About the SSC Steno typing test
The SSC Stenographer skill test is a dictation of 10 minutes followed by transcription on computer. Grade C is dictated at 100 wpm and Grade D at 80 wpm. Transcription time for Grade D is 50 minutes (English) / 65 minutes (Hindi), and for Grade C 40 minutes (English) / 55 minutes (Hindi). Use the Steno Dictation tool on TypingPrep to hear a passage at your target speed, then transcribe it in the TCS-style window.
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission |
|---|---|
| Posts | Stenographer Grade C, Stenographer Grade D |
| English | As per notification · 50 minutes |
| Hindi | As per notification · 65 minutes |
| Backspace | Allowed (no spell-check / auto-correct) |
| Errors | Grade D: up to 7% errors (UR) and 10% (reserved); Grade C: up to 5% (UR) and 7% (reserved) as per recent notices – check yours. |
| Hindi typing | Unicode Hindi (Mangal / Nirmala UI) – Inscript or Remington Gail |
| Interface on this page | TCS iON style (SSC / RRB / central CBT) |
SSC Steno typing test rules
- Dictation: 10 minutes at 80 wpm (Grade D) or 100 wpm (Grade C).
- Transcription on computer: Grade D – 50 min English / 65 min Hindi; Grade C – 40 min English / 55 min Hindi.
- Compensatory time is provided to eligible PwD candidates.
- Errors are evaluated against the dictated passage as full and half mistakes.
Always check the latest notification. Recruiting bodies revise speed, duration and error rules from time to time. Information here was last reviewed on 18 October 2026. Official website: ssc.gov.in. You can change the required speed and error limit in the simulator’s Advanced options.
How the SSC Steno typing test is evaluated
SSC-style evaluation: key depressions, full and half mistakes
Speed is measured in key depressions: every letter, space and punctuation mark you press counts. 35 words per minute is equivalent to 10,500 key depressions per hour because one “word” is taken as 5 key depressions.
Your typed matter is compared word by word with the passage. Omitting a word, typing a wrong or misspelt word, or adding a word that is not in the passage is a full mistake.
Spacing errors (two words joined or one word split), wrong capitalisation and punctuation mistakes are half mistakes.
Error percentage = (full mistakes + half mistakes ÷ 2) ÷ words in the passage you attempted × 100. You qualify if your speed meets the requirement and your error percentage is within the limit for your category.
Read the complete explanation with more examples in How typing speed is calculated in government exams.
Preparation tips for SSC Steno
- Your typing speed decides how comfortably you finish the transcription – target at least 30 wpm with high accuracy.
- Read your shorthand outline for the whole sentence before typing it.
- Use our Steno page to practise dictation at 80 and 100 wpm with a built-in voice.
New to touch typing? Start with our universal touch typing guide and the step-by-step keyboard lessons, then follow the 30-day plan. For Hindi, read the Hindi typing guide (Inscript & Remington Gail).
About this exam interface
This simulator copies the TCS iON computer-based test layout used by SSC, RRB and many central recruiters: a header with the exam name, candidate details and a countdown timer, the passage in an upper pane, and a plain typing box below it. There is no word highlighting and no live speed meter – exactly like the real test.
Want to practise a passage from a previous year or your coaching notes? Add it in My Paragraphs – it stays in your browser and appears in the passage list of every simulator.
SSC Steno typing test – FAQs
What is the dictation speed for SSC Steno Grade C and D?
Grade C: 100 words per minute; Grade D: 80 words per minute, each for 10 minutes.
How much time is given for transcription in SSC Steno?
Grade D gets 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi); Grade C gets 40 minutes (English) or 55 minutes (Hindi).
Is this SSC Steno typing test free?
Yes. TypingPrep is completely free. There is no registration – your results and your own paragraphs are stored only in your browser.
Does this SSC Steno practice test look like the real exam?
This simulator copies the TCS iON computer-based test layout used by SSC, RRB and many central recruiters: a header with the exam name, candidate details and a countdown timer, the passage in an upper pane, and a plain typing box below it. There is no word highlighting and no live speed meter – exactly like the real test.