The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for SSC LDCE Recruitment 2025-26 for the post of Grade “C” Stenographers through the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2025. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 326 vacancies across various Central Government services and cadres. Eligible departmental candidates can apply online from December 22, 2025, through the official SSC website.
This recruitment is specifically meant for regularly appointed Stenographer Grade “D” employees working in participating services, offering them a promotional opportunity to Stenographer Grade “C” positions.
SSC LDCE 2025-26 Vacancy Details
The cadre-wise distribution of vacancies is given below:
| Service / Cadre | Number of Vacancies |
| Central Secretariat Stenographers Service | 267 |
| Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service | 08 |
| Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographers Service | 37 |
| Election Commission of India Stenographers Service | 01 |
| Indian Foreign Service Branch (B) Stenographers | 13 |
| Central Vigilance Commission | To be intimated |
| Total | 326 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be regularly appointed Stenographer Grade “D” in the respective participating services/cadres and must fulfill the prescribed length of approved service and other eligibility conditions as per cadre rules.
Age Limit
- No specific minimum or maximum age limit is prescribed.
- Eligibility is determined based on approved length of service as on 01 July 2025, the crucial date mentioned in the notification.
Educational Qualification
- As per service/cadre rules for promotion from Stenographer Grade “D” to Grade “C”.
SSC LDCE 2025-26 Application Dates
- Start of Online Application: 22 December 2025
- Last Date for Online Application: 11 January 2026 (23:00 hours)
- Last Date for Receipt of Printed Application (SSC NR): 27 January 2026 (18:00 hours)
- Last Date for Candidates Abroad / A&N / Lakshadweep: 03 February 2026 (18:00 hours)
- CBT Exam Date: To be notified later
Application Fee
- The official notification does not specify any application or examination fee for SSC LDCE Recruitment 2025-26.
SSC LDCE SELECTION PROCESS 2025-26
The selection process consists of three stages:
Part-A: Computer Based Examination (200 Marks)
- General Awareness: 100 Questions – 100 Marks
- English Language & Comprehension: 100 Questions – 100 Marks
- Duration:
- 2 Hours (2 Hours 40 Minutes for scribe-eligible candidates)
- Mode: Objective Type (MCQs)
- Medium:
- General Awareness: Hindi & English
- English Language: English only
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
Part-B: Short Hand Skill Test (200 Marks)
- Dictation for 10 minutes at 100 words per minute in English or Hindi (as opted).
- Transcription Time:
- English: 40 minutes (55 minutes with scribe)
- Hindi: 55 minutes (75 minutes with scribe)
- Only candidates qualifying Part-A will be eligible.
- No exemption from skill test.
- Medium once selected cannot be changed.
Part-C: Evaluation of Record of Service (100 Marks)
- Evaluation of APARs of candidates shortlisted after CBT and Skill Test.
- No modification in APAR grading will be accepted after evaluation.
Mode of Final Selection
- Category-wise qualifying standards will be fixed by SSC.
- Final merit will be based on combined performance in Part-A, Part-B, and Part-C.
- Separate select lists will be prepared for each participating cadre/service, subject to reservation norms.
Salary
- Pay and allowances will be as per the respective service/cadre rules applicable to Stenographer Grade “C” posts.
Quick Reference Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Recruiting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | LDCE 2025 (Grade C Stenographers) |
| Total Vacancies | 326 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Apply Dates | 22 Dec 2025 – 11 Jan 2026 |
| Selection Stages | CBT + Skill Test + APAR |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Who can apply for SSC LDCE 2025-26? |
| Regularly appointed Stenographer Grade “D” employees of participating services fulfilling service conditions. |
| What is the last date to apply online? |
| January 11, 2026, up to 23:00 hours. |
| Is there any age limit for SSC LDCE? |
| No specific age limit; eligibility is based on approved service length. |
| What is the exam pattern for SSC LDCE Part-A? |
| 200 MCQs from General Awareness and English Language for 200 marks. |
| Is there negative marking in SSC LDCE CBT? |
| Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. |
| Is shorthand skill test mandatory? |
| Yes, there is no exemption from the stenography skill test. |
| How many vacancies are available? |
| A total of 326 Grade “C” Stenographer posts. |
| Where can I apply for SSC LDCE 2025-26? |
| On the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in. |
The SSC LDCE Recruitment 2025-26 offers a significant career progression opportunity for departmental Stenographer Grade “D” employees aspiring to move into Grade “C” positions. Eligible candidates should carefully review the notification, ensure timely submission of online and printed applications, and prepare strategically for the CBT and skill test. Candidates are advised to visit the official SSC website regularly for exam date updates and further instructions, and bookmark this page for future reference.
MORE INFO
| Notification | CLICK HERE |
| Apply | CLICK HERE |
