SSC Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination 2025: Revised First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA) Announced

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the Revised First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA) for the Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination, 2025. This update, issued on 31st July 2026, follows a comprehensive review of the earlier FRTA declared on 18th June 2026. The revision was necessary after candidates raised concerns regarding the evaluation of the Stenography Skill Test 2025.

Background of the Revision

Initially, the Commission had recommended 228 candidates for Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and 1483 candidates for Stenographer Grade ‘D’. However, after receiving representations about discrepancies in skill test evaluation, the Commission withheld the FRTA on 19th June 2026. A detailed review was then conducted, and the revised FRTA has now been published in accordance with the Sliding Mechanism introduced via notice dated 03rd March 2026.

Key Highlights of the Revised FRTA

• The revision ensures fair evaluation and merit-based allocation of posts.
• Option-cum-preference was collected online from 05th May to 08th May 2026 for candidates who appeared in the Stenography Skill Test.
• A total of 10,132 candidates who submitted their preferences online have been considered for allocation.

Skill Test Cut-Off Criteria

The Commission has fixed category-wise cut-offs based on the percentage of mistakes allowed in the skill test:

Allocation Process

The allocation of posts and departments has been made on the basis of merit-cum-order of preference submitted by candidates online. The revised FRTA includes provisional shortlisting for both Grade ‘C’ and Grade ‘D’ posts across various ministries and departments.

Vacancy Summary

Stenographer Grade ‘C’

A total of 232 vacancies were available, distributed among categories as follows:

• SC – 22
• ST – 14
• OBC – 50
• EWS – 27
• UR – 119

Horizontal vacancies included 1-OBC under HH and 1-SC & 1-UR under VH categories.

Stenographer Grade ‘D’

A total of 1483 vacancies were available, distributed among categories as follows:

• SC – 190
• ST – 86
• OBC – 350
• EWS – 146
• UR – 711

Horizontal vacancies included ESM, OH, HH, VH, and PwBD categories, ensuring inclusive representation.

Departments and Ministries Involved

The revised FRTA covers allocations across major ministries and departments such as:

• Ministry of Finance (CBIC)
• Ministry of External Affairs
• Ministry of Home Affairs (Intelligence Bureau)
• Election Commission of India
• Ministry of Defence (Armed Forces Headquarters)
• Central Vigilance Commission
• Ministry of Labour & Employment
• Ministry of Culture

Sliding Mechanism and Next Steps

The Sliding Mechanism aims to ensure maximum utilization of vacancies and fair opportunities for candidates. The process will be conducted from 11th to 12th August 2026 at regional offices. Candidates must log in to ssc.gov.in between 4th and 5th August 2026 to select their venue, date, and slot for participation.

Department-Wise Allocation and Marks Analysis for SSC Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination 2025

Following the release of the Revised First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA), the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has provided detailed data on the allocation of posts across various ministries and departments. This section highlights the department-wise distribution, category-wise marks, and cut-off trends for both Grade ‘C’ and Grade ‘D’ posts.

Stenographer Grade ‘C’ Allocation Overview

The Commission has allocated candidates to ten major departments under Grade ‘C’. Each department has its own post code, and the marks of the last selected candidates vary depending on category and vacancy count. The following table summarizes the key allocations:

The marks indicate that the competition for Grade ‘C’ posts remains intense, with top candidates scoring above 150 marks across most departments. The Ministry of External Affairs and Election Commission of India recorded the highest closing marks.

Stenographer Grade ‘D’ Allocation Overview

For Grade ‘D’, the Commission has allocated candidates across multiple ministries and departments, with post codes ranging from D11 to D41. The following table provides a snapshot of the marks and categories of last selected candidates:

The highest closing marks for Grade ‘D’ were recorded under the Ministry of Home Affairs (162.42 marks), showing the competitive nature of the recruitment. The average closing marks for UR candidates across departments ranged between 146–162 marks.

Cut-Off Trends and Observations

• UR category candidates consistently scored above 145 marks in both grades.
• Reserved category candidates (OBC, SC, ST, EWS) showed strong performance, with many qualifying at UR standards.
• Departments like Defence, Finance, and Home Affairs attracted the highest merit scores.
• Horizontal categories (OH, HH, VH, PwBD) were successfully filled, ensuring inclusivity.

Cut-Off Interpretation and Candidate Guidance

The revised FRTA for the SSC Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination 2025 highlights important trends in cut-off marks and candidate performance. Understanding these cut-offs is crucial for aspirants to evaluate their standing and prepare for future opportunities.

Cut-Off Insights

• Grade ‘C’: UR candidates needed to maintain accuracy within 5% mistakes, while reserved categories had a margin of up to 7%. The closing marks for UR candidates across departments ranged between 148–161 marks.
• Grade ‘D’: UR candidates were allowed up to 7% mistakes, while reserved categories had up to 10%. The closing marks for UR candidates ranged between 146–162 marks, showing a competitive edge similar to Grade ‘C’.
• Reserved Categories: Many OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates qualified at UR standards, reflecting strong performance across categories.
• Horizontal Categories: OH, HH, VH, and PwBD candidates were successfully accommodated, ensuring inclusivity in recruitment.

Preparation Insights for Future Aspirants

Candidates aiming for upcoming SSC Stenographer examinations should take note of the following strategies:

• Accuracy in Skill Test: Focus on reducing errors in stenography practice. Even minor mistakes can affect final selection.
• Balanced Preparation: While stenography skill is primary, written exam performance in General Awareness and English Language also plays a decisive role.
• Mock Practice: Regularly attempt mock skill tests to simulate exam conditions and improve speed and accuracy.
• Time Management: Allocate sufficient time for both shorthand practice and written subjects.
• Stay Updated: Keep track of SSC notices and official updates on ssc.gov.in.

Candidate Guidance

For those provisionally shortlisted, the next step is participation in the Sliding Mechanism process scheduled between 11th and 12th August 2026. Candidates must log in between 4th and 5th August 2026 to select their venue, date, and slot. Marks of both selected and non-selected candidates will be uploaded after the final result declaration.

Motivational Guidance for SSC Stenographer Aspirants

The journey of preparing for the SSC Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination 2025 has been long and challenging for many candidates. With the revised FRTA now declared, it is important to remember that success in competitive exams is not only about marks—it is about resilience, determination, and the ability to keep moving forward despite obstacles.

Every candidate who appeared for the skill test and submitted preferences has already demonstrated courage and commitment. Whether provisionally shortlisted or awaiting final results, this stage is a reminder that persistence pays off. The revised allocation ensures fairness, and candidates should take pride in their efforts.

• Stay Positive: Even if the outcome is not as expected, remember that each attempt builds experience and confidence.
• Learn from the Process: Analyze your performance, identify areas of improvement, and apply those lessons in future exams.
• Celebrate Effort: Success is not only measured by selection but also by the dedication shown during preparation.
• Keep Growing: Use this opportunity to strengthen your skills, whether in stenography, general awareness, or communication.

Final Words

The Staff Selection Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency by revising the FRTA for Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’. This ensures that merit and fairness remain the guiding principles of recruitment. Candidates should continue to monitor updates on ssc.gov.in and prepare for the upcoming sliding mechanism process scheduled in August 2026.

For aspirants, this is not the end of the journey but a milestone. Whether selected or not, the skills gained during preparation will serve as valuable assets in future opportunities. Keep faith in your abilities, stay disciplined, and remember that every step forward brings you closer to success.

Conclusion

The revised First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA) for the SSC Stenographer Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ Examination 2025 reflects the Commission’s strong commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. By analyzing cut-offs, allocation trends, and department-wise results, candidates gain a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and the merit-based selection process.

The inclusion of horizontal categories such as OH, HH, VH, and PwBD ensures equal opportunity for all, while the sliding mechanism further enhances fairness in allocation. Candidates are advised to carefully review their marks and allocation details on the official website ssc.gov.in and prepare for the upcoming sliding process scheduled in August 2026. Marks of both selected and non-selected candidates will be published after the final result declaration.

This revised FRTA is not just an administrative update—it is a reaffirmation of SSC’s dedication to meritocracy. Aspirants should take confidence from the transparency of the process and continue preparing strategically for future opportunities.

Best wishes to all candidates—your dedication and hard work will open doors to new possibilities!

Official Source: Staff Selection Commission Notice No. E/16/2025-C-2 SECTION, dated 31st July 2026.