What is the Examination Scheme & Syllabus for Supreme Court Senior Personal Assistant (SPA) 2026?
The Supreme Court of India (SCI) conducts a 4-tier selection process totaling 250 marks for recruiting 65 Senior Personal Assistants (SPA). The selection begins with a 100-mark Objective Written Test (1.5 hours, no negative marking, 50% qualifying cut-off), covering General English (25), General Knowledge (25), Constitutional Judiciary Provisions (25), Supreme Court Rules 2013 (15), and Computer Operation (10). Qualified candidates are shortlisted in a 1:10 ratio for English Shorthand (110 wpm, 100 marks) and Computer Typing (40 wpm, 20 marks), followed by an Interview (30 marks) in a 1:3 ratio.
Supreme Court SPA Syllabus 2026: Official Recruitment Snapshot
| Recruiting Authority | Supreme Court of India (SCI), New Delhi |
| Post Designation | Senior Personal Assistant (SPA) – Group 'B' Non-Gazetted |
| Total Vacancies | 65 Vacancies |
| Pay Scale & Grade | Level 8 (Basic Pay ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 + allowances, approx. ₹82,000+ /month) |
| Selection Framework | 4 Stages: Written Test + Shorthand Test + Typing Test + Interview |
| Stage I Written Test Format | 100 Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Written Test Duration | 1 Hour 30 Minutes (90 Minutes) |
| Negative Marking Rule | NO Negative Marking (0 Penalty for incorrect answers) |
| Stage I Minimum Qualifying Marks | 50 Marks out of 100 (50% Qualifying Threshold) |
| English Shorthand Standard | 110 Words Per Minute (w.p.m.) – Maximum 5% mistakes allowed |
| Computer Typing Standard | 40 Words Per Minute (w.p.m.) in English on Computer |
| Online Application Window | 20 October 2026 to 10 November 2026 |
| Tentative Written Exam Date | 07 December 2026 |
| Official Supreme Court Portal | www.sci.gov.in |
Supreme Court SPA Selection Process: 4 Stages & Marks Distribution
The selection methodology for Senior Personal Assistant is rigorous, combining conceptual legal testing, high-speed stenography, typing dexterity, and judicial suitability:
| Stage | Examination Component | Test Duration | Max Marks | Qualifying Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Objective Type Written Test: English, GK, Judiciary in Constitution, Supreme Court Rules, and Computers. | 1.5 Hours (90 Mins) | 100 | 50 Marks (50%) |
| Stage II | English Shorthand Test: 110 wpm dictation followed by computer transcription (Max 5% errors). | 7 mins dictation + 45 mins transcription | 100 | 50 Marks (50%) |
| Stage III | Computer Typing Speed Test: Minimum 40 wpm speed in English on Computer. | 10 Minutes | 20 | 10 Marks (50%) |
| Stage IV | Interview & Personality Test: Personal suitability, court decorum, and general awareness. | — | 30 | 15 Marks (50%) |
| Consolidated Maximum Selection Marks | 250 Marks | All Stages Qualifying | ||
Stage I Written Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Marks & Questions
| Section / Test Domain | Questions | Maximum Marks | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. General English | 25 Questions | 25 Marks | +1 per correct |
| 2. General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 25 Questions | 25 Marks | +1 per correct |
| 3. Provisions Relating to Judiciary in the Constitution of India | 25 Questions | 25 Marks | +1 per correct |
| 4. Supreme Court Rules, 2013 & Officers/Servants Rules 1961 | 15 Questions | 15 Marks | +1 per correct |
| 5. Knowledge of Computer Operation | 10 Questions | 10 Marks | +1 per correct |
| Total Objective Written Test | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | Duration: 90 Minutes |
Supreme Court SPA Detailed Topic-Wise Syllabus
Review the comprehensive syllabus topics for each of the five subject sections to ensure targeted preparation:
1. General English (25 Marks – 25 Questions)
High WeightageTests command of professional English grammar, legal writing accuracy, and reading comprehension:
- • Parts of Speech & Advanced Grammatical Rules
- • Error Detection & Sentence Correction
- • Synonyms, Antonyms & Homonyms
- • One-Word Substitutions & Legal Terminology
- • Idioms, Phrases & Prepositional Usage
- • Active and Passive Voice & Direct-Indirect Speech
- • Sentence Rearrangement (Para Jumbles)
- • Reading Comprehension Passages
2. General Knowledge & Current Affairs (25 Marks – 25 Questions)
Awareness SectionComprehensive coverage of national events, historical foundations, and judicial developments:
- • National & International Current Affairs (Last 8–10 months)
- • Recent Landmark Supreme Court Judgments & Legal News
- • Indian History, Freedom Struggle & Cultural Heritage
- • Indian Geography, Natural Resources & Environment
- • Basic Indian Economy, Budget & Government Schemes
- • General Everyday Science & Technological Innovations
- • Important National Days, Books, Authors & Awards
- • National & International Organisations (UN, ICJ, etc.)
3. Provisions Relating to the Judiciary in the Constitution of India (25 Marks)
Crucial Core SectionThis is the most critical subject distinguishing the Supreme Court SPA exam from regular steno tests:
- • Part V, Chapter IV (Articles 124 to 147): The Union Judiciary
- • Article 124: Establishment and constitution of Supreme Court, qualifications, appointment & removal of Judges
- • Article 129: Supreme Court as a Court of Record and contempt powers
- • Articles 131, 132, 133, 134: Original and Appellate Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
- • Article 136: Special Leave to Appeal (Special Leave Petition - SLP)
- • Article 137: Review of judgments or orders by the Supreme Court
- • Article 141: Law declared by Supreme Court to be binding on all courts
- • Article 142: Enforcement of decrees and orders; Complete justice power
- • Article 143: Power of President to consult Supreme Court (Advisory Jurisdiction)
- • Writ Jurisdiction (Article 32 & Article 226): Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo-Warranto, Certiorari
- • Judicial Review & Basic Structure Doctrine: Kesavananda Bharati, Minerva Mills, Collegium System cases
- • High Courts & Subordinate Judiciary (Articles 214–237): Overview of constitutional hierarchy
4. Supreme Court Rules, 2013 & Officers/Servants Rules 1961 (15 Marks)
Procedural LawProcedural governance of Supreme Court registry, case filing, and establishment conduct:
- • Structure & Framework of Supreme Court Rules, 2013: Orders, Rules, and Schedules
- • Filing & Registry Procedures: Lodging of Petitions, Caveats, Affidavits, and Defect Curing
- • Special Leave Petitions (SLP): Procedure for Civil and Criminal SLPs
- • Review Petitions & Curative Petitions: Procedural prerequisites (Rupa Hurra precedent)
- • Listing of Cases & Cause Lists: Urgent mentions, Chamber matters, Registrar Courts
- • Advocates-on-Record (AOR) Regulations: Qualifications, roles, and responsibilities
- • Supreme Court Officers and Servants (Conditions of Service and Conduct) Rules, 1961:
- • Service conduct, integrity, conflict of interest, leave rules, and disciplinary proceedings for registry staff
5. Knowledge of Computer Operation (10 Marks – 10 Questions)
Practical IT KnowledgeTests operational proficiency required for daily judicial secretarial work:
- • Computer Fundamentals: CPU, Memory, Storage & Input/Output devices
- • Operating System basics (Windows, File Explorer, Directory Management)
- • MS Word Proficiency: Formatting, Margins, Headers/Footers, Page Breaks, Tables
- • MS Excel: Spreadsheets, basic arithmetic formulas, data sorting & printing
- • Internet & Web Browsing: e-Filing portals, searching court websites, judicial databases
- • Email Communications, Attachments & PDF Management
- • Keyboard Shortcuts for Word Processing & Fast Document Drafting
- • Cyber Security Awareness: Passwords, phishing threats & data confidentiality
Stage II: English Shorthand Test (110 W.P.M.) Grading & Error Penalty Scale
The English Shorthand test carries 100 Marks. Candidates take dictation at 110 words per minute for 7 minutes (total 770 words), followed by 45 minutes for transcription on a computer. Up to 5% mistakes are permitted. Marks awarded decrease as errors increase:
| Permissible Error Range | Allowed Mistakes (Out of 770 Words) | Marks Awarded (% of Total) | Actual Marks (Out of 100) | Result Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Mistakes (Flawless) | 0 Errors | 100% | 100 Marks | Qualified (Top Rank) |
| Up to 1% Mistakes | Up to ~7.7 Errors | 90% | 90 Marks | Qualified |
| Up to 2% Mistakes | Up to ~15.4 Errors | 80% | 80 Marks | Qualified |
| Up to 3% Mistakes | Up to ~23.1 Errors | 70% | 70 Marks | Qualified |
| Up to 4% Mistakes | Up to ~30.8 Errors | 60% | 60 Marks | Qualified |
| Up to 5% Mistakes | Up to 38.5 Errors | 50% | 50 Marks | Minimum Pass Mark |
| Exceeding 5% Mistakes | > 38.5 Errors | 0% | 0 Marks | DISQUALIFIED |
Stage III & Stage IV: Computer Typing & Interview Schemes
Stage III: Computer Typing Test
20 Marks- • Medium: English on Computer Terminal
- • Speed Benchmark: Minimum 40 words per minute
- • Duration: 10 Minutes
- • Maximum Marks: 20 Marks
- • Qualifying Threshold: Minimum 10 Marks (50%)
- • Evaluates keystroke accuracy, typing rhythm, and punctuation compliance.
Stage IV: Interview & Personality Test
30 Marks- • Conducted by: High-Level Interview Committee of Supreme Court
- • Maximum Marks: 30 Marks
- • Qualifying Threshold: Minimum 15 Marks (50%)
- • Calling Ratio: 1:3 ratio against vacancies
- • Tests judicial secretarial temperament, communication skills, and general knowledge.
Strategic Preparation Blueprint for Supreme Court SPA 2026
1. Master Articles 124–147 of the Constitution
Dedicate daily study time to the Union Judiciary in Part V of the Constitution. Learn the exact wording of key Articles (124, 129, 131, 136, 137, 141, 142, 143) and landmark constitutional rulings.
2. Thoroughly Study Supreme Court Rules, 2013
Download the official Supreme Court Rules 2013 from sci.gov.in. Focus on Order XIII, SLP timelines, filing petitions, review mechanisms, and Advocates-on-Record procedures.
3. Daily 110–120 WPM Shorthand Dictations
The 110 wpm shorthand test with maximum 5% mistakes is the decisive elimination round. Practice daily dictations from legal judgments, editorial columns, and parliamentary speeches at 115–120 wpm to build speed buffers.
4. High-Accuracy 45+ WPM Typing Practice
Practice 10-minute continuous English typing drills aiming for 45+ wpm speed with 98%+ accuracy. Ensure strict compliance with capitalizations, quotation marks, and legal punctuation.
Supreme Court SPA Recruitment 2026: Official Direct Links
| Download Official Scheme & Syllabus PDF | Download PDF |
| Supreme Court Official Recruitment Portal | main.sci.gov.in/recruitment |
| Supreme Court of India Main Portal | www.sci.gov.in |
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