What is SSC CGL Typing Test?
Purpose of the SSC CGL Typing Test
The SSC CGL Typing Test is officially known as the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST). It is designed to assess whether a candidate possesses the basic data entry and typing proficiency required for clerical, assistant, and tax-related posts under SSC CGL. The test evaluates the candidate's ability to accurately input text within a fixed time under standardized conditions.
Is Typing Test Mandatory for SSC CGL?
Yes. The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is mandatory for all posts under SSC CGL. However, it is qualifying in nature, which means the marks obtained in DEST do not affect the final merit ranking. Candidates must only meet the minimum qualifying standard set by SSC to be considered eligible for post allocation.
SSC CGL Typing Test Conducting Stage (Tier-2 / DEST)
The typing test is conducted during Tier-II, specifically as Section-IV of Paper-I, in Session-II. It is held on the same day as the Tier-II objective परीक्षा and is conducted only for candidates who qualify the earlier sections of Paper-I.
SSC CGL Typing Speed Requirement
Minimum Typing Speed for SSC CGL (Post-wise)
SSC does not define typing speed in words per minute (WPM). Instead, the commission evaluates candidates based on key depressions. In the DEST, candidates are required to type a passage consisting of approximately 2000 key depressions within the prescribed time limit.
Typing Speed in Words Per Minute (WPM) Explained
The SSC CGL notification does not use WPM as an evaluation metric. Any conversion of key depressions into WPM found on coaching websites or blogs is unofficial. For SSC CGL, only the completion and accuracy of the required key depressions as per SSC's system are considered valid.
SSC CGL Typing Speed Required for English & Hindi
The official notification does not differentiate typing speed separately for English or Hindi in the DEST section. The test structure, duration, and evaluation criteria are standardized, and detailed operational instructions (including language-related settings) are issued later by SSC Regional Offices.
SSC CGL Typing Test Rules & Guidelines
Time Duration of SSC CGL Typing Test
The total duration of the Data Entry Speed Test is 15 minutes. Candidates belonging to PwBD categories who are eligible for scribe facilities are allowed an additional compensatory time of 5 minutes during DEST.
Mistakes Allowed in SSC CGL Typing Test
The SSC CGL 2025 notification does not specify the exact number of permissible errors. The evaluation methodology and error tolerance are published separately by SSC on its official website and are communicated to candidates at the time of examination.
Formatting Rules Candidates Must Follow
SSC provides on-screen and center-level instructions during the DEST. Candidates are required to strictly follow the formatting, navigation, and submission rules defined by the SSC examination system. Any deviation may result in disqualification from the skill test.
SSC CGL Typing Test Paragraph Details
SSC CGL Typing Test Paragraph Length
The passage provided in the DEST contains around 2000 key depressions, which candidates must type within the allotted time. The passage length is standardized across examination centers.
SSC CGL Typing Test Duration & Language Details (Official)
| Test Component | Language | Duration | What SSC Officially Says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | English | 15 minutes | Language is not separately defined; evaluation is based on key depressions |
| Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | Hindi | 15 minutes | Same test structure; no separate Hindi-specific duration mentioned |
| DEST for PwBD candidates (with scribe) | English / Hindi | 20 minutes | Additional 5 minutes compensatory time allowed |
| Passage Length | — | — | Approx. 2000 key depressions |
Sample SSC CGL Typing Test Paragraph (English)
SSC does not release any official sample typing paragraphs for the CGL DEST. Any sample paragraphs available online are created by third-party platforms and are meant only for practice, not as official representations.
SSC CGL Typing Test Paragraph (Hindi)
Similar to English, SSC does not publish official Hindi typing test paragraphs for DEST. Candidates practice using external resources at their own discretion, but the actual exam content is controlled solely by SSC.
SSC CGL Typing Test for Which Posts?
Posts Requiring Typing Test in SSC CGL
DEST is applicable to all SSC CGL posts. However, SSC sets higher qualifying standards for posts that require computer proficiency or regular data handling, such as:
- Tax Assistant (CBIC & CBDT)
- Upper Division Clerk (UDC) / Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA)
- Other posts where computer proficiency is prescribed
SSC CGL Posts Without Typing Test
There is no SSC CGL post that completely excludes DEST. Only PwBD (OH) candidates, certified as permanently unfit for typing by a competent medical authority, may receive exemption under specific conditions. Even this exemption does not apply to several computer-intensive posts.
SSC CGL Typing Test Online Practice
SSC does not provide official online practice tests for the Data Entry Speed Test. Candidates rely on third-party typing platforms for practice. Such tools are useful for improving speed and accuracy but have no official linkage with SSC's evaluation system.
SSC CGL Typing Test Practice Strategy
Since DEST is qualifying in nature, candidates should focus on:
- Practicing continuous typing for 15 minutes
- Improving accuracy rather than speed alone
- Becoming comfortable with long passages
These strategies align with the structure defined by SSC, even though SSC does not prescribe an official preparation method.
SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL Typing Test
Difference Between SSC CGL & SSC CHSL Typing Test
SSC CGL uses the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) based on key depressions, while SSC CHSL uses a traditional typing test with defined WPM criteria. The two exams follow different skill assessment models and should not be confused with each other.
Typing Speed Comparison (CGL vs CHSL)
- SSC CGL: Key depressions-based DEST (qualifying only)
- SSC CHSL: WPM-based typing test (language-specific)
This structural difference is clearly reflected in SSC's examination schemes.
SSC CGL Typing Test – Important FAQs
How Much Typing Speed is Required for SSC CGL?
SSC does not define typing speed in WPM. Candidates must complete about 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes, as evaluated by SSC's system.
Is Typing Test Qualifying or Scoring?
The SSC CGL Typing Test (DEST) is strictly qualifying in nature and does not contribute to the final merit score.
Can I Clear SSC CGL With Slow Typing Speed?
Yes, provided you meet the minimum qualifying standard set by SSC for DEST. Since the test is not merit-based, clearing the qualifying threshold is sufficient.