TypingTestExamThe SSC CGL Typing Test, officially the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), is conducted in Tier-II, Paper-I, Module-II of the Combined Graduate Level examination. It checks how fast and accurately you can copy-type a passage on a computer. Although it carries no marks, qualifying is compulsory — if you fail the DEST, you are removed from the selection no matter how high your written score is.
Which posts need the SSC CGL DEST?
The DEST is most important for posts that involve data-entry work, and under the revised pattern it effectively applies across Tier-II. The commonly associated posts are:
- Tax Assistant (CBDT and CBIC)
- Data Entry Operator
- Assistant Section Officer (where applicable)
SSC CGL typing test speed and duration
You must type a passage of about 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. A "key depression" is a single keystroke — every letter, space and punctuation mark counts. Using the standard convention of 5 key depressions per word, 2000 key depressions is roughly 370–400 words, which corresponds to a target speed of 35 words per minute in English (30 WPM if you opt for Hindi).
Error limits (category-wise)
The DEST is evaluated against a permissible error percentage that depends on your category. In the most recent cycle the limits were relaxed compared to earlier years:
| Category | Maximum errors allowed |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 20% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| SC / ST | 30% |
These limits have historically been as low as 5% for UR, so treat the relaxed numbers as a safety net, not a target. Aim for under 5% errors in practice. Error percentage is calculated as errors divided by total key depressions, rounded to two decimal places.
How mistakes are counted
SSC uses a full mistake / half mistake system:
- Full mistake (1): a wrong word, a missing word, or an extra word that is not in the passage.
- Half mistake (0.5): a spelling slip, a spacing error, or wrong capitalization.
Interface rules you must practise with
The DEST runs on commission software with a passage shown on screen and a typing area below. The most important habit to build is comfort without live error highlighting — practise reading the source text, not your own output. On our practice tool the SSC CGL preset already turns highlighting off to match this.
How to qualify: a simple plan
- Build to 40+ WPM in practice so 35 WPM under pressure is comfortable.
- Cut errors below 5% — accuracy is easier to lose than speed under stress.
- Practise the full 15 minutes so stamina and focus hold to the end.
- Type the whole passage; you are not required to re-enter text once finished, so use spare time to fix what you can.
Set the timer to 15 minutes on the practice tool above, switch your language, and run a full mock. The certificate at the end shows your speed, total errors, error percentage and whether you would qualify.
