Preparing for HSSC Stenographer 2026? This exam has two stages — a Skill Test (shorthand + typing) and a Written Exam (100 MCQ). With 1,952 posts and form re-opened 16-19 March, understanding the exact syllabus is critical.
Exam Structure – 2 Stages
| Stage | Test | Marks | Duration | Type | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Shorthand Skill Test | Qualifying | — | Practical | Qualifying (pass/fail) |
| Stage 2 | Written Exam (OMR) | 100 | 105 min | Offline MCQ | Merit (this decides selection) |
Stage 1: Shorthand Skill Test (Qualifying)
- Hindi Stenographer: 80 WPM shorthand dictation → transcription on computer
- English Stenographer: 80 WPM shorthand dictation → transcription on computer
- Typing Speed: 25-30 WPM on computer (Hindi/English as applicable)
- Nature: Qualifying only — you must pass this to appear for Stage 2
- Tip: Practice shorthand daily for 2 hours. Speed builds gradually — start 3 months before exam
Stage 2: Written Exam Pattern (100 marks – Merit)
| Subject | Questions (approx) | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness & Current Affairs | 25-30 | 25-30 |
| Reasoning & Mental Ability | 20-25 | 20-25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude / Maths | 15-20 | 15-20 |
| Basic Computer Knowledge | 10-15 | 10-15 |
| Hindi / English Language | 10-15 | 10-15 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
No negative marking for wrong answers. But 1 mark deducted for unanswered questions — so attempt ALL questions. Qualifying marks: 50% (General), 40% (Reserved).
General Awareness Topics
- Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy — basics
- Haryana GK: Districts (22), rivers, fairs, festivals, dances (Saang, Ras), famous personalities, Haryana schemes — THIS IS CRUCIAL (10-15 questions from Haryana alone)
- Current Affairs — last 6 months national + Haryana state
- Science & Technology, Sports, Awards
Reasoning Topics
- Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Classification
- Blood Relations, Direction, Syllogism, Venn Diagram
- Mirror/Water Image, Paper Folding, Dice
- Statement-Conclusion, Ranking, Sitting Arrangement
Mathematics Topics
- Number System, Percentage, Ratio, Profit & Loss, SI/CI
- Time & Work, Time & Distance, Average, Mixture
- Mensuration — Area, Volume (basic)
- Data Interpretation — tables, graphs
Computer Knowledge Topics
- Computer Fundamentals — hardware, software, I/O devices
- MS Office — Word, Excel, PowerPoint basics
- Internet, Email, Browser
- Keyboard shortcuts (important for Stenographer role!)
- Basic networking, cyber security
Selection Process
- CET Score: Haryana CET 2025 score used for shortlisting
- Stage 1: Shorthand Skill Test (qualifying)
- Stage 2: Written Exam (100 marks — merit)
- Document Verification
- Final Merit List
FAQ
Is there negative marking in HSSC Stenographer exam?
No negative marking for wrong answers. But 1 mark is deducted for each unanswered question. So attempt all 100 questions — even if you have to guess.
What is the skill test for Stenographer?
80 WPM shorthand dictation (Hindi or English) followed by transcription on computer. Plus 25-30 WPM typing speed. This is qualifying — you must pass to proceed.
How important is Haryana GK?
Very important! 10-15 questions come from Haryana-specific topics — districts, rivers, fairs, dances, schemes, personalities. Use Lucent Haryana GK book.
How many posts are there?
1,952 posts (Advt 03/2026). Form re-opened 16-19 March 2026.
Haryana GK — Most Important (10-15 questions)
This section separates toppers from average scorers. Haryana-specific knowledge is critical:
- Districts: All 22 districts — headquarters, rivers, major industries
- Rivers: Yamuna, Ghaggar, Markanda, Saraswati (mythical), Tangri
- Festivals: Sanjhi, Teej, Gugga Navami, Holi (Dhulandi), Lohri
- Dances: Saang, Ras, Dhamal, Ghoomar, Khoria
- Famous Personalities: Chaudhary Devi Lal, Bansi Lal, Bhagat Phool Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai (born in Haryana)
- Government Schemes: Mukhyamantri Parivar Samman Nidhi, Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (started from Panipat)
- Sports: Haryana is India's sports powerhouse — Olympic medalists (Neeraj Chopra, Manu Bhaker, Bajrang Punia)
- Economy: Basmati rice (Karnal), IT hub (Gurugram), automobile hub (Manesar)
Preparation Strategy
- Shorthand (Stage 1): Daily 2-hour practice. Start at 40 WPM, build to 80 WPM over 3 months. Use standard Pitman or Kailash shorthand books
- GK + Haryana GK: Lucent GK + Haryana GK by Upkar or Arihant. Read daily Haryana newspapers for state current affairs
- Reasoning: RS Aggarwal Reasoning (Verbal + Non-verbal). Practice 30 questions daily
- Computer: CCC syllabus book — MS Word, Excel shortcuts are most important for Steno role
- Mock Tests: HSSC Group C previous papers + CET papers. Focus on finishing 100 questions in 105 minutes
More FAQ
What is the minimum typing speed required?
25-30 WPM on computer. Hindi Stenographer in Hindi typing, English Stenographer in English typing. Plus 80 WPM shorthand speed (dictation + transcription).
Is CET score required for HSSC Stenographer?
Yes, Haryana CET 2025 score is used for shortlisting. CET score determines who gets called for the Skill Test (Stage 1). After Skill Test, written exam (Stage 2) decides final merit.
What if I fail the Skill Test?
If you fail Stage 1 (Shorthand Skill Test), you cannot proceed to Stage 2 (Written Exam). Practice shorthand to 80+ WPM before appearing. Most candidates who fail do so because of insufficient shorthand speed.
