Last checked: 27 October 2026. The Supreme Court of India has invited online applications for 20 tentative vacancies of Court Master (Shorthand), a gazetted post in Pay Level 11 (Rs 67,700 to Rs 2,08,700). The advertisement is No. F.6/11/CM(S)/2026-SC (RC) dated 15 October 2026. The online form is live from 25 October 2026 and the last date is 15 November 2026 (11:55 pm).
This is not an entry-level job. You need a degree, English shorthand at 120 wpm and at least five years of regular service as a stenographer or PA. If you have that background, it is one of the best-paid stenography posts in the country.
Court Master (Shorthand) 2026 at a glance
| Organisation | Supreme Court of India (Registry) |
|---|---|
| Post | Court Master (Shorthand), Group A gazetted |
| Vacancies | 20 (tentative; a panel will be prepared) |
| Pay | Level 11: Rs 67,700 to Rs 2,08,700, plus allowances |
| Eligibility date | 1 October 2026 |
| Online application | 25 October 2026 (10:00 am) to 15 November 2026 (11:55 pm) |
| Objective test (tentative) | 7 December 2026 |
| Official site | sci.gov.in/recruitments |
Eligibility
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in India.
- English shorthand at 120 words per minute.
- Knowledge of computer operation with typing speed of 40 wpm on computer.
Experience
Minimum 5 years’ regular service as Private Secretary, Senior PA, PA or Senior Stenographer in a government department, PSU or statutory body. Contract or private-sector stenography experience does not match this wording, so check your service record before applying.
Age limit (as on 1 October 2026)
Minimum 30 years and maximum 45 years. Usual relaxation applies for SC, ST, OBC (non-creamy layer) and ex-servicemen as per Government of India rules, and up to 5 years for dependants of freedom fighters. There is no upper age limit for departmental candidates of the Supreme Court Registry. The notice clearly says no age relaxation for employees of other government departments, PSUs or banks. Use our age calculator to check your age on 1 October 2026, and see the category-wise age relaxation guide.
Application fee
| Category | Fee (non-refundable) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | Rs 1,500 + bank charges |
| SC / ST / OBC (NCL) / Ex-Servicemen | Rs 750 + bank charges |
The fee is paid online only, through the UCO Bank payment gateway.
Exam pattern and selection process
| Stage | Details | Max marks | Qualifying |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Objective test (1.5 hours) | 100 questions: General English 25, General Knowledge 25, Judiciary provisions in the Constitution 25, Supreme Court Rules 2013 15, Computer knowledge 10 | 100 | 50 |
| 2. Shorthand (English) test | 120 wpm dictation for 7 minutes, 45 minutes transcription, up to 5% mistakes allowed | 100 | 50 |
| 3. Typing test on computer | 40 wpm in English for 10 minutes, up to 2% mistakes | 20 | 10 |
| 4. Interview | Online or in person in Delhi | 30 | 15 |
There is no negative marking in the objective test. Candidates are shortlisted for the shorthand and typing tests in a 1:10 ratio to the vacancies, and for the interview in a 1:3 ratio. Shorthand marks are graded: no mistake gets 100%, up to 1% mistakes 90%, up to 2% 80%, and so on down to 50% at 5%. We explain how mistakes are counted in our stenography mistakes calculation guide.
The objective test will be held in about 69 cities across India (the full list is in Annexure A of the notice). The shorthand and typing tests will be held in Delhi/NCR.
Salary
Court Master (Shorthand) starts at a basic pay of Rs 67,700 in Level 11, plus DA, HRA and other allowances under Supreme Court rules. Since the posting is in Delhi, HRA is at the highest city rate. The exact gross depends on the current DA rate, so we have not quoted a single figure here; you can estimate it in our salary calculator. Note that the job involves working at odd hours and on holidays, and you must sign an undertaking accepting this.
How to apply
- Go to sci.gov.in/recruitments and open the notice “Link to submit online applications for the post of Court Master (Shorthand)”.
- Register and fill in the form. Your name, parents’ names and date of birth must match your Class 10 certificate.
- Upload your photo, signature, Class 10, Class 12 and graduation certificates, experience certificate and caste certificate (if applicable).
- Choose your test cities in order of preference.
- Pay the fee online and save the printout and application number. You do not need to post the form.
- Keep an NOC from your employer ready for document verification.
Who should apply, and tips
Serving stenographers and PAs in central or state offices, PSUs and statutory bodies who meet the 5-year service rule are the target group. The objective test is very legal in flavour, with 40 questions on judiciary provisions and the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, so read Part V Chapter IV of the Constitution and the SC Rules carefully. For the skill tests, practise 120 wpm legal dictation and keep your typing comfortably above 40 wpm. Our typing speed test is useful for this. If you are not yet eligible, look at the Supreme Court Senior Personal Assistant recruitment instead.
Source: Supreme Court of India recruitment page, the detailed advertisement F.6/11/CM(S)/2026-SC (RC) dated 15.10.2026 and the application link notice dated 24.10.2026, read on 27 October 2026. Always confirm details in the official notice before paying any fee. Read our editorial policy to see how we check job updates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for Supreme Court Court Master Recruitment 2026?
The online application closes on 15 November 2026 at 11:55 pm. The form opened on 25 October 2026.
What is the age limit for Supreme Court Court Master (Shorthand)?
Candidates must be between 30 and 45 years as on 1 October 2026. SC/ST/OBC (NCL) and ex-servicemen get relaxation as per Government of India rules; departmental candidates have no upper age limit.
Is experience required for Supreme Court Court Master?
Yes. You need at least 5 years' regular service as Private Secretary, Senior PA, PA or Senior Stenographer in a government department, PSU or statutory body.
What is the shorthand speed for Court Master (Shorthand)?
The shorthand test is in English at 120 words per minute for 7 minutes, with 45 minutes for transcription and a maximum of 5% mistakes.
Is there negative marking in the Supreme Court Court Master exam?
No. The notice states there will be no negative marking in the objective type test.