Stenographer & Secretarial Assistant (English) Book

About This Book

The Stenographer & Secretarial Assistant (English) book is the official NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) textbook used across ITI (Industrial Training Institutes) in India for the Stenographer trade. It provides a complete, structured curriculum covering both English shorthand theory and the practical secretarial skills required for government and private sector employment.

This is one of the most recommended books for students preparing for SSC Stenographer, Haryana SSC Steno, and other state-level stenography examinations.

What This Book Covers

Shorthand Theory

• Introduction to Pitman New Era shorthand system
• All consonant strokes — light and heavy, straight and curved
• Vowel signs — short and long vowels, diphthongs
• Word beginnings and word endings (prefixes and suffixes)
• Standard phrase writing and groupings
• Special outlines and contractions for common words

Dictation and Speed Building

• Graded dictation passages from 40 WPM to 100 WPM
• Business correspondence dictation
• General English passages for government exam practice
• Transcription exercises with answer keys

Secretarial Skills

• Office correspondence — letters, memos, notices, circulars
• File management and record keeping
• Business etiquette and professional communication
• Computer basics for secretarial work

Trade Practical

• Typewriting speed and accuracy exercises
• Shorthand reading practice (reading plates)
• Combined shorthand and transcription assessments

Who Should Use This Book

• ITI students enrolled in the Stenographer & Secretarial Assistant trade
• SSC Stenographer aspirants (Grade C & D) looking for a comprehensive textbook
• State exam candidates — Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, MP, Delhi
• Beginners starting shorthand with zero prior knowledge
• Self-study learners who prefer a structured curriculum approach

Why This Book Stands Out

Unlike standalone shorthand manuals, this book integrates shorthand theory with real-world secretarial application. The dictation passages are aligned with the types of passages used in actual government exams, making it excellent exam preparation material.

The NCVT curriculum ensures that the content is standardized, regularly updated, and approved by the Government of India for vocational training purposes.

How to Use This Book

1. Start with Chapter 1 — even if you know some shorthand basics
2. Practice each lesson’s words 10 times before moving on
3. Use the dictation passages for timed practice — record yourself or use with a partner
4. Transcribe within 2 hours of dictation practice
5. Aim to complete one chapter per week for steady progress