UPSC & Central Govt · Updated October 2026
ESIC Stenographer ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
The ESIC Stenographer recruitment is conducted by the Employees' State Insurance Corporation for Group C stenographer posts in its offices and hospitals. Selection involves a computer-based written test followed by a stenography and transcription skill test.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Central Govt
Start for free with ESIC Stenographer syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
ESIC Stenographer exam overview and highlights
About ESIC Stenographer
The ESIC Stenographer recruitment is conducted by the Employees' State Insurance Corporation for Group C stenographer posts in its offices and hospitals. Selection involves a computer-based written test followed by a stenography and transcription skill test. The post is suitable for 12th pass candidates with shorthand skills.
The examination process for ESIC Stenographer comprises 2 stages: Phase I: Main examination, followed by Phase II: Stenography test. The official syllabus tests candidates across 4 core areas — English Language and Comprehension, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, Stenography skill — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Final merit is based on the Phase I main examination; the stenography test is qualifying only, followed by document verification.
Key subjects
- English Language and Comprehension
- Reasoning Ability
- General Awareness
- Stenography skill
What clearing ESIC Stenographer leads to
- Stenographer, Group C, Employees' State Insurance Corporation
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Pay Level 4 (basic pay around ₹25,500) plus allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
- All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
- Deputation opportunities to central autonomous bodies, ministries, regulatory authorities, and international assignments
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Frequency
- As and when vacancies are notified; not an annual exam
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test) followed by a stenography test
- Languages
- English and Hindi
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (1 paper total)
- Negative marking
- One-fourth of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in the written test
- Official website
- www.esic.gov.in
ESIC Stenographer — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of ESIC Stenographer conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | ESIC Stenographer |
| Conducting Body | Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment |
| Exam Category | UPSC & Central Govt |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | As and when vacancies are notified; not an annual exam |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notified as vacancies arise, usually with a gap of a few years; the main examination a couple of months after the notification; the stenography test in the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on esic.gov.in through the recruitment link given in the notification |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) followed by a stenography test |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (1 Paper Total): Phase I: Main examination → Phase II: Stenography test |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in the written test |
| Selection / Merit Process | Final merit is based on the Phase I main examination; the stenography test is qualifying only, followed by document verification. |
| Educational Qualification | Higher Secondary (12th) pass with shorthand speed of 80 words per minute in English or Hindi and working knowledge of computers |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years on the crucial date, with the usual relaxations |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 4 (basic pay around ₹25,500) plus allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | High national-level competition across test cities nationwide |
| Official Website | www.esic.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
ESIC Stenographer exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for ESIC Stenographer. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Central Govt website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| ESIC Stenographer Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notified as vacancies arise, usually with a gap of a few years; the main examination a couple of months after the notification; the stenography test in the following months | As and when vacancies are notified; not an annual exam |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment |
| ESIC Stenographer — Phase I: Main examination | Notified as vacancies arise, usually with a gap of a few years; the main examination a couple of months after the notification; the stenography test in the following months | Online (computer-based test) followed by a stenography test |
| ESIC Stenographer — Phase II: Stenography test | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official ESIC Stenographer recruitment advertisement published by Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Payable online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking on the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment portal. Statutory fee concessions or exemptions apply for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and eligible female/state-reserved categories as notified in the official ESIC Stenographer advertisement.
How to apply online for ESIC Stenographer
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit www.esic.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on esic.gov.in through the recruitment link given in the notification.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the ESIC Stenographer application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final ESIC Stenographer Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
ESIC Stenographer eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for ESIC Stenographer must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Central Govt.
Educational qualification
Higher Secondary (12th) pass with shorthand speed of 80 words per minute in English or Hindi and working knowledge of computers.
Age limit & relaxations
18 to 27 years on the crucial date, with the usual relaxations.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
ESIC Stenographer — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
ESIC Stenographer selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-fourth of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in the written test. Selection & Merit Weightage: Final merit is based on the Phase I main examination; the stenography test is qualifying only, followed by document verification.
Stage 1: Phase I: Main examination
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (Main examination) • 200 Questions • 200 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • An objective test of 200 marks in two hours covering English, reasoning and general awareness.
An objective test of 200 marks in two hours covering English, reasoning and general awareness. This decides the merit, subject to clearing the skill test.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Main examinationEnglish language 100, reasoning 50, general awareness 50 200 200 2 hours Stage 2: Phase II: Stenography test
In person, on a computer • A qualifying dictation of 10 minutes at 80 words per minute in English or Hindi, followed by transcription on a computer within the prescribed time.
A qualifying dictation of 10 minutes at 80 words per minute in English or Hindi, followed by transcription on a computer within the prescribed time.
Stage 3: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
ESIC Stenographer subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
English Language and Comprehension — Part I (Reading comprehension)
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar and sentence correction
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, one word substitution
English Language and Comprehension — Part II (Cloze test)
- Cloze test
- Para jumbles
Reasoning Ability — Part I (Series and analogy)
- Series and analogy
- Coding and decoding
- Puzzles and seating arrangement
Reasoning Ability — Part II (Syllogism)
- Syllogism
- Direction and blood relations
General Awareness — Part I (Current affairs)
- Current affairs
- Indian history, polity and geography basics
- Economy and banking awareness
General Awareness — Part II (ESIC and social security schemes)
- ESIC and social security schemes
- Science in everyday life
Stenography skill: Shorthand dictation at 80 wpm & Transcription on computer
- Shorthand dictation at 80 wpm
- Transcription on computer
- Typing accuracy
- Office correspondence vocabulary
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (ESIC Stenographer)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past ESIC Stenographer cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
ESIC Stenographer salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 4 (basic pay around ₹25,500) plus allowances. Appointments under Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 4 (basic pay around ₹25,500) plus allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment)
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
ESIC Stenographer cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment releases stage-wise and category-wise ESIC Stenographer cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
ESIC Stenographer — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When ESIC Stenographer is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-fourth of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in the written test, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining ESIC Stenographer Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the ESIC Stenographer cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
ESIC Stenographer admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
ESIC Stenographer Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official ESIC Stenographer Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on www.esic.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the ESIC Stenographer e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
ESIC Stenographer Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on www.esic.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
ESIC Stenographer Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment declares the ESIC Stenographer result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on www.esic.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official ESIC Stenographer Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
ESIC Stenographer mock tests
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ESIC Stenographer Full Mock Test 1
Phase I: Main examination · 200 questions · 2 hours
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Phase I: Main examination · 200 questions · 2 hours
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Phase I: Main examination · 200 questions · 2 hours
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Phase I: Main examination · 200 questions · 2 hours
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ESIC Stenographer Full Mock Test 5
Phase I: Main examination · 200 questions · 2 hours
ESIC Stenographer previous year papers
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Recent ESIC Stenographer question papers
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Complete 10-year ESIC Stenographer paper archive
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Predicted questions for ESIC Stenographer
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for ESIC Stenographer
- Practice shorthand dictation daily at 80 words per minute and transcribe on a computer to build speed and accuracy.
- English carries half the written test marks, so revise grammar rules and vocabulary thoroughly.
- Prepare reasoning at SSC Stenographer level with timed practice.
- Keep a current affairs notebook with emphasis on government schemes and labour welfare.
- Avoid guessing in the written test because of the one-fourth negative marking.
- Read the official ESIC Stenographer notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
ESIC Stenographer FAQs
What is the qualification for ESIC Stenographer?
12th pass from a recognised board with a shorthand speed of 80 words per minute in English or Hindi and working knowledge of computers.
What is the age limit for ESIC Stenographer?
18 to 27 years on the crucial date, with relaxation for reserved categories.
Is there negative marking in ESIC Stenographer?
Yes, one-fourth of the marks of a question are deducted for each wrong answer in the written test. The stenography test is qualifying.
What is the speed required in the ESIC Stenographer skill test?
The dictation is at 80 words per minute for 10 minutes, followed by transcription on a computer within the time limit set for English or Hindi.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for ESIC Stenographer?
ESIC Stenographer is conducted by Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Ministry of Labour and Employment across 2 stages: Phase I: Main examination → Phase II: Stenography test. Final merit is based on the Phase I main examination; the stenography test is qualifying only, followed by document verification.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for ESIC Stenographer?
Educational Qualification: Higher Secondary (12th) pass with shorthand speed of 80 words per minute in English or Hindi and working knowledge of computers. Age Limit: 18 to 27 years on the crucial date, with the usual relaxations.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing ESIC Stenographer?
Pay Level 4 (basic pay around ₹25,500) plus allowances.
When is the ESIC Stenographer notification released and how can I apply online?
ESIC Stenographer is held as and when vacancies are notified; not an annual exam (Notified as vacancies arise, usually with a gap of a few years; the main examination a couple of months after the notification; the stenography test in the following months). Online on esic.gov.in through the recruitment link given in the notification.
Where can I practice free ESIC Stenographer mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select ESIC Stenographer as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language and Comprehension, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, Stenography skill, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact ESIC Stenographer pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for ESIC Stenographer on SmartRank?
Select ESIC Stenographer as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language and Comprehension, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, Stenography skill, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact ESIC Stenographer pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.