SSC Stenographer (Grade C & D) Exam Pattern 2026
The full SSC Stenographer (Grade C & D) exam pattern for 2026 — 2 stages, with the sections, question count, marks, duration and negative marking for each, as set by Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Then take a free SSC Stenographer (Grade C & D) mock in the real pattern below.
Stage 1: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Mode
- Online CBT
- Sections
- General Intelligence & Reasoning · General Awareness · English Language and Comprehension
- Questions
- 200 (Reasoning 50 + GA 50 + English Language and Comprehension 100)
- Marks
- 200 (1 mark per correct)
- Duration
- 2 hours (120 minutes) total — Part I (Reasoning) 30 min, Part II (GA) 30 min, Part III (English) 60 min, with sectional timing (auto-lock per part; no return). Scribe-eligible candidates: 40+40+80 = 160 min total per Para 6 of the official 2026 notification.
- Negative marking
- -0.25 marks per wrong answer
Single CBT for both Grade C and Grade D. The 2026 notification enforces SECTIONAL TIMING — each part has a separate timer and auto-locks when its time expires. English Language section has double weightage (100 questions, 60 minutes) because the role requires strong language skills.
Stage 2: Skill Test in Shorthand (Qualifying)
- Mode
- Shorthand dictation + transcription
- Sections
- Listen to dictation passage at required speed, then transcribe on computer
- Questions
- —
- Marks
- Qualifying only
- Duration
- Grade C: 100 wpm dictation for 10 min, transcription 40 min (English) / 55 min (Hindi). Grade D: 80 wpm dictation for 10 min, transcription 50 min (English) / 65 min (Hindi).
- Negative marking
- —
Skill Test is conducted only for candidates who clear the CBT cutoff. Failed transcription quality / speed = disqualification regardless of CBT marks.
You know the pattern — now practise in it.
Practice SSC Stenographer (Grade C & D) free →