper. The skill test speed differs.
Is the skill test counted in merit?
No. It is qualifying. Merit is based on CBT marks.
What is the negative marking in the Stenographer CBT?
0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Check the latest SSC Stenographer notification on ssc.gov.in before your exam, as SSC can change the pattern between cycles.