SSC Stenographer Typing Test 2026
Free practice test matching the official SSC Stenographer format — Staff Selection Commission Stenographer Grade C & D.
Stage: Skill Test — Shorthand Dictation + Computer Transcription (after CBT) • Verified for 2026 Recruitment Cycle
Official Exam Requirements
- Stenographer Grade C (Group B, Non-Gazetted) — various Central Govt ministries/departments (e.g. CBDT, DoPT, EPFO)
- Stenographer Grade D (Group C) — various Central Govt ministries/departments
Free Practice
Simulate the official SSC Stenographer test format
About the SSC Stenographer Typing Assessment
The SSC Stenographer Skill Test for Grade 'C' (Group B Non-Gazetted) and Grade 'D' (Group C) posts is fundamentally distinct from conventional copy-typing assessments. Rather than copying visible printed or on-screen prose, stenography candidates undertake a rigorous two-tier acoustic and transcription exercise. In Phase 1, candidates listen to a live or pre-recorded audio dictation delivered at 100 WPM for Grade C or 80 WPM for Grade D across a continuous 10-minute speech, taking rapid shorthand notes using approved systems like Pitman or Gregg. In Phase 2, candidates move to computer terminals to transcribe their personal handwritten shorthand notes into formatted English or Hindi prose within strict time allocations (40 to 65 minutes depending on grade and medium).
Conducted under the auspices of the Staff Selection Commission, the Computer Based Examination (CBT) covering General Intelligence, Reasoning, Awareness, and English Comprehension establishes the primary merit ranking. Candidates clearing the CBT cutoff qualify for the qualifying Skill Test. Transcription evaluation enforces stringent penalties for word omissions, unauthorized substitutions, grammatical mutilations, and spelling blunders. The permissible error margin is capped at 5% to 7% for Grade C and 7% to 10% for Grade D based on reservation categories. Failing the transcription stage eliminates the candidate entirely from the recruitment cycle regardless of exceptional CBT marks.
Target posts & designations
- Stenographer Grade C (Group B, Non-Gazetted) — various Central Govt ministries/departments (e.g. CBDT, DoPT, EPFO)
- Stenographer Grade D (Group C) — various Central Govt ministries/departments
Timed Endurance Practice
Compare With Related Exam Formats
SSC Stenographer Typing Test — Frequently Asked Questions
1 How is the SSC Stenographer typing test different from SSC CGL or CHSL?
The SSC Stenographer Skill Test is fundamentally different — it is not a copy-typing test. It consists of a two-phase process: Phase 1 is a live shorthand dictation at 100 WPM (Grade C) or 80 WPM (Grade D) for 10 minutes. Phase 2 is transcription, where you type your shorthand notes into a computer within a fixed time window. The test requires mastery of shorthand (Pitman or any recognised system), not just keyboard speed.
2 What is the dictation speed and transcription time for SSC Stenographer Grade C?
For Stenographer Grade C, the dictation is delivered at 100 words per minute for 10 minutes. Candidates must then transcribe their shorthand notes into a computer within 40 minutes (English medium) or 55 minutes (Hindi medium).
3 What is the dictation speed and transcription time for SSC Stenographer Grade D?
For Stenographer Grade D, the dictation is at 80 words per minute for 10 minutes. Transcription time is 50 minutes (English medium) or 65 minutes (Hindi medium).
4 Is the SSC Stenographer Skill Test qualifying or does it add to merit?
The Skill Test is purely qualifying. Candidates who pass are ranked on their Computer Based Examination (CBT) scores. However, failing the Skill Test results in disqualification regardless of CBT performance.
5 What is the error allowance in the SSC Stenographer transcription test?
For Grade C: UR/General candidates may have a maximum of 5% errors; OBC, EWS, SC, and ST candidates are allowed 7%; PwD candidates are allowed 10%. For Grade D: UR/General candidates may have up to 7% errors; all other categories (OBC, EWS, SC, ST, PwD) are allowed 10%. Errors include full mistakes (omissions, substitutions, additions) and half mistakes (punctuation, capitalization, spelling variants).
6 Which shorthand system should I learn for SSC Stenographer?
SSC does not mandate a specific shorthand system. Most successful candidates use Pitman Shorthand (for English) or its Hindi equivalent. The key requirement is that your shorthand notes must be legible enough for you to transcribe accurately within the given time limit. Choose one system and master it rather than mixing multiple systems.
7 How should I practise for the SSC Stenographer transcription test?
Practise taking live dictation from audio recordings at 80–100 WPM daily. After dictation, time your transcription strictly — transcribe everything within 50 minutes (Grade D, English). Use a standard keyboard for transcription practice, not a laptop. Focus on reducing omission errors (missed words during dictation), which are counted as full mistakes and can quickly push your error percentage beyond the permissible limit.