UPSC SO Steno Syllabus 2026: Check Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 Topics

Q: Ques: Does UPSC SO Steno syllabus vary for different post categories?

Ans: Yes, UPSC SO Steno syllabus for paper 2 varies according to the post category, as each corresponds to a specific department or service. Paper 1 and Paper 3 have similar topics.

Q: Ques: Does UPSC SO Steno syllabus include general knowledge or current affairs?

Ans: No, UPSC SO Steno syllabus does not directly include general knowledge or current affairs. It mainly focuses on departmental and procedural knowledge.

Q: Ques: Is there negative marking in UPSC SO Steno 2026 ?

Ans: Yes, UPSC SO Steno exam has negative marking, with a penalty of 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer in the objective-type papers. Paper 3 does not have negative marking.

Q: Ques: What is the total marks of paper 1 and paper 2 in UPSC SO Steno?

Ans: Paper 1 and Paper 2 of UPSC SO Stena have a total of 150 marks each. Both are objective in nature.

Q: Ques: Does UPSC SO Steno syllabus include essay writing?

Ans: No, UPSC SO Steno syllabus does not include essay writing. The descriptive section emphasises official noting and drafting instead.

Anshika

Jun 16, 2026

UPSC SO Steno Syllabus 2026 is structured into 3 papers. Paper 1 is common for all categories of posts and includes topics testing the candidates' knowledge of the Indian Constitution, the structure of government etc. Paper 2 on the other hand has a different syllabus for different posts depending upon their focus areas. Paper 1 and Paper 2 of UPSC SO Steno 2026 are objective in nature. Paper 3 is of a descriptive type and includes tasks such as drafting and precis writing for different roles.

Table of Contents

UPSC SO Steno Paper 1 Syllabus 2026
UPSC SO Steno Paper 2 Syllabus 2026
UPSC SO Steno Paper 3 Syllabus 2026
UPSC SO Steno Syllabus 2026 FAQs

UPSC SO Steno Paper 1 Syllabus 2026

UPSC SO Steno Paper 1 syllabus is the same for all the posts. Candidates can check the list below for UPSC SO Steno Paper 1 Syllabus:

The principles of the Constitution of India
Rules and procedures of the conduct of business in Lok and Rajya Sabha
Organisation in the machinery of the Government of India
RTI Act 2005
Designation and allocation of subjects between Ministries, Departments and Attached & Subordinate Offices

UPSC SO Steno Paper 2 Syllabus 2026

UPSC SO Steno Paper 2 exam is an objective-type paper. The syllabus is different for different post categories. Candidates can check the table below for UPSC SO Steno Paper 2 Syllabus:

Category	Syllabus
Category I, IV, VIII & IX	Manual of office procedure Guidelines for Official Use of Hindi by the Ministry of the Interior (Categories I and IV only). Fundamental and supplementary rules (AGP&T’s compilation, Chaudhury’s compilation, Swamy’s compilation. Notes on office procedure issued by the Institute of Secretarial Training and Management Delegation of Financial Power Rules Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules Central Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules Compilation of General Financial Rules (Revised & Enlarged) Intelligence Bureau Standing Orders (For Category VIII only)
Category II & V	Manual of office procedure A Guide to Using Hindi for Official Union Purposes, issued by the Ministry of Home Ministry. Fundamental and Supplementary Rules (AGP&T’s compilation, Chaudhury’s compilation, Swamy’s compilation) Central Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules Compilation of General Financial Rules (Revised & Enlarged) Indian Foreign Service (PLCA) Rules Notes on office procedure issued by the ISTM Indian Foreign Service (Conduct and Discipline) rules Delegation of Financial Power Rules Financial Powers of Government of India’s representatives abroad. Assisted Medical Attendance Schemes
Category III & VII	Manual of office procedure issued by the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) The Railway Services (Conduct) Rules, 1966 Indian Railway Administration and Finance (Excluding Chapters V, VI, VIII & IX) Indian Railway Financial Code Vol. I (Excluding Chapters II & VI) The Railway Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rule, 1968 The Railway Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rule, 1968 Indian Railway Establishment Code Vol. I Handbook of orders regarding the use of Hindi for the official purpose of the Union issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs
Category VI	Manual of office procedure Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules Fundamental and Supplementary Rules (AGP&T’s compilation, Chaudhury’s compilation, Swamy’s compilation) Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules Central Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules Handbook of orders regarding the use of Hindi for the official purpose of the Union issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs Notes on office procedure issued by the Institute of Secretarial Training and Management Financial Regulation Part I

UPSC SO Steno Paper 3 Syllabus 2026

UPSC SO Steno Paper 3 Syllabus is structured for the exam, which is descriptive in nature. Candidates are required to prepare drafts and notes on specific problems and précis writing. Candidates get a total of 3 hours to complete this paper, which will be evaluated out of 200 marks.

Each of the 2 objective papers of UPSC SO Steno (Paper 1 and Paper 2) are evaluated out of 150 marks. Candidates get a duration of 2 hours to complete each of the papers. Candidates who qualify the written exam are shortlisted for the shorthand test round (for certain posts).

Relevant Links
UPSC SO Steno Application Process	UPSC SO Steno Exam Pattern
UPSC SO Steno Eligibility	UPSC SO Steno Admit Card

UPSC SO Steno Syllabus 2026 FAQs

Ques: Does UPSC SO Steno syllabus vary for different post categories?

Ans: Yes, UPSC SO Steno syllabus for paper 2 varies according to the post category, as each corresponds to a specific department or service. Paper 1 and Paper 3 have similar topics.

Ques: Does UPSC SO Steno syllabus include general knowledge or current affairs?

Ans: No, UPSC SO Steno syllabus does not directly include general knowledge or current affairs. It mainly focuses on departmental and procedural knowledge.

Ques: Is there negative marking in UPSC SO Steno 2026 ?

Ans: Yes, UPSC SO Steno exam has negative marking, with a penalty of 0.33 marks for each incorrect answer in the objective-type papers. Paper 3 does not have negative marking.

Ques: What is the total marks of paper 1 and paper 2 in UPSC SO Steno?

Ans: Paper 1 and Paper 2 of UPSC SO Stena have a total of 150 marks each. Both are objective in nature.

Ques: Does UPSC SO Steno syllabus include essay writing?

Ans: No, UPSC SO Steno syllabus does not include essay writing. The descriptive section emphasises official noting and drafting instead.