Employees State Insurance Corporation Stenographer Recruitment

ESIC Stenographers are placed in Pay Level 4 (Rs. 25,500–81,100 as per 7th Pay Commission), similar to UDC grade. With DA, HRA, and allowances the gross monthly salary ranges from Rs. 28,000 to Rs. 40,000. ESIC Stenographers benefit from medical care at ESIC hospitals, LTC, NPS pension, and gratuity. Stenographers with good performance can be promoted to Personal Assistant (PA) and Private Secretary (PS) roles over their career.

ESIC Stenographer candidates must achieve 80 words per minute in English shorthand or 40 words per minute in Hindi shorthand during the Skill Test. The dictation is given for 10 minutes and candidates are allowed 50 minutes (English) or 65 minutes (Hindi) to transcribe the notes on a computer. The transcription accuracy is evaluated, and the Skill Test is qualifying in nature — candidates must pass it to be considered for selection.

The ESIC Stenographer exam has two stages: Phase 1 Online Written Test (100 questions in 90 minutes covering English Language and General Studies) and Phase 2 Skill Test (shorthand dictation and computer transcription). The written test screens candidates based on English grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, and general awareness. Candidates qualifying the written test are called for the Skill Test. Final merit is based on written test performance with the Skill Test as a qualifying round.

Most ESIC Stenographer exams accept Pitman shorthand for English and Devanagari shorthand (based on Hindi stenography standards) for Hindi medium. Pitman shorthand is the most widely taught system in India and is accepted across central government departments. Candidates should learn a system consistently and practice through daily dictation exercises. Commercial institutes and online platforms offer structured stenography courses for both Pitman English and Hindi shorthand at government exam speeds.

SSC Stenographer is a central recruitment for ministries and departments across central government, while ESIC Stenographer is specific to ESIC offices and hospitals. Both require similar shorthand speeds (80/40 wpm), but postings differ: SSC Stenos work in government ministries and offices in Delhi and other capitals, while ESIC Stenos work in ESIC regional, sub-regional, and branch offices across India. ESIC Stenos also benefit from ESIC hospital medical benefits, which is unique to this employer.