Kamal
One is directly recruited only as a stenographer in the Central Secretariat Stenographer Service (CSSS).
There is no direct exam for PA in this cadre. However, many other Ministries and departments recruit direct PAs like MEA, Railways, AFHQ, CAT, etc., but their cadre is not as big as that of DOP&T (CSSS), and so is the stagnation.
In CSSS, one can reach up to the level of PPS without much effort, which is class 1 gazetted officer post.
If one clears the exam in time and puts in some effort, the post of Sr. PPS (DS level) - PSO (Director level) can be achieved.
