Are you interested in a prestigious government job that offers stability, growth opportunities, and a meaningful role in administrative functions? The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the recruitment of 326 Grade C Stenographer Posts through its Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for the year 2025. This comprehensive job opportunity is open to eligible candidates who meet specific service criteria and are willing to undertake a rigorous selection process. In this detailed job description, you will find all the necessary information about eligibility criteria, application procedures, exam pattern, important dates, vacancy details, and more, to help you prepare effectively for this selection process.
SSC Grade C Stenographers (LDCE) Recruitment 2025 – Complete Overview
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| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Employer | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Post Name | Grade “C” Stenographers (Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025) |
| Total Vacancies | 326 (Exact breakdown below) |
| Vacancy Distribution |
|
| Salary | As per service/cadre rules (specific pay details not specified in the notice) |
| Qualification | Regular appointment as Stenographer Grade “D” in participating services/cadres with prescribed approved service length |
| Age Limit | No specific age limit; based on service eligibility rules as on 01.07.2025 |
| Start Date for Application | 22 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Application | 11 January 2026 (23:00 hours) |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates at a Glance
- Start of Online Applications: 22 December 2025
- Deadline for Online Applications: 11 January 2026 (23:00 Hrs)
- Last Date for Receipt of Printed Applications (SSC NR): 27 January 2026 (18:00 Hrs)
- Last Date for Candidates Abroad/A&N/Lakshadweep: 3 February 2026 (18:00 Hrs)
- Schedule of Computer-Based Examination: To be announced later
Vacancy Details and Service-Wise Distribution
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown
| Sr. No. | Service/Cadre | No. of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Secretariat Stenographers Services | 267 |
| 2 | Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service | 8 |
| 3 | Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographers Service | 37 |
| 4 | Election Commission of India Stenographers Service | 1 |
| 5 | Indian Foreign Service Branch (B) Stenographers | 13 |
| 6 | Central Vigilance Commission | Vacancies to be intimated later |
Eligibility Criteria for SSC Grade C Stenographers
Educational Qualifications
The candidate must have been regularly appointed as Stenographer Grade “D” in the respective participating services/cadres, with the prescribed length of approved service. The candidate must meet the specific eligibility requirements of their cadre as on the crucial date, 01 July 2025.
Service Eligibility by Cadre
Central Secretariat Stenographers Service (CSSS)
- Minimum six years’ approved service as Stenographer Grade “D” as on 01.07.2025.
- For those appointed via competitive exams, the result must have been announced at least six years before the crucial date, with at least five years’ approved and continuous service in Grade “D”.
- Eligibility extends to deputation or lien holders in Grade “D”, subject to conditions.
- Computer Literacy: Must be able to transcribe shorthand notes on computers.
Indian Foreign Service Branch (B) Stenographers
- At least six years’ approved service as per IFS Branch “B” Rules, 2017.
- Mandatory training as prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
- For pre-existing Stenographers Grade “D”, approved service requirement remains at five years.
Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographers Service
- Minimum three years’ approved and continuous service as Stenographer Grade “D” on the crucial date.
- For exam-based appointment, result declared at least three years prior, with at least two years’ approved service.
- Eligibility includes deputation and lien holders.
Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service
- Minimum six years’ approved service as on 01.07.2025.
- For exam-based appointment, result announced at least six years prior, with five years’ continuous service.
- Eligibility includes deputation or lien holders.
- Computer Literacy: Ability to transcribe shorthand notes on computers is essential.
Election Commission of India Stenographers Service
- Minimum three years’ approved and continuous service as Grade “D” on the crucial date.
- Result announced at least three years before the crucial date, with two years’ approved service.
- Eligibility includes deputation and lien holders.
Central Vigilance Commission
- Five years of regular service as Stenographer Grade “D” in the Commission as on the crucial date.
Common Conditions
- Candidates must be regularly appointed Stenographers Grade “D”/Grade-III.
- All eligibility is subject to service record verification, conduct, and fulfillment of all prescribed criteria.
Salaries and Pay Structure
The pay scale for Grade “C” Stenographers is governed by respective service rules, and the exact salary details are not specified in the notification. However, it typically includes basic pay along with applicable allowances based on service rules and government regulations. Candidates are advised to refer to their respective service/cadre rules for precise salary structures.
Age Limit and Relaxations
The recruitment notification does not specify an explicit age limit. Instead, eligibility is based on the length of approved service as of 01.07.2025 in the relevant cadre/service. The crucial date for calculating service eligibility is 1 July 2025. Age relaxations, if any, are governed by departmental rules applicable to each cadre.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
- One Time Registration (OTR): Register on SSC’s official website by providing personal details, Aadhaar or other ID, contact information, and educational qualification details. OTP verification is required for mobile and email.
- Filling Online Application Form: Log in using registration credentials, select the appropriate recruitment link, and fill in the required details including department, service/cadre, experience, and test preferences.
- Uploading Documents: Upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, service certificates, disability certificates (if applicable), and other relevant documents as per specifications.
- Preview and Submit: Carefully review all entries, agree to declarations, and submit the application. Generate and save a printout for your records.
- Forwarding Application: Send the printed, complete application with all necessary documents through the respective service/department authority to the designated SSC regional office, ensuring it reaches before deadlines: 27 January 2026 or 3 February 2026 for specific cases.
Important Notes
- Only one application per candidate is permitted; multiple applications can lead to rejection.
- Ensure correctness of all entered data; no modifications are allowed after submission.
- Use Aadhaar-based authentication for streamlined verification.
- Keep updated about examination schedule, admit cards, and results on SSC official websites.
Selection Process and Examination Pattern
Stages of Recruitment
- Part-A: Computer-Based Examination (CBT)
- Part-B: Short Hand Skill Test (Stenography Test)
- Part-C: Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs)
Part-A: Computer Based Examination
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 100 | 100 |
| English Comprehension & Knowledge | 100 | 100 |
Duration: 2 hours (additional time for eligible scribes)
Type: Objective Multiple Choice
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer
Part-B: Short Hand Skill Test
The candidates who score the minimum qualifying marks in Part-A will be called for Stenography Test.
| Test Duration | Dictation Speed | Transcription Time (English) | Transcription Time (Hindi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 100 w.p.m. | 40 mins (55 mins for scribe) | 55 mins (75 mins for scribe) |
Note: Medium of transcription once opted is final. No exemptions from stenography test are provided.
Part-C: Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs)
Max marks: 100
This evaluation considers candidates’ overall service record, performance, and conduct based on APARs. The evaluation will be finalized after the CBT and stenography test scores are compiled.
Final Merit and Selection
Candidates will be selected based on their combined performance in all three stages, merit list, and reservation criteria. Separate merit lists will be prepared for each participating service/cadre to fill the available vacancies.
Additional Important Information and Tips
- Applicants should visit the official SSC website regularly for updates on examination schedule, admit card availability, and result declaration.
- Ensure all documents are genuine, up-to-date, and properly scanned before uploading.
- Aadhaar-based authentication can significantly ease verification and document issues at exam centers.
- Carefully follow instructions for photograph, signature, and document upload as per prescribed specifications.
- Practice shorthand dictation and transcription to excel at the stenography skill test.
Official Resources and Downloads
The official notification PDF and application forms can be accessed via the following links:
Conclusion
This is a distinguished opportunity for eligible government employees and aspiring candidates to advance their careers in government stenography departments. Thorough preparation, adherence to application guidelines, and awareness of exam patterns will be key to success. Stay updated with official notifications and practice diligently for the Computer-Based Test and Stenography Skill Test to secure a position as a Grade C Stenographer under SSC.