Exam Mocks

SSC CGL Data Entry Speed Test (DEST)

The SSC CGL DEST asks you to enter a passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes. It is qualifying and judged on error percentage, with full and half mistakes as per SSC guidelines.

Partly verified (checked 2026-10-16). Some rules are not published, so this mock shows speed and accuracy but no pass/fail verdict. Unverified: DEST language; Format (paper/screen); Higher-standard error % for TA/CP posts; Exact error % formula.

Start the SSC CGL DEST mock

  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Backspace: allowed
  • Languages here: English
  • No live highlighting or speed meter — like the real exam. The timer cannot be paused.
  • Rules partly unverified: you will get speed and accuracy, but no pass/fail verdict.

SSC CGL DEST typing test rules

Conducted byStaff Selection Commission (SSC)
PostsTax Assistant (CBIC / CBDT) — higher DEST standard; Posts with Computer Proficiency prescribed (ASO, Inspector, Executive Assistant, etc.) — higher standard; All other CGL posts — DEST at normal standard
Cycle usedCGLE 2026 (notice uploaded 21-05-2026)
Required speedEnglish: 8,000 KDPH
Duration15 minutes
Languages, layouts, fontsEnglish
Speed definitionA passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes (= 8,000 KDPH). The result is judged by error percentage.
FormulaError % against the passage. Maximum errors at the normal standard: UR 20%, OBC/EWS 25%, others 30%. A higher, unpublished standard applies to Tax Assistant and Computer-Proficiency posts.
Error rulesSSC evaluation guidelines classify mistakes as full or half.
Backspace / editingAllowed. Candidates may revise and correct mistakes within the time; no need to retype. Use Tab to start a paragraph; one space after punctuation.
FormatNot published
NatureQualifying
AccommodationsScribe-eligible PwBD candidates get 5 extra minutes (20 min). PwBD-OH candidates certified unfit for typing may be exempted, except for posts with DEST/CP prescribed (Tax Assistant CBDT excepted).
CorrigendaNone found affecting DEST.

Full mistakes

  • Omission of a word/figure
  • Substitution of a wrong word/figure
  • Addition of a word/figure not in the passage
  • Spelling error
  • Repetition of a word/figure
  • Incomplete (half-typed) word

Half mistakes

  • Spacing error (missing/extra space)
  • Wrong capitalisation
  • Punctuation omitted/added/substituted
  • Transposition of words
  • Paragraph started with spaces instead of Tab

Notes

  • There is no separate CPT in CGL 2026 — computer proficiency is tested through the Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) with a higher cut-off. CKT is not a typing test.
  • DEST language is not stated in the notice (historically English).
  • Our error % uses weighted mistakes ÷ passage words reached; SSC does not publish its exact formula, so no pass/fail is shown.

Computer Knowledge Test (CKT) is a separate objective section.

Official sources

Relevant section: Para 13.9.10.1–13.9.10.7 (DEST), 13.9.9 (higher standards), 16.2 (maximum errors), 16.6 (qualifying), Annexure-XIV; SSC “Revised Guidelines for Evaluation of Typing Test/DEST Scripts”. Last verified: 2026-10-16. Rules can change between cycles — always read the latest notification. Profile version v1.

Practice sets

Original exam-style passages written for this site (not previous-year papers). Each opens the mock with that passage.

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Frequently asked questions

What typing speed is required for SSC CGL DEST?

A passage of about 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes (= 8,000 KDPH). The result is judged by error percentage. Source: SSC CGL 2026 notice (official PDF).

How long is the SSC CGL DEST typing test?

15 minutes. Scribe-eligible PwBD candidates get 5 extra minutes (20 min). PwBD-OH candidates certified unfit for typing may be exempted, except for posts with DEST/CP prescribed (Tax Assistant CBDT excepted).

Is backspace allowed in the SSC CGL DEST typing test?

Allowed. Candidates may revise and correct mistakes within the time; no need to retype. Use Tab to start a paragraph; one space after punctuation.

How are mistakes counted in SSC CGL DEST?

Error % against the passage. Maximum errors at the normal standard: UR 20%, OBC/EWS 25%, others 30%. A higher, unpublished standard applies to Tax Assistant and Computer-Proficiency posts. SSC evaluation guidelines classify mistakes as full or half.