SSC Steno Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Author at PW
May 23, 2025
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Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Stenographer exam every year to fill Grade C and Grade D posts in government offices. This exam has become very popular among students who want to work in government jobs. The exam tests your typing speed, language skills, and general knowledge. In 2025, SSC will conduct this exam for 2006 vacant posts, making it a great opportunity for job seekers. Getting a job through the SSC Stenographer Grade C or Grade D exam means two big things: you must know the SSC steno syllabus and understand the SSC Stenographer's exam pattern. We will put both in one place.

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Look at the two-stage exam

Stage

Name of the stage

What happens

Marks

Time

1

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

200 multiple-choice questions

200

2 hours

2

Skill Test in Shorthand

Dictation + typing on a computer

Qualifying only

Varies by post

Marking Scheme:

  • Each correct answer gives 1 mark

  • Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 0.25 mark

  • No marks are cut for unattempted questions

This pattern helps you understand where to focus more. Since the SSC steno English syllabus carries 100 marks, it is clearly the most important section

SSC Steno Paper Pattern 2025 (CBT)

The SSC steno exam pattern includes three main sections. The test has 200 MCQs questions worth 200 marks. You get 2 hours to solve it. Here's the breakdown:

Subject

Questions

Marks

General Intelligence & Reasoning

50

50

General Awareness

50

50

English Language & Comprehension

100

100

Total

200

200

Negative Marking:

  • +1 for every correct answer

  • -0.25 for every wrong answer

Make sure to read carefully and avoid guessing blindly.

Check Out: SSC Mathematics Formula Book

SSC Steno Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Find SSC Steno syllabus and exam pattern in details. Find below

SSC Steno Reasoning Syllabus

This section tests your logical thinking. Topics include:

  • Analogy

  • Similarities & Differences

  • Coding-Decoding

  • Blood Relations

  • Puzzles

  • Series (Number & Alphabet)

  • Syllogism

  • Direction Sense

  • Venn Diagrams

 Tip: Practice with puzzles and mock tests to improve speed.

SSC Steno GK Syllabus

This section checks how much you know about the world around you.

  • Indian History & Culture

  • Constitution & Politics

  • Geography

  • Economics & Budget

  • Sports & Awards

  • Science & Inventions

  • Current Events (National + International)

Tip: Read a newspaper daily or use a current affairs app.

SSC Steno English syllabus)

This is the most scoring section. It checks grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills.

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Synonyms & Antonyms

  • Sentence Correction

  • Spot the Error

  • Fill in the Blanks

  • One Word Substitution

  • Idioms & Phrases

Tip: Read English newspapers and revise grammar rules every day.

Read More: SSC Reasoning Syllabus 2025 and Important Topics

SSC Steno Skill Test Pattern

Only those who clear the CBT are called for the Skill Test. You will be given a passage to write in shorthand. Then, you’ll have to type it on a computer within a fixed time.

Time Duration Based on Post:

Post

Language

Dictation Speed

Time to Transcribe

Grade C

English

100 w.p.m.

40 mins

Grade C

Hindi

100 w.p.m.

55 mins

Grade D

English

80 w.p.m.

50 mins

Grade D

Hindi

80 w.p.m.

65 mins

Note: Skill Test is qualifying in nature. But your final rank depends on the CBT score.

  • General Category: 5% errors for Grade C, 7% for Grade D.

  • OBC/SC/ST: More relaxation

Recommended SSCBooks

After you know what is the syllabus of reasoning,now it's time to prepare it with the right book. Find the book name below.

How to Prepare Smartly for SSC Steno 2025

Preparing for the SSC Stenographer exam doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right plan, you can tackle the SSC Steno syllabus and exam pattern confidently. Here’s a details to help you:

1. Follow the SSC Steno Syllabus Like a Roadmap

The SSC Stenographer syllabus is your best friend. It tells you exactly what to study. Here’s how to use it:

  • Break It Down: Split the syllabus into three parts:

  1. Reasoning (e.g., analogies, coding-decoding, series).

  2. General Awareness (e.g., history, current affairs, science).

  3. English (e.g., grammar, comprehension, vocabulary).

  • Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time on topics you find tough. For example, if “blood relations” in reasoning confuse you, practice 5 questions daily.

  • Use a Checklist: Tick off topics as you finish them. This keeps you motivated!

Pro Tip: Stick to the SSC Steno reasoning syllabus and GK syllabus—don’t waste time on topics not mentioned.

2. Practice Typing Daily (Speed + Accuracy)

The Skill Test requires fast typing. Here’s how to improve:

  • Set Goals: Start slow (e.g., 40 words per minute) and gradually aim for:

  1. Grade C: 100 wpm (English) / 80 wpm (Hindi).

  2. Grade D: 80 wpm (English) / 65 wpm (Hindi).

  • Practice Shorthand: Write down speeches from YouTube videos and transcribe them later.

Why It Works: The exam pattern of the SSC Stenographer rewards speed, but accuracy matters too. Even 15 minutes of daily practice can boost your confidence.

3. Solve Previous Year’s Papers

SSC Previous Year Papers help you understand the SSC Steno paper pattern:

  • Spot Trends: Notice which topics repeat (e.g., synonyms in English or current affairs in GK). 

  • Time Yourself: Solve papers in 2 hours (like the real exam).

  • Learn from Mistakes: Review wrong answers to avoid repeating them.

4. Stay Updated for GK and English

General Awareness and English need regular attention:

  • Read Newspapers: The Hindu or Indian Express are great for:

Current Affairs (GK syllabus): Note awards, sports, and government schemes.

English Skills: Highlight new words and practice sentences.

  • Watch News Summaries: Save time with YouTube channels like BBC News Hindi or DD News.

  • Learn 5 New Words Daily: Use flashcards for words like “ambiguous” or “diligent.”

Bonus Tip: Follow monthly GK quizzes online to test your knowledge.

5. Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Don’t Ignore Negative Marking: In the CBT, skip questions you’re unsure about.

  • Balance All Sections: Don’t spend too much time on one subject. For example, English has 100 marks practice comprehension daily.

  • Stay Healthy: Sleep 7-8 hours and take short breaks while studying.

Knowing the SSC steno syllabus and SSC steno paper pattern is key to scoring well in the exam. Pay special attention to the SSC Steno English syllabus, ssc steno Reasoning syllabus, and SSC Steno GK syllabus.

This exam is not difficult if you follow a clear plan and stay consistent. Start with the basics, practice daily, and revise often. This article aims to make your preparation easier and more focused.

Read More: SSC Exam Preparation A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

SSC Steno Syllabus FAQs

1. What is the SSC Stenographer syllabus for 2025?

The SSC Stenographer syllabus includes three sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language and Comprehension.

2. What is the exam pattern of SSC Stenographer 2025?

The exam consists of a Computer-Based Test with 200 questions and a Skill Test in shorthand. The CBT has three sections and lasts for two hours.

3. What is the SSC Steno English syllabus?

The English section covers grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, sentence correction, and error spotting.

4.  Is the skill test qualifying in nature?

Yes, the Skill Test is only qualifying. Final selection is based on marks obtained in the CBT.

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SSC Steno Syllabus and Exam Pattern