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Overview of Kerala PSC Stenographer Grade II

The Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) notifications are the gateway to coveted government and public sector jobs in Kerala. Among these, the Part – II (Society Category) recruitment holds a unique and highly valued position, specifically catering to experienced employees within the Cooperative sector.

One of the most anticipated notifications in this specialized segment is for Category No. 418/2025. This notification targets the post of Stenographer Grade II / Steno – Typist Grade II within one of Kerala’s premier public sector undertakings: the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (KCMMF Ltd.), popularly known by its brand name, MILMA.

This comprehensive guide serves as the definitive resource for every aspiring candidate currently working in an affiliated Cooperative Society, detailing the exact eligibility criteria, application procedure, selection method, and preparation strategy for the KPSC 418/2025 Society Category recruitment. Achieving a position through this quota offers excellent career stability and a highly competitive pay scale, making this an opportunity no qualified employee should overlook.

1. Understanding Kerala PSC Category No: 418/2025: The Official Post Details

The Category No. 418/2025 notification is distinct because it is exclusively designed for the Society Quota, running parallel to the General Category (Part I) recruitment, often designated as Category No. 417/2025 for the same post.

1.1. Post and Department Breakdown

Official Detail	Description
Category No.	418/2025
Recruitment Part	Part – II (Society Category)
Name of Post	Stenographer Grade 2 / Steno – Typist Grade 2
Name of Concern/Department	Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (KCMMF Ltd) – MILMA
Method of Appointment	Direct Recruitment from eligible employees of member societies affiliated to KCMMF Ltd.
Scale of Pay	₹ 31,980 – 89,460 /- (As per the latest notification)
Vacancies	Anticipated Vacancies (To be confirmed in the final gazette)
Selection Basis	Statewide

The salary structure, ranging from ₹ 31,980 to ₹ 89,460, is highly attractive and indicative of a Grade II supervisory or specialized role within the federation. The job profile primarily involves high-speed secretarial and administrative support, requiring proficiency in shorthand, typewriting, and office automation tools.

1.2. The Significance of Part – II (Society Category) Recruitment

The Kerala PSC utilizes a unique system for appointments within Co-operative Apex Bodies, Federations, and Boards, where vacancies are typically apportioned between two main categories:

1. Part I (General Category): Open to all qualified citizens of Kerala.
2. Part II (Society Category, Cat. No. 418/2025): Exclusively reserved for current, regular employees of the member societies affiliated with the main concern (KCMMF in this case).

The Apportionment Rule:

For the Stenographer Grade II post in KCMMF, the vacancies are filled by apportioning the same in the ratio of 1:1 between the General Category (Part I) and the Society Category (Part II). This means that for every two vacancies reported, one goes to the open market (Part I) and one goes to the internal society employees (Part II).

This 50% reservation makes the Society Category recruitment less competitive in terms of applicant volume compared to the open market, but the requirements regarding mandatory prior service are stringent and non-negotiable. It is a merit-based recruitment from within the Co-operative ecosystem.

2. The Core Eligibility Criteria for KPSC 418/2025 Society Category

Eligibility for the Society Category (Part II) is defined by three pillars: essential service duration, educational/technical qualification, and age limit. The service qualification is arguably the most critical and unique aspect of this notification.

2.1. Essential Service Qualification (The Cornerstone Requirement)

To be eligible for Category No. 418/2025, candidates MUST meet the following service requirement:

• Mandatory Service Duration: Must have completed three (3) years of regular service in any post in the Member Societies and its Primary Member Societies, which include the Regional Co-operative Milk Producers Unions and Primary Anand Pattern Dairy Co-operative Societies (APCOS) affiliated to the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.
• Continuation of Service: The candidate should be continuing in the service of the Member Society on the date of application.

What Constitutes ‘Regular Service’?

“Regular service” implies continuous, confirmed service after successful completion of any probationary period, in a sanctioned post within the affiliated societies. Provisional, temporary, or ad-hoc services usually do not count towards the three-year minimum, unless specifically allowed by the notification rules. Candidates must ensure their service certificate explicitly confirms the nature and duration of their regular service.

2.2. Educational and Technical Qualifications

As the post is Stenographer Grade II / Steno – Typist Grade II, the essential qualifications revolve around secretarial skills, typically requiring a mix of general education and technical certifications.

Likely Educational Requirements (Based on KPSC Standards for Steno Posts):

1. General Qualification: A pass in SSLC (10th Standard) or an equivalent qualification, or often a Degree (B.A./B.Sc./B.Com) from a recognized University. The educational requirement is often defined by the specific rules of the KCMMF.
2. Technical Qualifications (Compulsory):
   • Typewriting: Pass in KGTE (Kerala Government Technical Examination) Higher Grade in Typewriting (English) or its equivalent.
   • Shorthand: Pass in KGTE Higher Grade in Shorthand (English) or its equivalent.

Note: Proficiency in Typewriting and Shorthand in Malayalam (Lower or Higher) may also be a desirable or essential criterion, depending on the official KCMMF Special Rules. Candidates possessing all certifications are strongly preferred.

The possession of these technical certificates is mandatory as the selection process involves a practical test to assess speed and accuracy in shorthand transcription and typewriting.

2.3. Age Limit and Relaxation

The Society Category allows for a much broader age limit compared to the General Category, recognizing the pre-existing work experience of the candidates.

• Age Limit: 18 years to 50 years (Only candidates born between 02/01/1975 and 01/01/2007 (both dates included) are typically eligible for a 2025 notification).
• Statutory Age Relaxation: The maximum age limit of 50 years is generally applied uniformly. However, for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), the usual age relaxations (up to 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC) are often factored in, but the absolute maximum age limit shall in no case exceed 50 years for this category, as per standard co-operative bank rules.

The broad age window of 18-50 is a significant advantage for long-serving employees within the cooperative structure who wish to transition to a higher post under KCMMF.

Notification Pdf

3. Application and Documentation: The Mandatory Steps

Applying for the Society Category is a meticulous process that requires strict adherence to KPSC’s online procedures and, crucially, the mandatory submission of a specific Service Certificate.

3.1. One-Time Registration (O.T.R) Mandate

All applicants, whether applying for the first time or as existing users, must register through the One Time Registration scheme via the official Kerala PSC website, www.keralapsc.gov.in.

1. New Users: Complete the O.T.R. process, including uploading a photograph (taken within the last six months with the name and date legibly printed on the bottom) and digital signature, and obtaining a User ID and password.
2. Existing Users: Log in to your profile using your User ID and password.
3. Application Submission: Navigate to the “Notification” link, find Category No. 418/2025, and click the ‘Apply Now’ button.

Candidates are strictly warned against creating multiple profiles, which will lead to the forfeiture of candidature.

3.2. The Crucial Service Certificate (Mandatory Upload)

Unlike the General Category, the Society Category requires the upload of a specific service certificate at the time of application submission. Applications that do not upload this certificate will be summarily rejected.

Certificate Requirements:

• Issuing Authority: The certificate must be obtained from the Assistant Registrar (General) or an officer of the same rank (e.g., in the case of Industrial Societies).
• Content: It must clearly show the details of the applicant’s service that render them eligible for the post, specifically confirming the three years of regular service in an affiliated member society of KCMMF Ltd.
• Declaration: The certificate usually includes a declaration confirming that the details have been verified with the candidate’s service particulars and are correct.

This document is the cornerstone of the Part II application and must be prepared accurately and uploaded in the specified format before the final submission deadline.

3.3. Document Checklist and Profile Verification

Before final submission, candidates must ensure the following are correct and up-to-date in their profile:

1. Personal Information: Correct name, date of birth, and address.
2. Educational Qualifications: All required SSLC/Degree, Typewriting (KGTE), and Shorthand (KGTE) qualifications must be entered and claimed.
3. Service Certificate: Uploaded correctly in the designated section.
4. Aadhaar Integration: Candidates with Aadhaar should add it as ID Proof in their profile.

Candidates must ensure the correctness of the information before the final submission, as applications cannot be deleted or altered afterward.

4. Selection Procedure and Examination Pattern

The selection for Stenographer Grade II (Cat. No. 418/2025) is typically a multi-stage process designed to test both general knowledge and specialized technical competence.

4.1. Recruitment Methodology

The selection process generally involves the following steps:

1. Written/OMR Test: A preliminary objective-type test covering the syllabus.
2. Practical Test (Skill Test): This is mandatory for a Steno/Typist post. It assesses the candidate’s speed and accuracy in Typewriting and Shorthand transcription.
3. Document Verification: Verification of original certificates, including the mandatory Service Certificate, educational qualifications, and technical certificates.
4. Ranked List: Preparation and publication of the ranked list based on the marks obtained in the written/OMR test and the performance in the practical test.

4.2. Expected Syllabus Breakdown for KPSC 418/2025

While the precise syllabus is released with the official Gazette, the structure for Society Category examinations, especially for Co-operative institutions like KCMMF, typically comprises the following modules:

A. General Paper (Weightage: ~50% – 60%)

This section tests general awareness, aptitude, and language skills.

1. General Knowledge & Current Affairs: Facts about India and Kerala, Constitution, Major Scientific Developments, Arts, Culture, and Literature. Emphasis on recent national and international events.
2. General English & Regional Language (Malayalam): Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, tenses, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, and proficiency in the regional language (e.g., translation, synonyms, antonyms).
3. Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning: Simple and compound interest, time and work, percentage, ratio, series, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning.
4. Facts about Kerala Renaissance: Key figures, movements, and milestones in the social and cultural history of Kerala.

B. Co-operative and Technical Paper (Weightage: ~40% – 50%)

This specialized module is the defining feature of the Society Category exam.

1. Co-operative Law and History:
   • The Kerala Co-operative Societies Act, 1969, and Rules, 1969 (KCS Act & Rules).
   • History of the Co-operative Movement in India and Kerala.
   • Principles and practices of Co-operation.
   • Specific rules and regulations governing the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (KCMMF) and its affiliated societies (Regional Unions and APCOS).
2. Office Procedure and Secretarial Practice:
   • Standard office procedures, file management, correspondence rules, and official record-keeping.
   • Computer Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation Software (focus on MS Office or equivalent).
3. Technical Skills Theory: Basic theoretical knowledge of Typewriting, Shorthand, and dictation standards.

4.3. The Practical Test: Shorthand and Typing

The selection process culminates in a practical test. For a Stenographer Grade II position, this involves:

• Shorthand Test: Dictation at a specified speed (e.g., 80-100 words per minute) for a fixed duration, followed by transcription of the dictated matter into a computer/typewriter within a time limit. Accuracy is paramount.
• Typewriting Test: Speed and accuracy test, typically on a computer, involving copying a passage within a time limit.

Thorough preparation in both theory and practical skill development is essential to succeed in KPSC 418/2025.

5. Preparation Strategy for Society Category Aspirants

Success in the KPSC Society Category recruitment requires a two-pronged strategy: mastering the specific Co-operative syllabus and refining the essential technical skills.

5.1. Focus on Co-operative Law and Rules

Since this is a recruitment from within the Co-operative sector, the specialized knowledge carries significant weight.

• Deep Dive into KCS Act & Rules: Pay specific attention to the rules concerning the management, administration, and staff recruitment of Apex Societies (like KCMMF) and Primary Societies. Understand Rule 184 (Probation) and the general rules governing recruitment.
• KCMMF Structure: Study the organizational structure of KCMMF, its regional unions (Dairy Unions), and the primary societies (APCOS) in detail.
• Accounting and Auditing Basics: Revise the basic principles of Co-operative Accounting and Auditing as they relate to KCMMF-affiliated societies.

5.2. Technical Skill Refinement

The theoretical knowledge will only get you to the skill test. The practical test is the ultimate qualifier.

• Daily Practice: Dedicate specific time daily to improving shorthand speed and transcription accuracy. Use diverse material, including official government correspondence and legal terminology, to prepare for varied dictation.
• Typing Speed and Error Correction: Focus on achieving the required KGTE Higher Grade speed (or better) with minimal errors. Practice error detection and immediate correction techniques.

5.3. General Studies and Current Affairs

• Consistency is Key: Use a monthly current affairs digest. Focus on economic and developmental news relevant to Kerala and the national agricultural/dairy sector.
• Language Proficiency: Practice English and Malayalam grammar. High scores in language papers can significantly boost the overall ranking.

6. Career Growth, Salary, and Benefits in KCMMF (MILMA)

A career as a Stenographer Grade II in KCMMF (MILMA) offers professional satisfaction, excellent financial compensation, and substantial job security.

6.1. Salary Structure and Allowances

The official scale of pay, ₹ 31,980 – 89,460/-, ensures a competitive monthly remuneration. This is a revised scale that is highly favorable.

Components of Remuneration (Estimated Initial Gross Salary):

• Basic Pay: Starting at ₹ 31,980/-
• Dearness Allowance (DA): Based on state government rates.
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies based on posting location (City/Town/Rural).
• Other Allowances: Including Special Allowances, Medical Allowance, and other benefits applicable to KCMMF employees.

The gross monthly salary package for a newly appointed Stenographer Grade II can easily exceed ₹ 45,000 to ₹ 50,000, depending on the current DA rate and posting.

6.2. Probation and Job Security

• Probation Period: As per Rule 184 of the Kerala Co-operative Societies Rules (KCS), every person appointed to the post shall be on probation for a period of two years on duty within a continuous period of three years from the date of joining. 
• Job Security: Being a PSC-recruited employee in an Apex Co-operative body ensures high job security and protection under established state service rules and co-operative laws.
• Career Progression: Stenographers have defined career paths within the organization, allowing them to advance to higher grades like Stenographer Grade I, Personal Assistant, or even Managerial cadres, based on internal promotion rules and service length.

7. Comprehensive FAQ on KPSC Category No: 418/2025 (Society Category)

This section addresses the most frequently asked questions regarding the unique nature and requirements of the KPSC Society Category recruitment, ensuring all doubts about KPSC 418/2025 are clarified.

General Notification Details

Q. 1: What is the specific post and department for Category No. 418/2025?	A. 1: The post is Stenographer Grade II / Steno – Typist Grade II in the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (KCMMF Ltd.), widely known as MILMA.
Q. 2: Is the Category No. 418/2025 recruitment open to all citizens of Kerala?	A. 2: No. This is a Part – II (Society Category) recruitment, which is exclusively open to eligible regular employees of the member societies affiliated to KCMMF Ltd. The General Category (Part I, Cat. No. 417/2025) is open to the public.
Q. 3: What is the current pay scale offered for this post?	A. 3: The officially notified pay scale is ₹ 31,980 – 89,460 /-.
Q. 4: When is the last date to apply for this notification?	A. 4: The specific last date will be mentioned in the official Gazette notification on the KPSC website. Candidates must regularly check their One Time Registration profile for updates after the gazette publication date (often within 30 days of the gazette).

Eligibility and Service Certificate

Q. 5: What is the minimum service duration required for the Society Category?	A. 5: Candidates must have completed a minimum of three (3) years of regular service in any post within the affiliated Member Societies and their Primary Societies (APCOS) of KCMMF Ltd.
Q. 6: Which societies are considered ‘affiliated member societies’ of KCMMF?	A. 6: This primarily includes the four Regional Co-operative Milk Producers Unions (e.g., TRCMPU – Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Malabar) and the numerous Primary Anand Pattern Dairy Co-operative Societies (APCOS) affiliated under these Regional Unions.
Q. 7: Does provisional or temporary service count towards the three-year requirement?	A. 7: Generally, no. The rules explicitly mandate “regular service.” Provisional or temporary service is usually excluded unless otherwise specified in the KCMMF Special Rules.
Q. 8: Is the Service Certificate required at the time of application submission?	A. 8: Yes, absolutely mandatory. The official notification states that applications that do not upload the Service Certificate from the Assistant Registrar (General) at the time of submission will be considered invalid and summarily rejected.
Q. 9: What details must the Service Certificate contain?	A. 9: It must clearly specify the candidate’s post, the nature of service (regular), the specific dates of commencement and duration, and confirm that the employee meets the three-year regular service requirement.
Q. 10: What are the required educational/technical qualifications?	A. 10: Candidates are typically required to possess a basic general qualification (SSLC/Degree) plus the KGTE Higher Grade in Typewriting (English) and the KGTE Higher Grade in Shorthand (English), or their recognized equivalents.
Q. 11: What is the age limit for Category No. 418/2025?	A. 11: The age limit is a broad 18 to 50 years (Relaxations are generally accommodated within this maximum limit).
Q. 12: Do SC/ST/OBC candidates get age relaxation in the Society Category?	A. 12: While statutory relaxations apply, the absolute maximum age limit is typically restricted to 50 years for this category.

Application Process

Q. 13: Can I apply using an old photograph?	A. 13: No. The photograph must have been taken on or after 31/12/2010 (as per old rules) or often within the last six months as per the latest general instructions. Crucially, the candidate’s name and the date of the photo must be legibly printed at the bottom.
Q. 14: Can I edit or delete my application after final submission?	A. 14: No. Once the application is finally submitted through the ‘Apply Now’ button on the profile, it is provisional and cannot be deleted or altered. Candidates must meticulously verify all details beforehand.
Q. 15: Is there an application fee for the KPSC Society Category?	A. 15: No application fee is typically required for appointments through the Kerala PSC’s One Time Registration system.

Selection and Exam

Q. 16: Will there be a written examination for this post?	A. 16: Yes. The selection is typically based on a Written/OMR Test followed by a Practical Skill Test in Shorthand and Typewriting.
Q. 17: What subjects are covered in the written exam?	A. 17: The syllabus usually includes: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General English/Malayalam, Quantitative Aptitude, and a major section on Co-operative Law (KCS Act & Rules) and the specific rules of KCMMF.
Q. 18: How important is the Practical Test?	A. 18: Extremely important. The Practical Test (Skill Test) assesses your actual proficiency in shorthand transcription and typing, which is the core function of a Stenographer/Steno-Typist. Failing this test, regardless of written exam score, usually results in disqualification.
Q. 19: Is there an interview stage?	A. 19: While many KPSC recruitments involve an interview, the notification specifies the method as Direct Recruitment which may be entirely based on the written and practical test scores, but candidates must check the specific final instruction on the Hall Ticket.
Q. 20: What is the apportionment ratio between Part I and Part II?	A. 20: The vacancies are filled in a 1:1 ratio between the Part I (General Category) and Part II (Society Category).

Post-Selection and Rules

Q. 21: What is the duration of the Probation period?	A. 21: The probation period is two years on duty within a continuous period of three years from the date of joining, as per Rule 184 of the KCS Rules.
Q. 22: How long is the ranked list valid?	A. 22: The ranked list remains in force for a minimum period of one year and a maximum period of three years, or until a new ranked list is published after the minimum period expires.
Q. 23: If I am selected, must I resign from my current society job immediately?	A. 23: Yes. The selected candidate must obtain the required clearance and proper discharge from their previous post in the affiliated society before joining the new post in KCMMF Ltd.
Q. 24: Are there reservations for Differently-abled (DA) candidates in the Society Category?	A. 24: Yes, the notification specifies that 4% of the total vacancies reported shall be reserved for eligible DA candidates with disabilities as per the Government Order G.O.(P) No.5/2023/SJD.
Q. 25: What action will be taken against candidates who submit bogus claims?	A. 25: Appropriate disciplinary action, including disqualification, debarment from applying to the Commission (permanently or temporarily), or criminal proceedings, will be initiated against candidates who submit fraudulent documents or claims.