SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification: Exam Date, Vacancies & Eligibility Out!

INTRODUCTION

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially set the stage for one of the most awaited competitive assessments in the country. The SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification is the gateway for students who have mastered the art of shorthand and are looking to secure a seat in prestigious Central Government departments. Whether you are aiming for Grade C (Group B, Non-Gazetted) or Grade D (Group C) posts, staying ahead of the timeline is crucial for a successful application.

In this guide, we break down the course-like structure of the recruitment, focusing on the educational stream requirements, the specialized skill-based curriculum, and the essential eligibility benchmarks you need to clear in 2026.

SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification: Important Dates

According to the latest SSC Exam Calendar 2026-27, the commission is expected to release the official advertisement in the second quarter of the year. For students planning their study schedule, these dates serve as the primary roadmap.

Event	Tentative Dates (2026)
SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification Release	April 2026
Online Application Start Date	April 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	May 2026
Computer-Based Examination (CBE)	August – September 2026
Skill Test (Stenography)	To be Announced

Don't wait for the last date. The SSC portal often experiences high traffic in the final days of the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification window. Complete your One-Time Registration (OTR) early at collegesimplified.in for more updates on upcoming government notifications.

Understanding the Course Structure: Eligibility & Streams

The SSC Stenographer recruitment functions much like a specialized diploma course where the "syllabus" is divided into academic knowledge and technical shorthand skills. To be considered for the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification cycle, candidates must align with the following educational and age streams.

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. This makes it one of the most accessible yet competitive exams for students coming out of the Higher Secondary stream.

2. Age Stream Details

The age limit is strictly monitored and varies based on the grade you are applying for:

• Stenographer Grade ‘C’: 18 to 30 years.

• Stenographer Grade ‘D’: 18 to 27 years.

3. Nationality

A candidate must be either:

• A citizen of India, or

• A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or

• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.

SSC Stenographer 2026 Vacancy Details

While the exact number of seats is confirmed only when the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification PDF is uploaded, historical data and departmental requisitions suggest a healthy intake for the 2026-27 cycle.

• Expected Total Vacancies: 1,500+

• Grade C: Approximately 200 - 300 seats.

• Grade D: Approximately 1,200 - 1,400 seats.

These vacancies are spread across various "streams" of government service, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, and the Intelligence Bureau.

Curriculum & Exam Pattern: The Two-Tier Process

The selection process under the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification is not just a test of memory but a test of specialized skill.

Tier 1: Computer Based Examination (CBT)

This is an objective type test consisting of 200 questions to be solved in 2 hours.

Section	Questions	Marks
General Intelligence & Reasoning	50	50
General Awareness	50	50
English Language & Comprehension	100	100
Total	200	200

Tier 2: The Stenography Skill Test

Candidates who clear the CBT cutoff will enter the technical phase. You will be given a dictation for 10 minutes.

• Grade C: 100 words per minute (w.p.m.)

• Grade D: 80 words per minute (w.p.m.)

The skill test is qualifying in nature, but your speed and accuracy are the ultimate deciders of your merit.

How to Apply for SSC Stenographer 2026

The application process is entirely online via the official SSC portal (ssc.gov.in). Follow these steps once the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification is live:

1. OTR (One-Time Registration): Fill in your basic details, Aadhaar number, and contact info.

2. Login: Use your Registration ID and Password to access the Stenographer 2026 application link.

3. Details: Choose your exam centers and select your medium for the Skill Test (English or Hindi).

4. Uploads: Provide a live photograph (as per the new 2026 guidelines) and a scanned signature.

5. Fee Payment: Pay ₹100 (General/OBC) via UPI, Net Banking, or Card. (SC/ST/Women are exempted).

Looking for more detailed course-wise guides? Check out our latest posts on collegesimplified.in to stay updated on educational trends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When will the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification be released?

Ans: The official SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification is tentatively scheduled for release in April 2026. Keep checking the official website and collegesimplified.in for the direct PDF link.

Q2: What is the minimum educational qualification required as per the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification?

Ans: To be eligible under the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification, a candidate must have completed their 12th standard (Intermediate) or equivalent from a recognized board.

Q3: Is there any change in the age limit for the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification?

Ans: As of now, the age limit mentioned in the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification remains 18-30 years for Grade C and 18-27 years for Grade D, with standard age relaxations for reserved categories.

Q4: Can I apply for both Grade C and Grade D in the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification?

Ans: Yes, candidates can opt for both posts while filling out the application form under the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification, provided they meet the age criteria for both.

Q5: What is the exam date mentioned in the SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification?

Ans: The SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification points towards an exam window in August or September 2026.

Conclusion

The SSC Stenographer 2026 Notification represents a massive opportunity for students from various academic streams to enter the central civil services. With a clear focus on the 12th-pass eligibility and the technical stenography skill, this "course" to a government career requires early preparation and precise execution. Ensure you have your documents ready by April 2026 to avoid any last-minute hurdles.

For more insights into government exam patterns, eligibility details, and stream-specific guidance, visit collegesimplified.in. We help simplify your academic journey!