SSC Stenographer Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for the SSC Stenographer 2026 recruitment, the applicant must have successfully completed the 12th standard (or equivalent examination) from a recognized board or university. This educational qualification must be obtained on or before 1st August 2026. Furthermore, candidates must possess the requisite proficiency in stenography, as the skill test is an integral part of the recruitment process. Candidates failing to meet these academic or technical criteria will not be permitted to participate in the examination.

The age limit for the SSC Stenographer 2026 exam is calculated as of 1st August 2026. The specific range is defined for both grades:

• Stenographer Grade 'C': 18 to 30 years (Date of Birth between 02 August 1996 and 01 August 2008).
• Stenographer Grade 'D': 18 to 27 years (Date of Birth between 02 August 1999 and 01 August 2008).

The date of birth entered in the 10th-grade certificate is considered the final and binding proof for age calculation.

The selection process for the SSC Stenographer 2026 exam is conducted in three distinct stages:

1. Computer-Based Test (CBE): The preliminary objective test assessing Reasoning, General Awareness, and English.
2. Skill Test in Stenography: A practical test conducted at 80 w.p.m. (Grade D) and 100 w.p.m. (Grade C). This is a qualifying stage.
3. Document Verification: The final stage where original educational and category documents are verified to confirm the candidate's eligibility for the final merit list.

• SC/ST: 5 years
• OBC: 3 years
• PwBD (UR/EWS): 10 years
• PwBD (OBC): 13 years
• PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
• Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of service
• Defence Personnel (UR): 3 years
• Defence Personnel (SC/ST): 8 years
• Central Govt Employees (Group C): Up to 40 years
• Central Govt Employees (SC/ST): Up to 45 years
• Widows/Divorced Women (UR): Up to 35 years
• Widows/Divorced Women (SC/ST): Up to 40 years