SSC Stenographer Grade ‘c’ : The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for the Grade “C” Stenographers Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025. This examination is a premier opportunity for regularly appointed Stenographers Grade “D” currently serving in various specific government cadres to elevate their careers to Grade “C”. Unlike open competitive exams, this is a “Limited Departmental” exam, meaning it is specifically designed for existing government employees who meet the defined length-of-service criteria within their respective departments.
The 2025 recruitment cycle aims to fill a significant number of vacancies across key services, including the Central Secretariat Stenographers Services, Railway Board Secretariat, and Armed Forces Headquarters, among others. Candidates must navigate a rigorous three-stage selection process involving a Computer-Based Examination, a Shorthand Skill Test, and an evaluation of service records
.SSC Stenographer Grade 'c' Important Dates & Link
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Official Notification |
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Online Application Link |
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Official Website |
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Online Application Start Date |
22.12.2025 |
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Last Date for Online Application |
11.01.2026 (23:00 hours) |
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Last Date for Receipt of Hard Copy (Proper Channel) |
27.01.2026 (18:00 hours) |
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Last Date for Hard Copy (Remote Areas/Abroad) |
03.02.2026 (18:00 hours) |
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Schedule of Computer Based Examination |
To be intimated later |
SSC Stenographer Grade 'c' Eligibility Criteria
This is a departmental exam; eligibility is primarily based on length of service as of the crucial date: July 1, 2025.
| Service / Cadre | Length of Service Requirement (as of 01.07.2025) |
| Central Secretariat (CSSS) |
6 years of approved service in Grade ‘D’ (5 years if appointed via competitive exam). |
| Indian Foreign Service (IFS-B) |
6 years of approved service (5 years for those regular before rules commenced). |
| Armed Forces HQ (AFHQ) |
3 years of approved/continuous service (2 years if appointed via competitive exam). |
| Railway Board (RBSSS) |
6 years of approved service (5 years if appointed via competitive exam). |
| Election Commission (ECI) |
3 years of approved/continuous service (2 years if appointed via competitive exam). |
| Central Vigilance Commission |
5 years of regular service in Stenographer Grade ‘D’. |
Age Limit: As this is a departmental promotion-based exam, the notification focuses on service length rather than a standard maximum age limit for entry.
SSC Stenographer Grade 'c' Vacancy Details
| Sl. No. | Name of Service/Cadre | UR | SC | ST | PwBD | Total |
| 1 | Central Secretariat Stenographers Services | 195 | 48 | 24 | 11 |
267 |
| 2 | Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service | 03 | 03 | 02 | 01* |
08 |
| 3 | Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographers Service | 21 | 09 | 07 | 04** |
37 |
| 4 | Election Commission of India Stenographers Service | 00 | 00 | 01 | 00 |
01 |
| 5 | Indian Foreign Service Branch (B) Stenographers | 11 | 01 | 01 | 02 |
13 |
| 6 | Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) | – | – | – | – |
TBA |
SSC Stenographer Grade 'c' Selection Process
The examination consists of three distinct parts:
Part A: Computer Based Examination: Tests General Awareness and English Language knowledge.
Part B: Shorthand Skill Test: Dictation for 10 minutes at a speed of 100 w.p.m. in English or Hindi.
Part C: Evaluation of Record of Service: Assessment of APARs/Service records (Max 100 marks).
SSC Stenographer Grade 'c' Application Fee
The notification does not mention a specific application fee for this limited departmental competitive examination
SSC Stenographer Grade 'c' Salary
Selected candidates are appointed to Grade “C” Stenographer posts (Personal Assistant). The specific pay scale follows the Level applicable to Grade “C” in the respective services (typically Level 7 of the Pay Matrix).
SSC Stenographer Grade 'c' How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
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One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit www.ssc.gov.in and complete the OTR. Old registrations from ssc.nic.in are not valid.
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Login: Use your new Registration Number and Password to log in.
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Apply Online: Click the “Apply” link under the “Grade ‘C’ Stenographers LDCE 2025” section.
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Capture Live Photo: Use a web camera or the ‘mySSC’ app to take a live photo (no caps, masks, or glasses).
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Upload Documents: Upload scanned signature (10-20 KB) and required service certificates.
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Submit & Print: Review your details, submit the form, and take a printout.
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Departmental Forwarding: Get the printed application verified by your Head of Office and ensure it is forwarded to the SSC Northern Region office by the deadline.
SSC Stenographer Grade 'c' FAQs
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Q: Can I apply if I am on deputation?
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A: Yes, provided you have a lien in the Stenographer Grade “D” of your parent service
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Q: Where will the exam be held?
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A: The exam will be held in Delhi only.
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Q: Is there negative marking?
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A: Yes, there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
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Q: Can I use a pre-existing photo for the application?
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A: No, the system requires a live photograph capture during the application process.
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SSC Stenographer Grade 'c' How To Prepare
To prepare for the SSC Grade “C” Stenographers Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2025, you should focus on the three distinct parts of the selection process: the Computer-Based Examination, the Skill Test (Stenography), and the evaluation of your service records1.
This part consists of two main subjects, each worth 100 marks. You will have a total of 2 hours to complete the objective-type multiple-choice test.
General Awareness (100 Questions): Prepare for questions on current events, history, geography, and general policy. The questions will be provided in both English and Hindi
- Focus on grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and reading comprehension. These questions are exclusively in English.
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Strategy Note: Be cautious, as there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
2. Part-B: Skill Test in Stenography
This is a critical practical component where you must demonstrate your proficiency in shorthand and transcription.
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Format: You will be given a dictation and will need to transcribe it.
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Computer Literacy: Candidates for services like the Central Secretariat Stenographers Service (CSSS) and Railway Board are specifically required to transcribe their shorthand notes on a computer.
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Regular Practice: Daily shorthand practice is essential to maintain the speed and accuracy required for the Grade “C” level.
3. Part-C: Evaluation of Service Records
Your past performance and service history as a Grade “D” Stenographer will be evaluated as part of the final selection process. Ensure that your service records are up to date and that you meet the “approved service” length required for your specific cadre (e.g., 6 years for CSSS or 3 years for AFHQ) by the crucial date of July 1, 2025.
Administrative Preparation
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One-Time Registration (OTR): You must complete a new OTR on the updated SSC website .
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Forwarding Application: After applying online, you must print the form and ensure it is forwarded by your Head of Department to the SSC Northern Region office by January 27, 2026
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Exam Center: Keep in mind that the examination will only be conducted in Delhi.