STENO Full Form, Exam Levels, Computer Based and Skill Based Test

The full form of Steno refers to the Stenographer Exam conducted by the SSC (Staff Selection Commission). It is a competitive exam conducted to recruit skilled stenographers. The stenographers are recruited for non-gazetted posts under the Central General Service Group C and Group D. 

This exam is conducted on a national level and candidates undergo strict evaluation to qualify for the post of SSC stenographer.

What Is The Job of an SSC Stenographer?

The job profile of an SSC stenographer includes taking dictations, noting down important pieces of information like press conferences, speeches, interactions between officials etc. Usually, an SSC Stenographer works under a Class One Officer (in any ministry) as their personal assistant. 

While it might sound dull and boring, the job of a stenographer is actually a very interesting one. That’s because you get to know all that is going on in the nation. Moreover, as a stenographer, you are entrusted with this precious knowledge! 

There’s more to the job, than just taking notes and dictations. You are also responsible to manage and organize files, attending calls, and all in all maintain healthy public relations. So, working as a stenographer not only comes with huge responsibilities but also provides you immense dignity and respect.  

Stenographer Exam Levels

The Stenographer Exam is conducted in two levels or phases,

• Level 1: Computer Based Test 
• Level 2: Skill Based Test

A candidate must first clear the CBT to progress to the skill-based test. 

Given below are key details about the different levels in this examination,

Stenographer Exam Computer-Based Test Details 

Here are details about the Computer Based Test of the Stenographer Exam:

• The computer-based test consists of multiple-choice questions.
• The test has three sections, they are - Reasoning ( General Intelligence), General Awareness and English. The marks distribution each section is given below, 

• The total duration of the exam is 2 hours (2 hours 40 minutes for candidates using a scribe)
• For every right answer, 1 mark is awarded and for every wrong answer, 0.25 mark is deducted. 

Stenographer Skill-Based Test Details

Candidates are awarded normalized scores (according to criteria set by the SSC) for their CBT. On the basis of this score, a merit list is prepared. The candidates who make it in the list are summoned for the Skill-Based Test. 

Details of the Skill Based Test for the Stenographer Exam is given below,

• The Skill-Based Test is conducted to evaluate the listening and typing skills of the candidates. 
• The Skill Based Test is qualifying in nature and based on the candidates performance in this test, the final selection is done. 
• The skill test is conducted in two languages: English (by default) and Hindi. 
•  This test consists of two sections, 

Dictation:

During this section, the candidates listen to the dictation of a passage and must transcribe it within the given time. The duration of the dictation is 10 minutes.

Transcription: 

In the next section, the candidates will type out the dictation they heard on a computer. Ideal typing speed for Grade D candidates is 100 words per min and for Grade C it is 80 words per min. 

Detailed breakdown of time allotted to different candidates is as follows, 

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