Stenography is the process of listing written or vocal words into codes or signs in courtrooms or government offices along with the procedure of shorthand language. Stenographer is a person who writes down the sentences spoken by the government officials and types them into a code format, either on a steno machine or computer. One can learn stenography through various courses. A person needs to be qualified to master the coded language and in stenography speeds is the most important thing.
Stenographer needs to be legal or should have a certificate of clearing the examination to be able to work as a stenographer. The signs that the stenographers used are known as strokes. Stenographers assist the officers by taking their phone calls, confirming appointments, bookings etc. They keep a detailed record of the speech given by the ministers or officers during a press conference. They also maintain a record of daily meetings, details of the meetings, important files and documents. Diploma or certificate of stenography is mandatory for certain posts.
The examination of the SSC Stenographer is arranged by the Staff Selection Commission to enrol the qualified candidates for the most popular post of Grade C (non-gazetted post) and various departments in Grade D stenographer in the Central government organizations. Being a central government job, it attracts many candidates to apply for the examination. Working on the posts is stated to be a very challenging task for stenographers to maintain all the official confidential records.
The selection process is done in two stages. One is a computer-based test and the other one is a skill test. No interviews will be conducted in the selection process. The fees for applying for the examination is rupees 100/- for general category and no fees for reserved candidates. After qualifying the computer-based test and skill test all the documents like Marksheets, Provisional certificate etc. for completion of 12th standard or any other equivalent examination should be submitted as on before 01.08.2020. The application of the candidate will be cancelled by the commission if they fail to provide the required documents. The candidate should have Indian nationality to apply for the examination.
The questions will be bilingual, both in English and Hindi. The duration of the examination will be 2hrs. 50 Multiple choice questions for 50 marks. The questions will be based on general intelligence and reasoning, general awareness and English language and comprehension.
Candidates should be prepared for the following, before appearing for the exam.
- The candidates should know how to manage the time while appearing for the SSC Stenographer exam.
- Solve mock tests/ sample papers to get an idea of your strong and weak sections, so you can work more on the weaker section and revise them.
- Solving papers will help you develop some tricks to solve the questions in minimum time.
- Candidates should be aware of political and social happenings around the globe.
Candidates who have cleared the examination of 12th and are willing to work under the government can apply for the posts of SSC Stenographer. The salary structure of SSC Stenography is good with a possibility of increment since it’s a government job. However, after the application of the 7th Pay Commission has revised the salary of the SSC Stenographer. Currently the in-hand salary of SSC Stenographer is around 14000 and 7500 for Grade C and Grade D respectively.
The Age Limit Criteria to appear for the examination is
| Posts | Age Limit | Years |
| Grade C | Lower Age Limit
Upper Age Limit |
18 years
30 years |
| Grade D | Lower Age Limit
Upper Age Limit |
18 years
27 years |
The payroll varies as per grades in SSC Stenographer Salary. The salary layout for Grade C and D are mentioned below.
SSC Stenographer Salary for Grade C
| Grade D Details | Grade D Salary in Rupees |
| Income Scale | 9,300 – 34,800 |
| Income Band | 4,200 or 4,600 |
| Starting Salary | 5,200 |
| Primary Salary | 14,500 |
SSC Stenographer Salary for Grade D
| Grade D Details | Grade D Salary in Rupees |
| Income Scale | 5,200 – 20,200 |
| Income Band | 2,400 |
| Starting Salary | 5,200 |
| Primary Salary | 7,600 |
Apart from the salary, SSC Stenographers are entitled with the following allowances.
- House Rent Allowance
- Dearness Allowance
- Transport Allowance
The promotional criteria of SSC Stenographer are
- Based on the time in service
- Clearing Departmental examinations for promotions
- Maximum INR 23000 as a final promotion