GSSSB Stenographer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

Important Dates

Candidates should regularly check the official GSSSB website for any updates regarding examination dates, admit card release, and other announcements, as the probable test month is tentative.

Vacancy Details

This vacancy is under the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), which falls under the Ports and Transport Department of the Gujarat Government.

Eligibility

Nationality: You must be a citizen of India. If you fall under other categories as prescribed by Rule-7 of the Gujarat Civil Services Classification and Recruitment (General) Rules, 1967, you may also be eligible. Generally, Indian citizenship is the primary requirement.

Educational Qualification: The core requirement is a Bachelor's degree from any university established or incorporated by a Central or State Act in India. This means a degree like BA, B.Sc, B.Com, B.Tech, etc., from a recognized institution makes you eligible. There is no specific stream mentioned, so any Bachelor's degree is acceptable.

Basic Computer Knowledge: You need to have basic knowledge of computer applications as per the Gujarat Civil Services Classification and Recruitment (General) Rules, 1967. An important point to note is that if you don't have a certificate for this knowledge at the time of application, you can still apply. However, you must produce the required computer knowledge certificate before your appointment. Failing to do so will make you ineligible for the final appointment, so plan to acquire it if you don't have one.

Language Knowledge: Proficiency in Gujarati or Hindi, or both, is essential. This is a common requirement for state government jobs in Gujarat, ensuring effective communication within the state administration.

Age Limit

Your age must be between 20 and 40 years as of 29 July 2026. This date is the cutoff for age calculation. It's important to note that the upper age limit can be relaxed for candidates already working in Gujarat Government service, as per the applicable rules. Additionally, significant age relaxations are provided for various categories, including women, reserved categories (SEBC, SC, ST, EWS), persons with disabilities, and ex-servicemen. For example, a general category woman candidate gets a 5-year relaxation, making her maximum age limit 45 years. Reserved category women candidates receive a total of 10 years relaxation (5 years general + 5 years category), also capping at 45 years. Disabled candidates receive even more substantial relaxations. Always refer to the official notification for the exact rules applicable to your specific category to ensure you meet the criteria.

Application Fee

The fee must be paid only through online modes such as Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or Wallet. The last date for fee payment is 1 August 2026, 11:59 PM. Please be aware that a transaction fee will apply in addition to the examination fee, which is standard for online payments. An important point to remember is that the fee paid is refundable only to those candidates who actually appear for the examination. If you pay the fee but do not appear for the test, your fee will not be refunded. This policy encourages serious applicants and helps manage resources.

Selection Process

1. Qualifying Test (Shorthand Test): This is the initial screening stage. You will be dictated an English passage in shorthand at a speed of 80 words per minute for two minutes. Following the dictation, you must transcribe it at a speed of 7 words per minute. The transcription must be in legible handwriting, not typing. This test is purely to check your shorthand-writing ability. Only candidates who achieve the required skill level in this qualifying test will be declared eligible to proceed to the Main Examination. It's a pass/fail stage, not contributing to the final merit score directly, but essential for progression.

2. Main Examination: This stage consists of two papers that will determine your final merit. Both papers are crucial for selection.

• Paper-1: English Language Proficiency and Computer Knowledge (Descriptive and Objective)
  • This paper carries 100 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.
  • It includes descriptive sections like Essay Writing, Precis Writing, Letter Writing (2 letters), Translation from Gujarati to English, and Translation from English to Gujarati.
  • There are also objective sections covering English Grammar and Basic Computer Knowledge/Operations.
  • The Basic Computer Knowledge portion (20 marks) covers fundamental computer concepts, software (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, Windows, Indic), internet and email operations, and basics of networking and cyber security.
  • The minimum qualifying marks for Paper-1 is 40.
• Paper-2: Skill Test (Shorthand and Transcription Typing)
  • This paper also carries 100 marks.
  • You will be dictated two passages of 4 minutes each (8 minutes total) at a shorthand speed of 100 words per minute in English.
  • The transcription/typing time for these passages is 50 minutes, and it must be done on a computer.
  • For every 3 errors in transcription, 1 mark will be deducted from your allotted marks.
  • The minimum qualifying marks for Paper-2 is 50. If you score below 50, your marks will be treated as zero.

The final merit list will be prepared based on the total 200 marks obtained from both Paper-1 and Paper-2 of the Main Examination. It's important to note that there will be no waiting list for this recruitment, meaning only the selected candidates will be appointed.

Exam Pattern

Duration: 2 Hours
Total Marks: 100 Marks
Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40 Marks

This paper assesses your command over the English language, including your writing abilities and grammatical accuracy, along with your fundamental computer knowledge. The computer section specifically covers topics like MS Office suite, Windows, internet, email, networking, and cyber security basics. A score of at least 40 marks is required to qualify in this paper.

Total Marks: 100 Marks
Minimum Qualifying Marks: 50 Marks

This is a crucial skill-based paper. You will be tested on your ability to take down shorthand at a high speed and then accurately transcribe it on a computer. Accuracy is paramount, as 1 mark will be deducted for every 3 errors you make in transcription. Scoring below 50 marks in this paper will result in your score being treated as zero, effectively disqualifying you from the merit list. Practice both speed and accuracy diligently for this paper.

Syllabus

• English Language Proficiency (Descriptive):
  • Essay Writing
  • Precis Writing
  • Letter Writing (2 letters)
  • Translation from Gujarati to English
  • Translation from English to Gujarati
• English Language Proficiency (Objective):
  • English Grammar (covering various grammatical rules, vocabulary, sentence structure, etc.)
• Basic Computer Knowledge/Operations (Objective - 20 Marks):
  • Computer Basics
  • Software (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, Windows, Indic)
  • Working with Internet and Email
  • Basics of Networking and Cyber Security

For the English descriptive sections, practice writing clear, concise, and grammatically correct essays, precis, and letters. For translations, focus on accurately conveying meaning between Gujarati and English. The objective English Grammar section will test your understanding of rules and usage. For computer knowledge, ensure you have practical understanding of the listed software and concepts, as questions will likely test operational knowledge.

Salary

Initially, selected candidates will be appointed on a fixed monthly pay of Rs. 40,800/- for the first five years of service. During this period, you will also receive other benefits admissible under the relevant Finance Department resolutions. This fixed pay period is a common practice in many government recruitments. Upon satisfactory completion of these five years, you will become eligible for regular appointment. At this point, your salary will transition to the 7th Pay Commission pay scale of Rs. 35,400/- to Rs. 1,12,400/-, corresponding to Level-6. It's important to note that this regular appointment is subject to the outcome of SLP No. 14124/2012 and SLP No. 14125/2012 pending before the Supreme Court. This means that while the pay scale is defined, its implementation is tied to these legal proceedings. This structure provides a clear career progression and a substantial increase in earnings after the initial fixed-pay period.

Documents Required

• Recent Passport-size Photograph: A clear, recent photograph with a light background. Ensure it meets the specified dimensions and file size for online upload.
• Signature: A clear scanned image of your signature, usually on white paper.
• Identity Proof: A valid government-issued ID such as Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License.
• Educational Certificates:
  • Bachelor's Degree Certificate/Provisional Certificate.
  • Mark sheets of all semesters/years of your Bachelor's degree.
  • 10th and 12th standard mark sheets and certificates for age and basic education proof.
• Basic Computer Knowledge Certificate: If you possess one. Remember, if you don't have it now, you must produce it before appointment.
• Category Certificate (if applicable): For candidates applying under reserved categories (SC, ST, SEBC, EWS, PwD, Ex-servicemen), you will need a valid caste/category certificate issued by the competent authority. Ensure it is in the prescribed format.
• Domicile Certificate: Proof of residence in Gujarat, if required for specific benefits or reservations (though this specific vacancy is unreserved, it's generally good to have).
• Experience Certificate (if any): Though not explicitly required for this post, if you have relevant experience, it's good to keep certificates ready.

Always ensure that all scanned documents are clear, legible, and meet the specified file format and size requirements for online upload. Keep both original and photocopies handy for verification purposes, which may occur at later stages of the selection process.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Official OJAS Portal: Go to the official Online Job Application System (OJAS) website of Gujarat at ojas.gujarat.gov.in. This is the primary portal for GSSSB applications.
2. Find the Advertisement: On the homepage, look for the "Current Advertisements" or "Apply Online" section. Find the advertisement for "English Stenographer, Grade-2, Class-3" with Advertisement Number 436/.
3. Register/Login: If you are a new user, you will need to register first. This usually involves providing basic details to create a profile and obtain a registration number and password. If you are already registered on OJAS, simply log in using your credentials.
4. Select the Post and Apply: Once logged in, select the specific post you wish to apply for. Click on the "Apply Now" or "Apply Online" button.
5. Fill the Application Form: Carefully fill in all the required personal, educational, and contact details in the online application form. Double-check all entries for accuracy, especially your name, date of birth, and educational qualifications.
6. Upload Documents: Upload your scanned passport-size photograph and signature as per the specified dimensions and file size. Ensure they are clear and legible. You may also need to upload other supporting documents like educational certificates or category certificates if prompted.
7. Pay Application Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway. Select your preferred online payment method (Debit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, or Wallet) and pay the applicable examination fee (Rs. 500/- for Unreserved, Rs. 400/- for Reserved categories). Remember to account for transaction charges.
8. Review and Submit: Before final submission, thoroughly review your entire application form. Make sure all information is correct, documents are uploaded properly, and the fee payment status is updated. Once satisfied, click on the "Submit" button.
9. Print Application Form: After successful submission and payment, take a printout of your submitted application form and the e-receipt of the fee payment. Keep these copies safely for future reference.

Remember, the application window is from 15 July 2026 (2:00 PM) to 29 July 2026 (11:59 PM), and the fee payment deadline is 1 August 2026 (11:59 PM). Apply well before the last date to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Important Instructions

• Read the Official Notification Carefully: Always refer to the complete official advertisement PDF for the most accurate and detailed information. This article is a guide, but the notification is the ultimate source of truth.
• Verify Eligibility Thoroughly: Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including age, educational qualification, computer knowledge, and language proficiency, as of the reference date (29 July 2026).
• Apply Online Only: Applications will only be accepted through the OJAS portal. No other mode of application will be considered.
• Check Application Dates: Be mindful of the application start and end dates (15 July 2026 to 29 July 2026) and the fee payment deadline (1 August 2026). Submit your application well in advance.
• Accurate Information: Fill in all details in the online form accurately. Any discrepancies found during verification can lead to cancellation of candidature.
• Upload Correct Documents: Ensure your photograph and signature are clear, recent, and meet the specified size and format requirements. Uploading incorrect or unclear documents can lead to rejection.
• Keep Application Copy Safe: After successful submission and fee payment, always print and save a copy of your application form and payment receipt for your records.
• Monitor Official Website: Regularly visit the GSSSB official website (gsssb.gujarat.gov.in) and OJAS portal for updates regarding exam dates, admit cards, and results.
• Fee Refund Policy: Remember that the application fee is refundable only if you actually appear for the examination. If you pay but do not attend the test, the fee will not be refunded.
• Computer Knowledge Certificate: If you do not possess a basic computer knowledge certificate at the time of application, ensure you obtain it before the appointment date, as it is a mandatory requirement for final selection.