SSC Stenographer Typing Test
Free transcription-speed practice for the SSC Stenographer Grade C & D skill test.
Note on scope: The SSC Stenographer skill test has two parts — a 10-minute shorthand dictation followed by computer transcription. This page builds the transcription typing speed (the second part). It does not replicate the shorthand dictation, which needs live audio and shorthand skills — practise that separately with a shorthand tutor.
Quick Tips for SSC Stenographer Transcription
- Aim for 50+ WPM (Grade C) or 40+ WPM (Grade D) to finish transcribing in time
- Keep errors under the limit — 7% for Grade C, 10% for Grade D
- Backspace is allowed but costs time — type cleanly the first time
- Practise the longest sessions to build the stamina a long transcription demands
- Train the shorthand dictation step separately with audio and a tutor
About the SSC Stenographer Skill Test
The SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D skill test is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for stenographer posts across central government departments. It is a two-stage stenography test. First, a passage is dictated as audio for 10 minutes — at 100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 WPM for Grade D — which the candidate records in shorthand. The candidate then transcribes those shorthand notes onto a computer within the allotted transcription time. This practice tool focuses on the transcription stage: building the steady English typing speed — roughly 50 WPM for Grade C and 40 WPM for Grade D — needed to transcribe the full passage within the time limit and under the permissible error rate.
SSC Stenographer Skill Test Requirements
- Dictation speed: 100 WPM for Grade C, 80 WPM for Grade D
- Dictation duration: 10 minutes (≈1,000 words Grade C, ≈800 words Grade D)
- Transcription time (English): 40 min Grade C, 50 min Grade D
- Transcription time (Hindi): 55 min Grade C, 65 min Grade D
- Typing speed needed: roughly 50 WPM (Grade C), 40 WPM (Grade D) in English
- Permissible errors: 7% for Grade C, 10% for Grade D
- Backspace is allowed during transcription, but uses your limited time
- The skill test is qualifying — you must clear it to be selected
How to Build Your Transcription Speed
The typing stage is where many candidates lose time. A reliable, accurate typing speed gives you breathing room to read your shorthand. Here is a structured approach:
- Set a target above the minimum — 50+ WPM for Grade C, 40+ WPM for Grade D
- Build stamina with long sessions — the real transcription runs 40 minutes or more
- Keep errors under the cap — accuracy keeps you within the 7% / 10% limit
- Use backspace sparingly — corrections eat into your transcription time
- Train shorthand separately — pair this typing practice with audio dictation work
SSC Stenographer vs SSC CHSL — What Is Different
Both are SSC skill tests, but they assess very different abilities:
- SSC Stenographer: shorthand dictation (100/80 WPM) plus computer transcription
- SSC CHSL: a straight typing test (35 WPM English) with no shorthand
- Speed needed: Steno transcription ≈ 50 WPM; CHSL ≈ 35 WPM
- Backspace: Steno — allowed; CHSL — not allowed
- Key skill: Steno needs shorthand; CHSL needs only fast, accurate typing
If your typing speed is the weak link, the SSC CHSL typing test is excellent cross-training to push your raw speed higher before transcription practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSC Stenographer skill test?
The SSC Stenographer skill test is a two-part stenography test for Grade C and Grade D posts. First, a passage is dictated as audio for 10 minutes — at 100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 WPM for Grade D. Candidates take down the dictation in shorthand. Then they transcribe their shorthand notes onto a computer within the allotted transcription time. This page focuses on the second part: building the typing speed you need to transcribe in time.
What does this practice page cover?
This page provides transcription-speed practice only — the computer typing stage of the SSC Stenographer skill test. It does not and cannot replicate the shorthand dictation step, which requires live audio and shorthand skills. The goal here is to build the steady English typing speed (around 50 WPM for Grade C and 40 WPM for Grade D) that lets you transcribe your shorthand notes within the time limit.
What typing speed do I need to transcribe in time?
To transcribe a 10-minute dictation within the allotted time, you typically need an English typing speed of roughly 50 WPM for Grade C and about 40 WPM for Grade D. Grade C candidates transcribe in 40 minutes (English) or 55 minutes (Hindi); Grade D candidates get 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi). A faster, cleaner typing speed leaves you more time to read your shorthand accurately.
How much do I have to transcribe?
The 10-minute dictation produces about 1,000 words for Grade C (at 100 WPM) and about 800 words for Grade D (at 80 WPM). You must transcribe this entire passage from your shorthand notes onto the computer. Because it is a long transcription, sustained typing speed and stamina matter as much as raw peak speed.
How many errors are allowed in the SSC Stenographer skill test?
The permissible error limit is 7% of mistakes for Grade C and 10% for Grade D. Errors include wrong words, omissions, and additions in your transcription. Staying within this limit is essential — a fast transcription with too many mistakes can still fail. Practising clean, accurate typing helps you stay comfortably under the error cap.
Is backspace allowed during transcription?
Yes. The SSC currently allows the use of the backspace key during the transcription stage. However, over-relying on backspace drains your limited transcription time. The best approach is to type accurately the first time and use corrections sparingly, so you have enough time to transcribe the full passage within the limit.
How can I prepare for the SSC Stenographer transcription?
Build a steady English typing speed above your target (aim for 50+ WPM for Grade C, 40+ for Grade D) and practise long sessions to build stamina, since the real transcription runs much longer. Focus on accuracy to stay under the error limit. Use Easy passages to build clean rhythm, then progress to Medium and Hard. For the shorthand dictation step, practise separately with audio passages and a shorthand tutor.