DDA Stenographer Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility

Three stages. Stage I is a 2-hour CBT of 220 questions with one-third negative marking, and computer knowledge only qualifies. Stage II is the stenography skill test and Stage III is a 10-minute typing test, and both are qualifying.

In Stage II the candidate hears one 10-minute dictation at 80 w.p.m. in English or Hindi and gets 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi) to transcribe it on the computer. Evaluation is done electronically.

• Reasoning: verbal and non-verbal items, analogies, series, classification, problem solving and abstract symbols.
• English: vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms and antonyms, and comprehension, with writing ability also tested. This is the biggest block.
• General awareness: current events, India and its neighbours, sports, history, culture, geography, the economy, polity and science.
• Computer knowledge: hardware, Windows, MS Office, internet and email, networking and cyber security.

• Age: 18 to 30 years on the closing date, plus the usual relaxations.
• Education: 12th class or equivalent from a recognised board or university.
• Typing: 40 w.p.m. in English or 35 w.p.m. in Hindi on a computer.
• Skill test: dictation of 10 minutes at 80 w.p.m., transcribed on a computer.

A diploma in office management and secretarial practice is preferred but not required.

Qualify the CBT, then pass the skill test and the typing test, then document verification. Merit is made from the CBT score, leaving out the computer section. The cut-offs are 40% for UR, 35% for OBC (NCL) and EWS, and 30% for SC and ST, and a tie goes to the older candidate. DDA's typing formula takes ten words off the speed for every wrong word, so accuracy matters as much as pace.

Level 4 of the 7th Pay Commission matrix, with an entry basic pay of ₹25,500 a month plus central allowances.

The 2025 fee was ₹2,500 for UR, OBC (NCL) and EWS candidates and ₹1,500 for women, SC, ST, PwBD, ex-servicemen and transgender candidates. Payment was online only, through the SBI gateway. The ₹1,500 fee is refunded, minus bank charges, to those who actually sat the exam. Anyone applying for two posts pays twice.

Applications go through the Jobs section of dda.gov.in, and the link stays live only for the window in the advertisement. You need a personal email address and mobile number that stay active for the whole process, because DDA sends the e-application status, admit card and document verification calls only to those.

The 6 May 2026 list gives roll number, category and CBT score, and the top score was about 168.7. The revised list came with the 13 May corrigendum, so use that one. Both are on the DDA Latest Jobs page.

There is no separate cut-off notice for this post. Scores of selected candidates in each category are printed on the select list.

Half of Stage I is English at 100 questions, so grammar and comprehension practice repays itself. Start shorthand early, since 80 w.p.m. for 10 minutes is a real hurdle, and build the English or Hindi keyboard habit you will need, since the language is fixed on the form. Time the transcription against the 50 or 65-minute limit.

• DDA Latest Jobs page
• DR 2025 detailed notification
• Provisional select list, May 2026
• Corrigendum, May 2026
• Document verification notice

How many Stenographer Grade D posts did DDA advertise?

44 in Direct Recruitment 2025: 24 UR, 2 EWS, 5 SC, 8 ST and 5 OBC.

What typing speed is needed?

40 w.p.m. in English or 35 w.p.m. in Hindi.

Is the skill test counted in merit?

No. The skill test and typing test only qualify.

What is the pay level?

Level 4, with entry basic pay of ₹25,500.