If you qualified the SSC Stenographer 2025 Skill Test, the last major step before your posting order is the Option Cum Preference Form — and the window to fill it closes on 08 May 2026. That's a 3-day window starting 05 May. If you miss this form, you lose control over your department and posting location preference. SSC will allocate you wherever vacancies remain — don't let that happen.
Vacancy Details — SSC Stenographer 2025
| Grade | Posts | Qualification | English Transcription | Hindi Transcription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stenographer Grade C | — | Passed 10+2 from any recognized board in India | 40 minutes | 55 minutes |
| Stenographer Grade D | — | Passed 10+2 from any recognized board in India | 50 minutes | 65 minutes |
| Total | 261 | — | ||
Grade C dictation: 100 wpm (English) / 80 wpm (Hindi). Grade D dictation: 80 wpm (English) / 65 wpm (Hindi). Dictation duration: 10 minutes for both grades.
What Is the Option Cum Preference Form?
The Option Cum Preference Form is how SSC allocates qualified candidates to specific ministries and departments. You rank the ministries/departments in the order you prefer — SSC then allocates based on your merit rank and your stated preferences. Candidates who rank higher get their first-choice department more often. Choosing carelessly here can mean working in a city or department you didn't want for the next several years.
Grade C vs Grade D — Know Your Post Before Filling
| Grade | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Category | Dictation Speed | Transcription Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade C | Level 6 | ₹35,400/month | Gazetted (Officer level) | 100 wpm (EN) / 80 wpm (HI) | EN: 40 min / HI: 55 min |
| Grade D | Level 4 | ₹25,500/month | Non-Gazetted (Clerical) | 80 wpm (EN) / 65 wpm (HI) | EN: 50 min / HI: 65 min |
Grade C is a gazetted post — your documents are self-attested, you get a government identity card, and the promotion path is faster. Grade D is non-gazetted but the basic pay difference (₹9,900/month) is significant at entry level.
Total Salary in Hand (Estimated — Delhi Posting)
| Component | Grade C | Grade D |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 | ₹25,500 |
| DA (53%) | ₹18,762 | ₹13,515 |
| HRA (Delhi X-city, 24%) | ₹8,496 | ₹6,120 |
| Transport Allowance | ₹3,600+DA | ₹1,800+DA |
| Approx In-Hand | ₹58,000–65,000 | ₹42,000–48,000 |
How to Fill the Option Form
⚠️ OTR Note: SSC has moved to One Time Registration (OTR) on the new website ssc.gov.in. If you haven't completed OTR on the new site yet, do that first — you cannot access the Option Form without it.
📷 Photo Note: SSC now requires a live photo — taken via webcam or the official SSC mobile app at the time of filling the form. The photo must have a light/white background and you must look straight at the camera. Old uploaded photos are no longer accepted.
- Go to ssc.gov.in → log in with your OTR credentials (registration number + password)
- Navigate to your candidate dashboard — the Option Cum Preference Form link appears there after Skill Test result declaration
- List ministries/departments in priority order — your first preference is your top choice. Research each ministry: think about posting location (Delhi HQ vs field), nature of work, and promotion speed before ranking
- Take your live photo at this stage using your webcam or the SSC App — white/light background, face straight, no glasses tint
- Review all entries carefully before final submission — name, roll number, and preference order must be correct
- Submit before 08 May 2026 — SSC does not extend this deadline
- Save or print the confirmation page after submission