The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced important updates for the SSC Stenographer 2025 skill test. This test is for departmental candidates who want to show their shorthand and typing skills. Candidates from the SSC Eastern Region must apply by **January 16, 2026**. The skill test is planned for the **first week of March 2026**.
Here are the key dates and details for the skill test application:
| Event | Details |
| Application Deadline | **January 16, 2026** (by 6 PM) |
| Skill Test Date (Tentative) | **First week of March 2026** |
| Who Can Apply | Eligible departmental candidates only |
Who Can Apply for SSC Stenographer 2025 Skill Test?
Only candidates who are already working in government departments and meet the eligibility rules can appear for this SSC Stenographer skill test. These are called 'departmental candidates'.
It is important for these candidates to remember that they cannot apply directly. They must send their applications through the proper official channels. Their own department must check and confirm their application before it goes to the SSC. The final date for this verified application to reach SSC is **January 16, 2026**, before 6 PM.
How to Apply for the Skill Test
To apply for the SSC Stenographer skill test, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the SSC (Eastern Region) to find the application form.
- Fill out the SSC Stenographer application form very carefully, making sure all details are correct.
- Get your completed application form checked and approved by your own government department. This step is called 'verification by concerned department'.
- Once your application is verified, your department must send it to the SSC (Eastern Region) office. This is what 'forwarded through proper channel' means.
About the SSC Stenographer Skill Test
The SSC Stenographer skill test will be conducted on computers. This test checks how fast and accurately candidates can take shorthand dictation and type it out. The test will be offered in two languages:
- **English**
- **Hindi**
Candidates will need to demonstrate their skills at specific speeds. These speeds are:
- **80 words per minute (WPM)**
- **100 words per minute (WPM)**
- **120 words per minute (WPM)**
Dictation and Keyboard Layout
For the shorthand dictation part of the test, SSC will use **Recorded Audio CDs**. This means the audio will be played from a CD for both English and Hindi tests. Candidates will listen to the audio and write down the dictation in shorthand.
For the Hindi skill test, candidates have a choice of keyboard layouts. They can use either the **Inscript** or the **Remington** keyboard layout. Candidates must choose their preferred layout before the test. Once a keyboard layout is chosen, it cannot be changed during the actual exam.
Choosing Your Exam Centre
When filling out the application form, candidates must carefully choose their preferred exam centre. This decision is final. The SSC will not accept any requests to change the exam centre after the application form has been submitted.
Where to Apply Based on Your State
The application process depends on which state or region you belong to:
- If you are a departmental candidate working in **West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, or Andaman & Nicobar Islands**, you must apply through the SSC (Eastern Region) office.
- If you are from any other state in India, you should apply through your specific SSC Regional Office. Make sure to find the correct regional office for your state to send your verified application.
