High Court of Punjab and Haryana Senior Scale Stenographer Recruitment 2026: 25 Vacancies, Apply Online by 10 March

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana has announced 25 vacancies for the post of Senior Scale Stenographer for 2026, with applications open online from 17 February to 10 March 2026 at www.highcourtchd.gov.in. The posts are distributed as 20 General, 3 SC/ST/BC, 1 Ex-serviceman and 1 PwD (lower limb disability ≥40%), with an age limit of 21–30 years as on 10 March 2026 and specified relaxations for eligible categories.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Science or equivalent and possess computer proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets. The selection process includes an English shorthand test at 100 w.p.m. with transcription at 20 w.p.m. (candidates allowed up to three mistakes) and a qualifying spreadsheet test (minimum 40%).

The application fee is ₹1000 for General and candidates from other states, and ₹800 for SC/ST/BC (Punjab, Haryana, U.T. Chandigarh), Ex-servicemen and eligible PwD candidates. Interested candidates must apply online, upload required documents, and meet all eligibility conditions by the closing date, as the recruitment process is strictly governed by the High Court’s rules and scrutiny procedures.

The High Court of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh has released a detailed employment notice inviting online applications for the post of Senior Scale Stenographer in 2026.

This is a strong career opportunity for graduates with good English shorthand and computer skills who wish to work in the High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh.

Overview of the Senior Scale Stenographer Recruitment

The High Court is filling 25 vacancies of Senior Scale Stenographer on its establishment at Chandigarh. Candidates can apply online from 17.02.2026 up to 11:59 P.M., and the last date for online registration is 10.03.2026 up to 11:59 P.M. The pay and allowances of selected candidates will be governed by the latest rules and instructions of the Government of Punjab as adopted by the High Court.

Vacancy details and categories

• Total posts: 25 vacancies of Senior Scale Stenographer.
• Category-wise break-up:
  • General category: 20 posts.
  • SC/ST/BC: 3 posts.
  • Ex-servicemen: 1 post.
  • Persons with lower limb disability (at least 40%): 1 post.

The number of vacancies may increase or decrease depending on the situation at the time of preparation of the merit list. However, the final number of candidates to be recommended will be decided by the High Court.

Eligibility Criteria

Age limits

To be eligible for the post of Senior Scale Stenographer, a candidate must be at least 21 years old and not more than 30 years old as on 10.03.2026. Relaxation in upper age limit is available for certain categories:

• Persons with lower limb disability (minimum 40% disability): relaxation of 10 years.
• Ex-servicemen: relaxation equal to length of defence service plus 3 years.
• Candidates already working in Government/Semi-Government Departments/Corporations/Boards: relaxation of 10 years (not applicable to those on contract or ad hoc basis).

The benefit of age relaxation is not available to candidates employed on contract or ad hoc basis in Government/Semi-Government Departments, Corporations or Boards.

Educational qualification and skills

A candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Science or any equivalent degree from a recognized university. In addition, the candidate must have proficiency in operation of computers, including word processing and spreadsheets. All eligibility conditions regarding age and qualification must be fulfilled on the last date of online submission of applications, i.e. 10.03.2026.

Application Fee and Reservation

Application fee (online, non-refundable)

The fee is payable online and is non-refundable, with transaction charges extra. The fee structure is:

• General and SC/ST/BC of areas/States other than Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh: ₹1000.
• SC/ST/BC of Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh: ₹800.
• Persons with lower limb disability (40% or more): ₹800.
• Ex-servicemen: ₹800.

Reservation and fee relaxation under SC/ST/BC category is available only to candidates who have a valid SC/ST/BC certificate issued by the State of Punjab, Haryana or U.T. Chandigarh and who are domiciled/permanent residents of these areas. SC/ST/BC candidates from other areas will be treated as General category.

Benefit of reservation and fee relaxation under Ex-servicemen category is available only to Ex-servicemen themselves, not to their dependents. Candidates with less than 40% lower limb disability or with disabilities other than lower limb disability will be considered under the General category.

Selection Process

Mode of selection

The selection will be based primarily on a Word Processing/Transcription Test and a Spread Sheets Test.

1. Word Processing/Transcription Test (Shorthand and typing):
   • Candidates must take dictation at 100 words per minute in English Shorthand.
   • The shorthand dictation will be of 5 minutes duration.
   • The transcription of the dictation must be done on computer at a speed of 20 words per minute.
   • A candidate will not qualify if he/she commits more than 3 mistakes.
2. Spread Sheets Test:
   • This test carries 10 marks.
   • It is qualifying in nature and of 10 minutes duration.
   • To qualify, candidates must secure at least 40% marks, i.e. 4 marks or more.

Final category-wise merit lists will be prepared on the basis of performance in the Word Processing/Transcription Test. After the test, candidates will be called via SMS or E-mail for verification of original testimonials, but being called for verification does not itself mean that a candidate has qualified or will be selected. The High Court reserves the right to determine how many candidates will be called for testimonials checking and to adopt any criterion for shortlisting.

Documents and General Instructions

Documents to be produced

Candidates must submit a printout of their online application form along with supporting documents at the time of testimonials checking or when called by the High Court. These documents include:

• Proof of qualification and any additional qualifications.
• Proof of date of birth.
• Caste/Category certificate (SC/ST/BC, Ex-servicemen, PwD) where applicable.
• Disability certificate for candidates claiming reservation under PwD.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) or forwarding letter for candidates working in Government/Semi-Government/Corporations/Boards.
• Affidavits as per Annexure III and IV regarding close relatives in Court service and previous employment, respectively.

Candidates in BC category must ensure they satisfy the conditions related to exclusion of the creamy layer according to the rules of their State and must furnish the declaration in Annexure I during testimonials checking.

Special instructions for Government employees

Candidates working in Government/Semi-Government Departments, Corporations or Boards must obtain a NOC from their Head of Department and keep it ready. If such candidates fail to produce the original NOC at the time of testimonials checking, their candidature will be cancelled. Employees working on contract or ad hoc basis in Government offices are not treated as Government employees and must apply as non-departmental candidates.

Special instructions for application details

Information submitted in the online application form will be treated as final. Candidates must produce documents to support all information furnished in the form, and any failure to substantiate details or any variation may result in rejection of candidature. The High Court’s decision on acceptance or rejection of applications, eligibility, selection mode and criteria will be final and binding.

E-Admit Card and Examination Date

The link for downloading E-Admit Cards for provisionally eligible candidates will be available on the official website of the High Court. Candidates will also receive Email/SMS alerts. E-Admit Cards can be downloaded by visiting www.highcourtchd.gov.in and entering the required information. No admit card will be sent by post.

Issuance of a provisional E-Admit Card does not certify that a candidate has fulfilled all eligibility conditions; applications remain subject to scrutiny and can be rejected later if eligibility conditions are not met. Candidates must paste a recent photograph (the same as uploaded in the online form) on the E-Admit Card, duly attested by a Gazetted Officer or self-attested. If the photograph on the admit card does not match the uploaded photograph, the candidate will not be allowed into the examination centre.

The date of examination will be notified on the official website of the High Court, and candidates should check the site regularly for updates.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Key points to remember

• A candidate from any category can submit only one application for a particular category; if multiple applications are submitted, the latest one will be considered.
• Fulfillment of eligibility criteria alone does not guarantee being called for the test; the High Court may change terms, conditions and selection criteria at any time.
• All stages of the recruitment process are provisional, and if at any stage it is found that a candidate does not meet eligibility conditions, candidature may be cancelled without notice.
• No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in the test or testimonials checking.
• All particulars filled in the online form, including category, are final and cannot be changed later.
• Incomplete applications will be rejected without correspondence.

Candidates must follow all instructions regarding the examination centre, including the prohibition on mobile phones, electronic devices, watches and jewellery in the exam hall. Any attempt to conceal material facts or provide false information may lead to rejection and possible legal action.

Online application procedure

The online application form is available only on the official website of the Punjab and Haryana High Court: www.highcourtchd.gov.in. Candidates should carefully read the detailed employment notice before filling the application form. To apply smoothly, candidates should ensure:

• A good internet connection and valid, active email ID.
• A valid mobile number for SMS alerts.
• Online payment facility (internet banking, debit/credit card).
• Scanned recent passport-size photograph (not older than 30 days) on white background.
• Scanned signature.

Candidates must fill in all details correctly and submit the form only after verifying all particulars, as no changes will be allowed after submission. They should retain a printed copy of the application form and keep multiple copies of the uploaded photograph for later stages. The application fee, once paid, will not be refunded.

A Helpline number (8100091298) is available for technical queries related to the online application on working days between 11:00 A.M. and 5:30 P.M., and another phone number (0172-2717605) is available for queries on terms and conditions of the advertisement between 9:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Candidates may use the Helpdesk option in the application form for support and are advised to check general links on the form page before raising queries.

FAQs

What organization has announced the Senior Scale Stenographer recruitment for 2026?
The recruitment has been announced by the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.

How many vacancies are available for the Senior Scale Stenographer post?
There are a total of 25 vacancies.

What is the category-wise distribution of vacancies?
The posts include 20 for General category, 3 for SC/ST/BC, 1 for Ex-servicemen, and 1 for Persons with lower limb disability (minimum 40%).

What is the age limit for applying?
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 10 March 2026.

Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories?
Yes, PwD candidates get 10 years relaxation, Ex-servicemen get service period plus 3 years, and certain Government employees get 10 years relaxation as per rules.

What is the essential educational qualification required?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Science, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.

Are computer skills mandatory for this post?
Yes, proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets is mandatory.

When does the online application process start?
The application process begins on 17 February 2026.

What is the last date to apply online?
The last date for online registration is 10 March 2026 up to 11:59 PM.

What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The application fee for General and candidates from other states is ₹1000.

What is the application fee for SC/ST/BC, PwD, and Ex-servicemen candidates?
The fee for these categories is ₹800, subject to eligibility conditions.

Is the application fee refundable?
No, the application fee is non-refundable.

What is the mode of selection for this recruitment?
Selection is based on a Word Processing/Transcription Test and a qualifying Spreadsheet Test.

What is the shorthand speed required for the test?
Candidates must take dictation at 100 words per minute in English shorthand.

What is the transcription speed required?
Candidates must transcribe at a speed of 20 words per minute on a computer.

How many mistakes are allowed in the transcription test?
Candidates committing more than three mistakes will not qualify.

What is the nature of the Spreadsheet Test?
It is a qualifying test of 10 marks and 10 minutes duration, requiring at least 40% marks to pass.

How will the final merit list be prepared?
The final category-wise merit list will be based on performance in the Word Processing/Transcription Test.

Will candidates receive admit cards by post?
No, E-Admit Cards must be downloaded from the official website.

Does issuance of an admit card confirm eligibility?
No, eligibility remains subject to scrutiny even after issuance of the admit card.

Can Government employees apply for this post?
Yes, but they must produce a No Objection Certificate at the time of testimonials checking.

Are contract or ad hoc employees eligible for age relaxation as Government employees?
No, such employees are not entitled to Government employee age relaxation benefits.

Can a candidate submit more than one application?
Only one application per category is allowed; if multiple applications are submitted, the latest one will be considered.

Is reservation available to SC/ST/BC candidates from other states?
No, reservation and fee concession under these categories are available only to eligible candidates from Punjab, Haryana, and U.T. Chandigarh.

Where can candidates apply online for this recruitment?
Candidates must apply through the official website www.highcourtchd.gov.in.

Is TA/DA provided for appearing in the test?
No, no TA/DA will be paid for appearing in the examination or testimonials checking.

What documents are required at the time of testimonials checking?
Candidates must produce proof of qualification, age, category certificate if applicable, disability certificate if applicable, NOC (if employed), and other required affidavits.

Can details entered in the online form be changed later?
No, once submitted, the details in the application form cannot be modified.

Will the number of vacancies remain fixed?
The number of vacancies may increase or decrease as per the High Court’s decision at the time of final selection.

Is this a good opportunity for graduates with shorthand and computer skills?
Yes, it is a strong career opportunity for graduates seeking a stenographer position in the High Court establishment at Chandigarh.