Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is conducting a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for promotion of Grade D Stenographers to Grade C positions across various Central Government services and departments. This is an excellent opportunity for existing Grade D stenographers to advance their careers and secure promotions to higher-grade positions with better salary, status, and responsibilities. The examination will test stenography skills, general awareness, and english language proficiency.
Organization Details
Organization Name: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Examination Type: Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE)
Post Category: Grade C Stenographers (Promotion/Departmental)
Services Covered: Multiple Central Government services and cadres
Official Website: https://ssc.gov.in
Total Vacancies
326 Grade C Stenographer Posts
Vacancy Distribution by Service/Cadre:
| Service/Cadre | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Central Secretariat Stenographers Services | 267 |
| Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographers Service | 37 |
| Indian Foreign Service Branch (B) Stenographers | 13 |
| Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service | 8 |
| Election Commission of India Stenographers Service | 1 |
| Central Vigilance Commission | To be intimated later |
Post Type
Grade C Stenographer (Promotion/Departmental Post)
This is for existing Grade D stenographers seeking promotion to Grade C.
Job Type
Permanent Central Government Position
Application Mode
Online Only through SSC’s official website
Includes: One Time Registration (OTR) + Online Application Form + Printed Application forwarding through proper channel
Official Website
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 22 December 2025 |
| Online Application Closing | 11 January 2026, 23:00 hours |
| Online Payment Deadline | 11 January 2026, 23:00 hours |
| Printed Application Submission (NR) | 27 January 2026, 18:00 hours |
| Printed Application Submission (Abroad/A&N/Lakshadweep) | 3 February 2026, 18:00 hours |
| Exam Schedule | To be announced later |
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Eligibility Requirement:
Candidates must be regularly appointed Stenographer Grade “D” in the respective participating services/cadres with the following minimum approved service:
Service-Specific Requirements:
Central Secretariat Stenographers Service (CSSS):
- Minimum 6 years’ approved service as Grade D stenographer as on 01.07.2025
- OR if appointed through competitive exam: result announced 6+ years before crucial date + 5 years continuous service minimum
Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service:
- Minimum 6 years’ approved service as Grade D as on 01.07.2025
- OR through competitive exam: result 6+ years prior + 5 years continuous service
- Computer literacy required (transcription on computer)
Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographers Service:
- Minimum 3 years’ approved continuous service in Grade D as on 01.07.2025
- OR through competitive exam: result 3+ years prior + 2 years continuous service
Election Commission of India Stenographers Service:
- Minimum 3 years’ approved continuous service in Grade D as on 01.07.2025
- OR through competitive exam: result 3+ years prior + 2 years continuous service
Indian Foreign Service Branch (B) Stenographers:
- Minimum 6 years’ approved service per IFS Branch “B” Rules, 2017
- Must have completed mandatory training programme(s) from Ministry of External Affairs
- Computer literacy required (transcription on computer)
Central Vigilance Commission:
- 5 years regular service in Grade D as on crucial date
General Conditions:
- Must be regularly appointed (not on deputation unless on approved deputation with lien)
- Service records, conduct verification, and eligibility confirmation required
- Crucial date for counting service: 01.07.2025
💰 Salary & Stipend Details (Per Month)
Salary Structure: As per respective service rules and cadre norms
Note: Specific pay scales not detailed in the notification. Grade C positions typically offer higher salary than Grade D. Candidates should refer to their respective service salary structures.
🎯 Selection Process
The selection comprises 3 parts with following marks distribution:
Part-A: Computer Based Examination (200 Marks – 60% Weightage)
- Duration: 2 hours (2 hours 40 minutes for eligible scribes)
- Questions: 200 objective-type Multiple Choice Questions
- Sections:
- General Awareness: 100 questions, 100 marks
- English Language & Comprehension: 100 questions, 100 marks
- Language: General Awareness in Hindi & English; English section only in English
- Negative Marking: -0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- No Re-evaluation/Re-checking allowed
Part-B: Stenography Skill Test (200 Marks – 30% Weightage)
Eligibility: Only those securing minimum qualifying marks in Part-A will be called for this test
- Duration of Dictation: 10 minutes at 100 words per minute (w.p.m.)
- Medium: English or Hindi (candidate’s choice, final once selected)
- Transcription Time:
- English: 40 minutes (55 minutes with scribe)
- Hindi: 55 minutes (75 minutes with scribe)
- Evaluation: Category-wise qualifying standards fixed by SSC
- No Exemption: All must appear for stenography test
Part-C: APAR Evaluation (100 Marks – 10% Weightage)
- Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) evaluation
- Called: Only candidates qualifying Part-B will be considered
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Note: No changes to APAR grading entertained after evaluation
Final Selection:
- Merit-based on combined performance in all three parts
- Category-wise qualifying standards apply
- Separate select lists prepared for each service/cadre
- Subject to reservation and vacancy requirements
⏳ Age Limit
No specific age limit prescribed for this examination
Eligibility is based on length of approved service as Grade D stenographer as on crucial date: 01.07.2025
📑 How to Apply
Two-Part Application Process:
Part I: One Time Registration (OTR)
Step 1: Visit https://ssc.gov.in
Step 2: Click “Register Now” under “Login or Register”
Step 3: Provide Details:
- Aadhar Number or other valid ID
- Full Name
- Parents’ Names
- Date of Birth
- Matriculation Board & Details
- Email ID (must be active)
- Mobile Number (must be active)
Step 4: Verification:
- Verify mobile and email through OTP
- Create secure password
- Complete additional details:
- Category (General/SC/ST/OBC)
- Nationality
- Permanent & Present Address
- Identification Mark
- Disability status (if applicable)
Step 5: Complete OTR within prescribed timeframe
Part II: Online Application Form
Step 6: Login with Registration Number & Password
Step 7: Click “Apply” link under “Grade C Stenographers LDCE 2025”
Step 8: Fill Online Form:
- Auto-filled personal data from OTR
- Department/Service selection
- Cadre and year of examination
- Service joining date
- Length of service in Grade D
- Examination centre (Delhi only)
- Medium for stenography test (English/Hindi)
- PwBD/scribe requirement (if applicable)
- Service particulars and experience details
Step 9: Upload Documents:
- Certified copy of Service Book first page
- Service particulars
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Any other relevant documents
Step 10: Upload Biometrics:
- Photograph: Live capture through camera/mobile, plain background, without cap/mask/spectacles (10-20 KB, JPEG format)
- Signature: Scanned in JPEG/JPG (10-20 KB, 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm, 300 DPI)
Step 11: Final Submission:
- Preview all details carefully
- Tick “I agree” after reading terms
- Enter CAPTCHA code
- Submit application
- Print application for records
Part III: Forwarding Printed Application
Step 12: Print online application with complete details
Step 13: Attach required documents:
- Printed application (signed)
- Service Book first page (certified)
- Service particulars (certified)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- APAR forms
Step 14: Forward through proper channel:
- Submit to: The Regional Director, SSC (Northern Region), Block No.12, C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003
- Deadline (NR): 27 January 2026, 18:00 hours
- Deadline (Abroad/A&N/Lakshadweep): 3 February 2026, 18:00 hours
- Method: Only through Head of Department/Office (official channel)
Important Reminders:
- Submit only ONE application
- Multiple applications will result in rejection
- All data must be accurate (no changes allowed)
- Ensure email and mobile remain active
- Late applications will be summarily rejected
- Aadhaar authentication recommended (no photo/ID proof needed at exam)
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Prepare These Before Applying:
Service Documents:
- Service Book: First page (certified true copy)
- Service Particulars: Current designation, joining date, service period (certified)
- APARs: Last 3-5 years performance reports
- Deputation Certificate: If on deputation (if applicable)
Identity & Verification:
- Aadhar Card / Voter ID / PAN Card / Passport / Driving License
- Matriculation Certificate: (original details needed for registration)
- Date of Birth Proof
Disability Documents (If Applicable):
- Medical disability certificate from authorized authority
- Scribe requirement certificate (if needed)
Biometric Documents:
- Recent color photograph (4×6 cm, plain background, no glasses/cap/mask)
- Signature in black/blue ink
Other Required Documents:
- Relevant experience certificates
- Training completion certificates (if applicable)
- Any other supporting documents as per service
Document Upload Specifications:
- Format: JPG, JPEG, PDF
- File Size: Maximum 100 KB per document
- Resolution: Clear and legible (minimum 200 DPI)
- Photograph: 10-20 KB, JPEG only
- Signature: 10-20 KB, JPEG, 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm
Important Notes:
- All documents must match Matriculation certificate details exactly
- Minor photograph/signature issues won’t cause rejection if Aadhaar-authenticated
- Original documents must be produced at examination venue for non-Aadhaar candidates
- Incomplete applications will be rejected summarily
📘 Important Links
Official Resources:
- Apply Online: https://ssc.gov.in
- Official Website: https://ssc.gov.in
- SSC Northern Region (Results/Admit Cards): https://sscnr.nic.in
- Download Notification PDF: Click here
Quick FAQ
Q1: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Regularly appointed Grade D Stenographers with 3-6 years service (depending on cadre) as on 01.07.2025.
Q2: What is the exam pattern?
A: Part-A (CBT 200 marks), Part-B (Stenography Test 200 marks), Part-C (APAR 100 marks).
Q3: How many vacancies are there?
A: 326 posts across multiple Central Government services and cadres.
Q4: When is the last date to apply?
A: 11 January 2026, 23:00 hours (online); 27 January 2026 (printed copies to SSC).
Q5: Where will the exam be held?
A: At Delhi only. No centre change requests entertained.
Q6: Is there age relaxation?
A: No age limit. Eligibility based on approved service years.
Q7: Can I apply if I’m on deputation?
A: Yes, if you have approved deputation with lien in Grade D.
Q8: What is the negative marking?
A: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in Part-A CBT.
Q9: Can I change my stenography test medium after selection?
A: No, once selected, the medium is final and cannot be changed.
Q10: What if I miss application deadline?
A: Late applications will be summarily rejected. No extensions given.
Last Updated: 23 December 2025
Information Source: Official SSC Notification
Important Note: For complete and most accurate information, download the official notification from https://ssc.gov.in. This article provides guidance based on the official SSC notification. Always verify all details with the official notification before applying. For technical support or queries, visit the SSC website or contact SSC Northern Region directly.



