Shorthand Systems and Pitman Shorthand Principles for SSC Stenographer: History, Strokes, Vowels, Positions and Speed Tips

Shorthand is a fast method of writing using symbols instead of ordinary letters. In India, the Pitman system is the most widely used for the English shorthand in government jobs. This guide on shorthand systems and Pitman principles for SSC Stenographer explains the history, the main systems, the basic Pitman rules of strokes, positions and vowels, and practical tips for building speed, with practice questions and FAQs. See also Pitman Shorthand Basics and Shorthand Dictation Practice.

What Is Shorthand?

Shorthand (stenography) records speech at the speed of speaking by using simple signs for sounds, words and phrases. A speaker dictates at 80 to 120 words per minute (wpm) or more, while ordinary handwriting rarely goes above 30 wpm, so a stenographer needs shorthand to take down the dictation in full.

Main Shorthand Systems

Basic Principles of Pitman Shorthand

• It is a phonetic system: the signs represent sounds and not the spelling. For example, “knife” is written as n-i-f and “phone” as f-o-n.
• Consonants are written by straight strokes and curves; the vowels are written as dots and dashes placed near the consonant stroke.
• Pitman shorthand has 24 consonant signs; most of them are paired as light (thin) and heavy (thick) strokes for the unvoiced and the voiced sounds.
• A thin stroke is written lightly and a thick stroke is written with more pressure (shading).
• The signs are written in three directions: upward, downward and horizontally.

Consonant Pairs (Thin and Thick)

Other consonants (such as M, N, L, R, W, Y and H) have single signs; some of them have different forms for the different positions.

Position Writing

Position writing helps to show the vowel without writing it and so allows faster writing. Three-position writing means the first stroke of the word is written in the position of its first accented vowel.

Vowels

• The vowels are written as dots (for the long and short sounds) and dashes in the first, second and third places along the consonant stroke.
• Each place has two light and two heavy signs; the heavy sign is for the long sound and the light sign for the short sound.
• The first-place vowels come at the beginning (top) of a vertical stroke; the third-place at the end (bottom).
• Vowels are generally omitted in the fast writing and shown by the position of the outline.
• There are four diphthongs (i, oi, ow, u) shown by small signs; the sounds (as in “fine”, “boy”, “now” and “few”).

Speed-Building Devices

Speed Standards in the Skill Test

• For SSC Stenographer Grade C the dictation speed is 100 words per minute for 10 minutes; for Grade D it is 80 words per minute for 10 minutes.
• The transcription is done on a computer within the time limit allowed (for English, 40 minutes for Grade C and 50 minutes for Grade D, as per the notification).
• A candidate who has a physical disability may get extra time as per the rules.
• Always check the latest notification for the exact speed and time limits.

Tips to Build Shorthand Speed

1. Learn the strokes and the vowels thoroughly and write them with the correct size and angle.
2. Practise the common phrases and contractions daily.
3. Take dictation at 5 to 10 wpm above your target speed in practice.
4. Read your notes back after every dictation to find the weak outlines.
5. Practise for 30 to 45 minutes every day instead of long irregular sessions.
6. Transcribe your own notes to improve accuracy.

Quick Tips

• Practise the thick and thin pairs together.
• Learn phrases and contractions in groups.
• Practise daily with dictation at a speed higher than your target.
• Check the notification for the speed limit of your grade.

Quick Revision Points

• Pitman shorthand was invented by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1837.
• It is a phonetic system with thin and thick strokes.
• There are three positions: above, on and through the line.
• Grade C needs 100 wpm and Grade D needs 80 wpm.
• Phrasing, contractions and intersections increase the speed.

Practice Questions With Answers

1. Who invented Pitman shorthand?
   Answer: Sir Isaac Pitman
2. In which year was the Pitman system published?
   Answer: 1837
3. Who invented Gregg shorthand?
   Answer: John Robert Gregg
4. Is Pitman shorthand phonetic?
   Answer: Yes
5. What do thick strokes represent in Pitman shorthand?
   Answer: Voiced sounds
6. How many positions are used in Pitman writing?
   Answer: Three
7. What is the dictation speed for the SSC Stenographer Grade C?
   Answer: 100 words per minute
8. What is the dictation speed for the SSC Stenographer Grade D?
   Answer: 80 words per minute
9. What does phrasing mean?
   Answer: Joining the outlines of common words
10. Which shorthand system was invented by James Hill?
    Answer: Teeline

How to Practise This Chapter

Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Stenography notes page and the next topic Office Correspondence and Government Communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shorthand?

A fast writing system that uses symbols for sounds and words.

Which shorthand system is used in India?

Mostly the Pitman system.

What is meant by a phonetic system?

A system in which the signs stand for the sounds of words and not their spelling.

What is the difference between thin and thick strokes?

Thin strokes show unvoiced sounds and thick strokes show voiced sounds.

What is position writing?

Writing the outline above, on or through the line to show the vowel.

What is phrasing?

Writing two or more words in one outline.

What are contractions?

Short forms for long and commonly used words.

What is the speed for the Grade C steno test?

100 words per minute.

What is the speed for Grade D?

80 words per minute.

How can I improve my shorthand speed?

By daily practice of dictation, phrases and contractions.

Is Pitman better than Gregg?

Both are good; Pitman is used in India for the exams.

Is this topic useful for SSC Stenographer?

Yes. The skill test is based on shorthand dictation.