RRB Junior Stenographer Exam Pattern and Skill Test
The RRB Junior Stenographer exam pattern in CEN 03/2019 consisted of a 200-mark CBT and a 300-mark stenography test. The post-specific scheme matters because the general Ministerial and Isolated Categories table describes a different marks distribution. Start with paragraph 13.11 for both Hindi and English variants.
The CBT determined who reached the skill test. The skill test also counted toward merit, so reaching the historical shorthand speed was the start of the task. Candidates then had to produce an accurate transcript within the time for their chosen language.
Table of Contents
CBT marks and timing
CBT part | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
Part I — general portion | 50 | 100 |
Part II — Hindi or English | 50 | 100 |
Total | 100 | 200 |
The 90 minutes applied to the whole paper. Both halves were compulsory and candidates needed to qualify separately in each. The notice provides for negative marking in the CBT. Check the marking instructions on the paper or call letter for the applicable cycle when scoring a simulation.
Stenography skill test
The notice set a shortlist of candidates equal to ten times the vacancies, based on CBT merit. The shorthand test included 10 minutes of dictation at 80 words per minute and a computer transcription period. The test setup did not provide a spell checker.
Post in CEN 03/2019 | Dictation | Transcription |
|---|---|---|
Junior Stenographer / Hindi | 80 words per minute for 10 minutes | 65 minutes |
Junior Stenographer / English | 80 words per minute for 10 minutes | 50 minutes |
Major mistakes such as dropping or substituting a word cost one mark. Minor mistakes such as spelling or a singular/plural change cost half a mark. The historical scheme treated candidates with mistakes above 10% of the dictated words as unsuccessful.
Reference: RRB skill test instructions for CEN 03/2019.
How merit was prepared
Stage | Role in selection |
|---|---|
CBT | Shortlisting for the shorthand test and a contribution to merit |
Stenography | Candidate had to pass, and the score contributed to merit |
Document verification and C1 medical | Checks before appointment |
A candidate with 146 CBT marks and 250 skill-test marks would have a combined score of 396 out of 500 before the remaining checks. This is an example of the calculation. Regional shortlisting cut-offs depend on the board, language and category.
Reference: Official CEN 03/2019 selection rules.
How to rehearse each stage
In the CBT, record how long each half takes and which items you could have answered correctly after a second look. If one half is falling behind, give it a defined share of your next practice paper.
Schedule a separate shorthand attempt on Testkart preparation days and score it with the source transcript.
Frequently Asked Questions
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