Quick answer and applicable cycle
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 100 | 100 |
The ordinary duration is two hours for 200 questions/200 marks; each wrong answer deducts 0.25 mark. The notification specifies compensatory time for eligible candidates. Stenography is tested separately through the skill test.
What changed?
The 23 September 2026 addendum mandates Mangal font for Hindi skill tests. It does not replace the three-subject CBE scheme.
Subject-wise syllabus
- Reasoning: verbal/non-verbal analogies, similarities/differences, space visualisation, problem solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, observation, relationships, classification, series and non-verbal series.
- General awareness: current events, everyday scientific awareness, sport, history, culture, geography, economy, polity, Constitution and scientific research, especially India and neighbouring countries.
- English: vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms/antonyms and correct usage, together with comprehension and writing ability.
Skill-test requirements
Skill-test dictation lasts ten minutes: 100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 for Grade D. Ordinary computer transcription time is 40 minutes in English or 55 in Hindi for Grade C, and 50 in English or 65 in Hindi for Grade D. Eligible scribe/compensatory-time cases follow the separate notification table. The skill test is qualifying.
Hindi skill-test change: the 23 September addendum requires Mangal font. Work typed in another font will not be evaluated and the candidate will be treated as not qualified. Practise in the required font before the test.
Preparation plan
Practise English daily because it carries half of the CBE marks. Alternate reasoning drills and general-awareness revision with timed papers. For skill tests, record dictation speed, transcription time and error types separately. Start practising in the correct font and language rather than switching just before the test.
Common mistakes
Do not add a mathematics section to this CBE, confuse Grade C with Grade D speed, or treat a qualifying skill test as optional. The departmental Grade C exam has separate rules.
Related exam resources
Latest Stenographer hub · 2026 exam dates and stage status
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How much does English contribute?
100 of the 200 CBE marks.
What is the Hindi font requirement?
Mangal font, under the 23 September 2026 addendum.