Maharashtra HSC Stenography - Marathi key terms

The basic shorthand sign for a single consonant sound, written as a straight or curved stroke. Its direction, length and thickness distinguish one sound from another and it forms the skeleton of every outline.

A small mark - dot, dash, hook or tick - placed at the side, beginning or end of a consonant stroke to show which vowel follows or precedes it. Correct placement is essential for reading Marathi outlines.

Two or more consonant sounds written in one continuous outline with no vowel between them. The strokes are joined or one is shortened, and the combination must be learnt as a fixed pattern.

A very common word represented by one fixed shorthand sign instead of a full outline. Candidates memorise these signs so that high-frequency words can be written instantly during dictation.

A shortened outline for a frequently used word or phrase, made by dropping medial strokes or applying a prescribed cut. Only the standard forms are permitted, because invented shortenings become unreadable.

Two or more words written as a single joined outline without lifting the pen. Phraseographs save time in dictation but must follow accepted joining rules so the phrase remains decipherable.

The complete shorthand representation of a word, consisting of its consonant strokes together with any vowel signs, hooks or circles. A clear outline is the unit a transcriber later reads and converts into text.

A rule that fixes where the first stroke of an outline sits relative to the writing line - above it, on it, or through it - so that the first vowel sound can be identified when reading.

Writing successive strokes in one continuous movement, without lifting the pen, at the correct angle and direction. Good joining keeps outlines compact and prevents ambiguity between similar consonant combinations.

A small curved attachment at the beginning or end of a stroke that stands for an additional consonant sound. Using a hook shortens the outline and is faster than writing a separate stroke.

Small circular or looped attachments added to a stroke to represent a consonant with a particular vowel or a repeated sound. They reduce pen movement and are common in rapid Marathi shorthand.

The oral reading of a passage at a controlled speed while candidates write it in shorthand. Dictation practice trains the ear, the hand and the ability to keep pace without stopping.

A planned programme of practice in which dictation speed is raised in small steps, unfamiliar passages are introduced gradually, and errors are analysed after each attempt.

The process of reading shorthand outlines and writing them out in full Marathi, either by hand or on a typewriter or computer. It tests both reading of outlines and language accuracy.

A test in which candidates transcribe a dictated shorthand passage within a fixed period. Marks depend on completing the passage and on the accuracy of the typed or written output.

The standard measure of shorthand speed, found by dividing the number of words dictated by the number of minutes taken. A pass usually requires a minimum speed sustained over several minutes.

The speed credited to a candidate after errors are deducted from the gross dictation or transcription speed. It reflects usable output rather than the raw number of words written.

The proportion of words in a transcription that match the dictated passage exactly, including spelling, figures and punctuation. High speed without accuracy does not meet examination standards.

Typing by feel with the fingers kept on assigned keys and the eyes on the copy, not on the keyboard. It is the foundation of fast, steady and accurate Marathi typewriting.

The middle row of keys on which the fingers rest between strokes and to which they return after reaching other keys. It anchors correct finger movement in touch typing.

The arrangement of letters, vowel signs, conjunct forms and symbols on a typewriter or computer keyboard. Marathi layouts differ from English QWERTY, so candidates must learn the position of each character.

A single press of one key, counted as the basic unit in typewriting speed tests. Five depressions are commonly treated as one word for calculating typing speed.

Typing speed calculated from the total number of key depressions or words typed in a given time, before any deduction for mistakes. It shows raw keyboard speed.

The practice of recording concise remarks, facts and precedents on a file so that a senior officer can decide a case or approve a draft. Notes should be brief, factual and dated.

Preparing the full text of a letter, notice, order or report in the prescribed official format, ready for approval and dispatch. Clear drafting avoids ambiguity and repeated correspondence.

A semi-formal letter sent by an officer to another officer on personal terms, usually marked D.O. It is used for matters needing courtesy or speed rather than strict official procedure.

A short written message used inside an office to pass information, instructions or a reminder from one section to another. It is brief, dated and usually signed by the sender.

The folder in which all papers on one subject - correspondence, notes, drafts and orders - are kept in chronological order. A well-maintained file allows quick tracing of decisions.

Official papers kept for a fixed period because they may be needed for reference, audit or legal proof. Records are classified and destroyed only under the prescribed retention rules.

Registers in which letters received and letters dispatched are entered with serial number, date, sender or addressee, and subject. They provide the office's control over correspondence.

Comparing a typed or handwritten copy with the original to find and mark errors in spelling, punctuation, figures, spacing and format. It is done before the fair copy is signed or dispatched.

The clean final version of a document, written or typed without corrections, approved for signature, dispatch or record. It must match the corrected draft exactly.

Setting out a document according to fixed rules for margins, headings, paragraph indent, numbering, line spacing and alignment. Consistent formatting makes official Marathi correspondence easy to read and file.

A standard mark written in the margin or text to tell the typist what to change - delete, insert, transpose, space or close up. Symbols must be clear and used consistently.

Using computer software to type, edit, save, format and print documents. It allows corrections without retyping and is now the normal way of producing fair copies.

Converting shorthand notes into a computer file by typing directly into word-processing software, often while replaying a recording of the dictation. The file can then be edited and printed.

The structure in which a word-processed document is saved, such as .docx or .pdf. The choice affects whether the file can be edited, opened on another system, or safely submitted.

A duplicate copy of a document or transcription stored on another drive or location. It protects against loss from power failure, device damage or accidental deletion.