Exam Pattern of UPSC Steno Exam 2024
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Stenographer Examination (Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’) to recruit eligible candidates for the post of Stenographer in various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. The exam is held annually in two tiers:
Tier I: Computer Based Examination (Objective Type)
Tier II: Skill Test (Stenography)
Tier I: Computer Based Examination
1. Exam Pattern:
The Tier I exam is a computer-based objective type exam consisting of four papers:
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 100 | 60 Minutes |
| Paper 2 | General Awareness | 100 | 60 Minutes |
| Paper 3 | English Language | 100 | 60 Minutes |
| Paper 4 | Hindi Language (for candidates opting for Hindi as medium of exam) | 100 | 60 Minutes |
2. Syllabus:
Paper 1: General Intelligence and Reasoning:
- Analogies
- Similarities and Differences
- Spatial Visualization
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Visual Memory
- Numerical Operations
- Analytical Reasoning
- Judgment
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Paper 2: General Awareness:
- Current Events of National and International Importance
- History of India
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Indian Economy
- Geography of India
- General Science
- Art and Culture of India
Paper 3: English Language:
- Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Structure
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Error Detection
Paper 4: Hindi Language (for candidates opting for Hindi as medium of exam):
- Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Structure
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Error Detection
3. Marking Scheme:
- Each question carries one mark.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
4. Qualifying Marks:
- Candidates must secure a minimum qualifying score in each paper of Tier I to be eligible to appear for Tier II.
- The qualifying marks for each paper are decided by the UPSC.
Tier II: Skill Test (Stenography)
1. Exam Pattern:
- The Tier II exam is a skill test in Stenography.
- The candidates are required to take dictation in English or Hindi at a specified speed.
- The dictation is followed by a transcription test.
- The candidates are required to transcribe the dictated matter in English or Hindi.
2. Speed of Dictation:
- Grade ‘C’: 80 words per minute (wpm)
- Grade ‘D’: 60 words per minute (wpm)
3. Duration of Test:
- Grade ‘C’: 10 minutes dictation + 50 minutes transcription
- Grade ‘D’: 10 minutes dictation + 40 minutes transcription
4. Marking Scheme:
- The candidates are assessed on the accuracy and speed of their transcription.
- The marks for the skill test are based on the number of words transcribed correctly within the stipulated time.
5. Qualifying Marks:
- Candidates must secure a minimum qualifying score in the skill test to be declared successful in the Stenographer Examination.
- The qualifying marks for the skill test are decided by the UPSC.
Important Points to Remember
- The syllabus for the Stenographer Examination is vast and requires thorough preparation.
- Candidates should start their preparation well in advance of the exam.
- They should focus on developing their speed and accuracy in shorthand and transcription.
- Candidates should also practice mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management.
- The UPSC releases the official notification for the Stenographer Examination on its website.
- Candidates should refer to the official notification for detailed information about the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility criteria, and other important details.
Preparation Tips for UPSC Stenographer Exam
1. Understand the Syllabus:
- The first step in preparing for the UPSC Stenographer Exam is to thoroughly understand the syllabus for both Tier I and Tier II.
- This will help you identify the topics you need to focus on and plan your study schedule accordingly.
2. Refer to the Right Study Material:
- There are many study materials available for the UPSC Stenographer Exam.
- Choose reliable and updated study materials from reputed publishers or online platforms.
- Refer to previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
3. Develop Strong Shorthand Skills:
- Shorthand is the most important skill for the Stenographer Exam.
- Start practicing shorthand from the beginning of your preparation.
- Join a shorthand class or use online resources to learn and improve your shorthand skills.
- Focus on developing speed and accuracy in shorthand.
4. Practice Transcription:
- Once you have a good grasp of shorthand, start practicing transcription.
- Transcribe dictated matter in English or Hindi, depending on your chosen language.
- Practice transcribing at the required speed for the exam.
- Use a timer to track your progress and improve your speed and accuracy.
5. Improve Your English Language Skills:
- The English Language paper in Tier I is crucial for success in the exam.
- Improve your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.
- Read newspapers, magazines, and books to enhance your English language proficiency.
6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs:
- The General Awareness paper in Tier I covers current events of national and international importance.
- Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and online news sources.
- Make notes on important events and developments.
7. Practice Mock Tests:
- Mock tests are essential for preparing for the UPSC Stenographer Exam.
- They help you get familiar with the exam pattern, time management, and difficulty level.
- Analyze your performance in mock tests and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Work on your weaknesses and improve your performance in subsequent mock tests.
8. Stay Motivated and Focused:
- The UPSC Stenographer Exam is a challenging exam.
- Stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation.
- Set realistic goals and track your progress.
- Take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.
Tips for the Skill Test
1. Practice Dictation:
- Practice taking dictation at the required speed for the exam.
- Use a timer to track your progress and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Practice taking dictation from different sources, such as books, articles, and online resources.
2. Improve Your Transcription Skills:
- Practice transcribing dictated matter in English or Hindi, depending on your chosen language.
- Focus on accuracy and speed in transcription.
- Use a timer to track your progress and improve your speed and accuracy.
3. Develop Good Handwriting:
- Good handwriting is essential for the transcription test.
- Practice writing clearly and legibly.
- Use a pen that you are comfortable with.
4. Manage Your Time:
- Time management is crucial for the skill test.
- Allocate your time wisely between dictation and transcription.
- Make sure you have enough time to transcribe the dictated matter accurately.
5. Stay Calm and Focused:
- The skill test can be stressful.
- Stay calm and focused during the test.
- Take deep breaths and try to relax.
Conclusion
The UPSC Stenographer Exam is a competitive exam that requires thorough preparation and dedication. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, candidates can improve their chances of success in the exam. Remember to stay motivated, focused, and confident throughout your preparation journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers:
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the UPSC Stenographer Exam?
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University.
- Age limit varies for Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts, refer to the official notification.
2. How many tiers are there in the UPSC Stenographer Exam?
- The exam is conducted in two tiers: Tier I (Computer Based Exam) and Tier II (Skill Test).
3. What is the syllabus for Tier I of the exam?
- Tier I covers General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, English Language, and Hindi Language (optional).
4. What is the exam pattern for Tier II of the exam?
- Tier II is a skill test in Stenography, where candidates take dictation and transcribe it in English or Hindi.
5. What is the speed of dictation for Grade ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts?
- Grade ‘C’: 80 words per minute (wpm)
- Grade ‘D’: 60 words per minute (wpm)
6. How many marks are allotted for each paper in Tier I?
- Each paper in Tier I carries 100 marks.
7. Is there any negative marking in Tier I?
- No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in Tier I.
8. What is the duration of the Tier I exam?
- Each paper in Tier I has a duration of 60 minutes.
9. How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC Stenographer Exam?
- The number of attempts is limited, refer to the official notification for details.
10. What are the important resources for preparing for the exam?
- Previous years’ question papers, standard textbooks, online study materials, and mock tests are helpful resources.
11. How can I improve my shorthand skills for the exam?
- Join a shorthand class, practice regularly, and use online resources for learning and improvement.
12. What are some tips for the skill test (Tier II)?
- Practice dictation at the required speed, improve transcription skills, develop good handwriting, and manage time effectively.
13. When is the official notification for the UPSC Stenographer Exam released?
- The official notification is usually released on the UPSC website.
14. What is the selection process for the UPSC Stenographer Exam?
- Candidates must clear both Tier I and Tier II exams to be eligible for the final selection.
15. Where can I find more information about the UPSC Stenographer Exam?
- Visit the official website of the UPSC for detailed information about the exam.