SSC Stenographer

The best books for SSC Stenographer English are given below:

• Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi

• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis (for vocabulary)

• English for General Competitions by Neetu Singh, Wren & Martin's English Grammar books

The best books for SSC Stenographer General Awareness are given below.

• Lucent's General Knowledge (static GK)

• General Awareness by Arihant Experts

• General Knowledge by Disha Experts

• Pratiyogita Darpan magazine and Manorama Yearbook for current affairs

The books recommended for SSC Stenographer General Intelligence & Reasoning are given below:

• A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S.? Agarwal

• Analytical Reasoning by M.K.? Pandey

• Verbal & Non? Verbal Reasoning by B.S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwali 

Self-study with disciplined planning works well for many aspirants. However, others find value in coaching or community guidance for structured learning and doubt resolution. Candidates must choose what aligns with the learning style.

Candidates should avoid the following mistakes during preparation:

• Starting shorthand practice too late

• Using too many books or switching resources often

• Skipping mock tests until last minute

• Ignoring analysis and improvement after mocks

• Neglecting mental and physical well-being

Candidates should prepare short notes or flashcards for formulas, vocabulary, GK facts, and reasoning shortcuts. Candidates must daily revise for 30 to  60 mins and weekly review of weak topics. Candidates must refer to good study materials to avoid overload.

Candidates must start shorthand dictation practice early even while preparing CBT. 

• Required speeds:

  • Grade C: 100 wpm for 10 minutes (transcription: 40 min, English)

  • Grade D: 80 wpm for 10 minutes (transcription: 50–65 min)

• Candidates must build consistency in accuracy and transcription under time pressure

Candidates must start solving mock tests after completing 60 to 70 per cent of the syllabus. Candidates must begin with the topic-wise/sectional tests then move to full-length mocks. Candidates must take weekly full mocks. They should thoroughly analyse mistakes, track weak areas and improve the same.

Candidates must prepare a realistic daily/weekly plan. They should revise Grammar, Vocabularly, Reasoning Puzzles, GA. Candidates must dedicate four to six hours daily for study. They should include revision sessions and mock tests in the plan.

SSC Stenographer exam include subjects such as General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language & Comprehension. Candidates must understand the exam pattern, cover important topics and use trusted books as given below:

• A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non Verbal Reasoning (R.S. Aggarwal)

• Objective General English (S.P. Bakshi / Wren & Martin)

• Lucent's General Knowledge, Manorama Year Book for GK