SSC Stenographer Grade C & D 2025 – Submit Option Cum Preference Form for 261 Posts

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Overview

The window to submit your final post preferences for SSC Stenographer 2025 is closing fast. Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has set 08 May 2026 as the final deadline for skill-test qualified candidates to submit their Option Cum Preference Form for 261 posts — leaving candidates just days to lock in their choices at ssc.gov.in. The recruitment covers Grade C and Grade D Stenographer roles across various central government ministries. The initial application fee was ₹100 for General/OBC/EWS candidates; SC, ST, and female applicants were exempted. The minimum qualification required is Class 12 pass.

In the previous 2023-24 cycle, SSC announced over 1,200 steno vacancies — the 2025 drive marks a steep 78% decrease in total posts with only 261 vacancies, significantly elevating the competition for final merit allocation.

Source: Official SSC Stenographer 2025 Notification, SSC. Download PDF

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Important Dates & Full Schedule

The SSC Stenographer 2025 recruitment cycle has progressed through the CBT and Skill Test phases. The current and final active phase is the Option Cum Preference submission window.

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Vacancy Details

For the 2025 examination cycle, a total of 261 vacancies have been declared across Grade C and Grade D positions. Postings are allocated in various Ministries, Departments, and Organizations of the Government of India.

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Application Fee

The initial application fees were collected strictly through online modes. SSC also implemented structured correction charges for candidates modifying their forms during the correction window.

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet age brackets corresponding to the specific Grade they are applying for, along with strict stenography skill benchmarks.

Age Limit for SSC Stenographer 2025

Age Limit is calculated as on 01/08/2025. Standard age relaxations (OBC 3 years, SC/ST 5 years) apply as per SSC rules.

Educational Qualification & Skill Requirements

The foundational academic requirement is passing the 10+2 Intermediate Exam from any recognized Board in India. Beyond academics, candidates must clear the specialized Stenography Skill Test:

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Pay Scale & Salary

Stenographer positions in the central government offer an attractive salary structure under the 7th Pay Commission, complete with Dearness Allowance, HRA, and Transport Allowance.

At Level 4, Grade D Stenographers start with a basic pay of ₹25,500, resulting in an expected in-hand salary of roughly ₹38,000 to ₹43,000 depending on the city of posting (X, Y, or Z class). Grade C Stenographers at Level 6 start with a basic pay of ₹35,400, commanding an initial in-hand salary of approximately ₹50,000 to ₹58,000. Allowances like DA are revised bi-annually.

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Selection Process

The SSC Stenographer selection consists of two main stages. Stage 1 is the Computer Based Test (CBT), testing General Intelligence, Awareness, and English Language. Those who clear the CBT cutoff appear for Stage 2, the Stenography Skill Test, which is purely qualifying in nature. Candidates qualifying the Skill Test must submit the Option Cum Preference Form. Final merit and department allocation are decided based on the CBT score and the department preferences locked by the candidate during this Option Form phase.

How to Fill SSC Stenographer 2025 Option Cum Preference Form – Step by Step

Filling the preference form is a mandatory step for final selection. Failure to submit preferences will result in disqualification from the final merit list.

1. Login to New Portal: Visit the new official website ssc.gov.in and log in using your One Time Registration (OTR) Registration Number and Password.
2. Locate Option Form: On your dashboard, find the link for the "Option-cum-Preference for Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2025".
3. Review Vacancies: Keep the official vacancy breakdown handy. Review the departments available for your qualifying grade (C or D).
4. Enter Preferences: Input the specific department codes in your descending order of preference. Ensure you fill maximum choices to increase your allocation chances.
5. Final Submit: Verify your codes carefully. Once submitted, the preferences are locked and cannot be altered.
6. Take Printout: Print the final submitted preference page for future reference during Document Verification.

SSC Stenographer 2025 Result & Final Merit – What's Next

The SSC Stenographer 2025 final result will be declared shortly after the Option Cum Preference window closes. The commission will process the submitted preferences alongside the normalized CBT scores to generate the final merit list and allocate ministries to the successful candidates. Keep checking ssc.gov.in for the final result PDF.

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Official Links & Notice PDFs

Access the direct links for the preference form, official notices, and syllabus directly from the SSC servers below.

SSC Stenographer 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions