KVS Stenographer Syllabus 2026: Tier 1, Tier 2 and Skill Test Guide
The KVS Stenographer syllabus covers three stages: a Tier 1 screening test, a Tier 2 subject knowledge test, and a qualifying skill test in shorthand, typing and computer proficiency. The latest cycle ran under Recruitment Notification 01/2025, conducted by CBSE on behalf of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, and no newer notification has been released as of October 2026.
The notification names the six Tier 1 parts and the skill test norms, but it does not give a topic-wise list for Tier 1. KVS published the post-wise Tier 2 syllabus separately on its website. The topic lists below are built from the official part names, the graduation-level standard fixed for Stenographer posts, and the kind of questions asked in such exams. Use them as a working checklist, not as an official list, and check the KVS Tier 2 syllabus document for your post.
KVS Stenographer Syllabus at a Glance
Stage | Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tier 1 | Six parts (reasoning, numeric ability, computer, GK, English, one Indian language) | 100 | 300 | 2 hours |
Tier 2 | Objective and descriptive subject knowledge | 70 | 100 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Skill test | Shorthand, typing, Computer Proficiency Test | - | CPT: 100 (qualifying) | As per norms |
Key Changes to Know
Two written tiers: The 2025 cycle uses Tier 1 for screening and Tier 2 for merit. Older pages may still show a single 120-question written exam, so follow the 2025 notification.
Graduation-level papers: The Tier 1 standard for Stenographer posts is set at graduation level, not Class 12.
Language parts in Tier 1: One part tests English and another tests a Modern Indian Language you choose at the time of applying. The choice cannot be changed later.
Grade I skill norms raised: Corrigendum 1 raised Grade I to 100 words per minute dictation and 45 words per minute typing. Grade II norms are unchanged.
KVS Stenographer Tier 1 Syllabus
Section | Topics to cover | Start with |
|---|---|---|
General Reasoning (20 questions) | Analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, ranking, syllogism, statement and conclusion, non-verbal patterns | Series, coding-decoding, analogy |
Numeric Ability (20 questions) | Number system, simplification, percentage, ratio and proportion, averages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, time and distance, data interpretation | Percentage, ratio, simplification |
Basic Computer Literacy (20 questions) | Computer fundamentals, hardware and software, input and output devices, memory, operating systems, MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint, internet, email, keyboard shortcuts, basic cyber safety | MS Office and shortcuts |
General Knowledge (20 questions) | Current affairs, Indian polity, history, geography, economy, general science, awards, books and authors, sports, important days, education-related schemes | Last 12 months of current affairs |
English Language Competency (10 questions) | Grammar, error spotting, fill in the blanks, synonyms and antonyms, idioms, one-word substitution, reading comprehension | Grammar rules and vocabulary |
Modern Indian Language (10 questions) | Grammar, vocabulary and comprehension in the language you selected (for Hindi: sandhi, samas, muhavare, paryayvachi, vilom) | Grammar basics of your chosen language |
Reasoning, numeric ability, computer literacy and GK carry 60 marks each, so they decide most of your Tier 1 score. Computer literacy is worth extra effort because the same MS Office knowledge returns in the Computer Proficiency Test.
KVS Stenographer Tier 2 Syllabus
Tier 2 is a post-specific subject knowledge test with 60 objective questions (60 marks) and 10 descriptive questions (40 marks). KVS has released the official post-wise Tier 2 syllabus on its website under the recruitment section. Download the Stenographer document from the KVS official website and treat it as the final word.
Areas to Prepare
Until you have the official document in hand, these areas are a sensible base because they match the duties and skill norms of the post:
English language: Grammar, usage, vocabulary, comprehension and formal writing.
Hindi language: Vyakaran, shabd gyan, comprehension and formal writing.
Office knowledge: Official correspondence, letter and note formats, and basic office procedure.
Computer applications: MS Office, file handling, internet and email.
These areas are indicative. Match them line by line against the official Stenographer Tier 2 syllabus before you finalise your plan.
Descriptive Section
The descriptive section carries 40 of the 100 Tier 2 marks across 10 questions, so it can decide your rank. The notification describes Tier 2 as bilingual (Hindi and English). Practise short, structured answers with a time limit and check the official syllabus for the exact question types.
KVS Stenographer Skill Test Syllabus
Test | Grade II norm | Grade I norm |
|---|---|---|
Shorthand dictation | 10 minutes at 80 words per minute | 10 minutes at 100 words per minute |
Transcription (on computer) | 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi) | 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi) |
Typing (on computer) | 40 words per minute (English) or 35 (Hindi) | 45 words per minute (English or Hindi) |
Computer Proficiency Test | MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, internet; 100 marks, minimum 40 percent | Same |
All skill tests are qualifying. No extra time is given in the skill test, so build speed with accuracy well before the call letter arrives.
Overlap Between Stages
Area | Tier 1 | Tier 2 and skill test | How to plan |
|---|---|---|---|
English | 10 questions on grammar and vocabulary | Language and transcription accuracy | Study grammar once in depth; it helps both tiers and transcription |
Hindi or chosen language | 10 questions | Hindi language and Hindi transcription option | Revise vyakaran early if you plan Hindi shorthand |
Computer | 20 questions on computer literacy | Computer Proficiency Test and typing | Learn MS Office hands-on, not just in theory |
Is There an Interview?
No. The notification lists no interview for Stenographer posts. The final merit follows Tier 2 marks for candidates who qualify the skill test.
How to Cover the KVS Stenographer Syllabus
Weeks 1 to 6: Basics of reasoning, numeric ability and grammar. Start 30 to 45 minutes of shorthand and typing every day.
Weeks 3 onward: Add current affairs for 30 minutes a day and keep monthly notes.
Weeks 6 to 10: Topic tests and 20-minute sectional tests for Tier 1. Begin the official Tier 2 syllabus and practise descriptive answers weekly.
Weeks 10 onward: Full-length Tier 1 and Tier 2 mocks, timed dictation at the target speed, and MS Office practice for the CPT.
Final phase: Same-day mock analysis and error-log revision.
Frequently Asked Questions
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