Supreme Court of India SPA Recruitment 2026 (65 Posts) — Salary, Exam Pattern & Shorthand Rules Explained
The Supreme Court of India (Registry) has officially released the notification for the recruitment of 65 Senior Personal Assistants (SPA) under Advt. No. F.6/11/SPA/2026-SC (RC). This is a highly prestigious Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted post based in New Delhi. If you are a graduate with exceptional English shorthand and typing skills, this is a premium central government opportunity offering a Level 8 pay scale. The online application portal goes live on 20 October 2026 and will close on 10 November 2026 (11:55 PM).
The Ground Reality: The 110 WPM Shorthand Hurdle
Most candidates apply for this post looking at the high salary and the “Bachelor’s Degree” requirement, but fail to notice the technical bottleneck. This is not a general clerical exam. The Supreme Court strictly requires an English Shorthand speed of 110 words per minute (wpm). This is significantly higher than standard SSC Stenographer Grade C/D requirements. If you do not already possess advanced shorthand skills, you cannot clear this exam through last-minute preparation.
As an SPA in the Supreme Court, your primary duty involves taking rapid dictations of complex legal judgments, case summaries, and administrative orders directly from Honourable Judges or senior registry officers, requiring immense accuracy and elite legal vocabulary.
Salary Structure: Pay Level 8 in New Delhi
The SPA post offers one of the most lucrative starting salaries for a Group B non-gazetted profile. Because the job location is permanently fixed in New Delhi, employees receive the highest tier of House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Transport Allowance (TA).
| Post Name | Pay Matrix Level | Basic Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Personal Assistant (SPA) | Level 8 | ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 |
Financial Insight: With the current Dearness Allowance (DA) and Class X city allowances, the gross initial monthly salary easily crosses the ₹85,000 to ₹90,000 mark, along with elite medical and Supreme Court registry perks.
Strict Eligibility & Age Limit (As on 01 October 2026)
Your eligibility will be calculated strictly as of 01 October 2026. Final-year students whose results are not declared by this date are ineligible.
- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university in India.
- Technical Qualification: Proficiency in English Shorthand with a speed of 110 wpm, AND a computer typing speed of 40 wpm in English.
Age Limit:
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 18 to 30 Years |
| SC / ST / OBC (NCL) / Ex-Servicemen / Physically Challenged | Age relaxation as per Government of India rules |
| Dependants of Freedom Fighters | Up to 5 years extra relaxation |
The Selection Process: Exam Pattern
The recruitment process is divided into multiple rigorous stages:
- Objective Type Test (100 Marks): A 1.5-hour test (scheduled tentatively for 07 December 2026) consisting of 100 questions. It traditionally tests General English, General Awareness, Logical Reasoning, and Computer Knowledge.
- English Shorthand Test: 7 minutes of dictation at 110 wpm, followed by 45 minutes for computer transcription.
- Typing Speed Test: A typing test on a computer to prove a minimum speed of 40 wpm (deductions apply for mistakes).
- Personal Interview: Final assessment of personality, legal comprehension, and communication skills.
Important Dates & Application Fee
| Online Application Starts | 20/10/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | 10/11/2026 (11:55 PM) |
| Objective Test Date (Tentative) | 07/12/2026 |
Application Fee: The application fee for General/Unreserved candidates is ₹1,500, while SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, and Physically Challenged candidates must pay ₹750 (plus bank gateway charges). The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online via the UCO Bank gateway.
How to Apply Online (Without Errors)
- Visit the official Supreme Court of India website: sci.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “Recruitment” tab and click on the SPA 2026 application link (active from 20 October).
- Register using your personal email ID and mobile number.
- Select your preferred Objective Test city carefully from the 69 available exam centers across India (such as Bhopal, Bengaluru, Ernakulam, etc.).
- Upload clear, scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and necessary educational/category certificates.
- Pay the application fee online through the UCO Bank gateway.
- Submit the form before 11:55 PM on 10 November 2026 and download the final PDF. You will need your application number to download your admit card.
Important Links
| Apply Online (Active from 20 Oct 2026) | Click Here |
| Official Website | sci.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I take the shorthand test in Hindi?
No. The Supreme Court of India conducts its official proceedings entirely in English. The SPA shorthand and typing tests are strictly conducted in the English language only.
Q2. Is this a permanent government job?
Yes, this is a permanent Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted post within the Registry of the Supreme Court of India.
Q3. What is the crucial date for age and qualification calculation?
All age limits, degrees, and technical qualifications will be calculated strictly as of 01 October 2026.
Q4. Will the exam center be only in Delhi?
No, the Supreme Court has arranged for the Objective Type Test to be held across 69 cities in India. However, skill tests and interviews are typically held in New Delhi.
