Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the tentative answer key alongside candidate response sheets for the Stenographer Grade C and Grade D Examination 2026 on its official web portal. The nationwide computer-based test was administered between 09 and 15 September 2026 across assigned centers to shortlist candidates for 731 vacancies in central government ministries and departments. Candidates can now log in using their registration credentials to inspect marked answers, estimate their raw scores, and submit online representations against questionable keys within the designated window.
Important Dates
| Event |
Date |
| Online Application Start Date |
24/04/2026 |
| Online Application Last Date |
15/05/2026 |
| Last Date to Pay Examination Fees |
16/05/2026 |
| Application Correction Window |
20-21 May 2026 |
| Exam Date Notice Issued |
12/08/2026 |
| Revised Exam Schedule Released |
31/08/2026 |
| Computer Based Examination Dates |
09-15 September 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date |
23/09/2026 |
| Post Update Date |
23-09-2026 |
| Final Result Declaration |
As Per Schedule |
Application Fees
| Category |
Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS |
Rs. 100/- |
| SC / ST Candidates |
Rs. 0/- (Exempted) |
| PH (Divyang) Candidates |
Rs. 0/- (Exempted) |
| All Category Female Candidates |
Rs. 0/- (Exempted) |
Fee payment was accepted through digital modes including BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and RuPay Credit or Debit Cards. Women candidates and applicants from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) eligible for reservation were exempt from fee payment.
Objection Details & Answer Key Info
Candidates who sat for the Tier-I Computer Based Test can challenge provisional answers through the integrated portal on ssc.gov.in. A non-refundable fee of Rs. 100 per challenged question applies. Every representation must be supported by valid documentary proof or reference text, submitted strictly within the timeframe stipulated in the official write-up notice.
Post-Wise Vacancy & Eligibility Details (Total: 731 Posts)
| Post Name |
Total Vacancies |
Educational Qualification |
Skill Test / Transcription Speed |
| Stenographer Grade C |
Combined (731 Posts) |
Passed 10+2 Intermediate from any recognized Board in India |
English: 40 Minutes | Hindi: 55 Minutes (Computer-based) |
| Stenographer Grade D |
Combined (731 Posts) |
Passed 10+2 Intermediate from any recognized Board in India |
English: 50 Minutes | Hindi: 65 Minutes (Computer-based) |
Age Limit (As on 01/08/2026)
- Minimum Age: 18 Years
- Maximum Age (Grade D): 27 Years
- Maximum Age (Grade C): 30 Years
- Age Relaxation: Concessions apply to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen categories per central government recruitment standards.
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Computer Based Examination (Objective type test comprising General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language & Comprehension).
- Stage 2: Stenography Skill Test in Hindi or English (Qualifying in nature with defined speed benchmarks).
- Stage 3: Document Verification and final merit-based cadre/department allotment.
How to Check SSC Stenographer Answer Key 2026 Answer Key
- Open the official Staff Selection Commission website at https://ssc.gov.in/.
- Click on the "Login" button located at the top right of the homepage.
- Enter your Registration Number, Password, and the displayed security Captcha code to access your candidate dashboard.
- Locate the active link titled "Answer Key Challenge / Response Sheet - Stenographer Grade C & D Examination 2026".
- View your question paper alongside chosen options and official correct answers, calculate your score factoring in the 0.25 negative marking penalty, and download the PDF for future reference.
Important Links
Other Useful Links
FAQs
When was the SSC Stenographer Answer Key 2026 released?
Staff Selection Commission published the tentative answer key and response sheets on 23 September 2026 following the computer-based exam held from 09 to 15 September 2026.
What is the official website to download the SSC Stenographer answer key?
Candidates can log in and download their response sheet through the official SSC candidate portal at ssc.gov.in.
Is there negative marking in the SSC Stenographer examination?
Yes, a penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for each incorrect answer marked in the objective Computer Based Test.
How much is the fee for raising objections against SSC Stenographer answer key?
Candidates must pay a non-refundable challenge fee of Rs. 100 per question/answer challenged through the online portal.
How many vacancies are announced for SSC Stenographer 2026?
The recruitment process is underway to fill a total of 731 vacancies across Grade C and Grade D posts in central government departments.
What is the upper age limit for SSC Stenographer Grade C and Grade D?
The upper age limit is 30 years for Stenographer Grade C and 27 years for Stenographer Grade D as calculated on 01 August 2026, with applicable category relaxations.
What should I do if the SSC website shows a server timeout during login?
Heavy traffic can slow down response times on ssc.gov.in. Clear your browser cache and cookies, use a desktop browser, or try logging in during off-peak hours.
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