UPSC Steno Exam 2024-25: Latest News, Key Dates, Eligibility, Salary & More
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
About UPSC Stenographer
The UPSC Section Officers/ Stenographers is an abbreviation for UPSC SO. To hire graduate candidates as departmental officers and crypto professionals, the UPSC Stenographer/ SO Exam is held.
A nationwide test for UPSC SO Steno Grade B/Grade 1 is given by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). For the recruitment of applicants for Section Officer (SO) and Stenographers Grade B/Grade 1 positions, the UPSC Section Officers/Stenographers Grade Exam is held.
Every year, the Union Public Service Commission administers the exam for Section Officers (SO) and Stenographers. The written test and assessment of the performance of the candidates are key components of the UPSC SO Steno selection process. The candidates are only invited for evaluation if they achieve the required minimum marks. The UPSC SO / Steno 2023 post is a Class B appointment with the Central Government. There will be objective and subjective question types in the UPSC Stenographer Exam.
Latest Update
- Notification Release Date: The notification for the UPSC SO/Steno 2024 exam has been postponed and is now scheduled to be released on July 3, 2024 (Tentative).
- Application Dates: The application process will start on July 3, 2024 (Tentative), and the last date to apply is October 1, 2024 (Tentative).
- Exam Date: The exam is scheduled to be held on December 7, 2024 (Tentative).
- Admit Card: The admit cards for the exam will be available in November 2024. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official UPSC website.
- Exam Centers: The exam will be conducted in five different states named “CHENNAI, DELHI, KOLKATA, MUMBAI and NAGPUR” across the country, and candidates can choose their exam center based on the available options.
UPSC Stenographer Summary 2024-25
| UPSC Stenographer 2024-25 : Exam Summary | |
| Full Form of the Exam | UPSC Section Officers/Stenographers 2024-25 |
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Section Officers or Stenographers |
| Vacancy | To be announced |
| Exam Date | 7th December 2024 (Tentatively) |
| Exam Frequency | Annually conducted |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | English and Hindi |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper mode) |
| Recruitment Process | Based on Written Exams & Skills |
| Education Qualification | Graduate |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
| Official website | https://www.upsc.gov.in/ |
Click the below given link for Revised Exam Calendar of UPSC for year 2025.
UPSC Stenographer Important Dates 2024-25
The official announcement for the UPSC Steno 2024 Recruitment has not yet been made. Soon after the official notice, the crucial dates for UPSC SO/Steno 2024 are going to be released. Following the publication of the notification, one may consult the official announcement for the important dates. The following dates are approximate for the UPSC SO/Steno Recruitment 2024:
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| UPSC SO Steno Notification 2024-25 | July 3, 2024 |
| Registration Start | July 3, 2024 |
| Registration Ends | October 1, 2024 |
| UPSC Stenographer Admit Card Availability | November 2024 |
| UPSC Stenographer Exam Date | December 7, 2024 |
| UPSC Stenographer Result | To be Announced |
UPSC Stenographer Vacancy 2024-25
The Union Public Service Commission claims that several openings need to be filled. However, the estimate has not yet been made public. The vacancies will be made available with the official notification soon. Check the below given link of the official website for the “UPSC Stenographer Notification pdf”, currently it’s empty, but check it time to time for update.
SO-Steno (GD-B-GD-I) LDCE : Click Here
UPSC Stenographer Eligibility 2024-25
Before applying for the test, applicants are recommended to review the UPSC SO/Steno Eligibility Criteria. There are nine categories in the UPSC SO Steno, which are listed below:
- Category 1: Section Officers Grade of the Central Secretariat Service.
- Category 2: Section Officers Grade (Integrated Grade II & III) of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’
- Category 3: Section Officers Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service
- Category 4: Private Secretary Grade of the Central Secretariat Stenographers Service.
- Category 5: Grade I of the Stenographers’ Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch B
- Category 6: Grades ‘A’ & ‘B’ merged of the Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographers Service
- Category 7: Grade ‘B’ of the Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service.
- Category 8: Section Officers Grade of the Intelligence Bureau.
- Category 9: Private Secretary Grade in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation.
1. Age Limit
There is no age limit for UPSC Stenographer 2024-25 examination as of now. If there are any it will be officially announced on UPSC official site.
2. Education Qualification
The following provides a summary of the UPSC SO Steno criteria for eligibility for the various services and categories:
| Services | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Section Officers (SO) Grade of the Central Secretariat Service | Candidates must have 5 years of working experience and have at least four annual performance appraisals in the assistant’s grade of the Central Secretariat Service Personal Assistants’ Grade of the Central Secretariat Stenographers Service. Must possess the degree of bachelor from any recognized university. |
| Section Officers (SO) Integrated Grade 2nd & 3rd) of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’ | Applicants must have not less than five years of experience in Grade 4 of the general cadre or Grade 2 of the stenographer’s cadre or Grade 2 of the Cypher sub-cadre of the Indian Foreign Service or branch B of IFS or all the mentioned criteria. |
| Section Officers (SO) Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service | Must have at least five years experience in service in the assistant’s grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service or Grade 2/Grade C of the Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers’ Service or both. |
| Private Secretary Grade of the Central Secretariat Stenographers’ Service | Must have not less than 3 years of work experience in service in the Personal Assistant Grade of the Central Secretariat Stenographers’ Service. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree from any recognized university or any equivalent |
| Grade I of the Stenographers’ Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch B | Should have at least five years of work experience in service of Grade 2 of the Stenographers cadre of the Indian Foreign Service, Branch B. |
| Grade ‘A’ & ‘B’ merged the Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographers’ Service | Candidates require to have at least three years of experience in service of Grade 2/Grade C of the Armed Forces Headquarters Stenographer’s Service |
| Grade ‘B’ of the Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service | Aspirants must have at least 5 years of experience in the service of Grade 2 or Grade C of the RBSSS (Railway Board Secretariat Stenographers Service). |
| Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau. | Aspirants who are permanently appointed with a minimum of 4 years of experience as Assistants/ Personal Assistants (Stenos Grade 2) of the Intelligence Bureau. If aspirants are selected via LDCE, then the LCD Exam must be conducted after 5 years from the crucial date. |
| Private Secretary Grade in Employees’ State Insurance Corporation | Aspirants must have at least three years of regularized experience in PA (Personal Assistant) Grade in ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation). |
3. Nationality / Citizenship
The applicant must be an Indian citizen and should have Indian citizenship to be eligible for UPSC Stenographer 2024-25 examination. Additionally, he should be engaged in any of the central government departments in any profile.
UPSC Stenographer Application Process 2024-25
Candidates have the option of applying online for the UPSC SO Steno Exam. Application for the UPSC SO Steno position is done online. On the UPSC’s official website, applicants must complete the application forms. The candidate must take a printed copy of the application after completing it and sending it by the deadline and mail it to the Commission’s administration.
1. Application Fees
The application fees for various categories are mentioned below:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | Rs. 100 |
| OBC | Rs. 100 |
| SC | Rs. 100 |
| ST | Rs. 100 |
2. Application Steps
An online application is completed and submitted in 6 steps. The UPSC SO/STENO 2024-25 application procedure is outlined below in detail.
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the UPSC website first, then click the button to register for UPSC SO/STENO 2024.
- After clicking the link, fill out all the fields with your information, including your name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Submit your registration form after providing the necessary information.
Step 2: Login ID
- All candidates who successfully register will receive a second login and password through their registered phone number or ID.
Step 3: Completing the Application
- Now enter your username and password to log in.
- Applicants must choose the correct position type for which they would apply after logging in.
- Include all the pertinent information requested in the application, including your name, phone number, email address, parental information, level of education, permanent residence, and category.
Step 4: Document Uploading
- The candidate has to upload all supporting papers in the required format after applying.
- A list of the documents needed to apply, some of which are available for download.
- a passport-sized picture
- Signature
- Category Certificate
- Degree or grade report from the qualifying test.
Step 5: Fee Payment
- Applicants must pay the necessary fee for registration for each category after completing the application.
- Both online and offline payment methods are accepted for the subscription price.
- The UPSC SO/Steno 2024 application fee is Rs. 100 per applicant.
Step 6: Application Submission
- The applicant must submit the application form, print two copies, and deliver them along with the payment receipt after completing the form and paying the price. A duplicate should be stored safely for future use.
- The Chief of Division (HoD) / Head of the Commission Office must be given a second paper copy of the application and payment receipt.
- It is sent to the Union Public Service Commission’s Undersecretary (E-VI), Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi, 110069.
UPSC Steno Admit Card 2024-25
The UPSC SO/STENO test hall ticket will be available for download to all applicants who complete the application. Three weeks before the UPSC SO/STENO test, the link to get the entrance ticket will be live. The UPSC SO / Steno admit card is available for download from the UPSC website.
1. Admit Card Details
The following information is included in the UPSC SO Steno Admit Card:
- Candidate’s Name
- Roll No.
- Date of Examination
- Examination Centre address and Code
- Father’s Name
- Registration No.
2. How to Download the UPSC SO Steno Admit Card?
Visit UPSC’s official website.
- The “Link/Entrance Cards/Hall Tickets” tab should be selected.
- Find the SO/STENO 2024 Entry Ticket/Ticket link, and then click it.
- Now log in using the necessary data, including your app number, password, and captcha code.
- Your admission card will then be seen on a new page that will then appear on the screen.
- Now print a duplicate of your entrance ticket or pass card on paper for future use.
3. Exam Centre Details
Candidates will have the option to select their exam location based on the names of the other locations in which the exam will be taken because the UPSC SO/STENO exam is a nationwide examination that will be held in 5 distinct states of the nation. The test is administered as follows.
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Nagpur
UPSC Stenographer Exam Pattern 2024-25
The UPSC SO/Steno Exam consists of three papers. There will be objective and subjective question types in the UPSC SO Steno test. The information for each paper in the UPSC SO Steno Exam is provided below.
Paper 1 – Exam Pattern
| Exam Mode | Offline |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Type of Questions | MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Medium of Exam | Hindi and English |
| Maximum Marks | 150 Marks |
| Negative Marking | A 0.33 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer |
Paper 2 – Exam Pattern
| Exam Mode | Offline |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Type of Questions | MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Medium of Exam | Hindi and English |
| Maximum Marks | 150 Marks |
| Negative Marking | A 0.33 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer |
Paper 3 – Exam Pattern
| Exam Mode | Written Exam |
|---|---|
| Timing | 03 hours |
| Type of Questions | Subjective Type |
| Medium of Exam | Hindi/ English (Optional) |
| Maximum Marks | 200 |
| Negative Marking | No |
Note: Candidates must write at a speed of 100 words per minute for 10 minutes to pass the verbatim English/Hindi test. They will then be given 55 and 45 minutes in Hindi to complete the test and written exam in English accordingly. 5% of the overall written score will be reduced for illegible writing.
UPSC Stenographer Syllabus 2024-25
The Union Civil Service Commission will also make a full announcement of the UPSC Steno syllabus along with the first portion of the official release. Knowing the curriculum and outline is crucial before studying for this test.
| Name of Paper | UPSC SO Steno Exam Topics |
|---|---|
| Paper I | 1. The principles of the Constitution of India 2. The organization of the machinery of the Govt. of India Designation and allocation of subjects between Ministries, Departments and Attached & Subordinate Offices and their relation inter Se. 3. Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha RTI Act, 2005. |
| Paper II (for Category I, IV, VIII & IX) | 1. Manual of office procedure (latest edition) 2. Notes on office procedure issued by the Institute of Secretarial Training and Management. 3. Handbook of orders regarding the use of Hindi for the official purpose of the Union issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. (for Category I & IV only) 4. Fundamental and Supplementary Rules (A.G.P.&T’s compilation, Chaudhury’s compilation, Swamy’s compilation). 5. The Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules. 6. The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules. 7. The Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules. Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules. Compilation of the General Financial Rules, (Revised and Enlarged). Delegation of Financial Power Rules. Intelligence Bureau Standing Orders (for Category VIII only). |
| Paper II (for Category II & V) | 1. Manual of office procedure (latest edition). 2. Handbook of orders regarding the use of Hindi for the official purpose of the Union issued by the Mm. of Home Affairs. 3. Notes on office procedure issued by the I.S.T.M. 4. Fundamental and Supplementary Rules (A.G.P. & T’s compilation, Chaudhury’s compilation, Swamy’s compilation). 5. The Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules. 6. The Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules. 7. Compilation of the General Financial Rules (Revised and enlarged). Delegation of Financial Power Rules. Indian Foreign Service (PLCA) Rules. Financial Powers of Government of India’s Representatives Abroad. 8. Assisted Medical Attendance Schemes. 9. Indian Foreign Service (Conduct and Discipline) rules. |
| Paper II (for Category III & VII) | 1. Manual of Office Procedure issued by the Mm. of Railways (Railway Board). 2. Indian Railway Admn. and Finance (excluding Chapters V, VI, VIII & IX). 3. Handbook of orders regarding the use of Hindi for the official purpose of the Union issued by the Mm, of Home Affairs 4. Indian Railway Financial Code Vol. I (excluding Chapters II and VI). 5. The Railway Services (Conduct) Rules, 1966. 6. Indian Railway Establishment Code Vol. I. 7. The Railway Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rule, 1968. |
| Paper II (for Category VI & X) | 1. Manual of office procedure (latest edition). 2. Handbook of orders regarding the use of Hindi for official purposes of Home Affairs. 3. Notes on office procedure issued by the Institute of Secretarial Training and Management. 4. The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules. 5. Fundamental and Supplementary Rules (A.G.P.&T’s comp Swamy’s compilation). 6. The Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules. 7. The Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules. 8. Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules. Financial Regulations Part I (Revised Edition). |
| Paper III | Candidates need to make notes and drafts on certain problems and précis from a passage. |
UPSC SO Steno Shorthand Test 2024-25
- The candidates who successfully get the minimum qualifying marks in round 1 are required to take the shorthand exam.
- The UPSC SO Steno recruitment is currently in its second phase.
- The applicants who have been shortlisted must take the shorthand exam in Hindi or English at a speed of 100 words per minute.
- This exam will be a dictation test, which applicants must complete in 40 or 55 minutes.
UPSC SO Steno Evaluation Procedure 2024-25
- The assessment process, which carries a total of 100 marks, is the last round.
- The candidates who made it through rounds 1 and 2 will go to this stage for final selection.
- The ranking will take into account the grades attained in the assessment of the service history.
- In the examination of the service record, candidates must receive at least 40% of the possible points.
UPSC Stenographer Result and Cutoffs 2024-25
The UPSC SO / Steno results/scorecards for the exam will be available for download by the applicant after clearing the examination. The selection procedure will determine the ultimate hiring outcomes, which will be disclosed. A merit list will be released by UPSC based on the total number of qualifications granted for each position.
- A candidate’s ranking will be indicated on his score/results card.
- The results/scorecard will allow applicants to compare their scores and total score.
- A list of accomplishments broken down by application type will also be made public by the Civil Service Union Commission.
1. UPSC Stenographer Cutoffs
The UPSC SO Steno cut-off marks from the previous year are now accessible on the commission’s official website. The paper-by-paper cut-off marks for the UPSC SO Steno test pattern are shown here for applicants who wish to advance to the various rounds.
The table below displays the minimum cutoff scores for each category for the most recent UPSC SO / Steno test. This table should be used by applicants to gain a sense of the anticipated cutoffs.
2. Written Exam
SECTION OFFICERS’ GRADE (Categories I, II, III & VIII)
| Category | General | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | 150 | 100 | 77 |
| Category 2 | 180 | 103 | NA |
| Category 3 | 242 | NA | NA |
| Category 8 | 331 | NA | 187 |
PRIVATE SECRETARY GRADE/ STENOGRAPHERS’ SERVICE (Categories IV, V, VI, VII & IX )
| Category | General | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 4 | 210 | 168 | NA |
| Category 5 | 230 | NA | NA |
| Category 6 | 253 | 252 | NA |
| Category 7 | 222 | 172 | NA |
| Category 9 | NA | NA | NA |
3. Final Cut-Off Marks
SECTION OFFICERS’ GRADE (Categories I, II, III & VIII)
| Category | General | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | 274 | 199 | 177 |
| Category 2 | 310 | 222 | NA |
| Category 3 | 368 | NA | NA |
| Category 8 | 230 | 201 | 90 |
PRIVATE SECRETARY GRADE/ STENOGRAPHERS’ SERVICE (Categories IV, V, VI, VII & IX )
| Category | General | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 4 | 110 | 88 | NA |
| Category 5 | 130 | NA | NA |
| Category 6 | 135 | NA | NA |
| Category 7 | 122 | 92 | NA |
| Category 9 | NA | NA | NA |
UPSC Stenographer Selection Procedure 2024-25
- The offline written test and the service assessment process will serve as the main procedure for the UPSC SO Steno selection process.
- Those candidates who met the requirements in the written test will be contacted by the recruitment body, or UPSC, for the next round of review.
- Candidates are only invited for evaluation if they achieve the required minimum marks.
- After the candidates’ service periods have been evaluated, the eligibility requirements are checked.
- The shortlisted applicants will receive an employment offer letter from UPSC following the conclusion of the evaluation process.
Every year, Section Officer and Stenographer examinations are held by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is reasonable to assume that many candidates will try this test, thus it is advisable to thoroughly familiarise yourself with the exam format and content and to devote yourself to your preparations.
Best Books for UPSC SO Stenographer Examination 2024-25
Paper 1 Books
The list of UPSC SO books for Paper 1 is provided below for candidates.
| Subject | Book Title | Author Name |
|---|---|---|
| Manual of office procedures | Practice and Procedures of Parliament | M.N. Kaul, S.L. Shakdher |
| Parliament of India | R Gupta | |
| RTI ACT 2005 | RTI Manual | P.C. Garg |
| RTI ACT 2005 | Devendra Kumar Singh | |
| Constitution of India | Indian Political System and Constitution of India | Dr. B.L. Fadia and Dr. Kuldeep Fadiyai |
| The Framework of the Constitution of India and Government | P Banerjee | |
| General Awareness | General Awareness yearbook | Arihant Publications |
Paper 2 Books
There are various categories in Paper 2. Category-wise books are mentioned below:
Books for Category I, IV, VI, VIII & IX
| Subject | Book Title | Author Name |
|---|---|---|
| Manual of office procedures | Office Procedure | Muthuswamy And Brinda |
| Central Government | Handbook for Central Government Staff | Muthuswamy And Brinda |
| General financial policies | Indian Foreign Policy | Harsh V Pant |
| Central Civil services | Central Civil Service ( Pension ) Rules | Bahri Brothers |
| Compilation of Central Civil Services ( Classification, Control, and Appeal ) Rules | Sumedha | |
| Compilation of General Financial Rules and Advances to Central Govt. Servants | Swamy |
Books for Category II, V, III & VII
| Subject | Book Title | Author Name |
|---|---|---|
| Manual of office procedures | Office Procedure | Muthuswamy And Brinda |
| Central Government | Handbook for Central Government Staff | Muthuswamy And Brinda |
| Railway Services | The Railway Servants Discipline and Appeal Rules | M.L. Jand |
| Railway Accounts, Finance & Administration (Volume I & II) | KP Sharma, RR Nanda and Sanjiv Malhotra |
Paper 3 Books
In the subjective Paper 3 of the UPSC SO Stenographer exam, candidates will be given a passage to read. The applicant will need to make notes and draughts on certain passage-related topics. Candidates are recommended to practice their comprehension skills for this paper by reading literary passages or scenarios of various governmental organizations.
Important books are listed below:
| Subjects/Papers | Resources |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | The Hindu The Indian Express Business Standard |
| Indian Polity and Constitution | CBSE 11th and 12th-grade syllabus of Political Science, Economics, and Business Administration. |
| Public Administration | Official Indian Govt Website for Department Administration Reforms |
UPSC Steno Salary
The UPSC SO/Steno salary is structured according to the guidelines of the 7th Pay Commission. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Salary Structure for UPSC Stenographers
| Component | Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| UPSC Steno Basic Pay | ₹44,900 |
| UPSC Steno Grade Pay | ₹4,200 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹7,638 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹10,776 |
| Transport Allowance | ₹3,600 |
| Gross Salary | ₹71,114 |
Additional Benefits
- Medical Allowance: ₹1,000 per month.
- Leave Travel Allowance (LTA): Entitles travel expenses for self and family once in two years.
- Pension and Gratuity: As per government norms.
- Other Allowances: Includes various other allowances such as Children Education Allowance, which can be up to ₹2,250 per child per month.
Perks and Benefits
In addition to the financial benefits, UPSC Stenographers enjoy:
- Job Security: As a government position, the job offers high stability and security.
- Promotions: Opportunities for career advancement and promotions based on performance and seniority.
- Work-Life Balance: Fixed working hours which help in maintaining a good work-life balance.
- Retirement Benefits: Comprehensive pension plan and gratuity, ensuring financial security post-retirement.
This comprehensive salary structure, along with additional perks and benefits, makes the position of a UPSC Stenographer highly desirable among government job aspirants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is steno in UPSC?
In UPSC, “steno” refers to the Section Officer/Stenographer positions. These roles involve administrative and clerical duties in various government departments.
Q2: What is the salary of a stenographer in UPSC?
The salary for a stenographer in UPSC ranges from INR 29,200 to 92,300 per month, along with perks and allowances based on the 7th pay commission.
Q3: Who is eligible for UPSC Steno 2024?
Eligibility for UPSC Steno 2024 includes being a a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, and candidates must be employed as Assistants or Stenographers Grade ‘C’ in central government departments
Q4: What is the exam pattern of the UPSC Steno exam?
The UPSC Steno exam consists of three stages: a written test, a shorthand test, and an evaluation process.
Q5: How to download the admit card for the UPSC Steno exam?
To download the admit card, visit the official UPSC website, navigate to the “Link / Entrance Cards / Hall Tickets” tab, and click on the SO / STENO 2024 Entry Ticket link. Log in with your application number, password, and captcha code to download the admit card.
Q6: What is the syllabus of the UPSC Steno exam?
The syllabus includes three papers: Paper I on the principles of the Constitution of India, Paper II on office procedures, and Paper III on shorthand and typing skills.
Q7: What are the guidelines for the UPSC Steno/SO exam?
Guidelines include preparing thoroughly for the written test, practicing shorthand and typing skills, and reviewing the syllabus and exam pattern provided by UPSC.