Planning to apply for HSSC Stenographer 2026? Before filling the form, you must confirm every eligibility criterion — one missed condition means disqualification at Document Verification, even after clearing the exam. This article covers the complete eligibility requirements for all 1,952 posts (Advt 03/2026).
Eligibility at a Glance
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|
| Post | Stenographer (Group C) — Advt 03/2026 |
| Total Posts | 1,952 |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 (Class XII) from any recognized board |
| Shorthand Speed | 80 WPM (Hindi or English as per post applied) |
| Typing Speed | 25–30 WPM on computer |
| Age (General / UR) | 18 – 42 years |
| Age Relaxation (SC/BC-A/BC-B, Haryana) | 5 years additional (18 – 47 years) |
| Age Relaxation (PH / Divyang) | 10 years additional |
| Domicile | Haryana resident (domicile certificate required) |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Criminal Record | No conviction by any court |
Educational Qualification
Minimum: 10+2 (Intermediate / Class XII) from a recognized board (CBSE, HBSE, or any state board). No minimum percentage is prescribed — a pass is sufficient.
- Any stream is acceptable — Science, Commerce, or Arts
- Degree/diploma holders are also eligible (no upper limit on qualification)
- Students awaiting Class XII results are NOT eligible — certificate must be in hand before DV
📄 Shorthand Certificate
A speed certificate from a recognized institute (Government Polytechnic, Industrial Training Institute, or equivalent) showing 80 WPM shorthand proficiency is required at Document Verification. Start your course early if you do not yet have this certificate.
Skill Test Criteria (Shorthand + Typing)
| Skill | Hindi Stenographer | English Stenographer |
|---|
| Shorthand Speed | 80 WPM (Hindi Shorthand) | 80 WPM (English Shorthand) |
| Transcription | On computer — full transcription within stipulated time | On computer — full transcription within stipulated time |
| Typing Speed | 25 WPM (Hindi typing, Mangal/Unicode) | 30 WPM (English typing) |
| Nature | Qualifying (pass/fail) — marks not added to merit | Qualifying (pass/fail) — marks not added to merit |
⚠️ Skill Test is Qualifying, Not Merit
The Skill Test does NOT add marks to your final merit score. You must pass it to sit the Written Exam, but the Written Exam (100 marks) is the only merit determinant. Candidates who fail the Skill Test are eliminated from the process.
Age Limit
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|
| General / UR | 18 years | 42 years |
| SC / BC-A / BC-B (Haryana domicile) | 18 years | 47 years (+5 relaxation) |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 18 years | 42 years |
| PH / Divyang (Physically Handicapped) | 18 years | 52 years (+10 relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen (Haryana) | As per HSSC norms | Military service period + 3 years over upper limit |
| Widows / Divorced Women (Haryana) | 18 years | 47 years |
Age is calculated as of the closing date of the application form. Refer to the official notification for the exact cut-off date.
Domicile Requirement
A valid Haryana domicile / resident certificate is mandatory for all posts. The domicile must be issued by the competent authority (SDM/Tehsildar of the applicant's district in Haryana).
- Candidates who have spent the last 15 years in Haryana qualify for domicile
- OBC/BC-A/BC-B category relaxation applies only to residents of Haryana (Haryana NCL certificate needed)
- SC certificate must be from Haryana if claiming SC category benefit
🔑 Haryana CET is Mandatory
HSSC uses the Haryana CET (Common Eligibility Test) score for shortlisting candidates for this recruitment. You must have a valid Haryana CET score to be called for the Skill Test. If you have not appeared in Haryana CET, you will not be considered.
Required Documents at Document Verification
| Document | Purpose |
|---|
| Class 10 Certificate / Marksheet | Proof of date of birth |
| Class 12 Certificate + Marksheet | Educational qualification proof |
| Shorthand Speed Certificate (80 WPM) | From recognized institute (Govt ITI / Polytechnic) |
| Typing Speed Certificate | Computer-based typing test certificate |
| Haryana Domicile / Resident Certificate | Issued by SDM/Tehsildar |
| Caste Certificate (if applicable) | SC/BC-A/BC-B — issued by competent authority in Haryana |
| EWS Certificate (if applicable) | Issued by competent authority, valid for current financial year |
| Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) Certificate (BC) | Mandatory for BC-A/BC-B — must be current year |
| PH Certificate (if applicable) | Issued by Medical Board — specifying disability % |
| Ex-Serviceman Discharge Book (if applicable) | For ESM category |
| Haryana CET Admit Card + Score | As proof of CET participation |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity proof |
| Passport-size Photographs | As specified in call letter |
Selection Process
| Stage | Step | Details |
|---|
| Step 1 | Haryana CET Score | Used for initial shortlisting — merit-based |
| Step 2 | Shorthand Skill Test | 80 WPM dictation + transcription on computer — qualifying only |
| Step 3 | Written Exam | 100 MCQ / 105 min / No negative marking — this decides final merit |
| Step 4 | Document Verification | All original documents verified |
| Step 5 | Final Merit List | Based entirely on Written Exam marks |
Common Disqualification Reasons
- No domicile certificate — or domicile from another state
- Age mismatch — not meeting the age limit as of the cut-off date
- No valid Haryana CET score — mandatory prerequisite
- Shorthand certificate missing or from unrecognized institute
- NCL certificate not current year for BC-A/BC-B candidates
- Criminal conviction record
- Multiple applications — submitting more than one application form
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-Haryana resident apply?
General category seats may be open to all India residents (check the official notification). However, reserved category benefits (SC/BC/EWS relaxation) are available only to Haryana domicile holders.
Is there a minimum percentage in 12th?
No — there is no minimum percentage requirement. A pass in Class XII from any recognized board is sufficient.
Can I apply for both Hindi and English Stenographer?
Only if separate notifications are issued for both. Typically you apply for the post matching your shorthand language (Hindi or English). Check the official notification for this specific recruitment.
When is the Document Verification conducted?
After the Written Exam. HSSC announces DV dates separately for shortlisted candidates. Only those who clear the Written Exam cutoff are called for DV.
Is the Skill Test conducted before or after the Written Exam?
The Skill Test (Stage 1) is conducted before the Written Exam (Stage 2). You must clear the Skill Test to be eligible to sit the Written Exam.
