UPSC SO-Steno (GD-B-GD-I) LDCE Examination
Complete guide to the UPSC Section Officer Stenographer (Grade B – Grade I) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. Everything you need to know from eligibility to preparation strategies.
Eligibility
Detailed criteria for appearing in the examination
Syllabus
Complete subject-wise syllabus coverage
Exam Pattern
Stage-wise examination structure
Preparation
Strategies and resources for success
Examination Overview
The UPSC SO-Steno (GD-B-GD-I) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment of Section Officer (SO) and Stenographer Grade B and Grade I through limited departmental competition. This examination provides an opportunity for existing government employees to advance their careers.
Note: This is a departmental examination open only to regular government employees who meet the specific eligibility criteria. The examination is typically conducted as per the requirements of the government.
About UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission is India’s premier central recruiting agency responsible for appointments to and examinations for All India services and group A & group B of Central services.
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Departmental Examination
Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations are conducted for serving government employees to provide them with opportunities for promotion to higher grades within their departments.
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Career Progression
Clearing this examination can lead to promotions from Stenographer Grade I to Grade B and eventually to Section Officer position, with increased responsibilities and benefits.
Start PreparationEligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for UPSC SO-Steno (GD-B-GD-I) LDCE are specific and must be carefully reviewed by prospective candidates. The following are the general eligibility conditions:
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Additionally, candidates must have:
- Skill test norms in Stenography as prescribed by the UPSC
- Proficiency in the use of computers for word processing
Service Requirements
Candidates must be:
- Regular government employees
- Currently serving in eligible grades/cadres
- Have completed the required years of service as specified in the examination notification
Age Limit
The age limit varies as per the recruitment rules. Generally, candidates should not exceed 56 years of age. However, specific age relaxations are available for reserved categories as per government rules.
Physical Standards
There are no specific physical standards for this examination, but candidates must be medically fit to perform the duties of the post.
Important: Eligibility criteria may change with each examination cycle. Candidates must refer to the official notification for the specific examination they are applying for.
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
The UPSC SO-Steno (GD-B-GD-I) LDCE consists of a written examination followed by a skill test in stenography. The complete selection process is as follows:
The written examination consists of two papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Awareness & English | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | Subject-specific (as per cadre) | 200 | 2 Hours |
Both papers are objective type with multiple choice questions. There is negative marking for incorrect answers.
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the skill test in stenography:
- Dictation: 10 minutes at a speed of 100 words per minute
- Transcription: 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi)
The skill test is qualifying in nature. Candidates must transcribe the dictated passage correctly to qualify.
The final selection is based on:
- Performance in the written examination
- Qualifying the skill test in stenography
- Verification of original documents
- Medical examination, if required
The merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the written examination only.
Detailed Syllabus
The syllabus for UPSC SO-Steno (GD-B-GD-I) LDCE is comprehensive and covers various subjects. Below is the detailed syllabus for both papers:
Paper I: General Awareness & English
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economic and Social Development
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change
- General Science
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies)
- Grammar (Tenses, Prepositions, Articles)
- Sentence Structure (Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech)
- Comprehension Passages
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Idioms and Phrases
Paper II: Subject-specific
The syllabus for Paper II varies depending on the candidate’s department and cadre. Generally, it covers:
- Office procedures and practices
- Management principles
- Financial rules and regulations
- Government policies and schemes
- Records management
- Communication systems
- Rules and regulations specific to the department
- Recent developments in the department
- Important government orders and circulars
- Administrative guidelines
Note: Candidates should refer to the detailed syllabus provided in the official notification for their specific department and cadre.
Preparation Strategies & Tips
Effective preparation is key to success in the UPSC SO-Steno examination. Here are some proven strategies and tips:
Study Plan
Create a realistic study plan that covers all subjects. Allocate time based on your strengths and weaknesses. Include regular revisions and mock tests in your schedule.
Current Affairs
Stay updated with current events through newspapers, news apps, and monthly current affairs magazines. Focus on national and international important events.
Mock Tests
Practice with previous years’ question papers and take regular mock tests. This helps in time management and understanding the exam pattern.
Stenography Practice
Regular practice is essential for the skill test. Aim for accuracy and speed. Use standard dictation materials and practice transcription within the time limit.
Pro Tip: Focus on your weak areas but don’t neglect your strengths. Balance your preparation between all subjects and allocate more time to topics with higher weightage.
Recommended Books & Resources
Choosing the right study materials is crucial for effective preparation. Here are some recommended books and resources:
| Subject | Book Title | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Manorama Yearbook | Mammen Mathew |
| General Awareness | India Year Book | Publication Division |
| English Language | Objective General English | SP Bakshi |
| English Language | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | RS Aggarwal |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | RS Aggarwal |
| Stenography | Stenography Skill Test Manual | UPSC Guide |
| Current Affairs | Pratiyogita Darpan | Upkar Prakashan |
Note: Along with these books, make use of online resources, previous years’ question papers, and mock test series for comprehensive preparation.
Online Platforms & Resources
In addition to books, various online platforms can enhance your preparation:
Official UPSC Website
The official UPSC website provides notifications, syllabus, previous years’ question papers, and other important information.
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Online Learning Platforms
Platforms like Unacademy, BYJU’S, and others offer specialized courses for UPSC departmental examinations.
Explore Options
Mock Test Platforms
Websites like Gradeup, Testbook, and others provide mock tests specifically designed for UPSO SO-Steno examination.
Take TestsStudy Plan & Strategy
A well-structured study plan is essential for effective preparation. Here’s a suggested study plan:
Phase I: Foundation (2-3 Months)
- Understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern
- Collect all necessary study materials
- Focus on building basic concepts in all subjects
- Start with easier topics to build confidence
- Begin daily current affairs preparation
- Start regular stenography practice
Phase II: Intensive Study (3-4 Months)
- Cover the entire syllabus topic by topic
- Make concise notes for quick revision
- Start solving previous years’ question papers
- Take topic-wise tests to assess understanding
- Increase stenography speed gradually
- Join test series for regular practice
Phase III: Revision (1-2 Months)
- Revise the entire syllabus multiple times
- Focus on weak areas identified during preparation
- Take full-length mock tests regularly
- Analyze performance after each test
- Practice time management for the exam
- Revise current affairs of last 6 months
Daily Study Schedule (Example)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM | Current Affairs & English |
| 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | General Awareness |
| 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Break & Other Activities |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Subject-specific Topics |
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Practice & Mock Tests |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Stenography Practice |
| 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Revision of the Day |
Note: Customize this study plan according to your strengths, weaknesses, and available time. Consistency is more important than long study hours.
Cut-off Trends
Understanding previous years’ cut-off trends helps in setting realistic targets. Here are the general cut-off trends for UPSC SO-Steno examination:
| Year | General | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 55% | 52% | 48% | 45% |
| 2021 | 54% | 51% | 47% | 44% |
| 2020 | 56% | 53% | 49% | 46% |
| 2019 | 53% | 50% | 46% | 43% |
Note: Cut-off marks vary each year based on the difficulty level of the examination, number of vacancies, and number of candidates. The above figures are indicative only.
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