SSC CGL Typing Test: The Data Entry Speed Test
DEST is qualifying, mandatory for every post, and failing it wastes your Tier 2 score.
The SSC CGL typing test is called the Data Entry Speed Test, or DEST. It is part of Tier 2, it lasts 15 minutes, and under the 2026 notice every candidate must clear it, whatever post they want.
DEST adds no marks to your rank. It is qualifying: you pass or you fail. But failing it means you do not qualify Paper I of Tier 2, so a strong written score is wasted. Here is what the notice asks for and how to get ready.
You save ₹450
- Full-length Tier 1 & Tier 2 mocks
- Section-wise speed drills
- General Awareness question bank
One payment, no subscription
Words the Notice Uses
- DEST
- Data Entry Speed Test. You type a given passage on a computer. It is Section-IV of Paper I in Tier 2.
- Key depression
- One press of one key. The DEST passage is about 2,000 key depressions long.
- Qualifying
- A pass or fail stage. Your DEST result does not add to your Tier 2 marks, but you must pass it.
- Higher standard
- A stricter pass mark that SSC sets for some posts. The notice says it will be higher but does not print the figure.
- PwBD-OH
- Person with Benchmark Disability, Orthopedically Handicapped. Some of these candidates can be exempted from DEST (see below).
Where DEST Sits on Exam Day
Tier 2 Paper I is held in two sessions on the same day.
- 1
Session-I: 2 hours 15 minutes
Section-I (Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning), Section-II (English and General Awareness) and Section-III (Computer Knowledge Test).
- 2
Break and re-registration
After Session-I ends you re-register for Session-II.
- 3
Session-II: DEST, 15 minutes
One data entry task: a passage of about 2,000 key depressions, typed in 15 minutes. When it ends, Paper I is over.
Which Posts Need a Higher DEST Standard
DEST is compulsory for all posts. For the posts below, SSC sets a stricter pass mark (notice paras 13.9.9 and 13.9.10.4). Both lists end with "etc.", so check your post against the post-wise details in the notice.
Posts where DEST is prescribed
Examples named in the notice
Tax Assistant (CBIC), Tax Assistant (CBDT), UDC/SSA in Central Bureau of Narcotics
DEST standard
Higher
Posts where Computer Proficiency is prescribed
Examples named in the notice
Assistant Section Officer (CSS, MEA, AFHQ), Inspector (CGST and Central Excise), Inspector (Preventive Officer), Inspector (Examiner), Executive Assistant (CBIC), Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant
DEST standard
Higher, along with a higher Computer Knowledge Test standard
All other CGL posts
Examples named in the notice
Any post not covered by the two groups above
DEST standard
Normal
| Group of posts | Examples named in the notice | DEST standard |
|---|---|---|
| Posts where DEST is prescribed | Tax Assistant (CBIC), Tax Assistant (CBDT), UDC/SSA in Central Bureau of Narcotics | Higher |
| Posts where Computer Proficiency is prescribed | Assistant Section Officer (CSS, MEA, AFHQ), Inspector (CGST and Central Excise), Inspector (Preventive Officer), Inspector (Examiner), Executive Assistant (CBIC), Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant | Higher, along with a higher Computer Knowledge Test standard |
| All other CGL posts | Any post not covered by the two groups above | Normal |
Data interpretation and arithmetic in the exam style. No signup.
Maximum Errors Allowed in DEST
This is the normal minimum standard in para 16.2 of the 2026 notice. Higher-standard posts need better than this.
| Category | Maximum errors allowed |
|---|---|
| UR (unreserved) | 20% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 30% |
Exemption and Extra Time
PwBD-OH candidates can be exempted from DEST if they submit a Civil Surgeon's certificate (Annexure-XIV of the notice) saying they are permanently unfit for a typing test. The exemption does not apply to the higher-standard posts, except Tax Assistant in CBDT. Candidates eligible for a scribe get 5 extra minutes in DEST. Other PwBD candidates are not exempt.
How DEST Tests You, and the Usual Trap
About 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes works out to roughly 133 keystrokes a minute, a little over 2 a second. That pace is reachable with regular practice. Errors matter as much as speed.
The trap is to type fast and fix mistakes later. The pass rule is a maximum error percentage, so every wrong word costs you. A steady pace with few corrections usually beats a fast one with many. The notice also says SSC's evaluation rules for the typing test are in the 'For Candidates' section of ssc.gov.in: read them before you practise, so you train for the way you will be marked.
A Simple DEST Practice Routine
- checkStart during Tier 1 preparation, not after the result. Typing improves slowly.
- checkPractise on a standard desktop keyboard, not a phone or laptop with a short key travel
- checkUse all ten fingers and do not look at the keys
- checkType full passages for 15 minutes, matching the real time limit
- checkCount your errors after each passage and aim to cut them before you push speed
- checkIf you want a post with a higher standard, practise well above the normal limit
FAQs
Is the typing test compulsory in SSC CGL?expand_more
Yes. Under the 2026 notice, DEST is mandatory for all posts. It is qualifying, so it adds no marks, but you must pass it to qualify Paper I of Tier 2.
What is the SSC CGL typing speed required?expand_more
The DEST passage has about 2,000 key depressions and you get 15 minutes. The pass rule is a maximum error percentage: 20% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, 30% for other categories. Higher-standard posts need better than this.
Which CGL posts need a higher typing standard?expand_more
Posts where DEST is prescribed, such as Tax Assistant in CBIC and CBDT, and posts where Computer Proficiency is prescribed, such as Assistant Section Officer, the CBIC Inspector posts and Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant.
Is the SSC CGL typing test the same as the CHSL typing test?expand_more
No. They are different exams with different standards. CHSL's typing test is explained on its own page; do not use its speeds for CGL.
Can a PwBD candidate be exempted from the CGL typing test?expand_more
PwBD-OH candidates with a Civil Surgeon's certificate can be exempted, except for higher-standard posts other than Tax Assistant in CBDT. Scribe-eligible candidates get 5 extra minutes instead.
Next steps
- Exam Patternarrow_forward
- Posts & Salaryarrow_forward
- Syllabusarrow_forward
- SSC CHSL typing testarrow_forward
The whole Tier 1 syllabus in one timed, scored paper.