SSC CGL Typing Test Rules Explained: Speed, Accuracy, Errors, and Submission Process

The SSC CGL Typing Test, officially called the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST), is a crucial qualifying stage of the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination. It is conducted in Tier-2, Paper-I, Module-II of Section-III. Although this test does not carry any marks, qualifying the DEST is mandatory for final selection. Failure to clear the typing test leads to disqualification, irrespective of a candidate’s performance in written papers.

This article explains all SSC CGL Typing Test rules in detail, including typing speed requirements, accuracy standards, error calculation, formatting rules, language rules, and the submission process.

What Is SSC CGL Typing Test (DEST)?

The Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is conducted to assess a candidate’s typing efficiency on a computer. The test evaluates whether a candidate can type a given passage within a fixed time while maintaining permissible accuracy. The examination is conducted strictly according to the rules prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

The DEST is qualifying in nature only, meaning no marks are added to the final merit list. However, passing the test is compulsory for selection.

SSC CGL Typing Test Overview

SSC CGL DEST 2026: Basic Rules

The following are the basic rules that every candidate must follow during the SSC CGL Typing Test:

• The DEST is strictly qualifying in nature
• Candidates must use only the computer system provided by SSC
• The passage consists of approximately 2000 key depressions
• Total time allotted is 15 minutes
• The passage is of moderate difficulty, usually based on general topics such as current affairs, general awareness, or day-to-day situations

Failure to comply with these rules may result in disqualification.

SSC CGL Typing Speed Rules 2026

Typing speed plays a decisive role in qualifying the DEST.

Candidates are required to:

• Type around 2000 key depressions within 15 minutes
• Maintain consistent typing speed throughout the test
• Avoid excessive hesitation, repeated corrections, or unnecessary pauses

Slow typing due to lack of practice, keyboard unfamiliarity, or frequent backspacing may result in incomplete passage, which increases error percentage. Candidates who have cleared Tier-I must practice typing regularly, as failure to meet speed requirements leads to disqualification, regardless of written exam scores.

SSC CGL Typing Accuracy Rules 2026

Accuracy is as important as speed in the SSC CGL Typing Test. Errors committed during typing are calculated and converted into percentages. Candidates must remain within the permissible error limits according to their category.

SSC CGL DEST Minimum Qualifying Standards

If a candidate exceeds the prescribed error percentage, they are declared Not Qualified, even if the entire passage is completed within the time limit.

SSC CGL 2026 Typing Errors: Complete Rules Explained

Typing errors in the SSC CGL DEST are classified into Full Mistakes and Half Mistakes. Understanding these rules is essential to avoid unnecessary errors.

Full Mistakes (Counted as 1 Full Error)

The following are treated as full mistakes:

• Omission of any word, number, or figure

• Substitution of a wrong word or figure (except word transposition)

• Addition of any extra word or figure not present in the passage

• Spelling mistakes due to:

  • Repetition of letters

  • Addition of letters

  • Omission of letters

  • Substitution of letters
    (Example: spelling → speling / seplling / seepling)

• Repetition of a word or number
  (Example: “I shall shall be grateful”)

• Incomplete or half-typed words

• Any word left incomplete due to any reason

Each such mistake is counted as one full error.

Half Mistakes (Counted as 0.5 Error)

The following are treated as half mistakes:

• Spacing errors:

  • No space between two words (Ihope)

  • Extra or unwanted space within a word (I h ave)

• Wrong capitalisation:

  • Capital letter used instead of small letter or vice-versa
    (Not applicable for Hindi typing)

• Punctuation errors:

  • Missing punctuation

  • Extra punctuation

  • Wrong punctuation mark

• Transposition errors:

  • Interchanging word positions
    (Example: “I hope” typed as “hope I”)

• Paragraph formatting errors:

  • Manual spacing used instead of Tab Key at the beginning of a paragraph
    Each such paragraph is counted as one half mistake

SSC CGL 2026 Medium and Language Rules

Candidates must strictly follow the medium selected in the application form.

• English Medium – Only English typing is allowed

• Hindi Medium – Only Hindi typing is allowed

• Typing in any other language or script is treated as an error

• Words, numbers, figures, and years must be typed exactly as given in the passage

Any deviation from the chosen medium may result in disqualification.

SSC CGL 2026 Paragraph and Formatting Rules

Formatting plays an important role in accuracy calculation. Candidates must follow these rules carefully:

• The Tab Key must be used to start a new paragraph

• Using manual spacing instead of the Tab Key results in half mistake per paragraph

• Only one space should be given after punctuation marks

• The formatting style of the given passage must be followed strictly

Ignoring formatting rules unnecessarily increases error count.

SSC CGL 2026 Revision and Correction Rules

• Candidates are not required to retype the passage after completing it once

• If time remains, candidates may revise and correct visible errors

• Unnecessary retyping should be avoided, as it often leads to new mistakes

• Smart revision focuses on correcting spelling, spacing, and punctuation errors only

Calm and controlled revision improves accuracy without affecting speed.

Submission Process of SSC CGL Typing Test

• The typing test automatically ends after 15 minutes

• No manual submission is required

• Candidates should focus on:

  1. Completing the passage once properly

  2. Revising calmly if time permits

Panic typing or excessive corrections in the final seconds usually increase errors and should be avoided.

The SSC CGL Typing Test is not difficult, but it is strictly rule-based. Speed without accuracy or accuracy without speed can both lead to failure. Since this test is qualifying in nature, candidates must treat it seriously and practice regularly. A balanced approach focusing on speed, accuracy, and rule awareness is the key to clearing the SSC CGL DEST successfully.

Regular typing practice under exam-like conditions is the most effective way to ensure qualification in this mandatory stage of the SSC CGL examination.