Staff Selection Commission Opens Online Applications for SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Exam 2026
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the SSC Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and Grade ‘D’ Examination 2026 notification on 24 April 2026. There are approximately 731 tentative vacancies across various Ministries, Departments and Organisations of the Government of India. This is a wonderful opportunity for young candidates who have passed 12th standard and have good speed in stenography to secure a stable central government job. Check out more SSC recruitment notifications on GovtJobsAlert.in.
Online applications are open from 24 April 2026 to 15 May 2026, with the Computer Based Examination planned for July – August 2026. Stenographer Grade ‘C’ is a Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted post and Grade ‘D’ is a Group ‘C’ post, placed under the 7th Central Pay Commission with full central government allowances. Don’t worry if this is your first SSC attempt — this article covers every detail you need, from eligibility and fee to exam pattern and step-by-step application process. Prepare early and apply on time using the easy guide below on GovtJobsAlert.in.
Key Highlights — SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2026
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is an attached office of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It conducts several all-India Computer Based Examinations every year to recruit staff for Group B and Group C posts in central ministries. If you are a 12th pass candidate looking for a stable government job, the SSC Steno exam is one of the best doors open right now.
- Recruiting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Post Names: Stenographer Grade ‘C’ (Group B Non-Gazetted) and Stenographer Grade ‘D’ (Group C)
- Total Vacancies: 731 (tentative) — final post-wise & category-wise list to be released on ssc.gov.in
- Salary / Pay Level: 7th CPC Pay Matrix — Grade ‘C’ is a Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted post, Grade ‘D’ is a Group ‘C’ post (as per recruitment rules of user Ministries/Departments)
- Job Location: All India (Central Government Ministries, Attached Offices, Subordinate Offices)
- Mode of Exam: Computer Based Examination (CBE) + Skill Test in Stenography
- Last Date to Apply: 15 May 2026 (23:00 hrs)
SSC Stenographer 2026 Vacancy Breakdown — Grade C & D
The Commission is still collecting final vacancy details from user departments. Approximate figures are shared below, and the final post-wise and category-wise breakdown will be uploaded on the official SSC website under “For Candidates → Tentative Vacancy”. State-wise or zone-wise vacancies are not shared by the Commission for this exam.
| Post Name | Group | Tentative Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade ‘C’ | Group B (Non-Gazetted) | To be notified (part of 731) |
| Stenographer Grade ‘D’ | Group C | To be notified (part of 731) |
| Total | — | 731 (tentative) |
Reservation will be provided for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per existing Government of India orders. Vacancies for Ex-Servicemen are reserved only for the Grade ‘D’ (Group C) post.
SSC Steno Eligibility Criteria — Grade C & D Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed 12th standard (Class XII) or equivalent from a recognised Board or University as on 01 August 2026.
- Degrees, diplomas and certificates awarded through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode are accepted if approved by the Distance Education Bureau, UGC for the relevant year.
- Candidates must have skill in Stenography — the Skill Test is a qualifying requirement after the Computer Based Exam.
If you belong to this education bracket, also check our running list of 12th pass government jobs on GovtJobsAlert.in for more parallel opportunities.
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
- Stenographer Grade ‘C’: 18 to 30 years (born between 02-08-1996 and 01-08-2008).
- Stenographer Grade ‘D’: 18 to 27 years (born between 02-08-1999 and 01-08-2008).
Age Relaxation (on upper age limit):
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved / EWS) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 03 years after deducting military service |
What is the Salary for SSC Stenographer Grade C & D 2026?
Both posts offer a stable central government career with a 7th CPC pay structure and complete central allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance and other applicable benefits as per recruitment rules of the allocated user department. Stenographer Grade ‘C’ is a Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted post, while Grade ‘D’ falls under Group ‘C’.
- Attractive central government pay as per the 7th CPC Pay Matrix
- Central allowances: DA, HRA, TA, CGHS and LTC
- Leave benefits and pensionary coverage under NPS / OPS rules
- Steady promotional avenues within the ministry / department of allocation
On top of the basic pay, selected candidates enjoy full central government perks — making this one of the most secure 12th-pass central government jobs in the country.
Final pay fixation depends on the user department that allocates the candidate after result; exact pay levels will be communicated in the offer of appointment.
What is the SSC Stenographer 2026 Selection Process?
The selection process has two stages: a Computer Based Examination followed by a Skill Test in Stenography. Only shortlisted candidates from the CBE will be called for the Skill Test. For a complete SSC exam syllabus & preparation strategy, check our study resources on GovtJobsAlert.in.
Stage 1 — Computer Based Examination (CBE)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning (Part I) | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness (Part II) | 50 | 50 |
| English Language & Comprehension (Part III) | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Time: 2 hours (with sectional timer of 30 minutes for Part I & II and 60 minutes for Part III). Questions are objective-type MCQs and the paper is set in English and Hindi (Part III is English only). There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Stage 2 — Skill Test in Stenography
Shortlisted candidates from the CBE are given one dictation of 10 minutes in English or Hindi (as chosen in the form):
- Stenographer Grade ‘C’: 100 words per minute (w.p.m.)
- Stenographer Grade ‘D’: 80 words per minute (w.p.m.)
Candidates transcribe the dictation on a computer within the allotted time. Final merit is based on marks in the CBE; the Skill Test is qualifying in nature and must be cleared to be considered for appointment.
How to Apply Online for SSC Stenographer 2026 Recruitment?
Online applications are submitted only through the official SSC one-time registration and application portal. Keep your scanned photo, signature, Aadhaar details and education documents ready before you start.
- Go to the official SSC website https://ssc.gov.in and click on the “Login / Register” link.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) using your name, date of birth, mobile, email and Aadhaar (as per Matriculation Certificate).
- After OTR, log in and open the “SSC Stenographer Grade C and D Examination, 2026” notice.
- Click “Apply” and fill in the online application form with education, preference of post and exam-centre details.
- Upload scanned passport-size photograph and signature as per the specifications in the notice.
- Pay the application fee of ₹100 (online). Women, SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted.
- Review the complete application carefully and submit. Download and save the final PDF for future use.
The Window for Application Form Correction is open from 20 May 2026 to 21 May 2026 (till 23:00 hrs) on payment of correction charges. Admit Cards will be released only online; no hard copies are sent by post.
Important Dates — SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15 May 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 16 May 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Application Correction Window | 20 May 2026 to 21 May 2026 |
| Computer Based Examination | July – August 2026 |
| Crucial Date for Age & Qualification | 01 August 2026 |
Application Fees — SSC Stenographer 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| Women (All Categories) | Nil (Exempted) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | Nil (Exempted) |
Fee is payable online only through BHIM UPI, Internet Banking, or any Visa, Master, RuPay or Maestro Credit / Debit Card. No offline challan mode is available. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable.
Essential Links — SSC Stenographer Grade C & D Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for SSC Stenographer Grade C & D 2026
- Visit SSC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If you have been preparing for central government jobs, this is the right time to send your application. Don’t leave it for the last day — the servers get crowded near 15 May 2026. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for SSC admit card updates, answer keys and result alerts for this exam.