SSC CGL typing test practice
The SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) gives you an English passage of about 2000 key depressions and 15 minutes to type it. This test uses the same time and the same SSC error rules, and checks your result against the category limits in the notice.
Updated for the 2026 notification checked against the official notice · last checked 12 Nov 2026
Change history (1)
- — Checked against the original CGL 2026 notice (published 21 May 2026) and SSC's typing evaluation guidelines. Signature: both sizes in the notice shown (para 9.6 and Annexure-IV).
Your recent SSC CGL tests
SSC CGL typing test rules
| Test | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), Tier-II Paper-I Section-IV, Session-II |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Time | 15 minutes (20 minutes for PwBD candidates eligible for a scribe, para 13.9.10.7) |
| Passage | About 2000 key depressions (para 13.9.10.2) |
| Required speed | 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes (≈ 8000 per hour) |
| Maximum errors (para 16.2) | UR 20% · OBC/EWS 25% · all other categories 30% |
| Nature | Qualifying, but compulsory for all posts (para 13.9.10.3) |
| Full mistakes | Omitted, wrong, extra or repeated word or figure; spelling error; incomplete (half-typed) word; irrelevant matter |
| Half mistakes | Spacing (words joined or extra spaces), wrong capitalisation (English only), punctuation, transposed words, paragraph started with spaces instead of Tab |
| Editing | Allowed — you may revise and correct within the time; no need to retype the passage if you finish early |
Source: SSC CGL 2026 Notice, F.No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1, published 21 May 2026 (2026). Last checked 12 Nov 2026. Rules change between years; confirm with the notification for your cycle.
Spotted a wrong size or rule? Report it by email (opens your mail app; please add the notice link)
Points to note
- Higher standards apply for Tax Assistant (CBIC/CBDT), UDC/SSA in CBN and Computer Proficiency posts.
- There is no separate CPT any more; Section-III is a 15-minute Computer Knowledge Test.
- Mistakes are counted as in SSC "Revised Guidelines for Evaluation of Typing Test/DEST Scripts", ssc.gov.in → For Candidates → Script Evaluation.