CBSE Shorthand Book (Class XI & XII)
The official CBSE shorthand textbook for Class 11 and 12 students — covers Pitman shorthand theory and speed building as per the CBSE Stenography & Computer Applications vocational curriculum.
About This Book
The CBSE Shorthand Book is the official textbook published for the Stenography & Computer Applications vocational subject under the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum for Class XI and XII students across India.
This book follows the CBSE Board syllabus precisely and is designed to take students from absolute zero knowledge to writing shorthand at 60–80 WPM by the end of the two-year course. It is an excellent starting point for school students and self-learners who want a structured, syllabus-aligned approach to learning Pitman shorthand.
What This Book Covers
Class XI Syllabus Content
Unit 1: Introduction to Shorthand
- History and importance of shorthand
- The phonographic principle
- Introduction to Pitman New Era system
- Basic strokes and their sounds
Unit 2: Consonants (Class XI)
- Straight strokes — P, B, T, D, CH, J, K, G
- Curved strokes — F, V, TH, TH, S, Z, SH, ZH
- Strokes for M, N, NG, L, R, W, Y, H
- Correct proportions and direction of writing
Unit 3: Vowels (Class XI)
- First place vowels (before the consonant)
- Second place vowels (at the consonant)
- Third place vowels (after the consonant)
- Short vowels: A (pat), E (pet), I (pit), O (pot), U (put)
- Long vowels: AH, AY, EE, OH, OO
Unit 4: Simple Word Writing
- Writing 300 common English words
- Reading shorthand outlines
- Basic sentence writing and transcription
Class XII Syllabus Content
Unit 5: Advanced Consonants
- Initial and final hooks — R and L hooks
- N and F/V hooks
- Shun hook
- Circle S at beginning, middle, and end
Unit 6: Word Beginnings and Endings
- Common prefixes: Con, Com, Intro, Trans, Dis, Mis
- Common suffixes: -tion, -sion, -ment, -ness, -ful, -ous, -ture
- Word ending -ing, -ings, -ingly
Unit 7: Phrasing
- Basic phrasing principles
- 200 standard phrases for correspondence
- Joining outlines for speed
Unit 8: Speed Building
- Dictation at 40 WPM
- Dictation at 60 WPM
- Dictation at 80 WPM
- Transcription exercises and answer keys
Who Should Use This Book
- Class XI and XII CBSE students studying Stenography as a vocational subject
- Absolute beginners of any age who want a school-level structured approach
- ITI and polytechnic students wanting a simpler companion to the main instructor
- Self-study learners who find the original Pitman Instructor too advanced initially
- Teachers looking for a structured teaching plan with built-in exercises
How This Book Differs from Other Shorthand Books
Unlike the Pitman Instructor which assumes a degree of adult focus, this book is designed for school students — explanations are simpler, exercises are shorter, and progress is more gradual. This makes it ideal as a first book before moving to the full Pitman Instructor.
The CBSE Board has aligned the speed requirements with Class XII board practical examinations (60 WPM) and entrance-level government job requirements, making this a directly exam-relevant resource.
Board Exam Preparation
Students appearing for CBSE Class XII Stenography practical exams will find this book covers 100% of the theory paper syllabus. The speed dictation sections directly prepare you for the board practical examination.
Recommended Study Plan
| Month | Focus | Target |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Units 1–3 (Consonants & Vowels) | Learn all strokes |
| 3–4 | Unit 4 (Word Writing) | 300 core words |
| 5–6 | Units 5–6 (Advanced Theory) | Word parts mastery |
| 7–8 | Unit 7 (Phrasing) | 200 phrases |
| 9–10 | Unit 8 (Speed Building) | 40–60 WPM |
| 11–12 | Revision + Mock Tests | 60–80 WPM |